*As anyone who has traveled through the nation’s busiest airport knows, “T as in Tango” refers to the Concourse T stop on the airport train.

So the kids and I bum-rushed hubby’s business trip to New York and had a week vacation in our old stomping grounds. It was fun visiting our favorite places as former residents and tourists at the same time; we had the best of both worlds. We were familiar, yet excited to be there. My daughter is finally at an age where she can really roll—no snacks, no juice, no stroller—so I could really enjoy this time with them.

We stayed at a hotel on 55th between 6th & 7th—a perfect location as we could walk around Midtown, hail a taxi easily or walk to the corner for the subway. While The Blakely is a boutique hotel, it is old-school style with real furniture and polished wood (the logo is a bowler hat), not a modern/hip/trendy hotel. We had a suite, large by NYC standards, with 2 flat-screen televisions, 2 queen beds and a daybed, a mini kitchenette with a fridge, dishes and microwave and a large overhead shower. The staff was very accommodating and present to help in any way. The included continental breakfast in the attached restaurant was skimpy at first, but got better everyday.  After we arrived and checked in, we walked a few blocks to Burger Joint. This place is one of those “hidden” NYC gems—if you don’t know, then you don’t know.

It is tucked inside the lobby of Le Parker Meridien hotel, sort of behind the check-in desk and there isn’t a sign, just a small neon burger. When we walked through the curtains my daughter asked, “Why are we going backstage?” The restaurant—or “joint”, as that is what is it—is a stark contrast to the beautiful, spacious hotel lobby. Dark, tiny and walls full of graffiti, the place is always packed and they only take cash. The burgers and shakes are good (not the best that I have had, but good), but really go for the experience. Very cool, very Manhattan. (more…)

*As anyone who has traveled through the nation’s busiest airport knows, “T as in Tango” refers to the Concourse T stop on the airport train.

I don’t miss much about New York, but Central Park I miss terribly, so it was the next thing on our Must Do list. On that day we went to the Dairy, the Carousel (celebrating its’ 100^th birthday), and the Chess & Checkers house where my son proceeded to kick my butt in checkers.

On the way to the zoo we stopped at Billy Johnson playground to take a few spins in the huge granite slide built into the ground, my daughter was more interested in climbing every rock that we passed; it made for a very slow trek through the park, but a great view.  Central Park Zoo is small—easily seen in an hour or so—but inexpensive and worth a tour just to see the polar bears, who were in a playful mood that day and put on quite a show. The penguin house was great too because it was very cold and a welcome retreat from the humidity.

Leaving Central Park we walked down 5th Ave to FAO Schwarz, another place my daughter was eager to explore. It was as big and inviting as it had been in the past, with a few modifications. There is now a huge candy section on the first floor (no doubt trying to compete with Dylan’s Candy Bar) and the Big Piano has been moved upstairs to its own room.

While an orderly line manned by an employee gave visitors a chance to dance for quite a long time alone, and mandatory shoe-less feet no doubt helps to keep the piano in working order, the experience was less fun. Part of the magic of the Big Piano used to be the spontaneous discovery of it in the middle of the store. However, FAO is still a very hands-ontoy store; my kids had a ball playing with everything.   (more…)

*As anyone who has traveled through the nation’s busiest airport knows, “T as in Tango” refers to the Concourse T stop on the airport train.

Thursday was Teen Shopping Day; we took the subway to SoHo so my son could burn some cash. (I’m just happy that within the past year he’s gotten some fashion-sense; he used to dress like a bum.) Getting off at Canal and Broadway, we hit the jackpot for teen fashion. Our first stop was Stardom, a sneaker heaven, where The Boy (yeah, we affectionately call him that) bought some very sweet Adidas. My husband called at this time and was so jealous—he is complete a sneaker-head. Right next door to Stardom is Volcom, one of The Boy’s favorite brands. I sprang for a new Volcom backpack for school. Broadway has way too many stores to list, but it is a good shopping jump-off for both teens and moms: Daffy’s (love it!), Scoop, Old Navy, H&M (so over-rated), Bloomingdale’s, Z Gallarie and CB2 are just some of the stores.

Our next destination on Broadway was one of our favorite stores, Pearl River Mart. This store is just so much fun! I could stay in there forever and we did stay a long time looking at the toys, clothes, dishes, candy and all sorts of Asian stuff. We finally left with parasols, fans, a toy accordion, incense, a tea strainer and Asian candy (more candy!).

Walking deeper into SoHo, we stopped by Gourmet Garage for lunch and grabbed sushi, fruit and pasta to eat right there on the corner. Refreshed, we continued shopping at Stussy where The Boy bought another stylish hat. Sidebar/cool fact: When I met my husband I was wearing a Stussy hat. By this time Girly had noticed that her brother had many things and she had nothing, so we ducked into Lucky Kid and bought her a shirt for the fall.

What’s the one phrase a mom doesn’t want to hear walking around Manhattan?—“I have to pee!”The Stussy guys tipped us that the Mac store on Prince had a public restroom and it was the cleanest one in the neighborhood. They were right, so that is something to remember while walking around SoHo.

By now we needed another break after browsing the shops on West Broadway. My absolute favorite place for afternoon tea was nearby, so we headed that way….and got hopelessly lost in the West Village. By the time we made it there the kids were cranky, hot and tired. (If you ever go, just take the subway to 8th Ave. and 14th St. and it is right there.) And do go; it is wonderful. (more…)