I spent a great, fun family girls' weekend in New York City. We saw a show, had dinner (roasted oysters and filet mignon, with a dark chocolate souffle for dessert and a Kahlua hot chocolate cocktail). We also went for a carriage ride around Central Park, which was a treat because in all the many times I've been to NYC I've never gone for a carriage ride. Our horse's name was Sweetheart and we fed him carrots.
We also spent some time shopping at American Girl Place with brunch at the American Girl Cafe afterwards. I was charmed by the cafe, especially the decor. It was a mix of girly and sophisticated, with its black and white horizontal striped walls and pink daisies. They even had a place setting for the dolls. You can see the care and thought they put into making the cafe a charming and magical place for young and old girls alike.
Though this was my second visit to the store, the first was extremely brief, making this second one a very poignant experience. It brought me vividly back to my childhood where I spent hours poring over those original American Girl catalogs when they first came out in 1986. I memorized every minute detail about those original dolls (Samantha, Kirsten, and Molly) and their various accessories and clothes. I remember spending hours staring intently into those pages, lovingly reading every description and feeling mesmerized. I kept those catalogs for years.
And so - being an adult notwithstanding - I admittedly felt like a kid again as I finally saw with my own eyes the dolls those old catalogs had lovingly pictured. Mattel has since bought the original company and there have been many changes and a dizzying array of new dolls, but the original ones still hook me back to those childhood days.
A quick side note, I had an hour free where I had hoped to be able to visit the bead shops along 6th Avenue, but I was so tired from traveling that I conked right out as soon as we got to the hotel. I need to set aside a full weekend just for the purpose of a buying trip for much-needed supplies.
huh -- I didn't know american girl dolls were around when we were little.
ReplyDeleteTotally!!! It was a classic from our girlhood. That's why it makes me feel old when I see the little girls playing with them. Sigh...
ReplyDeleteWhen I hear you were going to have brunch at the AG place, I got excited! I went there a couple of summers ago and all of sudden missed my dolls. I loved the catalogs and also memorized every little accessory. I was also insanely jealous of a friend of mine in 2nd grade who had *everything* for Samantha.
ReplyDeleteAnd I know they have a crazy number of new dolls out, but I do think their Today Doll is brilliant. I mean, having a doll that has similar features as you and probably a better wardrobe? Awesome.
Alissa, Samantha was my favorite doll! Which ones did you have?
ReplyDeleteI agree that the dolls where you can pick the features are brilliant!
LOVE NYC!! So jealous you guys went...was it just for a weekend getaway? What show did you see?
ReplyDeleteAlthough I wasn't much of a doll person growing up, I can see the value of the American Girl dolls and totally approve of their Girl!Power message. The historical dolls all have wonderful, heartwarming backstories (Addy's story is my favorite) and I hope that DD will want to buy one of the historicals when she turns 8 and is allowed to have one.
ReplyDeleteBut if she also wanted this one, I will be delighted to get it for her.
HMM, it was for a weekend getaway. We saw a children's musical, "Max and Ruby".
ReplyDeleteK, those Just Like You dolls are pretty cool.
I was gifted Kirsten in 3rd grade. And then in the following years I saved all my hard-earned chore money for Felicity and a Today Doll that looked nothing like me.
ReplyDeleteAnd I just went to their site and discovered all the new dolls (including new historical best friends, seriously?!?!). I feel like I'm on doll overload.