Just a New York minute!

November is almost here and you know what that means: it’s time to start planning your trip to New York City! The Big Apple has tons to enjoy during the month of November, especially if you’re gearing up for the holiday season. Here are some of the events you’ll need to add to your itinerary during your NYC trip:

The ING New York City Marathon: If you want to see an amazing event that’s all about achieving goals, giving it your all, and doing something wonderful, it’s the New York Marathon. This year’s event, sponsored by ING, will be held on November 7^th. Feel free to watch or compete – it’s up to you! Learn more at http://www.nycmarathon.org/

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade: Beginning at 77^th Street and Central Park West and ending at 7^th Avenue and 34^th Street, this annual parade is one of the most widely anticipated New York City events of the year. In fact, 3.5 million line the streets to see it and 50 million more watch the giant balloons and floats on TV!  Get there early to reserve your spot along the parade route!  Learn more: http://social.macys.com/parade2010/ or book your Thanksgiving vacation in New York City at http://www.nyctrip.com/Pages/Index.aspx?PageID=83

The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting: Located in the center of the complex of buildings between 47^th and 50^th Streets and 5^th and 7^th Avenues, the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is something that people come to see from all around the world. See it be illuminated for the year if you attend the ceremony on Tuesday, November 30, 2010. Bring your camera and dress warm while you enjoy live performances from a variety of popular artists, ice skaters, and much more! Visit http://www.nyctrip.com/pages/index.aspx?pageID=1035 for more information.

Chocolate Show New York: Billed as the world’s largest event dedicated to chocolate, the Chocolate Show is a sweet tooth’s paradise. This event offers displays from more 65 fine chocolate companies, cooking demonstrations, fun activities, book signings, and even a Chocolate Fashion Show. Hungry yet? Get tickets and more information at http://newyork.salon-du-chocolat.com/accueil.aspx. Runs November 11-14, 2010 at the Metropolitan Pavilion, 125 West 18th Street (between 6th and 7th Avenues).

The New York Comedy Festival: Tickle your funny bone November 3-7, 2010 at this annual event produced in association with Comedy Central. Get the schedules, tickets, and information about how to get in on the action by visiting http://www.nycomedyfestival.com/.

What other events are you looking forward to this November in New York City? Share them with us!

 Looking for an exclusive place to stay while you enjoy a Halloween celebration in NYC? Then be sure to check out the Doubletree Guest Suites NYC. This luxurious destination is right in the middle of the city’s cultural mix and energy. You’ll find Broadway theaters, world-famous restaurants, shopping, museums, and attractions within walking distance including Radio City Music Hall, Rockefeller Center, and 5th Avenue. Who could ask for more on a New York City trip?

This hotel features all suites as well as an awesome location in the “new” Times Square. Each guest room offers a living room, dining area, and private bedroom, so you know you’ll have plenty of space to enjoy your stay. And as always, there’s fresh baked chocolate chip cookies upon arrival.

Guests will enjoy amenities in their rooms like:

• In-suite refrigerators
• Microwaves
• Coffeemakers
• Safes
• High-speed internet access
• Several telephones
• On-demand movies and an in-room movie channel
• Two televisions
• A refreshment center

Guests at the hotel can also take advantage of in-room dining, laundry and valet service, a sophisticated business center, concierge service, and a fitness center with circuit training equipment. When you’re done with a day of sightseeing and New York City exploring, enjoy a great meal at the hotel’s Center Stage Café, a Broadway-themed dining experience that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Anyone up for a meal and a show?

Location: 1568 Broadway at 47th Street in Times Square/Theater District

NYC Trip Specials: Discount parking with coupon for only $20 per day when you book your accommodations at the Doubletree Guest Suites NYC with NYCTrip.com. Nearest parking garages to this hotel are 257 W. 47th Street (between Broadway & 8th Avenue) or 271 W. 47th Street (between Broadway & 8th Avenue)

Have you stayed at the Doubletree Guest Suites NYC? Share your experience with us in the comments!

Halloween is such a fun holiday and in the Big Apple, it’s definitely one that’s celebrated far and wide. This October, there are sure to be tons of great haunted attractions and Halloween parties for you to enjoy on your New York City adventure. If you’re headed on a New York City trip, don’t forget to make a stop at some of these great haunts, just in time to be spooked!

1.) Blood Manor:  With 5,000 square feet of themed rooms, corridors, and passageways, this haunted house is a walk-through that’s sure to leave you screaming for more. It’s one of the city’s most premier haunted attractions. 542 West 27^th Street between 10^th and 11^th avenues. Group tickets available. $25 plus $3.50 handling fee in advance or $35 at the door. Call 212-290-2825 or visit http://www.bloodmanor.com for schedule and more information.

2.) After Dark at Madame Tussauds: Find out what happens in this favorite wax attraction when the lights go out. This year, it’s bigger, much scarier, and a whole lot darker. Includes tons of scares, new rooms, and a 4D theater experience.  Runs 8 nights only from October 21-24 and 28-31.  Tickets are available on www.nyctrip.com. $30. Madame Tussauds New York – 234 West 42^nd St, between 7^th and 8^th Ave. Call 1-800-246-8872 or visit http://www.madametussauds.com/NewYork/.

3.) NIGHTMARE:  Self-billed as America’s #1 haunted house, NIGHTMARE is a NOHO attraction that must not be missed during the month of October. This year, NIGHTMARE: SUPERSTITIONS challenges visitors to walk-through an insane asylum where you’ll be confronted with a superstition in each room…with horrifying consequences. September 24 through November 6. Located at the NOHO Event Center – 623 Broadway at Houston.  $30 in advance or $35 at the door. Group tickets available. Call 212-929-2963 or visit http://www.hauntedhousenyc.com for information and show times.

4.) Trapped in Purgatory, NYC: Choose from two haunted experiences in two exciting locations. Experience a nightmare with mutants and zombies in OUTBREAK at 5050 Hylan Boulevard in Staten Island, or go for the original scare in Purgatory’s Corn Maze at 2449 Veterans Rd. West in Staten Island. The choice – and scare – is yours. $5 to $30. Call 718-967-5039 or visit http://www.trappedinpurgatorynyc.com/ for schedule and more information.

5.) Halloween at the A-Scarium: Have children with you? Be sure that they can get in on the Halloween fun by visiting this Coney Island, Brooklyn attraction. Running October 23 through 31, this is the New York Aquarium’s annual Halloween celebration. Meet sea monsters and enjoy magic shows, live music, stories, pumpkin carving, and crafts.  For tickets, information, and schedule, visit http://www.nyaquarium.com/plan-your-trip/events-calendar/halloween-at-the-a-scarium.aspx or call 718-265-2663.