American Dreams

Thanks to my Mum's British Airways staff travel, we are off to visit my brother and his wife in New Jersey next month. I can't tell you how excited we are and not just because the boys are staying with Granny! The woofers are off to my in laws (they are depressed when they come home as their garden feels like a park) and we will be having 4 child free nights away, 3 in 3 different hotels and 1 on a plane!

As we have been lucky enough to visit New York before we are going to avoid all the tourist attractions and have found some super cool places to discover.

My husband has planned an "epic walk" which features stops at these new stores, markets and bars. We have 24 hours and we are going to pack in as much as possible! Then it's off to the Jersey Shore.

We just have to stop in at the West Elm Market, a modern furniture, home decor, gifts and accessories store. I love these zipped cases and these glass shadow frames, hoping they are still on sale in February and I can take one back in my hand luggage!

A browse in Top Hat selling masking tape and other stationery goodies as well as design products from Sweet Bella.

A mooch around All Good Things, a craft food and goods market in Tribeca. I want to try the best ice cream from Brooklyn!

Lunch at Marlow and Sons. A menu that features Meat and Cheese gets our votes.

I love how rustic it is, how traditional. Hoping the weather will be bright so we can sit outside like these old fellas!

A drink at the bar in The Breslin, I love how dark it is.

Before we crash out at our hotel Dream on West 55th Street. It's the same price as a Premier Travel Inn in London, and for me there is no comparison!

That is Day One! I'll post days two and three later in the week! But here is a hint.

Any suggestions for 24 hours in Manhattan?! We would love to experience the real NYC so let me know of any places you think are a must see!

We are still deciding on where to go for dinner ....

If we were taking the boys I would recommend this site Red Tricycle for everything you need to know about New York with children.

Happy Wednesday!