I bet a lot of you out there have been to an American Girl store, whether it's an actual American Girl Place or one of the new Boutique and Bistros. As an adult collector, it was always my dream to visit one of these stores. This dream was made possible back in 2008 when my daughter was attending the University of Connecticut and we made a couple of little side visits to New York City. The first time I walked into the store, I was like a kid in a candy shop! I had heard about and seen lots of pictures from doll collecting friends, but it is just something that you have to experience at least once.
One of my favorite things about going to an AGP is the Personal Shopping service they have. My personal shopper in New York is Robyn and my PS in Chicago is Ingrid. Did you know that this service is totally free? If it's your first visit to the store, it might be a good idea to schedule an appointment with the PS you have chosen. I basically heard about these two ladies from some doll friends. When you arrive at the store, you can meet your PS and she will show you the personal shopping area. I don't know if New York has rearranged its area but we recently visited the Chicago AGP and they have cubbies or bookshelves where you can place your loot while you shop! Once that bag gets too heavy to lug around, you just take it to the PS area, put your name on it and go shop some more.
My recent trip to AGP Chicago was to meet up with a friend whom I had met up with there 2 years ago. My daughter has been so gracious as to always choose a college that just happens to be close to an AGP! ;) All kidding aside, she currently attends Purdue University which is just 2 hours away from Chicago. So of course we have made 2 trips there now. Maybe just one more before she graduates in May.....
The special part of this store trip was getting to eat lunch there. It was the first time my friend and I ever ate at the store. My friend and I didn't think we would get reservations as late as we came up with the idea to eat there but it all worked out. The cafe is amazing, the food is really good and the waiters and waitresses are all awesome. Even if you're not a little girl, you will feel like they treat you like a princess when you are there. Yes, I won't lie, the meal does cost but it's the same price for kids or adults and there is a nice choice. Standard items are the first course of mini sweet rolls, one for each diner, second course is some veggies and cheese-stuffed pretzel bread. Then your entree is whatever you choose--soda is extra so I went with iced tea. Dessert is chocolate mousse in a cute flower pot cup, a petit-four cake and a flower shaped Kanani cookie. All very delicious!
Being a big fan of American Girl dolls, of course I had to choose a special doll as a souvenir from this trip. One tip, if you're from out of state and you buy in Chicago or any of the stores, it may be more cost-effective to have your order mailed to your home, which is what I did. We were there on Saturday of Labor Day weekend so my package mailed on Tuesday and arrived here on Thursday. I still haven't gone through everything, I guess I want to savor it!
Since the new historicals, Marie-Grace and Cecile are out now, there was a ballroom dancing demonstration/lesson which was interesting to watch. Later that afternoon, a sign said there would be crafts and then that evening was a fancy dinner to officially kick off the new dolls' arrival. We stayed till maybe 3:00 or so.
A lot of people would like to see American Girl stores in every state but I have to disagree with that. For one thing, it would add sales tax to the online orders but even more importantly, I think it would take away from the special feeling of going somewhere that isn't right in your own backyard. It's sort of an adventure and I would love to see it stay that way.
Well if you lasted through this whole blog, thank you! Now here are some pictures for you from the store and also one of my new doll, #57 who was just released. I named her Britt because she looks like a brown-eyed Kit!
If you have a doll-related blog and want to link up with me, just let me know! Until next time! Have fun with your dolls, no matter what age you are!
Cecile and Marie-Grace
Kit & Ruthie
First course
Second course
American Girl Mini Picnic Lunch
Dessert!
Kailey, my new #57 Britt and Amanda #12
I love this thank you for posting now I am starving and I just ate pie! Great photos and I am totally jealous!
ReplyDeleteHow fun to read about your experiences at the AG store, Tari! I still regret that DH and DS and I did not go to the AG Place in NYC when DS still lived there. One October evening, the deal was that we would wait in line to see the Letterman Show and if we did not get in, then we would go to AGP. Well, we were the last 3 admitted to see the taping of the show and then DS moved unexpectedly. Our younger son commutes 2 days a week from Baltimore to a town near the store in Tyson Corners (which is referred to as the DC store) and I have told him that sometime when we visit, he can drop me off at the AG store and pick me up after he is done for the day, but he usually works noon - midnight or later. I don't think they would keep the store open that late for me!
ReplyDeleteLinda
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Karen and Linda, thanks for your comments! I'm sorry it took me awhile to get them published--I have it set up so that no one can get on here and post icky stuff or spam me. I will have to be more vigilant to check for comments since the email I use for this blog isn't one I check every single day.
ReplyDeleteLove this, Tari! This is Jeanette, and I will be making a visit to the Chicago AGP next month - my first since they moved it to Water Tower Place. I am so excited! I loved reading your experiences and seeing your pics. I agree that AGP is a truly magic place!
ReplyDeleteJeanette, you will love that store! It's bigger than I remember the other Chicago store being but then again, I had only been to that one once before they moved it. So glad you enjoyed the blog--I still need to post the link for the album! :)
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