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<\/a><\/p>\nCity.<\/strong>\u00a0 New York City, New York, United States<\/p>\n When?\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0Friday, August 31, 2013 – Tuesday, September 3, 2013 (4 nights and 4 full days + half of a day, over Labor Day Weekend). \u00a0We took a red-eye from LAX and landed at Newark just before 8am.<\/p>\n Where? <\/strong>The W Union Square served as our wonderful base for the long weekend. \u00a0After originally booking the Sheraton in Times Square, we jumped at the chance to book the W during a sale (a non-refundable reservation, but it was close enough to the trip that we felt comfortable booking). \u00a0With all taxes and fees, we paid just under $300 a night, which isn’t much more than other hotels we had looked at during our trip planning. \u00a0We’ll post a more detailed post about the hotel, but overall we really enjoyed our stay and would recommend this hotel (and this area!) to anyone visiting New York.<\/p>\n Transportation. \u00a0<\/strong>As mentioned above, we flew into (and out of) the Newark airport. \u00a0We took the train into and out of Penn Station and a taxi to\/from the hotel (we were originally planning to take the subway, but we were talked out of it by a stranger on the train – thank goodness). \u00a0Other than getting into and out of New York, we stuck with the subway (mostly) and a few cab rides here and there. \u00a0Very easy and not too expensive – we bought a 7-day subway pass and the cab fares were surprisingly inexpensive.<\/p>\n Food.<\/strong>\u00a0 We ate well, thanks to our hosts for the weekend (Ryan’s brother, Kevin, and his girlfriend, Meagan). \u00a0New York has so much to offer – I wish we had done more research beforehand, but we still tried a variety of cuisines – pizza, Italian (non-pizza Italian), several brunches, bagels, Peruvian (I can’t wait to share more about that meal), and even a late-night bar dinner.<\/p>\n Day Trips. \u00a0<\/strong>None, in less Brooklyn or the Bronx count!<\/p>\n Attractions.<\/strong>\u00a0 We did a lot – Yankees game, spent time in Brooklyn, the 9\/11 Memorial, the Met, Central Park (pictured below), a little bit of shopping, a boat ride on the river, and more. \u00a0Some of the best experiences were just wandering around (especially with Kevin and Meagan – they were troopers and played tourist with us for the weekend while making sure we tried some of their favorite spots for food).<\/p>\n Language Barrier.<\/strong>\u00a0 None, unless you have issues understanding the New York accent (I honestly barely noticed it).<\/p>\n Cost. \u00a0<\/strong>We had issues finding a reasonably-priced hotel (really nothing in Manhattan south of Central Park for under the low $200s – okay, maybe a few options, but not much), but I was pleasantly surprised with the cost of food. \u00a0It is very possible to eat cheaply – we did a few times – and I’m sure it’s very easy to be extravagant.<\/p>\n Advice. \u00a0<\/strong>The only downside was the weather – hot (mid 80s) and very humid (so it felt like 100+). \u00a0I was miserable at times. \u00a0If possible, go during the spring or summer, when it will be more manageable!<\/p>\n Closing comments. \u00a0<\/strong>We are sitting here wishing we were back in New York. \u00a0We had a great time and plan to visit again next year. \u00a0It’s definitely a place to continue to visit because there will always be more to explore. \u00a0We plan to go again and again! \u00a0(Also, our 4 night trip definitely felt like a long enough mini vacation, so a long weekend will be great for a quick trip!)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" We just returned from a long weekend in New York City! \u00a0I don’t feel qualified to write a city overview on New York since we barely scratched the surface, but this will be have to work as a suitable overview … Continue reading <\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n