4 Nights in the City: A Spring Escape to New York A getaway with my daughters, filled with history, shopping, and unforgettable meals in the heart of New York.

There’s nothing quite like New York City in the springtime—bustling streets, endless shopping, and unexpected discoveries around every corner. On a recent four-night stay in the city with my two twenty-something daughters, we checked into The Dominick, a sleek downtown hotel known for its spacious rooms and prime SoHo location. While the accommodations were generous and well-appointed, the hotel’s persistent elevator delays—sometimes requiring up to 10 minutes just to reach our room—were a frustrating drawback to an otherwise luxurious experience.

One highlight: the gym at The Dominick. I loved the spacious, well-equipped fitness center and made good use of it a couple of mornings during our stay. It was the perfect way to get some weights in before walking throughout the city.

We spent time exploring SoHo, popping into shops and getting some retail therapy. We couldn’t resist an afternoon stop at Culture, a frozen yogurt shop that quickly became a repeat favorite. As a history buff, I especially appreciated our visit to the Tenement Museum, which offered a unique and powerful perspective on New York City’s Lower East Side. We toured two different apartments, each set up to reflect a different time period, and gained an intimate glimpse into the lives of the immigrant families who once lived there. It was an experience that brought history to life in a way that felt both personal and incredibly relevant.

On my last full day of the trip, I took a solo train ride to Princeton, while my daughter went to work. I wandered the university’s picturesque campus and enjoyed a coffee in the historic town adjacent the the campus.

Food, of course, played a central role in our itinerary. With so many restaurants in New York, it is impossible to visit them all despite our best efforts. We started one morning with breakfast at the recently opened Pura Vida Miami, a stylish, health-focused café that brought a bit of South Florida’s laid-back vibe to NYC. The place was packed with post-workout regulars enjoying their avocado toast, creating a buzzy, energetic atmosphere that set the perfect tone for the day. Evenings included charcuterie and wine at Bisou, a chic, candlelit bar perfect for relaxing before dinner, and a fantastic meal at West Bank Cafe, a cozy spot that delivered both comfort and great food. We also had standout dinners at Houseman, just a short walk from the hotel, and Gjelina—each offering thoughtful, beautifully executed dishes in warm, downtown settings.

Whether revisiting classic favorites or uncovering new gems, this mother-daughter getaway offered the perfect balance of culture, connection, and delicious meals—exactly the kind of experience that keeps New York feeling fresh, no matter how many times you visit.