My family and I are visiting NYC during Dec.and were planning to go to Woodbury Common for bargain shopping.After reading some comments in travel talk I am not so sure it would be worth the expense of getting there.Is this true? What about Secaucus,NJ is this similar to Woodbury?

While Secaucus, at one time, was the premier outlet center in the Northeast, today it can't compare to Woodbury Common. The latter is THE premier outlet in the Northeast. If you're a shopper, then it's the place to go. Of course, the question is: Is shopping more important to you than seeing or doing something else when in New York?
One disadvantage of going to Secaucus is that you need a car to go from out outlet to another there. At Woodbury Common, once you're there, you walk to everything.

Hi Chris:
If you don't feel like driving, Shortline has bus service from the Port Authority Bus Terminal directly to Woodbury. www.shortline.com for schedules, etc.
If you do want to drive, plan on a 90 minute trip from Mid Manhattan. Exit 16 off the New York State Thruway.
If you care to and the weather is nice, take the West side Highway to the George Washington Bridge. Go up the Palisades Parkway to Route 6 west. It lead directly to Woodbury Commons. It is a nicer ride and there are no tractor trailers. There is a little rest stop by Bear Mountain on the Palisades Parkway with clean rest rooms and snacks if you need them. Plenty of parking once you get there. Have fun!

The big advantage to shopping in Secaucus is that there is NO tax on clothing. No dollar limits like in NY, where the tax exempt maximum is $110.00. I personally do not like Woodbury Commons - too crowded and no real bargains. I prefer Secaucus - my favorite outlet there is Andrew Marc for leather coats.

Chris:
With all the grat shopping in NYC, why bother with Secaucus or Woodbury. no real bargains just last years stuff. By the way Orange County, where Woodbury is located still charges 3.25 percent on clothing purchases.
Enjoy your stay in NYC.

Anyone who thinks Woodbury Common has no bargains and only sells last year's "stuff"....well, you really don't know Woodbury Common. And, if you go during the week, you avoid the big crowds.

Thanks for your prompt replies people,we're spending 5 days in NYC(our 3rd visit from South Africa) we've seen most of the "tourist" stuff,but I think we have enough time this time to try something a bit further.
See ya.

I am very familiar with the area around Woodbury Commons. I too recommend going during the week first thing in the morning when they open. Avery international crowd shops there. There is a lot to see, in the area too. Renting a car and driving along the hudson river from West Point is breath taking along Storm King Mountain. The quaint village of Cornwall on the Hudson has a great casual hip bar restaurant called Painter's Tavern which also has clean simple affordable rooms available. The chef is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America. Also in the area is the Storm King Art Center with it's fabulous collection of outdoor sculpture, many Calders. All this 15 minutes from Woodbury Commons. Enjoy!!