outandaboutava

There is no time better to visit NYC than in the summertime. Those of us with kids seek out the best things to keep their fun quotient at a steady high. The Chelsea Piers fits the bill. Located by the West side highway, the Chelsea Piers has a variety of activities including gymnastics, soccer, basketball and batting cages.

Our 3 yr old however is still too young to partake in those activities so what is one to do ? CAROUSEL !! Walk along a meandering path pass the pretzel stand and you will find the Carousel at Pier 62. Pier 62 Carousel http:// pier62carousel.com/
is the centerpiece of Hudson River Park’s new open space at Pier 62 in New York City.

This signature 36 ft carousel has been created using 33 hand-carved wood figures of Hudson River Valley animals and one chariot, allowing for up to 36 passengers, per ride. The carousel building has been designed with a green roof and opens out to a large sprawling lawn and tree-lined pathways. We had the pleasure of meeting the owner, Fernando Rosario, who explained that the hand carved wood animals represent native NY species in their environment. Instead of playing traditional merry go round tunes he opts to play current pop top 40 hits. He has received positive feedback from his patrons in regards to his musical choices. Location and customer service makes this the perfect place to hold a birthday party !

For only $2 per ride (One supervising adult accompanying a child under 42 inches may ride for free), it is a must do for family fun in NYC. Your child (or your inner child) will thank you! I highly recommend a spin on the whimsical Butterfly Unicorn!

‘Lovely’ Leslie Heigh / Freelance Photojournalist
The ‘Bon Vivant ‘ Blogger
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” Social ButterFly News for South Beach and Beyond! “

“I’m Hungry” says Ava, my 2.5 yr old daughter yesterday. I respond, ” Let’s go to Yardhouse for lunch “. When people think Yardhouse they think of great food and even greater beer choices but Yardhouse Miami Beach has just introduced their long awaited Kids menu. Yardhouse Miami Beach has been a great addition to the food scene near Lincoln Road since opening a few months ago. Locals now have a place to eat and drink for a reasonable cost. Their kids menu didn’t dissapoint either. It had a few of the standby choices for kids such as fried chicken strips or hot dogs. The interesting part of their menu though showed a level of trust and sophistication they assume kids today with their global palettes would like.

After all, kids and food is the ultimate truth test. If a kid doesn’t like a food it becomes obvious in the first bite, smell or visual cue. Yardhouse offers whole grain spaghetti w/turkey meatballs. Korean BBQ Beef made with short ribs or maybe try the egg noodles with butter. Maybe try the BBQ Chicken Pizza. These choices are not found in the normal drive thru fast food spots.

She loved the spaghetti and turkey meatballs. It was a generous portion of adult quality food. It came with steamed broccoli and a strawberry lemonade. When she looked up with red stained lips and mouth, I asked her how is it. She responded with two thumbs up. It was a success.

Next time the kids are hungry, make a beeline to Yardhouse. For kid’s sake.