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Manhattan West stretches between 9th and 10th Avenues and from 30th Street to 33rd Street. The towering skyscrapers include a hotel, office building, and residential tower. At ground level, there's plenty to see and do, plus places to shop and eat. Managed by the same developers as Battery Park's Brookfield Place, family-friendly performances and installations have already sprung up and we have high hopes that more fun is in store here.

Daily Provisions

My family of foodies beelined for this vibrant and filled corner bakery upon arrival. Marrying an old-time feel and a modern twist, it stands out, painted a beautiful royal blue. We indulged in tea and desserts while we warmed up from our winter journey, and we had a wonderful time dancing in our seats to the pop music streaming through the space. The mood was festive and the space filled with chatter from neighboring tables, plus happy giggles from our satisfied toddler.

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Citrovia Landing offers a bright, whimsical art display to explore, plus plenty of outdoor seating to enjoy your snacks.

Citrovia Landing

When life gives you lemons, build a larger-than-life lemon garden. Citrovia is an interactive, instagrammable display of large handmade lemons that overflows with brightness even in the dark of winter. This installation is sure to capture your imagination, and little ones delight in running around and trying their best to reach the lemons. Pose for playful photos or use your phone to open an augmented reality wonderland. A downloadable kids coloring book can continue the fun after your visit.

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Take a spin on the ice at the pleasently uncrowded Rink at Manhattan West.

The Rink at Manhattan West

Manhattan's newest outdoor ice skating rink is found here, and it's hidden enough that it's a great place to visit if you want a leisurely skate without constantly bumping into someone. Admission starts at $20 per person, and skate aids are available for first-timers. A word to the wise, though: The smallest skates when we visited were a child's size 12, so bring your own if you have pint-sized skaters. Lessons are also available.

Citizens Food Hall

This is a grand food hall brings you into the era of modern dining. A dozen separate food booths offer a variety of delicious eats and treats. Place your order at one of the self-service kiosks, and settle in at one of the artsy seating areas to await your meal. We dined on corn-flake crusted chicken tenders and a large portion of mac and cheese. My daughter gobbled it up—it was the first time my little girl finished an entire portion of anything. On the way out we stopped by the first NYC outpost of Cindy Lou’s Cookies for an oversized, spinkle-covered cookie. Don't worry, these gargantuan cookies in classic flavor combinations, are big enough to share.

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No matter what team you root for, the NHL Shop has you covered.

NHL Shop

We heard rumors the Stanley Cup was on display in this mega shop, the official retail destination of the National Hockey League, but it was no longer there. Our disappointment was short-lived. The shop houses tons of memoribilia, including an ice wall that displays famous jerseys of well-known players. Plesent employees, an AR photo booth, and the promise of occasional appearances from current and former players will keep fans coming back again and again. If you are an NHL fanatic this is the place for you, filled with everything hockey, you will not come out empty handed. 

​Photos by the author