A Sweet Escape: Our Unforgettable Family Adventure Through New York City’s Candyland

New York City often conjures images of iconic landmarks: the towering Statue of Liberty, the bustling streets surrounding the Empire State Building, the serene expanse of Central Park, and perhaps a glimpse of notable personalities like Donald Trump. A person’s inaugural visit to the Big Apple is typically filled with grand aspirations, shaped by countless stories, movies, and dreams. However, for my almost seven-year-old, Nathan, his vision of NYC was far simpler, yet no less ambitious: it had to revolve entirely around sugar and pizza. And honestly, who was I to argue with such a pure and enthusiastic culinary agenda?

Our family trek to New York was a delightful surprise, born from a spontaneous opportunity just a week prior. We had secured an invitation for all of us to attend Kelly Ripa’s exclusive Kelly Confidential ice cream party. This wasn’t just any party; it was co-hosted by the legendary Emperor of Ice Cream and Electrolux – a truly epic prospect for any sweet tooth. The prospect of an event combining a celebrity, delicious ice cream, and the allure of New York City was simply irresistible, promising an unforgettable journey.

Day One: Diving Headfirst into NYC’s Candy Wonderland

With the ice cream party serving as our anchor, I turned to my resident candy expert, Nathan, to help craft the rest of our New York City itinerary. His expertise was undeniable; just last year, I’d pulled him out of preschool to accompany me to the city for a CBS Early Show taping, a trip that solidified his status as a seasoned urban explorer. Nathan’s brilliant and surprisingly strategic suggestion for this trip was to conquer all the major candy stores in New York City on our very first day. His logic was flawless: once the candy mission was accomplished, we could dedicate the rest of the week to leisurely lounging in our hotel room, gorging on our sugary spoils while watching cartoons. A plan so perfect, it had to be attempted.

And so, we did our very best to adhere to his sweet vision. Our first stop was nothing short of a multi-level, sensory explosion – a true sugar-high-heaven that promised an unforgettable start to our New York City family adventure. The anticipation in the air was palpable as we approached the vibrant storefront, a beacon for anyone seeking the ultimate candy experience in the city that never sleeps. This was not just a store; it was a kingdom built entirely of confectionery dreams, where every corner promised a new delight for the eager explorer.

A Symphony of Sugar: Exploring the Multi-Level Candy Extravaganza

Stepping inside, we were immediately enveloped in a kaleidoscope of colors and a symphony of sugary scents. This renowned candy emporium, a veritable institution among New York City’s best candy shops, stretched across three magnificent levels, each more enchanting than the last. Aisles upon aisles were meticulously stocked with every imaginable sweet, from classic chocolates to whimsical novelty candies. The sheer volume and variety were overwhelming in the most delightful way, making it an essential stop for any family adventure in New York with kids. It was a place where childhood fantasies came to life, and even adults found themselves mesmerized by the sheer spectacle.

Amidst the vibrant displays, we discovered some truly unique and humorous confections. Where else could you find an entire section dedicated to Gummy Teeth, perfectly sculpted and delightfully chewy? They were an instant hit with the kids, who marvelled at their uncanny resemblance to actual molars.

And then there were the Gummy Chicken Feet – an even more bizarre, yet equally intriguing, find. Their rubbery texture was certainly distinctive, and as for the taste, well, it was curiously similar to the gummy teeth, albeit with a more unusual shape. These quirky treats added an extra layer of fun to our candy expedition, proving that New York City candy stores offer much more than just standard sweets.

The store itself was a work of art, with playful details everywhere. The stairs, for instance, were embedded with colorful candies, sparking an irresistible urge in my children to try and scratch them out. Their determination was quite a sight! This constant motion and curiosity are precisely why I tend to dress them alike for urban adventures. In a bustling city like New York, amidst a sea of people (myself included, being somewhat vertically challenged), it’s far easier to keep track of a single, distinctive outfit – say, neon green with non-matching blue/white swim shorts and those unmistakably ugly blue Crocs – than to frantically scan and try to identify which of the crazy, screamy, bouncy kids belongs to me. It’s a small but effective strategy for managing family travel with children in a busy metropolis.

Then came the ultimate temptation: a giant bathtub overflowing with brightly colored gumballs. How could any child, or even an adult with a lingering sense of childlike wonder, not want to just jump in? Of course, there was a prominent sign: “No touching gumballs.” But honestly, who actually reads signs, especially when faced with such an irresistible spectacle? Certainly not my hyper-energetic kids. The store clerk, bless their patient soul, almost had a complete meltdown when my children, with wide-eyed excitement, completely ignored the warning and went straight for the enticing sphere of chewy goodness.

I came *this* close to being forced to purchase the entire tub of gumballs, just to diffuse the situation. Looking back, part of me thinks that if I owned a candy store, I’d simply call that gumball bathtub a brilliant marketing tool. I’d let the kids get in, create a memorable photo opportunity, and not worry too much about the kind of person who would actually purchase gumballs that had been handled by countless curious little hands. After all, isn’t a little harmless fun part of the magic of visiting New York City’s top candy destinations?

M&M’s and Hershey’s: A Tale of Two Stores

Our sweet expedition continued to the vibrant M&M’s Store, a kaleidoscope of color and chocolate. It’s an entire universe dedicated to these iconic candies, with towering dispensers offering every shade imaginable, alongside an endless array of merchandise. The kids were captivated, and we playfully attempted to sneak off with just one M&M, giggling at our small rebellion against the store’s grand scale. This store, much like the first, was a testament to the diverse and exciting candy landscape that makes New York City family travel so unique.

Conveniently located directly across the street was the Hershey’s store. While the M&M’s store had been a dazzling spectacle, the Hershey’s experience, in my personal opinion, fell a bit flat. Andrew shared my sentiment, as we walked out empty-handed, having failed to find a single item worth buying that we couldn’t easily pick up at our local supermarket. It was a surprising contrast, highlighting that even in a city known for its unparalleled offerings, some experiences just don’t quite hit the mark. Nevertheless, it added to the unique tapestry of our New York City itinerary with kids.

Star-Studded Sweetness: The Kelly Ripa Ice Cream Extravaganza

Beyond the sugar-laden stores, our New York City adventure included an exciting celebrity event, a testament to how well these press occasions treat us “little bloggers.” They truly understand how to create a magical experience, especially for the children. Our VIP treatment began with being picked up in a luxurious car, whisking us through the city streets in style – a delightful touch that instantly made the kids feel like VVIPs.

Upon arrival, the entertainment continued with a mesmerizing balloon contortionist, whose nimble fingers twisted and shaped ordinary balloons into extraordinary creations. The children were utterly captivated, their eyes wide with wonder as each new balloon animal came to life. It was a perfect way to keep the little ones engaged and delighted before the main event, showcasing the thoughtful planning that goes into these NYC blogger events.

One of the contortionist’s creations for Andrew was particularly perplexing – was it a hot dog hat? The ambiguity only added to the charm and humor of the moment, sparking our imaginations.

Another impressive creation appeared to be a space gun, though I couldn’t be entirely certain. Regardless, the children were thrilled with their unique balloon treasures, adding to the festive atmosphere of the celebrity event in New York City.

The event also provided a wonderful opportunity to catch up with fellow blogger friends, including the lovely La Fuji Mama, Boston Mamas, Our Best Bites, The Naptime Chef, Simple Lovely, and several others. It was a fantastic gathering of creative minds and their energetic offspring. All 18 of our kids played, chased, laughed, and giggled together, creating a beautiful symphony of youthful exuberance. These moments of connection and shared experience are truly priceless when traveling with children, especially in a vibrant city like New York.

I always strive never to compare my children’s abilities or talents with others. While I possess a healthy competitive spirit, I consciously work to keep it in check, ensuring it doesn’t become too intense or interfere with fostering a healthy relationship with my boys. Generally, my competitiveness remains well-regulated, as long as my kids are undeniably the cutest creatures in the room. Kidding, of course. Mostly.

But then there are moments that challenge even the most zen parent. Give Nathan a set of crayons, and he’ll produce magnificent abstract art – bold, expressive, and full of uninhibited color. His creations are always a joy to behold, a pure reflection of his vibrant imagination.

However, when I glanced across the table at another child’s artwork, a moment of comedic parental self-doubt crept in. This masterpiece, created with a broken crayon no less, depicted a remarkably detailed and recognizable scene. With a broken crayon, even!

But before I could even pull out my phone to Google “children’s art classes” in New York City, we were gracefully ushered into the next room, where the true stars of the event awaited: the Emperor of Ice Cream himself and the radiant Kelly Ripa.

Kelly Ripa, with her signature warmth and charm, instantly spotted Nathan. Her very first words to him were, “Sweetheart! Your balloons match your shirt!” It was an immediate connection, and they became instant friends, gabbing away like old pals about fashion, the importance of matching accessories, and who knows what other delightful topics. It was a truly heartwarming sight, a testament to Kelly’s genuine nature and Nathan’s confident demeanor.

I have no idea what Andrew said to Kelly during his turn, but his earnest expression and her attentive gaze suggested another charming exchange. Each interaction was unique, creating precious memories for the boys during this unforgettable New York City trip.

And then there were Kelly’s heels! Oh, hello, heels! They were absolutely stunning, adding an extra touch of glamour to her already radiant presence. I admired them greatly, though I also knew that I could only manage such stylish footwear if I had a trusty, four-legged cane, much like Gramps from the movie *Up*. A humorous thought, but a real one, considering the demands of chasing two energetic boys around New York City.

While the event was thoughtfully catered to delight the children, there was also a little “eye candy” for the moms: the charming ice cream scooper boys. Their cheerful smiles and efficient service added another layer of enjoyment to the already delightful occasion.

During a group photo, I couldn’t help but wonder, “Why did I stand next to the skinny girl?” It was a classic moment of self-deprecating humor, one that many moms can probably relate to. Such are the candid thoughts that cross a parent’s mind amidst the fun and chaos of celebrity events in NYC.

Nathan, ever the performer, clearly has a future in entertainment. His natural charisma and confidence shone through, especially when he decided to flirt with the cameras that were rolling as the event drew to a close. It was a bold and charming move that left everyone smiling.

Not stopping there, Nathan then autographed our family cookbook and, with a flourish, gifted a copy to his “new girlfriend,” Kelly Ripa. It was an incredibly sweet and memorable gesture, highlighting the special bond they had formed in just a few short moments.

Looking at the photo of Nathan, Kelly, and our cookbook, I just noticed an amusing detail: they all seem to be approximately the same width. A humorous observation that perfectly encapsulates the quirky and delightful memories created during this extraordinary day. It’s these small, unexpected details that make family travel in New York City so rich and rewarding.

Somehow, in the span of just five minutes when my back was turned, a new layer of magic unfolded. Andrew, ever resourceful, managed to convince the balloon artist to craft him an elaborate escape ship, while Nathan, in a flash of imaginative play, was transformed into a fearsome tiger. The continuous stream of entertainment and transformation was a testament to the power of a child’s imagination, fueled by the wonder of New York City.

The Grand Finale: A Chocolate Soiree with Jacques Torres

Just when I thought we were finally in the clear from any more sugar-infused events, a delightful realization hit me: I was also co-hosting a party with the famous chocolatier, the one and only, Jacques Torres! This was an unexpected, yet utterly thrilling, addition to our New York City itinerary. The prospect of an evening dedicated to exquisite chocolate and lively conversation was a perfect counterpoint to the day’s kid-centric sugar rush. It was another fantastic opportunity to dive into the vibrant world of NYC food events, experiencing the city’s culinary delights firsthand.

For this special occasion, I invited a wonderful group of my favorite NYC food blogger friends, along with some exciting new acquaintances, to a celebratory party filled with champagne and, of course, an abundance of Jacques Torres’s legendary chocolate. The atmosphere was sophisticated yet relaxed, a perfect blend of gourmet indulgence and convivial networking. It was a delightful contrast to the day’s earlier chaos, offering a moment for adults to savor the city’s refined pleasures.

The gathering brought together a fantastic array of culinary talent and influential voices from the blogging world, including representatives from No Recipes, FoodCurated, VendrTV, Cupcakes Take the Cake, NYCMama, Three Many Cooks, IvoryHut, Jessica Rendazza, Food Mayhem, Homesick Texan, Fearless Cooking, Garden Fork TV, YumSugar, In Jennie’s Kitchen, My Kugelhopf, Eater, Culinary Media Network, CNN Eatocracy, as well as new friends Annette and Janet (apologies to anyone I might have inadvertently forgotten!). It was a lively and inspiring evening, filled with passionate discussions about food, media, and the vibrant culinary scene of New York City.

Sweet Memories and Enduring Energy

And so, our epic sugar tour of New York City finally concluded. By the end of the week, my husband Scott and I were thoroughly worn out, our energy reserves completely depleted from navigating the city, managing two energetic boys, and partaking in countless sweet adventures. The kids, on the other hand, seemed to be just getting their eighteenth wind, their enthusiasm and boundless energy showing no signs of diminishing. It’s a classic parental paradox: the more tired we get, the more invigorated they become.

This New York City family adventure, focused surprisingly on candy and celebrity events, proved to be one of the most memorable trips we’ve ever taken. It reinforced the idea that sometimes the best travel memories aren’t about ticking off every famous landmark, but about embracing a child’s unique perspective and diving headfirst into their world of wonder. These unforgettable New York moments, filled with laughter, sugar, and unexpected encounters, will be cherished for years to come, a testament to the joy of family travel with children in the greatest city in the world.