As a native New Yorker, this latest, state-of-the-art hood they’re calling the New West Side seems a little as Cardi B would say fugazy. But you know what? After spending an afternoon at Hudson Yards with my daughter I have to admit I liked it. I really did. Maybe it was because the sun was big and bright that day. Maybe it was because my kid and I were bonding sans drama. Maybe it was because it was so easy to take the 7 train there. What I do know is that to do the Yards in one day is doable if you start exploring this cultural hub of work/play/stay/shop early. We headed straight to the Vessel – the huge interactive staircase/tourist magnet/piece of art designed by Thomas Heatherwick. Tickets are free and necessary in order to enter and climb the structure. Ooh and ahh at the views from all 154 flights. You can pre-order tickets online or arrive on-site by 9:30am for same-day ones. Be prepared for a wait.
Next we explored the building that houses the “retail experience.” Walked past Neiman Marcus, Dior and Chanel to do some teen damage at the usual suspects – Lululemon, Uniqlo, Dylan’s Candy Bar. Fancy food court offerings like Fuku, Mercado Little Spain and Bouchon Bakery are great for the stroller set. And the sit down eateries range from the Cali burger/salad spot Belcampo, which we loved, to the corporate credit card-ready TAK Room and Estiatorio Milos.
For dessert, make sure you hit KITH Treats at Snark Park for a cool ice cream/cereal mash up. We shared “The Sylvester” by Nigel Sylvester, the pro BMX/social media star. All the menu items are curated by famous Kith devotees. Who knew that mixing Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Apple Jacks, Cookie Dough and Mini Marshmallows could taste so heavenly? Well apparently Nigel did. For all of you not between the ages of 13-21, Kith is the hip SoHo clothing and sneaker emporium that sells ice cream. And Snark Park is an indoor, selfie-friendly exhibition space designed by the NYC-based collective Snarkitecture. It touts itself as a 45-minute immersive art experience but at $18 a pop per adult and $10 for kids 4-12 I’m fine with letting my rugrats run amok outside on the free High Line instead. How’s that for snark?
As we sat outside enjoying our scoop of yum, I contemplated our next visit so I can check out The Shed, the architecturally-forward, transformable arts center designed by Diller Scofidio & Renfro and the Rockwell Group. Their lineup promises to be just as buzzworthy with a diverse and eclectic mix of visual and performing artists throughout the year. Also coming soon is The Edge, a modern, sky high observation deck. And there ya have it – a one-stop family fun day. Just wake up early, take mass transit and you’ll be golden. Open 7 days and located between between 10th and 12th Aves from W 30th to W 34th