Hi
Going to NYC for the first time in Dec. We thought since we have never been back East before we would also stop somewhere else to. What would you suggest? DC, Boston, Phili- where. You will deciede for us. By the way we are from outside of Vegas so I know wherever we go it will be freezing. Thanks for you help it is much appreciated.

You have to tell us some more about you. Interests/likes/dislikes, how long you have for total trip, how long for 2nd stop, budget...means of travel.

Not knowing too much about your trip...I love Boston, it's a great city. You could rent a car from NYC, stop at a country inn somewhere in CT on your way to the Mass Pike for a night, and drop off the car when you get to Boston. I would think 3 nights in Boston would give you a good taste on your first visit. Or, if you want a more direct route with no car or 1 night stop, you could take the train or a one-way flight.

I'm Canadian, but, for what it is worth from north of the border, I think any American who can manage it should spend a day or two in Washington.

It might remeind you that politicians are not supposed to be liars and con-artists, and a great many, in fact are genuinely honest men and women tryihng to do the best for their country.

Look at some of the statues and memorials, and you'll get a feel for the majesty of your country.

Plus, there are interesting museums, and so on. A day might be long enough.

If you've never seen the ocean, you might be well served just to rent a car and drive out to the end of Long Island, too.

BAK

NYC nice - VERY busy time of the year in the city (if it's possible for it to be busier than usual???) with the wind sometimes being worse than the actual temperatures - but lots to see, do, shop! Despite the weather and the crowds it's probably my most favorite time of the year to visit the city (I'm now an Arizonan but lived in Connecticut most of my life so I know about the weather difference!)

Boston nice - and if you're into history don't forget to check out Plymouth, Salem, Concord etc - so many people forget about all the wonderful historically important locations that can be visited in that area.

DC also nice, talk about history! - again don't forget other areas such as beautiful Williamsburg.

I'm from MA and I love Boston and it is a slightly shorter trip. However, if you are bringing your 5 with you, I think that Washington would be cheaper. Almost all the sites are free in Washington and the weather will most likely be warmer. At least you won't have that bone-chilling wind that makes every New Englander tuck their head into their chin from Nov. to April.

momof5, how long is your trip?

Anything less than one week, I would stay in NYC and not visit another town.

Reason being, NYC has the first run plays, better museums, better shopping, better architecture, better food, better everything than the other cities mentioned with the exception of maybe the Smithsonian in DC.

One more thing about DC. It is the first place that I have ever visited that truly brought tears to my eyes. If you are not planning on coming back to the East Coast, you must see the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery. I'm sure others feel differently but I'm very happy that my children have seen those two things.

I think I would stay out of DC for a couple months after this upcoming election. It is going to be SO close, and they are going to be counting and recounting and crying foul for SO long, that emotions are going to be running high well into the New Year!

Thanks to all of you who answered my question. We have chosen to stay in NYC. In the Spring or maybe summer we are going to take all 5 of the kids to DC. I think they will love it. Now if I could just figure out what hotel and what part of Manhattan to stay st we would be ok.

Might also want to ask which airport is most convenient to fly into coming from Vegas to Manhattan.

Oops, I see you've already asked that on another thread, and ended up getting even more confused!

Well, if I had enough dough to stay in Manhattan in December, I'd choose the newly remodeled Hilton near Times Square on 42nd street. Great hotel for first timers. On more of a budget, I guess I'd try the Belvedere or the Radisson Lexington.
I'd go on a Sunday and take Continental into Newark, $250 for a 7am out of Vegas(arrives 2:45pm) and either an 11:15am or a 4pm departure out of Newark on the return.

Happy Holidays!