The Sophisticated Life
  • Home
  • About
  • Travel
  • Food
  • Wine
  • Contact
No Result
View All Result
The Sophisticated Life
  • Home
  • About
  • Travel
  • Food
  • Wine
  • Contact
No Result
View All Result
The Sophisticated Life
No Result
View All Result
Home Blog

Family Travel: New York City with Teens!

by Nadeen
September 22, 2019
A A
Family Travel: New York City with Teens!

Family Travel: New York City with Teens!

If you are planning a trip to New York City with teens this post is for you. I love visiting New York City. I was born in Manhattan and spent part of my childhood in Northern New Jersey. My parents emigrated from Jamaica to New York City while in their 20s. They loved all the excitement, the mix of cultures, the sophistication and the food. We spent a lot of time visiting museums, going to Broadway shows, eating in Chinatown and visiting Rockefeller Center. They gave the gift of New York City to my brother and I and I’m happy to now pass that gift onto my nieces. When my nieces were children we made our first trip into New York City from Connecticut. I looked forward to exposing them to all those great things my parents shared with me. We have since made several trips into NYC. We have been to the top of the Empire State Building, had lunch in Chinatown, visited the Museum of Natural History & the Statue of Liberty on Liberty island, watched Wicked and Mary Poppins on Broadway, had Easter brunch at Tavern on the Green and enjoyed all the Christmas decorations and cheer in Rockefeller Plaza. But, for their 13th and 16th birthdays I wanted to do things specific to their interest as teenagers. I scoured the internet sending them articles on New York City with teens to get their opinions on activities. We had a blast and I hope you will too if you are planning a trip there. Here is the breakdown on my weekend in New York City with teens.

New York City with Teens! Spend a full filled weekend in NYC with teenagers! Read about things to do and where to eat!
My nieces in Central Park

Day #1: Although it was a very chilly and cloudy spring day in NYC, we stuck to our plan to go bike riding through Central Park. It is one of my favorite places in the city! We had a choice between renting our own bikes or taking a guided tour. We chose to do a guided tour with Central Park Sightseeing. Once the group had their bikes we headed to the park. Our guide was from New York and shared very interesting historical information about the park. We rode through the park making several stops at monuments for history lessons, to take pictures of famous landmarks and for bathroom breaks. I think the highlight of the bike ride was driving around Columbus Circle!

New York City with Teens! Spend a full filled weekend in NYC with teenagers! Read about things to do and where to eat!
With my nieces, brother and sister-in-law on a bike riding break in Central Park.

We worked up an appetite while bike riding so we headed to Chelsea Market in the meat packing district. Chelsea Market is similar to Ponce City Market in Atlanta. It is an indoor food hall filled with gourmet restaurants and a few shops including Anthropologie. It has a unique industrial feel as the former factory for the National Biscuit Company-Nabisco. Fun fact-this is where the Oreo cookie was invented. We strolled around deciding between sushi, burgers, Cambodian food (really), Italian food, doughnuts and chocolates. We decided on Chelsea Thai. We had a variety of meals such as pad Thai and tofu fried rice. My favorite was my own dish which was a Thai style pho filled with shrimp.

New York City with Teens! Spend a full filled weekend in NYC with teenagers! Read about things to do and where to eat!
Indoors at Chelsea Market
New York City with Teens! Spend a full filled weekend in NYC with teenagers! Read about things to do and where to eat!
Pho at Chelsea Thai

I gave my nieces a choice of Broadway shows to see and they chose Les Miserables. It is one of my favorite musicals so I was pleased. It will only be on Broadway until September so if you have not seen it-go! I have been to this musical several times in the past therefore my nieces went together. This is one of the benefits of visiting New York City with teens vs. children. The night ending with a colorful, loud and exhilarating walk with my family through Times Square!

New York City with Teens! Spend a full filled weekend in NYC with teenagers! Read about things to do and where to eat!
My nieces at Les Miserables on Broadway
New York City with Teens! Spend a full filled weekend in NYC with teenagers! Read about things to do and where to eat!
With my family in Times Square

Day #2: We started off by having breakfast in the Bryant Park area where we were staying. Although I have had brunch at Le Pain Quotidien in California and Washington DC I was a bit disappointed with this NYC location. The prices were outrageous and the servings were small. My brother did enjoy his flat bread pizza.

New York City with Teens! Spend a full filled weekend in NYC with teenagers! Read about things to do and where to eat!
Flatbread pizza at Le Pain Quotidien

Our original plan for that afternoon was to do to a walking tour of Williamsburg Brooklyn. However, since it was raining and cold and windy and….we decided to stay indoors at the Museum of Modern Art. It is actually free for anyone 16 and younger so that was perfect. I had no idea my younger niece is an Andy Warhol fan and they both knew much more about art than I did as a teenager. We were able to see works by Andy Warhol, Salvador Dali, Picasso, Monet, Van Gogh and Jean-Michel Basquait. There is currently a Basquait exhibit at the High Museum of Art in Atlanta which I plan to attend.

New York City with Teens! Spend a full filled weekend in NYC with teenagers! Read about things to do and where to eat!
A work of art by Jean-Michel Basquiat at MoMA

On our way back to the hotel we stopped in City Kitchen Food Market for a treat. While my nieces ate a chocolate doughnut I enjoyed a lobster roll from Luke’s Lobster. It was one of the best I have ever had! If you read this blog you know I love lobster rolls. I am glad Chanel of Cultural Xplorer recommended it as one of her top 5 restaurant picks in New York City.

New York City with Teens! Spend a full filled weekend in NYC with teenagers! Read about things to do and where to eat!
Luke’s lobster roll

Before heading on our sunset cruise of Manhattan, my nieces had Asian fusion food bowls at KobeYaki across from Bryant Park. It was casual and affordable and according to them very tasty.

New York City with Teens! Spend a full filled weekend in NYC with teenagers! Read about things to do and where to eat!
Asian food at KobeYaki

We walked (everywhere all weekend!) to Pier 83 to take our Circle Line sunset sightseeing cruise. I remember taking Circle Line cruises as a child and I still enjoy them as an adult. The weather had cleared a bit so we were able to take in sites such as the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, the Brooklyn Bridge and Ellis Island.

New York City with Teens! Spend a full filled weekend in NYC with teenagers! Read about things to do and where to eat!
Circle Line Sunset cruise with the Statue of Liberty in the background

After the cruise we walked back up to Times Square. Have you ever watched the show “Cake Boss”? Carlo’s Bakery is a family owned business in Hoboken NJ. On the show Buddy Valastro makes specialty cakes and treats. My niece saw him give a presentation in Connecticut so she wanted to visit the Times Square location. When in NYC with teens you must stop for cupcakes or sweets somewhere. Just don’t stop here! I called it a “tourist trap”. There was a large group of people waiting to be served with very minimal seating. They were out of half of the things on the menu including red velvet cupcakes-huh? And of course it was expensive. But, my nieces enjoyed the cannolis.

New York City with Teens! Spend a full filled weekend in NYC with teenagers! Read about things to do and where to eat!
Carlo’s Bake Shop in Times Square
New York City with Teens! Spend a full filled weekend in NYC with teenagers! Read about things to do and where to eat!
My nieces enjoying cannolis at Carlo’s Bake Shop

As you can tell it was a fun and fast paced weekend! I thoroughly enjoyed exploring New York City with my teenage nieces and look forward to many more trips there with them.

Have you ever been to New York City with teens? If so, what were your favorite things to do?

Here are some other options we considered: Spa for massages and/or mani/pedis-check TravelZoo or Groupon for local deals, Bowlmor Lanes-a NYC themed bowling alley, The Golf Club at Chelsea Piers-year-round outdoor driving range and sports center, Brooklyn Academy of Music for movies and live performances, Brooklyn walking tour or walking food tour.

For more information, check out these articles: “New York City for Teens” by NYCGo.com, “The Ultimate NYC To-Do Guide for Teens” by NewYorkCity.com

Pin this post for furture reference!

New York City with Teens! Spend a full filled weekend in NYC with teenagers! Read about things to do and where to eat!

Subscribe to the newsletter & receive FREE Packing & To-Do lists for your International Vacation!

You have Successfully Subscribed!

Tags: family travelnew york cityTravelusa
Previous Post

Celebrate Spring with Sterling Wines!

Next Post

Top 5 Things to Do in Curacao!

Nadeen

Nadeen

Dr. Nadeen White is a "Blogger by Day, Physician by Night". She is an award-winning travel blogger, Amazon bestselling author and speaker. The Sophisticated Life Blog covers affordable luxury travel, culinary travel and wine. Her domestic and international travel guides gets people to the destinations of their dreams. So, if you are living the sophisticated life or desire to do so, this is the blog for you!

Related Posts

staycation ideas, canopy atlanta midtown hotel, hilton hotel, atlanta staycation, atlanta midtown hotel, hotel reviews
Travel

Staycation Ideas: Canopy Atlanta Midtown Hotel

February 17, 2021
things to do in atlanta for black history month, ebenezer baptist church, black churches in atlanta
Travel

Things to do in Atlanta Georgia for Black History Month.

January 30, 2021
7 compelling reasons to take the covid-19 vaccine, covid-19 vaccines, coronavirus, pandemic, pzifer vaccine study, moderna vaccine, mRNA vaccines, operation warp speed,
Blog

7 Compelling Reasons to take the COVID-19 Vaccine (including travel!)

January 15, 2021
atlanta in the fall, fall in atlanta, atlanta fall festivals, atlanta fall events, places to visit in atlanta
Travel

Fall in Atlanta: Fun & Fabulous Places to Visit

October 16, 2020
travel, traveling during a pandemic, covid19, coronavirus, travel tips, travel safety, safe travel, travel advice
Travel

Tips for Traveling During A Pandemic!

June 28, 2020
us national parks, national parks in america, visiting us national parks, yosemite, yellowstone, grand canyon, great smokey mountains, travel to national parks, adventure travel
Travel

4 Epic U.S. National Parks To Visit This Summer!

August 6, 2020
Next Post
Top 5 Things To Do In Curacao!

Top 5 Things to Do in Curacao!

Interesting, Unique & Random Things I Learned Visiting Cuba!

39 Interesting, Unique & Random Things I Learned Visiting Cuba!

Comments 7

  1. Laura Nalin says:
    5 years ago

    Wow it looks like you had a great day! I visited NYC in March before taking off for SE Asia and had a really nice time. I miss the pizza. Thanks for sharing this!

    • nadeen says:
      5 years ago

      Thanks for reading and commenting Laura! I am glad you had a great time in NYC! Eating a slice of pizza there is a must if you have never had it!

  2. Linda Manns Linneman says:
    5 years ago

    This sounds like so much fun. The food looks great. I have always wanted to visit New York City. Hopefully I can do this soon. Thank you for sharing. God Bless

    • nadeen says:
      5 years ago

      Thank you for reading Linda! New York City is amazing! I hope you make it there soon!

  3. Janene says:
    5 years ago

    Such a good post! I’m cracking up over Carlo’s bake shop lol!

    • Nadeen says:
      5 years ago

      Thank you! It was laughable 🙂

  4. Meet Saxena says:
    2 years ago

    I have been to New York once and it was one of the best experience of my life. I was there with a group of friends and due to shortage of time we missed to visit Staten Island.

Follow TSL

No Result
View All Result

Meet Nadeen

Hello! I am Nadeen. The Creator and Editor of the Sophisticated Life. Read More

Subscribe for updates!

Subscribe for updates!

You have Successfully Subscribed!

Best-selling Travel Ebooks Available for Download

Travel Guides to Your Favorite Destinations

USA Wine Guide for Travelers

Culinary Travel Guides: Food & Wine

Recent Posts

Blog

7 Compelling Reasons to take the COVID-19 Vaccine (including travel!)

by Nadeen
January 15, 2021
Wine

Wine & Spirits Holiday Gift Guide featuring Black-Owned Businesses!

by Nadeen
November 24, 2020
  • #WineWednesday What a beautiful sight! 🍷🍷🍷😍😍😋😋

Let’s talk about allyship for a sec. What does it mean to you? Have you seen true examples of this in the past year? I know this word has been overused and beaten into the ground since last year followed up by being a “performative ally”. But when I see someone making an effort and doing something to make a difference, it’s worth applauding. 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

A fellow @oprahmagazine Insider told me about Master Sommelier @andrearobinsonms because she was awarding scholarships for her virtual “Great Wine Made Simple” course to women and BIPOC wine students & enthusiasts interested in furthering their wine studies. She thought I would be interested in applying. I did. Andrea reached out & asked me to take the class but play a supporting role based on my previous experience as a wine blogger, author & WSET Level 2 wine certification! I was honored. The class has been very informative interactive & fun! 

Andrea has picked stellar wine professionals as mentors for the scholarship students taking this course. They are from all different backgrounds & experiences across all niches in the wine industry. I am sure they are having an amazing experience!!!! This is what being an ally looks like. Using your privilege, connections, and experience to open doors and provide opportunities for others. The wine industry, like so many other industries, is lacking and needs more Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. So Thank You. 

Oh back to the pic. This was just 1 delivery 🚚 📦  for the course filled w wines from Italy, Spain & Germany! 😋😋😋 

 #wineblogger #wineandtravel #travelbloggerlife #winenot #winewithfriends #winewriter #blackcontentcreators #blackcontentcreator #womeninwine #blackwomeninwine #winewriter #winelover #oenophile #blacksinwine #buyblackwine #sommeliers #mastersommeliers
  • #DopeBlackDoctor #IssaMood
Happy Monday Everyone! I’m trying to go into the week, the last week of Black History, with this mood and attitude! 👏🏽

You may have seen my post on National Women’s Physician Day that only 2% of all Physicians are Black women. We are truly unicorns and I stand proud to represent this profession and to make my ancestors proud 🩺 

So let me tell you what breaks my heart 💔. That after 25 years of being a M.D.-medical doctor and actually practicing medicine and seeing patients for 25 years!!!, I’m still constantly questioned by people who aren’t even in the science or medical field 🤔🤔
Could it be because I’m female? Black? Both? 😡🤬

Ever since this pandemic started I have been on top of it. My first blog post on COVID19 went viral and I appeared on @cnn I did countless webinars and podcasts informing and educating the public including the travel community. This year I published an article on the COVID19 vaccines 💉 and shared my experience receiving the vaccine on social media. But STILL when I simply comment on a thread on social media as a medical expert to correct misinformation I face backlash and MEAN comments! Even in predominantly Black travel groups. It’s exhausting. I had to take a break. I tried again today and the person deleted the thread. I’m at a loss. People do not want to be informed. I don’t get it. 

But I will hold my head up high. I went into this profession to serve. For those who are still having doubts about the vaccines 💉 please read my article-“7 Compelling Reasons to take a COVID19 Vaccine” which includes summaries of the vaccines & research studies. The link is in my profile. Happy to answer any questions. Stay safe everyone! 

📸 @parrishu70 

#blackdoctorsmatter #whitecoatsforblacklives #blackfemaledoctors #blackdoctorswhitecoats #covid19vacccine #pandemiclife #wokedoctors #covıd19 #covidvaccineadvocate #covid19usa #physicians #blackcontentcreator #blackcontentcreators #socialmediadoctor #whatadoctorlookslike #blackhistorymonth2021
  • It’s going to be an exciting weekend of wine!!! 🍷🍷🍷
I’m celebrating Black winemakers this weekend by attending the first annual International Winemakers Summit being held by @urban_connoisseurs and @uncorkedandcultured 
👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

When I first started my blog over 6 years ago I always had a WINE section. I have also always supported and blogged about Black-owned wines and winemakers from @mcbridesisters @houseofmandela early on to 5 1/2 years ago when I had the pleasure of visiting the first Black-owned winery in Napa Valley @brownestate during my Bachelorette weekend 
A year later I stopped by @rideauvineyard in Santa Ynez Valley, had a blog post on a Black History month Black-owned wine tasting go viral, met Andre Hueston Mack of @maisonnoirwines here in Atlanta then did a road trip a few years ago to the PNW and stopped by @frichettewinery and @abbeycreekwine the first “hip hop winery” in the PNW. 

All of this inspired me to curate a list last year of over 45 Black-owned wineries, wine businesses, even podcasters..!! I also pursued & received my first wine certification last fall. WSET 2 with distinction 👏🏽👏🏽🍾🍾

It will be a pleasure to listen & learn from these trailblazers this weekend and be able to show continued support. Head to the link in my profile to read my blog post and to @urban_connoisseurs to register for the conference this weekend! 

#buyblackwine #sipconsciously #blackownedbusiness #blackownedbusinesses #blackhistorymonth2021 #wineblogger #wineandtravel #travelbloggerlife #winenot #travelfly #winetourism #luxurytravel #womeninwine #blackwomeninwine #winewriter #winelover #oenophile #blacksinwine #winewithfriends #winewithfriends🍷
  • Since it’s #nationaldrinkwineday I thought I would share a few pics of one of my favorite wine 🍷 tours and wine areas that I visited in 2019. That was such an amazing year of travel!!! 

PORTO in Portugal 🇵🇹 was amazing! It’s the home of Port wine and even if you are not a fan or don’t think you are a fan of fortified  or sweeter wines you have to try them if you visit the area. They have all different styles including white port. 

We did a tour @taylorsportwine which has a self-guided walking tour of the history of port wine making, Porto, the Douro Valley and port wine trading. It was very interesting. And swipe to see the pic of my forever POTUS President Obama! 
Taylor’s port is available in the US so you may have tried it. 

Have you been to Porto or tried port wine? 

#nationaldrinkwineday🍷 #wineblogger #wineandtravel #travelbloggerlife #winenot #travelfly #blackgirlstraveltoo #winetourism #womeninwine #blackwomeninwine #winewriter #winelover #visitportugal🇵🇹 #portugaltravel #portugallovers #portuguesewine #lisbonportugal #portoportugal #dourovalley #portwinelover #portowine #visitlisbon #visitporto
  • #traveltuesday✈️ (rant) 
There is this constant rumor that goes around that Black Travel Bloggers are hard to find. NOT TRUE!!!! Travel brands and DMOs are heard saying that they can’t find any to work with. 🤔 
How hard are they looking?!! 

If you simply Google “Black Travel Bloggers” my blog post on “50+ Amazing Black Travel Bloggers You Should Follow” has been sitting at #1 for years and only recently at #2 due to another great post by @travelandleisure on Black Influencers. There are tons of blog posts on this topics on the web. 
PLUS...

Travel groups that have been around for years filled with talented travel content creators like @nomadnesstribe that has held several @audacityfest conferences with seminars & lectures featuring these content creators. Not to mention platforms like this one & Facebook & LinkedIn 
PLUS...

@theblacktravelalliance was formed last June that features Black travel content creators from all over the globe 🌎 in all different niches. Black travelers do everything-luxury, adventure, couples travel, budget travel, culinary travel..we are here to change the narrative and prove that Black Travel Content Creators are available to do anything and everything in this industry from writing & editing to TV hosting to photography to videography. 

So stop asking where are we. WE ARE RIGHT HERE AND HAVE ALWAYS BEEN HERE! (rant over). 

Head to my profile to read my blog post and PLEASE drop the handle of your favorite Black travel content creators in the comments! 

 #travelbloggerlife  #travelfly #blackgirlstraveltoo #hardlyhome 
#travelcontent #blackcontentcreator #blacktravelmovement #travelcontentcreator #blackbloggers #blacktravelalliance #travelisthenewclub #nomadness #travelnoire #essencetravels #travelfly #blacktravelhackers #blacktravelfeed
  • Can someone put me back on the beach in January and wake me up when COVID19 🦠 is gone and the world 🌎 has opened back up and we can travel 🧳 again?!!!! 
#overit #thisisnotfun #iwishiwasalwaysonvacation #alwaysonvacay #takemeonvacation 
#vacationnowplease #whereismyvacation 
#covidgoaway #covidgtfo #nomorecovid19 #nomorecovidplease #gtfohcoronavirus #gtfohcovid19 #moretravelplease #ineedavacation #ineedtotravel #traveladdicts #travelnownotlater #beachbumlife #miamibeachlifestyle #takemeawayfromhere #takemeanywhere

Black-Owned Businesses & Bloggers

holiday gift guide, black-owned businesses wine and spirit businesses holiday gifts, wine and spirit books, mixers, food

Wine & Spirits Holiday Gift Guide featuring Black-Owned Businesses!

November 24, 2020
black-owned atlanta restaurants, atlanta black-owned restaurants, soul food, southern food in atlanta, restaurants in atlanta, atlanta food

35+ Black-Owned Restaurants in Atlanta You Should Support!

August 30, 2020
black-owned wineries, black winemakers, frichette winery, black wine, napa valley, california, wine country, black wine businesses, black-owned wine businesses,

45+ Black-Owned Wineries & Businesses You Should Follow & Support.

June 5, 2020
amazing black travel bloggers, black travel, travel bloggers, travel blogs

50 + Amazing Black Travel Bloggers You Should Follow!

February 16, 2021

Explore the U.S.A

staycation ideas, canopy atlanta midtown hotel, hilton hotel, atlanta staycation, atlanta midtown hotel, hotel reviews

Staycation Ideas: Canopy Atlanta Midtown Hotel

February 17, 2021
things to do in atlanta for black history month, ebenezer baptist church, black churches in atlanta

Things to do in Atlanta Georgia for Black History Month.

January 30, 2021
atlanta in the fall, fall in atlanta, atlanta fall festivals, atlanta fall events, places to visit in atlanta

Fall in Atlanta: Fun & Fabulous Places to Visit

October 16, 2020
us national parks, national parks in america, visiting us national parks, yosemite, yellowstone, grand canyon, great smokey mountains, travel to national parks, adventure travel

4 Epic U.S. National Parks To Visit This Summer!

August 6, 2020
  • Trending
  • Comments
  • Latest
Myrtle Beach Restaurant Guide for Foodies!

The Best Myrtle Beach Restaurants: A Guide for Foodies!

August 6, 2020
15 fun facts about quebec city canada, travel to canada, canadian

15 Fun Quebec City Facts

August 7, 2018
black-owned atlanta restaurants, atlanta black-owned restaurants, soul food, southern food in atlanta, restaurants in atlanta, atlanta food

35+ Black-Owned Restaurants in Atlanta You Should Support!

August 30, 2020
Polo match in long island, visit long island, exploring long island, a long weekend in long island new york

Weekend Getaway to Long Island: Things to Do

April 3, 2020
Dubai Trip

Dubai Travel Guide for First Time Visitors!

How I spent 5 Days in Dubai and Abu Dhabi! A Desert Safari, Camel rides, Burj Khalifa, High Tea at Burj Al Arab, Shopping in Souks, Visiting the Grand Mosque and so much more!!

How I Spent 5 Days in Dubai and Abu Dhabi!

Visit Jamaica: Land I Love!

Cruising the Mediterranean Sea on Norwegian Epic!

staycation ideas, canopy atlanta midtown hotel, hilton hotel, atlanta staycation, atlanta midtown hotel, hotel reviews

Staycation Ideas: Canopy Atlanta Midtown Hotel

February 17, 2021
things to do in atlanta for black history month, ebenezer baptist church, black churches in atlanta

Things to do in Atlanta Georgia for Black History Month.

January 30, 2021
7 compelling reasons to take the covid-19 vaccine, covid-19 vaccines, coronavirus, pandemic, pzifer vaccine study, moderna vaccine, mRNA vaccines, operation warp speed,

7 Compelling Reasons to take the COVID-19 Vaccine (including travel!)

January 15, 2021
holiday gift guide, black-owned businesses wine and spirit businesses holiday gifts, wine and spirit books, mixers, food

Wine & Spirits Holiday Gift Guide featuring Black-Owned Businesses!

November 24, 2020
The Sophisticated Life

  • About
  • Work With Me
  • Travel
  • Blog
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy

© 2021 The Sophisticated Life

The Sophisticated Life

  • About
  • Work With Me
  • Travel
  • Blog
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
Menu
  • About
  • Work With Me
  • Travel
  • Blog
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy

© 2020 The Sophisticated Life

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • About
  • Travel
  • Wine
  • Food
  • Contact
  • Work With Me
  • Privacy Policy

© 2020 The Sophisticated Life