Whether you are coming from near or far, the Big Apple holds an appeal unmatched anywhere else in the world: it's cosmopolitan yet quirky, full of energy yet brimming with peaceful parks; full of uptown shopping and downtown art galleries; and equal parts exhilarating and exasperating. It's New York, and it's the perfect place for a weekend getaway.
Book your hotel and flight. For the latter, simply go to expedia.com or travelocity.com and key in your destination. Remember, you can fly into Newark if it saves you money. From Newark, you would take Amtrak into Penn Station in New York or take the PATH train for even less money. New York City has two airports: JFK and LaGuardia. Some airlines don't fly into one or the other so make sure you double check your reservations before you leave (especially on your way back: you do not want to miss your flight because you are at the wrong airport.)For hotels, it's up to you and your budget. New York isn't cheap, but does offer a few lower-cost options such as the House of the Redeamer in the Upper East Side. This is recommended more for spiritual Christians who need a retreat for a few days. The staff won't grill you on this, though, and if you are a peaceful couple of any denomination you should be able to enjoy the premises. You can stay for just under or just over $100 per night.If you like Greenwich Village (simply "the Village" to New Yorkers), the Washington Square Hotel is perfect, albeit plagued by a common New York problem: rooms the size of your biggest suitcase. Be prepared to bump your elbows on the walls as you turn around. But it's an ideal location, right on the park and near funky cafes, theater, artsy shops and amazing restaurants (see Resources below).
Start with a trip out to Battery Park at sunset the Friday night you arrive. If you are visiting in the thick of the summer crush, this is not as recommended, but in autumn or spring, it's magical. In October the golden and crimson leaves on the trees showcase the East River as the Statue of Liberty rises from the waters beneath pink clouds. In Spring, dogwoods dot the city and turn even the meanest financial industry CEO into an unabashed romantic.Ask your cabbie to drive you out there. From Grand Central it shouldn't run you more than about $15; more if you are coming from the airport. Typically, taxi fare from the airports is in the $55 to $60 range, with shuttles and buses much less (see Resources below).
Gorge on typically New York foods: matzo ball soup, pastrami sandwiches, egg creams, "Cosmos" (or Cosmopolitans, made popular by "Sex and the City") and, of course, the ubiquitous and delicious New York City hot dog.Ask your hotel concierge where he recommends, but better yet check in with the locals before you go.
Take a stroll through Central Park. This is a no-brainer. If you are with your honey, get thee to Wolman Ice Rink during the winter for a romantic skate straight out of the movie "Serendipity." If you are with a friend, try your luck with a game of touch football or Frisbee along the Great Lawn. The phenomenal views of the New York skyline--the Met to your west and the Dakota to the east--will charm and delight.
Spend time shopping. This means Fifth Avenue (Sax Fifth Avenue, Trump Plaza, etc.) and Bloomingdales on the Upper East Side. The new Apple Store on Fifth near the park is fun for technophiles. For Francophiles, a cute French gift shop right on Rockefeller Center ("Rock") will enchant. In winter, you can gaze out at the skaters while rubbing elbows with, who knows, an NBC executive or two!
