September Getaway: Yet Another Reason to Visit NYC

We’re so in love with New York City that we’re willing to brave its harshest moments in January and February if it means we can get a few days in on the cheap. We realize, however, that not everyone is as hardy (read: batsh*t) as we are, and for that reason we’d like to encourage you to book a $300 ticket NOW for a visit to the Big Apple in September, a more SoCal’er-friendly time of year for a visit east.  And while Fashion Week takes over Manhattan in September and is an obvious to-do for our little brokettes, we’d like to instead highlight a hot neighborhood that, while not in Vogue is certainly ‘en vogue’: Red Hook (and yes, it’s in Brooklyn).

Getting There: Take the B61 bus from Brooklyn’s Jay Street/MetroTech Station or go to Wall Street’s Pier 11 and take the water taxi, which is free on weekends and $5 every other day. It drops you off at Brooklyn’s only Ikea, but from there you can walk to Van Brunt St., which is Red Hook’s main drag.

Where to stay: We recommend going the obvious route -- stay with a friend or kindly relative (or what's-her-name from sophomore year Psych class). If all contacts fall through, though, check out Taryn Southern’s tips for scoring cheap accommodations or try Downtown Brooklyn’s Nu Hotel (ask for a room in the back as Atlanic Avenue can be noisy).  If you’re an AAA member, be sure to mention it when booking to secure a discount.

Morning Coffee & Cupcakes: Baked, for Stumptown Coffee (which is roasted in Red Hook) and Salted Caramel Cupcakes.

Where to Eat, Drink, & Be Merry: The Good Fork (try the dumplings); Fort Defiance (cocktails are a must; we also suggest the burger); Red Hook Lobster Pound (lobster rolls the likes of which LA has never seen); the Red Hook soccer fields on the weekends (for locally-esteemed pupusas & tacos).

Where to Eat Like Today Is Your Last: Steve’s Key Lime. Try the Swingle, a chocolate-dipped-key-lime-pie-on-a-stick.

Best Dive: Live music and cheap drinks at Sunny's, plus an exhibition space -- check out the current installation by Paul Jacobsen.

Rooftop Eats:  Alma Restaurant, just slightly removed from Redhook proper on Columbia Street. Great views of lower Manhattan.

Where to Shop: Also on Columbia Street, check out the Brooklyn Collective. Stop by Erie Basin for amazing antique jewelry, some affordable, some not-so-much. Otherwise, stroll and discover or, if you’re feeling ambitious, take a long-ish walk to Bird in Carroll Gardens, Eva Gentry in Boerum Hill, or Burlap in Cobble Hill -- amazing collections at all, but expect to mostly gaze and admire as opposed to buying anything.

Non-Cheesy Must-Do: Movies on the Valentino Pier -- watch films as the Statue of Liberty watches you. Rent a bike at Dog Day Cyclery. Peruse the Red Hook Urban Garden Center.

Cheesy Must-Do: Climb aboard the The Waterfront Museum and Showboat Barge.

Locals-Only Tip: There are cobblestones and potholes everywhere -- don’t be the idiot girl falling all over herself in heels.

Rookie Mistake: You won’t find yellow cabs cruising around Red Hook, so take the number of a car service before you head out there or ask your bartender for a number so you don’t get stranded. We like Aricebo or Eastern.

What to Pack:

1. Cheap umbrella, or buy it off the street for $5. You will inevitably lose this.
2. Madewell Boyjean in Bronco Wash, $115
3. Evil Twin ‘Don’t Look Back’ Stripe Knit Poncho, $158.60. We also LOVE this poncho.
4. Rabbit Print Scallop Purse, $15
5. Zara Velvet Moccasin, $69.90
6. Forever 21 Racerback Basic Tank, $4.50
7. Positively No Dancing by Jim Mason
8. Armani Exchange Slim Cardigan, $49
9. Kimchi Blue Polka Dot Drawstring Backpack, $59
10. Forever 21 Flying Dove Bangle Set, $7.80
11. MinkPink Robin Hood Shirtdress, $75.99
12. Boutique 9 Rusty Boot, $200