Embark on a captivating journey through New York City with Baker! Discover our unforgettable mother-son adventures, from iconic landmarks to hidden culinary gems, meticulously planned for family fun and delicious eats.
Last month, my eldest son, Baker, and I embarked on an unforgettable adventure to the heart of New York City. This mother-son getaway was a long weekend brimming with exciting discoveries, cherished moments, and, of course, a delightful parade of culinary experiences. While his brothers and Dada undoubtedly felt a pang of jealousy for our exclusive escapade, the memories we forged together are truly priceless and will forever hold a special place in our hearts.
At four years old, Baker is at a truly magical age for travel. His boundless enthusiasm and wide-eyed wonder made every sight and experience feel fresh and exciting, transforming even the simplest moments into grand adventures. Watching the city unfold through his eyes was a joy in itself.
Our journey began with heartfelt goodbyes, blowing kisses to Dada, Bryce, and Barrett as they waved us off at the airport, setting the stage for our flight to the bustling metropolis.
Though not Baker’s inaugural flight or his first visit to NYC, it had been some time, and his excitement was palpable. He peppered me with a myriad of questions, and I witnessed a level of pure delight I hadn’t seen before when the flight attendant offered him peanuts and a Sprite. Simple pleasures often create the most memorable moments!
Day One: Sweet Beginnings, Yankee Stadium, and Times Square Spectacle
Upon landing in the vibrant cityscape of New York, we rendezvoused with my sister and nephew. The genius behind this mother-son weekend idea was my sister, envisioning a fun-filled escape for our eldest boys. It was an idea I’m eternally grateful she suggested, and I’m so glad we made it a reality!
After settling into our hotel, our stomachs began to rumble. Knowing a night of classic ballpark delights awaited us, we opted for a lighter, albeit incredibly sweet, pre-game snack. Our destination? The famed Schmackary’s, a cookie haven in the city. Our intention was for “a few” cookies, which quickly escalated into a delicious mission to try one of everything – because, why not?
My husband, Brandon, had previously brought these irresistible cookies home from a business trip, and we instantly fell in love. I just had to experience the magic of Schmackary’s firsthand, tasting them freshly baked. Schmackary’s truly masters the art of cookie making, dedicating their craft to this single, perfect treat. I admire businesses that specialize and excel. Their cookies are generously sized, delightfully soft in the center, perfectly crisp at the edges, and come in an array of inventive and mouth-watering flavors. Our personal favorites included their timeless classic chocolate chip, the celebratory funfetti, and the decadent cookie dough frosted. It was pure cookie bliss!
Before heading to the ballgame, we were fortunate to reconnect with some dear friends from business school who reside in NYC. We met at Bryant Park, a beautiful urban oasis, allowing the children to play freely while we exchanged quick hugs and caught up. The abundant, vibrant parks across NYC are truly a treasure.
You might notice Baker sporting a Boston hat and wonder about this choice in the heart of NYC! Baker was born in Boston, and a Red Sox hat was his very first. Coincidentally, the Yankees were playing the Red Sox on our first night, presenting a unique opportunity to experience Yankee Stadium and the thrilling atmosphere of a major league game firsthand.
He received plenty of good-natured ribbing from the enthusiastic Yankees fans for his Red Sox attire, all in good fun, of course! We relished watching the game, soaking in the electric energy, and indulging in all the quintessential ballpark treats. It was a truly authentic New York experience.
Following the game, we made our way to Times Square, eager for the boys to witness its dazzling lights, vibrant crowds, and captivating street performers. Despite the late hour, it was an absolutely magnificent night, a sensory explosion that left a lasting impression.
Day Two: Central Park Wonderland and Comfort Food Delights
The next morning, we indulged in a well-deserved sleep-in before heading to Jacob’s Pickles for a hearty brunch. The menu, brimming with comforting Southern-inspired dishes, made us feel right at home. Biscuits are their renowned specialty, and we are ardent biscuit lovers! I couldn’t resist the Biscuits French Toast, generously adorned with fresh strawberries and bananas—pure bliss! The boys shared the fluffiest banana pancakes, complete with caramelized bananas baked right in, while my sister savored an indulgent croque madame, featuring their signature biscuits, naturally. Stuffed and content, we were perfectly fueled for a full day of adventure in Central Park.
Just a few blocks from Jacob’s Pickles lies what I consider the finest cookie bakery in the world: Levain Bakery! No trip to NYC is truly complete without experiencing one of their legendary cookies. They are truly unparalleled – seriously, the most amazing cookies you will ever taste. Enormous, incredibly rich, and wonderfully chewy, they come in four exceptional flavors, and from the very first bite, it’s evident they’re crafted with premium ingredients and an abundance of love. We decided to stock up with a box full of these treasures to enjoy as snacks throughout our day in Central Park. These are the cookies of your dreams, and if you haven’t tried them, Levain Bakery absolutely deserves a spot on your culinary bucket list. My love for them is boundless!
With our cookies in hand, our only plan for the rest of the day was to immerse ourselves in the wonders of Central Park. We wandered freely, exploring as much as we could, and the boys were absolutely in heaven!
They fearlessly scaled every rock formation they encountered, transforming the natural landscape into their personal playground.
They joyfully rode the iconic Central Park Carousel, its classic music filling the air as they spun around on their chosen steeds.
We shared a pretzel that was quite literally the size of our heads – an essential, oversized New York City snack!
A true highlight of our day was the time spent at Victorian Gardens. This charming seasonal amusement park, open only in the summer, is perfectly tailored for younger children. The boys got to ride all the rides at least once (most twice!) and enthusiastically played all the games. We had an absolute blast, and witnessing their sheer excitement and contagious joy was a truly priceless experience.
Next, the boys had the thrilling opportunity to sail their own remote-control sailboats on the serene Conservatory Water pond. They became completely absorbed in the task, skillfully navigating their boats from one end of the pond to the other, a testament to their focus and teamwork.
By late afternoon, our feet, after hours of exploration, were growing weary. We hailed a pedicab for a fun ride up to the Central Park Reservoir. These dedicated pedicab drivers must make a fortune ferrying people around the park – I believe we paid around $3 a minute, but the unique perspective and cheerful ride were definitely part of the fun!
Refreshed and ready to walk again, we enjoyed a leisurely stroll from one end of the reservoir to the other, taking in the picturesque views. It was a truly beautiful day to appreciate the vastness and tranquility of Central Park.
We concluded our action-packed day with classic American fare: burgers, fries, and creamy custards/milkshakes at Shake Shack. You simply can’t go wrong with Shake Shack; their consistently delicious offerings are always worth the almost inevitable wait.
Day Three: Doughnuts, High Line Views, and Broadway Magic
Saturday morning began with another leisurely sleep-in, followed by a pilgrimage to Doughnut Plant. Because, after all, every Saturday truly deserves to start with doughnuts! Doughnut Plant boasts an incredible array of unique flavors and innovative fillings, making it impossible to choose just one. We “had” to sample a good variety to fully appreciate their craft.
Our top picks included the delightful peanut butter & strawberry jam, the exquisite creme brulee, and the rich chocolate hazelnut filled doughnuts. Each bite was a sweet revelation.
To balance out our sugary start, we then headed to The High Line for a refreshing walk. This elevated park, built on historic freight rail lines, offered stunning urban views and a unique perspective of the city. The absolute highlight of our High Line visit was undoubtedly the collective art Lego project, where visitors could contribute to a massive, evolving Lego cityscape. It was incredibly cool and captivating; we could have easily spent the entire day immersed in its creative charm.
Our next grand adventure was experiencing the magic of Broadway with a matinee performance of Finding Neverland.
It was an absolutely fantastic show, filled with wonder and enchantment! Baker’s favorite part, unsurprisingly, was the dramatic appearance of Captain Hook. The theatricality and storytelling truly captivated his young imagination.
After the show, we made our way back to Central Park, knowing the boys would eagerly embrace another opportunity to climb more rocks. It had become one of their absolute favorite activities in NYC, offering endless natural playgrounds for imaginative play and adventure. There were indeed so many rocks to conquer!
For dinner, we chose The Smith Restaurant, which offered an awesome meal including delicious fried green beans, comforting mac & cheese, a refreshing kale quinoa salad, and a trio of delightful housemade desserts. It was a perfect end to a day of cultural enrichment and active play.
Day Four: Waffles, Zoo Animals, and Fond Farewells
And just like that, our incredible trip drew to a close. For our last day, Sunday morning, we once again indulged in a lazy start before heading back to Central Park for one final hurrah. It’s no exaggeration to say that we spent about 75% of our weekend immersed in Central Park, and it was absolute perfection, offering endless entertainment and beauty.
For breakfast, we sought out Wafels & Dinges, where we savored a crisp, authentic Belgian waffle generously topped with fresh strawberries, bananas, and a decadent drizzle of Nutella. It was utterly to die for!
We loved that waffle so much, we immediately recreated it upon arriving home. It was truly an unforgettable treat, so if you happen to spot this food truck in NYC, you absolutely must indulge!
We spent the remainder of our morning at the Central Park Zoo. Baker was enthralled by feeding the animals at the children’s zoo and captivated by the energetic sea lion show. It was a delightful way to interact with nature in the middle of the bustling city.
After our zoo visit, Baker and I had to begin our journey home. We said our fond farewells to my sister and nephew, but not before making one last, essential stop at Levain Bakery. We simply couldn’t leave NYC without bringing some of that cookie love back home with us, a perfect edible souvenir to extend the sweet memories.
If you were to ask Baker his absolute favorite part of our NYC trip, he would, without a doubt, say riding in the taxis. The sheer novelty of taxis having TVs and the thrill of not needing to sit in a car seat completely captivated him. He was insistent on riding them everywhere we went, turning every commute into an exciting mini-adventure.
Before heading to the airport, a quick lunch was in order. We stopped for a few classic slices of New York pizza from Patzeria Perfect Pizza. You simply cannot visit NYC without savoring a great slice of authentic New York-style pizza! It hit the spot perfectly, providing a final delicious taste of the city.
On our way to the airport, sweet Baker, utterly exhausted from our adventures, peacefully drifted off to sleep. This, I believe, is the ultimate sign of a truly wonderful and successful trip!
Peace out, NYC! We love you, and we’ll definitely be back!
This weekend with my big boy was nothing short of extraordinary. The dedicated one-on-one time and every single memory we created together are treasures I will hold dear forever. My love for him knows no bounds, and these shared experiences only deepen that bond.
Your Ultimate NYC Food Guide: Our Top Picks for Sweet and Savory Delights
For those planning their own culinary journey through the Big Apple, here’s a convenient list of our absolute favorite New York City eats, compiled from this special trip and many past adventures:
- Levain Bakery – If you find yourself in NYC, you simply *must* make a pilgrimage to Levain Bakery and treat yourself to a cookie (or two, or three!). These are, without exaggeration, the best cookies in the world. Tucked away in the smallest bakery you’ll ever encounter, they offer just four exquisite cookie options, but I promise, it will be one of the most incredible cookies you’ve ever tasted. It’s conveniently located near Central Park, making it ideal to grab your cookies and enjoy them amidst the park’s beauty. Utterly delicious!
- Schmackary’s – Another fantastic cookie shop renowned for its wide variety of creative and mouth-watering cookie flavors. A must-visit for any cookie enthusiast!
- Ess-A-Bagel – Widely regarded as serving the finest bagels in NYC! Perfectly chewy with a crisp exterior, they are the epitome of an authentic New York bagel experience.
- Wafels & Dinges – Indulge in authentic Belgian waffles from their charming food trucks or street vendors. Customized with an array of delicious “dinges” (toppings), these waffles are a highly recommended sweet treat.
- Dominique Ansel Bakery – Home of the original cronut! If you’re willing to brave the line early in the morning, it’s an experience not to be missed. Otherwise, every other pastry and dessert here is equally amazing. The cookie milk shots are a particularly inventive and delightful treat.
- Doughnut Plant – Experience truly unique and expertly crafted flavored doughnuts. Their innovative combinations and perfect texture make them a standout choice.
- Dough – Yet another fantastic spot for delectable doughnuts, showcasing artisanal flavors and fluffy textures that are simply irresistible.
- Grimaldi’s in Brooklyn – Their brick-oven pizza is absolutely divine! We highly recommend arriving for lunch right when they open to avoid the infamous lines. However, even if you have to wait, it is undoubtedly well worth it. Plus, its iconic location under the Brooklyn Bridge adds to the charm.
- Luzzo’s in East Village – This spot offers awesome pizza in a wonderfully quaint and intimate atmosphere. While they typically don’t take reservations, the exceptional quality of their Neapolitan-style pizza makes any wait completely worthwhile.
- Keste Pizza – Another outstanding Neapolitan-style pizza establishment located in the vibrant West Village. Known for its authentic flavors and traditional preparation.
- Patzeria Perfect Pizza – For a quintessential classic New York-style pizza slice, this spot in the heart of Times Square, conveniently close to all the Broadway shows, delivers every time.
- Caracas Arepa Bar – The arepas here are nothing short of incredible! While they don’t generally accept reservations, the vibrant flavors and authentic experience are definitely worth the wait for a table.
- Shake Shack – A perennial favorite for truly great burgers and creamy frozen custards. With several convenient locations throughout the city, it’s a reliable choice for a satisfying meal.
- Katz’s Delicatessen – Experience a true, iconic New York deli! The bustling, somewhat chaotic process of ordering your food is part of the fun and charm. Their sandwiches are famously huge and absolutely delicious. It’s also a place where you might just spot a celebrity – we once sat next to Mario Batali!
- Taim Falafel – For incredible falafel that’s bursting with flavor and perfectly crispy, Taim is an unmissable stop for a quick, delicious, and authentic Middle Eastern bite.
- Sarabeth’s – A consistently fabulous spot for brunch, offering elegant dishes and a delightful atmosphere perfect for a leisurely morning meal.
- Jacob’s Pickles – A true haven for Southern comfort food, where biscuits reign supreme! Their biscuit French toast is a standout dish, offering a unique and incredibly satisfying brunch experience.
- The Smith – An excellent dinner spot known for its diverse menu, offering a great variety of dishes to satisfy everyone in your party, all served in a lively bistro setting.
- Chelsea Market – This vibrant enclosed market, home to the Food Network headquarters, is a foodie’s paradise. It’s filled with unique food shops, artisanal markets, and charming cafes perfect for browsing and sampling. You might even catch a glimpse of a famous chef shopping for ingredients! It’s a fun and incredibly delicious destination.
- Eataly – Another magnificent market for food lovers, Eataly invites you to wander through its Italian grocery aisles, enjoy various themed restaurants, and savor authentic Italian flavors. It’s an immersive culinary experience.
When traveling, we always rely on the Yelp app to discover new places and confirm recommendations. It’s incredibly useful for saving favorites you want to try and finding great spots nearby once you’re actively exploring the city.
If you’re lucky enough to call NYC home, I am truly envious! For those planning a trip soon or just dreaming of one, I sincerely hope this post provides helpful insights and inspiration for your planning. Wishing you an absolutely wonderful and delicious time in the greatest city in the world!
xoxo,
Maegan