ML Interest Tag: parlor

The Best Places to Get Kids’ Ears Pierced in DC

by Meghan Yudes Meyers

Buying earrings is easy, but knowing where to get your child’s ears pierced can be downright intimidating. We’ve rounded up the best children’s ear piercing places—from pediatric ear piercing doctors to kid-friendly tattoo parlors—to help you make an informed decision. If you’ve worked up the nerve to face the ear gun, read on for the best places to go in the DMV. 

A Quick Trip to the Doctor

Monstera via Pexels

Start with your own pediatrician as many will perform piercings for patients. If yours doesn’t offer ear piercing, try Potomac Pediatrics in Rockville The cost is $95 and includes a pair of 24 karat gold stud earrings and the option to use numbing cream. DC Derm Docs, a local dermatologist specializing in cosmetic and general medical dermatology,offers ear piercing to patients of all ages using a brand of earrings only available to medical professionals. They provide Blomdahl earrings and offer both gold and silver studs which are available with or without a crystal. The posts themselves are Titanium, which guarantees protection from nickel allergies. Blomdahl earrings are available exclusively to physicians.Capitol Medical Group has ear piercing available on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday with Dr. Markovic.  The piercing includes a pair of 24 karat gold plated or stainless steel stud earrings. Tyson Pediatrics in McLean, VA also offer ear piercing.

Potomac Pediatrics
15204 Omega Dr.
Rockville, MD
Online: potomacpediatrics.com

DC Derm Docs
1828 L St. NW
Farragut North
202-822-9591
Online: dc-dermdocs.com

Capitol Medical Group
8401 Connecticut Ave. Suite 201
Chevy Chase, MD
301-907-3960
Online: capitolmedicalgroup.com

Tyson Corner Pediatrics
8365 Greensboro Dr. Suite A
McLean, VA
703-356-4444
Online: tysonscornerpediatrics.com

Chesapeake Pediatrics
121 Old Solomons Island Rd.
Annapolis MD
410-224-3663
Online: chesapeakepediatrics.com

 

Get Poked at a Parlor

Jadell Films

Okay, so most parents aren’t too excited about taking their kids to a piercing parlor but many can actually provide a clean, friendly, safe place for ear piercing. Check out Craig Pokes U in Arlington where children are welcome with an accompanying parent or legal guardian. They are all licensed piercing professionals and make you feel comfortable. Brilliance Piercing in Vienna, pierces children ages 7-12, by appointment, to make sure there is plenty of time to ask questions and thoroughly explain the entire process.  You are even encouraged to visit the studio any time to ask questions or meet their piercers.  

Craig Pokes U
4818 Lee Hwy.
Arlington, VA
703-268-6583
Online: craigpokesu.com

Brilliance Piercing
421 Church St. NE Suite C
Vienna, VA
703-261-6130
Online: brilliancepiercing.com

Mr. B's Tattoos
7554 Bel Air Rd.
Baltimore, MD
410-668-3567
Online: mrbstattoo.com

 

Get the Spa Treatment

Guiomar Ochoa

For a more glitzy experience for your pink loving, tutu wearing girly-girl, check out Sweet& Sassy, a little girl’s spa and salon in Leesburg. Earrings and a little kit to commemorate the event are included in the price of piercing. Belezza Lase in Fairfax will even give your little princess a tiara, wand and “brave kid” certificate. They also have  tons of different earrings to choose from.

Sweet & Sassy
1601 Village Market Blvd. SE
Leesburg, VA
703-552-8390
Online: sweetandsassy.com

Belezza Lase
4015 Chain Bridge Rd. Suite L
Fairfax, VA
703-273-5273
Online: bellezalase.com

Get Pierced at a Pagoda

Little girl with pierced ears smiling
Skyler Ewing via Pexels

The usual suspects, Claire’s and Piercing Pagoda, are where most kids in the DMV go to get their ears pierced. Probably since one or the other is located at just about every local mall. Drop-ins are welcome and both are well set up to manage the excitement and anticipation of children’s ear piercing. Today’s Cargo, a jewelry store in Old Town Alexandria, offers ear piercing to 7 year olds and up. Appointments are accepted only during weekdays. Their experienced piercer uses the Inverness system and only 14K gold. 

Today’s Cargo
1102 King St.
Alexandria, VA.
703-836-6866
Online: todayscargo.com

Claire’s
Union Station, Pentagon City, Tysons Corner, National Harbor
Online: claires.com

Piercing Pagoda
Lakeforest Mall, Potomac Mills, Montgomery Mall
Online: pagoda.com

—Meghan Yudes Meyers, Guiomar Ochoa and Tricia Mirchandani

featured photo: Medical Ear Piercing Clinics via Yelp

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Shopping Local: NYC’s Best Holiday Markets

by Yuliya Geikhman

Need to do some holiday shopping but don’t want to get the same old same old? New Yorkers are especially lucky when it comes to finding unique gifts, thanks to the city’s bustling holiday markets. While some took a time out last year, these popular emporiums are back and ready to help you cross items off your list. Here’s where to head for one-of-a-kind presents with special NYC flair!

Holiday Shops at Bryant Park's Winter Village

Curated by Urbanspace (the people behind the Union Square and Columbus Circle Holiday Markets) this European-inspired open-air market at Bryant Park's Winter Village hosts artisans from New York City and around the world. It's a great (and festive) spot for finding unique gifts you can't get just anywhere. See a map of all the vendors here. And of course, you can take a spin on the ice, check out the tree, grab a bite and even do some curling a the Winter Village. 

Mon. - Fri., 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.; Sat. & Sun. 10 a.m. - 8 p.m., Through Jan. 2
Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park 
42 Street & Sixth Ave. 
Midtown
Online: bryantpark.org

Union Square Holiday Market by UrbanSpace

Ruwan J. via Yelp

One of the must-visits for any discerning holiday shopper, the outdoor Union Square Holiday Market hosts more than 160 vendors selling eclectic, unique and highly-giftable goods of all kinds. See a map and a full list of vendors here.

Daily, through Dec. 24
Mon.- Fri., 11 a.m.- 8 p.m; Sat. 10 a.m., Sun., 11 a.m.- 7 p.m.
Union Square
Online: urbanspacenyc.com

Columbus Circle Holiday Market by UrbanSpace

UrbanSpace

The people at UrbanSpace also provide a spot for holiday shopping uptown. Located in a particularly pleasing setting—the entrance to Central Park at Columbus Circle—this holiday market hosts a curated collection of vendors selling jewelry, crafts, art, food and more. See a map and list of vendors here. 

Daily, through Dec. 24 (4 p.m. closing on Christmas Eve)
Mon.- Fri., 11 a.m.- 8 p.m; Sat. 10 a.m., Sun., 11 a.m.- 7 p.m.
Columbus Circle
59th Street and Broadway
Online: urbanspacenyc.com

Grand Holiday Bazaar

nyc holiday markets
Grand Bazaar NYC

This popular Upper West Side market features a roster of rotating independent merchants that can’t be found anywhere else. Shop from more than 100 hand-picked independent local artisans and dealers selling candles, skincare, fashion, handbags, vintage accessories and collectibles, handmade jewelry and furniture and rare antique silver and glassware. Artisanal treats are also for sale to sustain you in your shopping. Note: you can feel especially good shopping here: all profits benefit the PTAs of four local public schools. 

Dec. 12 & 19, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
100 W. 77th Street at Columbus Avenue
Upper West Side 
Online: grandbazaarnyc.org

Artists & Fleas x Chelsea Market Holiday Pop-Up

nyc holiday markets
Chelsea Market

Chelsea Market is collaborating with famed traveling marketplace Artists & Fleas to bring an outdoor market to Chelsea this holiday season. Shop nearly a dozen vendors with unique offerings ranging from vintage clothing to jewelry to leather goods. While you're there, take in the impressive light displays of the market, enjoy mini ballet performances and live music, and grab a bite to eat at cozy outdoor dining spots. Plus: free gift-wrapping starting December 19! 

Thurs. - Sun., 11 a.m. - 7 p.m., throughout December
Chelsea Market
75 Ninth Ave. 
212-652-2121
Online: chelseamarket.com

The Oculus Holiday Market

nyc holiday market
Eris A. via Yelp

Looking for a holiday market downtown? Check out The Oculus Holiday Market, where in addition to lots of vendors you'll find roaming carolers, a "snow garden" for Instagram-worthy photos and evening light shows.

A new feature of The Holiday Market at the Oculus for 2021 is a partnership with Chashama, a New York City-based art non-profit Chashama working with makers of handcrafted items. Select vendors include Loaf & Butters with homemade baked goods, Art to Ware, a curated fashion pop-up, Scent by Heaven, a home-based artisanal candlemaker and Amulet Fairy, a crystal conscious Brooklyn-based company that provides a variety of healing and decorative crystals.

Through Jan. 2
Mon. - Sat., 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.; Sun. 11 a.m.- 7 p.m. 
Westfield World Trade Center 
185 Greenwich St. 
Financial District
212-284-9982
Online: www.westfield.com

Artists & Fleas Williamsburg

Artists & Fleas

If you're looking for something tragically hip (or just want to shop amongst them) Artists & Fleas' flagship location in Williamsburg is the place to go. The former warehouse-turned-market is open for the holidays,  featuring 45 vendors selling stylish and fresh goods such as beauty and self-care products, clothing, vintage items, art and design pieces and more.

Sat. & Sun., 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
70 N. St. 
Williamsburg
Online: artistsandfleas.com

 

FAD Market

FAD Market

FAD Market is a curated fashion, art, and design pop-up marketplace showcasing an expansive collection of small-batch goods from local makers and small businesses. Located across two locations within close proximity, the holiday market features up-and-coming brands, designers, and small businesses based in New York City. Browse handcrafted apparel, home goods, stationery, artisanal food, accessories and more. Bonus: you can bring your dog! (Proof of vaccination and facemasks required.) 

FAD Market also hosts curated events and workshops for shoppers. Sit for portraits with photographer Kristopher Johnson, hand-make untraditional holiday wreaths with Taryn Urushido, learn the art of glass beadmaking with Urban Glass, and personalize their gifts with block printing with Better Than Jam.

Dec.11 &12, 18 & 19, 11am - 6pm
FAD Market: Holiday Pop-up
The Invisible Dog Art Center
51 Bergen St.
Cobble Hill
917-775-4636
Online: fadmarket.co

St. Paul’s Church
190 Court St. 

Queens Craft Brigade

holiday market
Enchantment Bazaar/Etsy

This holiday market brings together the best makers of Queens for an emporium featuring artwork, food, jewelry, fashion, crafts, and more. Bring a canned good or two: donations are being collected for the Astoria food pantry. 

Sat., Dec. 11 & Sat., Dec. 18, Noon- 5 p.m.
Katch Astoria
31-35-41st St. 
Astoria
Online: queenscraftbrigade.com

 

MakerSpace NYC Holiday Market at Maker Park

Parlor Trick Prints

The Staten Island location of MakerSpace NYC is holding an outdoor holiday market featuring handcrafted and handmade items by artists, artisans and makers, as well as vintage goods. MakerPark Radio will be providing music, and refreshments will be in hand to help keep you warm. 

Dec. 5, 11 & 12, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
450 Front St. 
Staten Island 
Online: makerspace.nyc

 

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A post shared by The Makers Show (@themakersshow)

The Makers Show at City Point

Head to downtown Brooklyn's City point to check out The Makers Show, a market featuring businesses owned by black and indigenous people of color, LGBTQIA+, women and other underrepresented groups. The Maker Show includes products from local businesses and artists such as jewelry, art, home goods, pet goods, stationery and accessories. Plus: tasty food and bev! 

Fri.-Sun., Dec. 19, and Dec. 20-23, 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
445 Albee Square
Downtown Brooklyn 
Online: themakersshow.com

Brooklyn Flea in DUMBO

Sam Hollenshead

There's lots to do in DUMBO this holiday season, and that includes shopping at what has been called one of the best markets in the world, Brooklyn Flea.

Find the Brooklyn Flea holiday market in the Dumbo Archway and in the Pearl Street Triangle on Sundays through December 19 from 10 a.m. to 4p.m. There are over 40 vintage and handmade vendors participating, plus live holiday music from 11:30am to 1:30pm. Warm up and fuel up with festive hot beverages and snacks from Superfine and Archway Cafe. 

Sun. Dec. 12 & 19, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Dumbo Archway and in the Pearl Street Triangle
Online: brooklynflea.com

—Mimi O’Connor

RELATED STORIES: 

NYC Holiday Hit List: Things to Do with Kids This Season

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Holiday Light Shows & Displays to See This Season

Click With St. Nick: NYC Pictures with Santa

 

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13 LEGO Sets That Will Delight LEGO Fans of All Ages

by Kate Loweth

If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation.

If you have a LEGO fanatic on your shopping list, you’ll definitely want to check this out. We reviewed all the new LEGO sets for 2021 and picked out our favorites including LEGO DUPLO sets for toddlers, LEGO Star Wars for older kids and tons of super-cool LEGO sets for adults who never outgrew their love of all things LEGO (we totally get it). Be sure to scroll down and check out the interactive LEGO Super Mario sets as they top our list. Happy shopping!

LEGO® DUPLO®

LEGO® DUPLO® Parking Garage and Car Wash

$100 BUY NOW

This fun set is packed with activities for car-loving toddlers.

LEGO® DUPLO® Happy Childhood Moments

$100 BUY NOW

This set celebrates two big family events: Chinese New Year and the first day of kindergarten.

LEGO® DUPLO® Tower Crane & Construction

$130 BUY NOW

Build, zip around in vehicles and knock down some buildings with this set that toddlers will love.

LEGO® City

LEGO® City Wildlife Rescue Camp

$100 BUY NOW

Little builders can create a mobile lab and treehouse camp to help save animals with this fun set.

LEGO® DOTS

LEGO® DOTS Creative Designer Box

$32 BUY NOW

Little creators can build loads of different items to decorate their rooms with this creativity-packed set.

LEGO® Super Mario™

LEGO® Super Mario™ Adventures with Luigi Starter Course

$48 BUY NOW

Whether your kid is a gamer or a builder, they'll love this LEGO set that comes with pieces that work just like the Super Mario Brothers video game. As kids embark on a digital coin-collecting spree through the self-constructed course, Luigi's tiny LCD screen displays various reactions, while his speaker plays songs from the video game.

LEGO® Friends

LEGO® Friends Heartlake City Grand Hotel

$100 BUY NOW

This 3-story hotel has lots to explore from a parlor piano bar to a spa and penthouse.

LEGO® Creator

LEGO® Creator 3-in-1 Ferris Wheel

$80 BUY NOW

This set really delivers as it has three buildable options: a Ferris wheel, bumper cars and swing boat ride.

LEGO® Creator 3-in-1 Surfer Beach House

$40 BUY NOW

Build a surf shack, lighthouse and a pool house with this fun set that also comes with three sea animals – a dolphin, sea turtle and baby sea turtle.

LEGO® Harry Potter™

LEGO® Harry Potter™ Hogwarts™ Chamber of Secrets

$130 BUY NOW

Harry Potter fans will love building and displaying this set that comes with 11 minifigs and a posable Basilisk.

LEGO® Star Wars™

LEGO® Star Wars™ Attack of The Clones Yoda

$80 BUY NOW

Display this iconic character on your shelf after you build Yoda brick by brick.

LEGO® Star Wars™ Kylo Ren Shuttle Microfighter

$29 BUY NOW

This Star Wars set makes a fun stocking stuffer.

For Grown-Ups

LEGO® Volkswagen T2 Camper Van

$200 BUY NOW

Get ready to hit the road when you assemble this retro-fab set that lets you live out all your camper van dreams.

—Kate Loweth

Photos courtesy of LEGO. All items were available at the prices listed at time of publication. 

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Now You Can Bring Disneyland Home with This Incredible Disney LEGO Train Depot Set

by Shahrzad Warkentin

All aboard for Disney LEGO fun! A brand new LEGO Train and Station Set is pulling in for play time with your Mickey-loving master builders.

This incredible replica of the Disneyland Main Street Train Station features a motorized steam-style locomotive that resembles a mini version of Walt’s famous train. On the inside of the station you’ll find a ticket counter, café corner, a ceiling chandelier and a tower room. Aboard the train, LEGO minifigures can ride in style inside the parlor car complete with armchairs and tea service.

The new LEGO Train and Station Set is part of LEGO’s Hidden Side collection, which means it also has some exciting interactive features. The train and sound effects can be controlled via a smartphone using the LEGO Powered Up app. The set comes with a 20-piece oval track so you can take your passengers for a ride.

Speaking of passengers, the 2,925 piece set also comes packed with five minifigures including Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Chip, Dale and Goofy.

The new set will be available in stores and online Sep. 1 (Aug. 21 for LEGO VIP members) and is priced at $329.99.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

All photos: Courtesy of LEGO

 

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Now Open: An Eatery for Cookie Dough Lovers

by Ayren Jackson-Cannady

Of course you know the risky business involved with eating raw cookie dough (hello, bacteria from uncooked eggs!), but it’s sososo hard to resist…even just a tiny taste. Now, thanks to the opening of Sophie’s Dough, a gourmet edible cookie dough parlor in the Pentagon City Fashion Centre, you can have your double chocolate chip dough and eat it too!

Photo: Ayren Jackson-Cannady

Who’s genius idea was this?
Sophia Fellers, owner of Sophie’s Dough, always thought you should be able to enjoy cookie dough without the worry of getting sick. Touché. So, she tested and perfected a handful of recipes, and used her professional experience and Business degrees from George Mason University to open the first edible cookie dough shop in Northern Virginia and D.C. (it should be noted that there are a couple of cookie dough caterers and pop up shops in town, but Sophie’s is the first brick and mortar). Bonus points for being in a mall–for when carb loaded kids need to walk off some of that dough power before heading home.

Photo: Sophie’s Dough

What’s in the dough?
Sophie’s uses high quality ingredients to make dough from scratch daily at the shop. They use organic milk and brown sugar, heat treated flour (to kill bacteria) and NO eggs whatsoever. You and your family can confidently eat a little or a lot. The most popular flavors among cookie dough lovers of all ages are: Classic Cookie, Birthday Cake and Cookie Monster. You can get your dough in a variety of ways: scoops, sandwiches and milkshakes (yes, people). You can add a scoop of ice cream to your cookie dough or additional toppings. Scoops come in one, two and three. A single scoop is a good kid size serving, but if it can’t be eaten in one sitting, the dough stays delish for up to a week in the refrigerator.

Photo: Sophie’s Dough

Need a break from the sheet cake standby for the next party?
This sweet spot offers larger quantity special orders. One day notice is required, but you can order and pick up a fresh quart (approximately 10 servings) for $30 of whatever flavor you choose. Or, you can order a box of one dozen single scoops ( mix and match) $40.

Photo: Sophie’s Dough

What about a party for one?
For those times you just need to enjoy your cookie dough solo…while binge watching something on Netflix, Sophie’s also delivers scoops via Postmates. Drops mic.

Sophie’s Dough

1100 S Hayes St. (Arlington, Va)
Online: sophiesdough.com

Have you tried Sophie’s Dough yet? Share your thoughts in the comments. 

—Ayren Jackson-Cannady

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Warm Weather Must-Do: Magic Hour Roller Skating Party at LeFrak

by Mimi O'Connor

Whether you’re old enough to recall big combs in the back pocket of tight jeans, feathered hair and tube socks pulled all the way up, or just like the idea of taking a spin al fresco at dusk, we’ve got some exciting news. Magic Hour, an all-ages, “summertime roller skating jam” is back at LeFrak at Lakeside, and ready to roll. Hurry up and lace up!

photo: Flavorpill

Magic, man!
Taking its name from that special window of time at dawn and dusk when the light is just, well, magical (and when the event takes place) Magic Hour is an all-ages rollerskating party brought to you by the funky folks at Flavorpill.

From now until September 25, this moving and grooving party will take place every Sunday from 4 – 8 p.m. Each week will feature fresh DJ talent spinning tunes; the current lineup includes Gang Gang Dance with Michael Beharie (May 22), Talib Kweli and Prince Klassen (June 5) and Xeno & Oaklander with Heathered Pearls (June 19). (More DJ talent will be announced soon.)

photo: Flavorpill

Skating — and much more!
Never been to LeFrak at Lakeside? We can’t think of a better way or time to make a first visit. Not only does the $14 admission fee get you entrance to the party and skate rental,  LeFrak is a primo spot for warm weather fun. Cool down in the complex’s water feature, rent a paddleboat and cruise around the lake, or grab some refreshing grub at the on site Bluestone Cafe and Gelato Parlor. Plus: there’s a bar at Magic Hour for the 21 + crowd, so you can chill with a cold brew if you like — we recommend doing so after skating.

photo: Flavorpill

Get a Lyft
You can even have some help getting there.  Flavorpill teamed up with Lyft to offer a cheaper ride. Use the code MAGICHOUR15 to redeem 15% off a ride with the service.

In short, you really have no reason not to go. See you at Magic Hour! (We’ll be the ones wearing the rainbow suspenders.)

Magic Hour presented by Flavorpill
LaFrak at Lakeside
Tickets: $14
Sundays, 4 – 8 p.m., May 22 – Sept. 25
Prospect Park
Online: flavorpill.com/magic-hour

Did you hit up a Magic Hour last summer? Tell us about it in the comments! 

— Mimi O’Connor

 

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Just Opened! 10Below Ice Cream is Too Cool

by Mimi O'Connor

Another day, another novelty food item debuts in New York City. If you and the kids checked out every new culinary creation or confection in the five boroughs, not only would you very likely be clinically obese, you would also probably be unemployed. (Who else has that kind of time?) Furthermore: the under 10 set is probably not going to vibe on, say, kale-flavored ice cream with cilantro-infused whipped cream. However, 10Below is an ice cream shop worthy of your attention, time and taste buds. Here’s the scoop (har) on NYC’s latest nouveau parlor serving up the cool stuff.

The Concept
Debuting just a few weeks ago at the end of July, 10Below creates ice cream through a process originated in Thailand, during which you literally see your order made from fresh ingredients right before your eyes.

The shop takes its name from the ice cold (or, we suppose, even colder) plates maintained at the temperature of minus 10 degrees Fahrenheit, AKA, 10 below — or less.  Creating ice cream with this frigid method apparently results in smaller ice molecules leading to not only a smoother and creamier product, but also eliminating the need to add the fat and emulsifiers used in conventional ice cream production.

The Process
After choosing your flavor and paying, the raw ingredients are prepped in a cup and you wait for your turn. When you’re up, your personal ice cream concierge places the raw ingredients — which range from fresh fruit to Nutella to graham crackers — on the cold plate to give them the deep freeze. A proprietary, cream base is then added to the mix, and you watch as a 10Below employee mashes, smashes, slices and dices your raw ingredients, melds them into the rapidly freezing cream, and then ultimately, smoothes the mix into a sort of tasty frozen disc. Finally, the amalgam is carefully scraped from the cold plate in the form of what can only be described as an “ice cream roll up.”

Your cup of rolls is then topped with your choice of any number of fresh, tasty toppings, such as fresh fruit, condensed milk, whipped cream or even a marshmallow individually roasted on the spot.

The Tastes of 10Below
Flavors change weekly, but Strawberry Shawty (strawberries and graham crackers), Monkey Business (bananas and Nutella) and Honey Boo Boo (blueberry, raspberry and honey) are among the recurring popular choices. The roster also reflects what’s currently in season when it comes to fruit; the Mo Money Mo Mangoes (mangoes and strawberries), for example, is a hot seller right now. Other flavors include Smores Galore (marshmallow, graham crackers and chocolate) and Cookie Monster (Oreos).

Everything tastes fresh because it really is: Everything is made and prepared day of. (10Below doesn’t even have a freezer, so nothing is kept overnight.)

The Vibe
10Below is a pretty small place on the basement level of a building in Chinatown. A giant chalkboard decorated with an illustration of a rainbow and the parlor’s  cheery logo/mascot, a whale with an ice cream cone on its head, greets visitors when they walk in.

Hip-hop tunes boom from the sound system, and a young crowd is helped by an equally young staff and everyone seems to be having a god time. Because of the shop’s tiny footprint, things can get tight, but everyone’s, uh, chill about it, making 10Below feel a little like a clubhouse.(You may be the oldest person in there; we were.)

Before You Go to 10Below
Should you and the kids go to 10Below? Absolutely. But there are a few things you should know in advance.

The very nature of 10Below’s individual creations means that each order takes time, which means that no matter when you go, there will probably be a bit of a wait. (The nice part is that when it’s your turn, it’s your turn, and at least when we were there, fellow patrons tend to respectfully give you a “front row seat” to view your roll ups coming together.) That said, waits can be long; its not uncommon to see a line down the block and wait for an hour on a weekend afternoon. Which is why we recommend going on a weekday, ideally from 11 a.m. when they open, to early afternoon; from 4 pm. to early evening, things get a little nuts, apparently. The store also has limited seating and tables, so plan on taking your treats to go.

10Below
10 Mott St.
Chinatown
212-965-1336
Online: 10belowicecream.com

 

Have you experienced 10Below? Tell us what you thought of it in the comments!

—Mimi O’Connor

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A Miniature World to Explore With Your Mini Me

by rtamaliedrury

Who needs dollhouses when we’re living in the era of life-simulation video games like The Sims? Kids do, that’s who. Teeny-tiny universes capture children’s imaginations, so gather your clan and gaze into the Art Institute’s Thorne Miniature Rooms. The exhibit of 68 incredibly detailed European and American interiors is filled with tiny chandeliers, minuscule sweeping staircases and itty-bitty chaise lounges. Exploring them is a magical way to spend a few hours — and will leave your kids talking for days.

How to Find Them
Locating the Thorne Rooms can be an adventure in itself — the dark, maze-like exhibit is tucked away on the museum’s lower level under the Grand Staircase. If you’re coming from the AIC’s main entrance on Michigan Avenue, walk straight back into the museum until you see the staircase, then descend and enter the gallery on the south side of the room. From the Modern Wing entrance, walk through Griffin Court and exit through the glass doors that connect to the original part of the museum. Make a right through the South Asian Art galleries, then walk past another set of glass doors. Look for the staircase and head down.

photo: Mrs. James Ward Thorne Louisiana Bedroom c. 1942. The Art Institute of Chicago. Gift of Mrs. James Ward Thorne

Make It a Treasure Hunt
While you’re touring the exhibit, encourage your kids to delight in discovering secret, special details. Thorne Miniature Rooms caretaker Mican Morgan provided us with this list of ideas. Grownups, click on the red numbers in the brackets below to see the rooms online so you’ll know what to look for when you get there.

1. There are lots of animals living in the Thorne Rooms. Do you see a birdcage? [A32] Can you find two cats? One dog? [E1] There’s only one room with a goldfish in a bowl! [A36] Can you find it?

2. Some of the rooms have model ships in them. Can you find the room that has two models … one in a frame and one in a bottle? [A12] What about the room that has a model of the Mayflower? [A1]

3. Can you find the room that has the Eiffel Tower outside the window? [E27]

4. The Virginia Parlor is a replica of George and Martha Washington’s house. How many pictures of President Washington can you find in that room? [A21]

5. Which room has lots of tiny instruments inside? [A29]

6. Can you find the room with a tiny toy train? Did you know that the train is actually made of 24-carat gold? It was a gift to the exhibit’s creator, Mrs. Thorne, who painted it herself. [A33]

7. The Thorne rooms are doll sized, but some have dolls in them too! How many dolls can you find? (Answer: Three) [A12, A27, A23]

photo: Mrs. James Ward Thorne South Carolina Ballroom c. 1940. The Art Institute of Chicago. Gift of Mrs. James Ward Thorne.

Ask Questions and Take Selfies
Encourage little ones to engage with the vignettes by posing questions along the way. Which bedroom would they most like to sleep in? What do they think people cooked in each of the different kitchens?

If you’ve read the book series The Sixty-Eight Rooms by Marianne Malone, take the museum’s book-themed mini-tour — brochures are available at the desk near the entrance to the Thorne Miniature Rooms.

Finally, pause to snap a selfie in the convex mirror in the Virginia Drawing Room [A25], and later, walk over the museum’s American Art exhibits in the Rice Building to see convex mirrors that are life sized.

photo: Mrs. James Ward Thorne English Great Room c. 1937. The Art Institute of Chicago. Gift of Mrs. James Ward Thorne.

Plan Your Visit
The Art Institute is open daily from 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m. (and until 8 p.m. on Thursdays). Admission is $23 for adults and free for children under 14. Thursday nights are also free. Another bonus: There’s a new kids’ menu in the Museum Café.

The Art Institute of Chicago
111 S. Michigan Ave.
The Loop
312-443-3600
Online: artic.edu

Have you checked out the Thorne Miniature Rooms yet? Let us know in the Comments! 

— Amalie Drury

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10 Best NYC Shoe Stores for Kids

by Rachel Sokol

Whether your kids attend public or private school, their back-to-class ensembles won’t be complete without some great kicks on their little feet. Check out some of the best shoe stores for kids in Manhattan and the boroughs so your kids can go back to school in style, from head to toe! This list of favorites includes a shop where you can get a haircut at the same time and ones with sizes for the whole family from newborn to adult. (Don’t feel too guilty if you pick up some new shoes for yourself in the process – it’s hard to resist temptation!)

The New York Tradition: Harry’s Shoes for Kids. A real New York gem, Harry’s Shoes has been selling footwear to adults in the city since the 1930’s, and their amazing, stand alone children’s store (located half a block north of the main store) carries shoes for kids of all ages and foot sizes. Popular brands for the little ones include Biomechanics, Sperry, Hush Puppies and Primigi. (2315 Broadway, Upper West Side)

The “we don’t wanna leave!” shop: Ibiza Kidz. A well-known and well-stocked shoe, toy and clothing store, Ibiza Kidz isn’t just a great place to find a great pair of back-to-school sneakers or boots. It’s the kind of store that caterers to kids and aims to keep them busy while you work on outfitting them. They’ll love playing in the carpeted sections – that is, when they’re not shouting, “Mommy, can I pleeease have this?!” Popular shoes in stock this season include brands Geox, Primigi, Saucony and more. (830 Broadway, Greenwich Village)

Image courtesy of Yelp

The fashion-forward store: Tip Top Kids. The owner of this kids’ shoe store says this season, both short boots and tall boots are walking out the door, riding boots – both flat and with wedges – are popular, brown leathers are coming on strong especially with the ‘worn look,’ and kids are gravitating towards silver rubber Hunter boots and styles from Steve Madden, Michael Kors, Tommy Hilfinger and more. Always popular, Skechers with lights, are also in-demand. Be forewarned that this store can get busy, so you may want to go in off hours if you can. Need shoes for yourself? Visit the adult outpost next door. (149 W 72nd St., Upper West Side)

The ‘Who Knew?’ shoe store: Shoe Parlor. When walking past Shoe Parlor, both locals and pedestrians may not immediately realize this large store also carries a variety of children’s shoes at great prices. They even sell baby shoes. Kids and parents are on the hunt for Converse, New Balance, Doc Maartens, and Sketchers this season. (851 Seventh Ave., Midtown West)

The trusty chain: Stride Rite. When it comes to chain stores, Stride Ride is aces; they’ve been fitting tiny toes for generations. This well-known shop carries its own line of colorful sneakers and shoes for boys and girls, but you’ll also find other brands such as Merrell, Hush Puppies and Crocs. Their niche theme shoes include Sesame Street, Disney and Star Wars for those kids that just gotta have their characters. (151 W 34th St., Midtown West)

The place for exclusive styles: Little Eric Shoes. This family-run shop carries its own exclusive line for children. (Celebs stop in to get kicks for their kids.) All high-quality leather shoes under the Little Eric label are manufactured in Italy and best-sellers include cowboy boots in vibrant colors, traditional Mary Janes, basic loafers and ballerina flats in various styles. Kids can also take a ride on the store’s mechanical train and horse. (1118 Madison Ave., Upper East Side)

–Rachel Sokol

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