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Autumnal Day Trips from NYC: Exciting Destinations Just a Short Ride Away

Photo Credit: MTA Away As autumn paints New York City in vibrant hues of orange, red, and gold, it’s the perfect time to explore the picturesque landscapes and charming towns just a short train or car ride away. If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and immerse yourself in the beauty of fall, there are several delightful destinations easily accessible by train. From scenic hikes to quaint main streets and picturesque countryside, these autumnal day trips offer a refreshing break from urban life. Here’s a guide to some of the best day trips you can take from NYC this fall. By Car 🚗: Photo Credit: NorthJersey.com 1. Demarest Farms – Hillsdale, NJ Travel Time: About 45 minutes by car Highlights: Apple Picking: Choose from a variety of apple types in their orchard. Pumpkin Patch: Explore…

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October 10, 2024

Exploring NYC Neighborhoods Off the Beaten Path

New York City, renowned for its iconic skyline and bustling Times Square, holds much more beneath its surface. Beyond the tourist hotspots lies a treasure trove of hidden gems waiting to be explored. If you’re ready to experience NYC like a local, venture into neighborhoods like Harlem, Astoria, and Red Hook. Discover secret eateries, vibrant…

NYC on a Budget: Insider Tips for Affordable Exploration

New York City is a dream destination for many, but it doesn’t have to drain your wallet. With a little savvy planning, you can enjoy all the wonders of the Big Apple without spending a fortune. Here’s your guide to exploring NYC on a budget, filled with free attractions, affordable eats, and cost-saving travel tips….

Eating Like a New Yorker: Must-Try Food Experiences

New York City isn’t just a place to visit; it’s a place to taste. This sprawling metropolis isn’t just about skyscrapers and yellow cabs – it’s about the symphony of flavors that waft from street corners, hole-in-the-wall delis, and Michelin-starred restaurants. If you’re ready to ditch the tourist traps and eat like a true New…

Top 10 Art Experiences You Should Do in NYC

New York City, a metropolis teeming with vibrant energy and diversity, is a beacon for arts and culture enthusiasts worldwide. Beyond the iconic landmarks and famous institutions, NYC offers a treasure trove of hidden art galleries, independent theaters, and live music venues that embody the city’s creative spirit. This guide will highlight NYC’s top ten…

NYC Nightlife: Guide to Going Out in NYC Like a Local

New York City, the city that never sleeps, offers an unparalleled nightlife experience. From trendy bars and hidden speakeasies to live music venues and late-night eateries, the Big Apple has something for everyone. Whether you’re a visitor or a recent transplant, this guide will help you navigate NYC’s nightlife scene like a true New Yorker….

Top 10 NYC Outdoor Adventures: Get Active in the Concrete Jungle

New York City, known for its iconic skyscrapers and bustling streets, might seem like an unlikely destination for outdoor enthusiasts. However, hidden within the city’s urban landscape are scenic parks, nature reserves, and green spaces that offer a refreshing escape from the concrete jungle. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, here are the top…

Embracing NYC’s Local Traditions and Festivals

New York City, a melting pot of cultures and traditions, is always buzzing with unique events and festivals that reflect its diverse population. From grand, city-wide celebrations to local neighborhood gatherings, there’s always something happening in the city that never sleeps. In this guide, we’ll dive into NYC’s local traditions and festivals, offering insider tips…

Avoiding Tourist Traps: What Not to Do in NYC

New York City, with its vibrant energy, towering skyscrapers, and endless cultural attractions, is a magnet for visitors from around the globe. However, the city’s popularity also means it’s ripe with tourist traps, from overpriced attractions to common street scams. In this guide, we’ll explore what not to do in NYC, offering tips on avoiding…

Navigating the NYC Subway System: Like A Local’s Guide

Navigating the bustling underground of New York City’s subway system can be an intimidating experience for newcomers and visitors. However, with a bit of know-how and some insider tips, you can ride the subway like a local, avoiding common pitfalls and making your journey through the city both efficient and enjoyable. This guide aims to…

Celebrate Earth Month: Embrace Sustainable Travel in NYC

As Earth Month unfolds, it’s the perfect time to reflect on our impact on the planet and how we can make a positive difference through responsible travel. At Like A Local Tours, we believe in the power of sustainable tourism to not only enrich our own lives but also to contribute to the well-being of…

Book NYC Hotels with Great Rates & Big Perks with our Founder!

After working in travel for over 15 years, our Founder, Lauren, has decided to put her knowledge to use as a travel advisor with Fora Travel. Able to book hotels with perks worldwide, but specializing in NYC. Perks include: room upgrades early check-in late check-out breakfast hotel credits for food and beverage, spa, etc. HOW…

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January 9, 2024

An Inside Look at Angels Cafe: Bagels, Giving Back and New York Spirit

Launched in April 2022, this unique establishment is more than just a place to grab your morning coffee and bagel. It’s where culinary delight meets a deep-seated mission to foster change, one delicious bite at a time. At first glance, the mouth-watering bagel sandwiches, reminiscent of the authentic New York flavor, lure you in. But…

Like A Local Tours is a Travel & Hospitality Award Winner for 2022

We are honored that Like A Local Tours has been awarded in the 2022 North, South & Central Americas Travel Awards program from Travel & Hospitality Awards. “While this year has been the toughest the travel industry has ever faced, we endeavour to recognise those who deserve praise and to promote the hard work of…

Like A Local Tours’ Williamsburg Bites Tour Featured in The Australian!

We are honored to have been able to host Graham Erbacher, writer for Travel + Luxury: The Weekend Australian on our Williamsburg Bites: A Brooklyn Foodie Adventure Food Tour while he was visiting NYC this summer. Graham was a pleasure to have on tour and had some wonderful things to say about his time in…

5 Things to Do in Brooklyn this October

October in New York is a sight to behold. The weather cools off, the leaves start to change, and the city is alive with events. Looking for ideas for how to spend your time this October? We’ve got you covered with this list of 5 things to do in Brooklyn this October (and a bonus…

Autumn in New York City

Autumn in New York City is a sight to behold. As the leaves turn their brilliant colors, the city transforms into a cultural cacophony of sights, smells and sounds. You’ll find everything from breathtaking walks through Central Park to intimate dinners with friends at some of New York’s best restaurants. Below are our favorite ways…

How to Enjoy New York Fashion Week

New York Fashion Week is an experience all its own and we want to help you be properly prepared for the most amazing week of the year. From exclusive events to some of the best shopping in the city, here’s how to enjoy NYFW like a true fashionista. Learn the basics of New York Fashion…

Things to do on Governors Island

This historic island has been a popular location for picnics, military training and even concerts. Though it was originally part of the city’s defensive plans, Governor’s Island is now home to a unique mix of recreational activities and historical sites. Located in New York Harbor between the boroughs of Manhattan and Brooklyn, this small island—just…

Get to Know the Guides!

Our guides at Like A Local Tours are more than just walking encyclopedias. They are part entertainer, part concierge, part stand-up comic, part friend, and whatever else you might need on tour!  Our tour guides bring destinations to life through the art of storytelling and leave lasting impressions with top-notch customer service. We asked a few of our guides some of the biggest questions they are asked on tour. We love how unique each of their answers are! Part of what sets our guides apart here at Like A Local is their individual personality and their own perspectives they bring to the tours they give. Take a chance to get to know a bit more about some of the shining faces you’ll see while out on tour!

New Times Available: Immigrant New York Food Tour

Immigrant New York Food Tour: Lower East Side New Time Available! With so many different foods, cultures and neighborhoods in New York City, it can be hard to know where to start. That’s why we created the New Immigrant New York Food Tour! You’ll get to sample the best food that immigrants brought here over…

Sustainable Brooklyn Food & Fashion Tour- Book now!

Introducing our Sustainable Brooklyn Food & Fashion Tour It’s no secret that the fashion industry is a major polluter. And it’s also no surprise that we at Like A Local Tours want to do our part in helping the planet. That’s why we created our Sustainable Brooklyn Food & Fashion Tour, which focuses on local…

The Future of Tourism is Social Impact Tourism

Social Impact Tourism The responsible traveler today visits a place in order to get to know its people, culture and history. Social Impact Tourism promises to be an important part of our future as travelers and consumers – not only because it helps us travel more sustainably but also because it provides us with an opportunity…

Expanded food on our Flatiron Food, Architecture, and History Tour!

With warmer weather on it’s way, now is a great time to book a spot on our fantastic Flatiron Food, Architecture, and History Tour! This tour isn’t just for out-of-towners, with our expanded food stops it’s sure to help locals find new favorites too. Check out this review we recently received: “Really great tour! I…

Founder & CEO, Lauren Beebe nominated for Women in Tourism Award

We are proud to announce that our Founder & CEO Lauren Beebe has been nominated for the Women in Tourism Award. The first of its kind, Women In Tourism Awards, produced by Davler Media’s City Guide and presented by American Airlines, recognizes the accomplishments of female leaders who inspire memorable travel experiences in NYC. The…

The Future of Tourism

Like A Local Tours is proud to be a signatory for the Future of Tourism Coalition, a collaborative effort to chart a new, more sustainable direction for tourism and shift the status quo. The Coalition is pursuing a shared global mission: to place destination needs at the center of tourism’s new future. Interested travel and tourism…

UPDATED! Summer in NYC is still on! And here’s how you can experience it.

August 20 Update. Upcoming Reopenings: Statue of Liberty Museum: August 24 Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration: August 24 Ripley’s Believe It Or Not: August 26 National Lighthouse Museum: August 26 Museum of Modern Art (MOMA): August 27 Museum of the City of New York: August 27 New York Aquarium: August 27 Bronx Zoo, Central Park…

10 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About NYC’s High Line

UPDATE: The High Line is open for timed visits. Make a reservation or let us do the work and join us on a private tour! We are looking forward to walking the High Line again, hopefully soon and hopefully you’ll be on our Chelsea Market & High Line Food & History Tour. But in the…

Ask an NYC Tour Guide: Most Frequently Asked Questions

Not only do our tours provide insights into each neighborhood that we explore, but our tour guides are frequently walking encyclopedias for all sorts of day-to-day knowledge about New York City and its boroughs. We thought it would be fun to poll our tour guides on the most frequently asked questions by guests:

Thankful for NYC

We are so thankful to our wonderful partners and clients for allowing us to share this absolutely amazing city with people from all over the world. As we reflect on what we are thankful for this Thanksgiving, we wanted to share some of the reasons we are especially thankful for NYC: THE PEOPLE NYC is…