Are you planning on visiting New York City and would love to visit the flagship American Girl store? Well, I’m here to tell you all the fantastic things you can do while you’re there.
This summer, Madison and I took a quick trip to New York City to be with family and friends. While Madison has previously visited during spring breaks and for major holidays such as Christmas and Thanksgiving, she’s never really experienced a New York summer.
Summer in New York City, while hot and humid is the best time to visit, in my opinion. There is so much to do and see, but beware, because it can also get pretty crowded.
The American Girl store located at 75 Rockefeller Plaza is in the perfect spot for window shopping along 5th Avenue and also visiting Rockefeller Center, where the infamous lighting of the Christmas tree takes place every December. While the skating rink is inactive during the summer, you can still get a good view of where it all happens.
But I digress. When you think of American Girl, you think of purchasing the new ‘Girl of the Year’ Doll and all the accessories that you can get your hands on. However, there is so much more to do at the flagship store, as there are two floors of fun.
So what can you do?
PURCHASE OR CREATE A NEW DOLL
While the first floor is dedicated to the doll of the year, with this year being Luciana, you can also find WellieWishers, BeForever, and the create-your-own section too, while taking the escalator or elevator to the 2nd floor, will bring you the Bitty Babies and even more dolls.
The Create-Your-Own section is genuinely one of a kind. Here you’re able to create a doll that is uniquely yours from head to toe. While you won’t be able to walk out of the store with your creation, as it will be mailed to you, just the experience is exhilarating. You can, however, also create unique outfits which you can take home with you that same day.
VISIT THE GIRL SALON
The American Girl flagship store is the only store where you can get your hair done? While most stores offer the services to the dolls, for the very first time, you, yes YOU, can get your hair done just like your doll.
There are quite a few hairstyles to choose from, from ponytails to fishtails and much more.
Madison’s hairdresser Amanda was terrific from start to finish, and if you followed along with my IG stories you would have seen it all take place. She talked Madison through the entire process, and when it was all over, the transformation was amazing! Madison even smiled!
Other services at the Girl Salon include ear piercing done by a certified American Girl associate, and it consists of a pair of earrings and a bottle of ear-care solution and instructions.
Manicures are also available with your choice of nail polish color, and you can even get a signature American Girl nail art design on your fingers.
PAY A VISIT TO THE DOLL SALON
You can totally twin it with your doll! That hairstyle that transformed the way you look can be duplicated on your doll. While you may say that “the other stores have a doll salon”, it’s not quite like the one at the flagship store, because you won’t have the experience of “twinning it”. Madison’s doll ‘Maddie’ got her hair done by her own hairdresser Moe, who was a delight. She interacted with both doll and Madison and treated them with such patience that she won Madison over completely, and that’s difficult to do. She also taught us how to take care of Maddie’s hair when we’re at home.
There are other services for your doll as well such as:
- A doll manicure which includes painting both the fingernails and toenails of your doll, and you even receive a just-for-dolls nail polish that you can take home with you.
- Doll ear piercing if you would love to do it along with your doll, or just as a stand-alone. Your doll will receive an extra pair of earrings and a care tip booklet that you also take home.
- Or give your doll the full spa deluxe package which includes a face scrub, spa robe, headband, nail decals, and cucumber stickers for her eyes.
HAVE A MEAL AT THE CAFÉ
I highly suggest visiting the Café before you leave, located on the second floor. Not only do you get a seat at the table, but so does your child’s doll, and you get to take home your doll’s eating utensils as a souvenir when it’s all over.
While there is a kid-friendly menu, don’t despair, they also offer wine and beer for the adults as well. The food was delicious, and while we skipped on dessert, you have an offering of cupcakes, ice-cream sundaes, and much more. The Café also offers birthday parties, brunch, or afternoon tea parties to families.
By the way, that pretty tie you see holding your napkin together with your utensils? You get to keep it as a token of their appreciation for visiting the café.
With so much to see and do at the American Girl store at 75 Rockefeller Plaza, make sure to add it to your list of places to visit the next time you’re in New York City.
