Help Us Choose A Minimoon
December 6th, 2007 @ 8:26 am by Mrs. Jasmine
Mr. Jasmine and I are planning an amazing Hawaiian getaway for our honeymoon…but unfortunately we won’t be able to go right after the wedding. We have our valima in Michigan one week after our wedding and several can’t-miss weddings of our friends in the weeks following. So we’ve decided to take a minimoon directly after the wedding (from Sunday to Wednesday), so we can have some much-needed alone time together. We’re having a difficult time choosing a destination though, so we need Weddingbee input! Here are the three options we’re considering:
(1) Las Vegas: Sin City may not seem like a destination for romance and respite, but I think Mr. Jasmine and I could have a fabulous time there! We both *love* Las Vegas and know there is much more to the city than slot machines and strip clubs. Some of the highlights would be dining at world-class restaurants (Okada, Le Cirque), enjoying some fabulous nightlife (The Bank at the Bellagio, Foundation Room at Mandalay Bay), taking in a show (Le Reve at the Wynn), and rest and relaxation (Canyon Ranch Spa, Mandalay Bay Pool). Additionally, Las Vegas is a quick flight from Los Angeles and we can probably keep costs low with flight and lodging (even if we stay at a luxe hotel like Bellagio or Wynn, weekday prices are within reach at ~$250 a night). The cons: We’ve both been to Las Vegas multiple times, so it’s not a new experience for us.
(2) Napa: Neither of us has been to Napa, but we both have lovely dreams of vineyard tours and the beautiful countryside. Napa wins for the most romantic minimoon option and it’s also a quick, cheap flight from Los Angeles. We could visit a few vineyards, explore the Napa Farmer’s Market, maybe see a show at the Napa Valley Opera House, have an amazing dinner at Bouchon or The French Laundry (haha, I wish!) The con: the cost– I anticipate it would be difficult to keep costs down (maybe because I’m entertaining fantasies about staying at Auberge du Soleil).
(3) New York: It’s been over ten years since either of us has been to New York, so it might be time for a trip! New York has a wonderful feeling of big city romance that is very “us”. There would be so much for us to take in— the food (we would love to try Spice Market and Babbo), the shopping (I could finally visit the Bond No. 9 boutique), the culture (museums galore!), and the shows/nightlife. Plus, a family friend has a second home in Manhattan and has graciously offered us a stay there. The con: the price of airline tickets from Los Angeles to New York.
Which minimoon sounds like the most fun? Is there another option we’re not considering? Please share!
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61 Responses to “Help Us Choose A Minimoon”
Oh, those are all such great options! If it were me, I’d pick Napa for pure relaxation…but NYC is a close second for all the fun couple-y stuff to do! Also, I think you’d be surprised how affordable a trip to NYC can be, especially since your lodging would already be covered - things like opting for walking or the subway over cabs, finding off-the-beaten path spots for breakfast & lunch, window shopping on 5th, and spending time on free attractions like Central Park all free up minimoon dollars for splurging on a fabulous dinner or a Broadway show.
I think I would definitely go with Napa. If it does get to be too expensive, then NYC since your lodging is covered, and since you’re staying in a house you can cook some meals and splurge on others instead of eating out for every meal.
I think Napa is a great choice but why not go someplace like Austin or San Antonio, TX. Both are beutiful and have some great attractions and they are fairly decent flights from LA. You could go to the botanical Gardnes and the Riverwalk in San Antonio and the Alamo too.
I’ve never been to Austin but I have heard it is a lot of fun. Lots of clubs and other interesting things to do.
How a bout going to Vale or one of the other Mountian resort towns. They are also relatively short flights form LA and it is off season so hotels are cheaper and because they are resort communities they offer most of the same things that Vegas does except the gambling of course.
Go to NY - free place to stay!
I’d go with Napa too! I like the idea of it mostly because you guys have never been there, and it’s something you can experience together.
If Napa is too expensive, NYC would be my second choice. 
I’d pick Napa too. I always think of Sideways… But it’d be so much fun tasting and enjoying the scenery. And of course I’m biased and I would love for you to pick New York too! I agree with a lot of the comments, free lodging is the best perk! There are so many great free things to do in New York. And in the summer there’s a neverending list of free concerts and events all around the city.
i’d say napa or new york- even though i live in NY we still find the most romantic little spots and napa is just napa! vegas has little appeal to me and all the shows food and spas are everywhere in NY… but BETTER!
Another vote for Napa.
I was thinking of going there for our actual honeymoon and found a lot of reasonably priced, and quaint, hotels and b&b’s. Most of the vineyard tours are also free/cheap. The only potentially expensive thing is the food but that’s up to you guys. Also, it’s closer to home and super relaxing (which is what you need after the crazy day!)
It depends on whether you’re a relaxation type of couple, or a gets bored of relaxing after a day or two.
Napa is great and I looooove wine, but after a spa day, dinner and a day of touring wineries, you’ll have a ton of down time. Which can be great after the hustle and bustle of a wedding!
If you like seeing/doing things, I’d definitely recommend New York. But there’s just so much to do, you might feel obligated to get out there and do everything without enjoying much downtime! I still love it here after 3+ years and can help you pull together an awesome itinerary. =) And you can definitely find airfare for $200 or less from Chicago!
Vegas I’ve been so many times and though I do always have fun, it’s like you said…. not a new experience.
So Napa or New York!
Ooops you’re flying from LA - but you can still find great rates.
Virgin Air still has a sale going for buy one get one free airplane tix (they were selling out fast tho - it was $250 for two people to LA from NY!). And jetblue you can often find tix for around $220.
Since Las Vegas and Napa are both really close LA destinations that many people do just for the weekend - I’m going to have to vote NYC
Napa is my second choice. I think it will be the more relaxing choice.
PS Your getting married in June - Vegas is going to be HOT HOT HOT! Did I say HOT. It’s going to be HOT. Like too HOT to lay by the pool HOT. Too HOT to walk on the streets during the day HOT. Almost too HOT to walk on the streets at night HOT :) Ok I went last year in August - which was maybe a little HOTTER than it will be in June So I may be a bit biased!
Napa for sure. NYC is amazing (and the free place to stay helps too) but it’s not relaxing at ALL since you want to be a tourist and see everything that there possibly is to see. I would go to napa, relax, and drink wine!
I vote Napa Valley. It’ll give you guys time to relax and enjoy each other and rejuvenate for the other upcoming weddings.
i think NYC in june would be amazing(i believe that is when your wedding is) so you get the city minimoon and hawaii relaxation later
Napa, Napa, Napa. Because you don’t have that much time, you don’t want to waste it traveling (which you would do with a cross-country flight). Plus, Napa is ultra romantic, beautiful and relaxing — key for a short post-wedding trip. My fiance and I went to Sonoma last summer and found great, affordable lodging right in downtown Sonoma — I’m sure if you do some searching, you could find something in Napa that’s not outrageous. Maybe consider staying at a B&B or an Inn?
If you’re leaning toward Napa, let me strongly recommend that you consider Sonoma instead. The wineries are smaller (but excellent) and far more intimate — no waiting in lines for tasting. Also, it’s only 30 minutes away from Napa, so if you want a taste of the corporate wineries, you can get there quickly. Mr. Smashie and I took our vacation in Sonoma last June and LOVED it. We also strongly recommend our B&B in Sonoma, The Hidden Oak Inn (http://www.hiddenoakinn.com/). Our room was gorgeous, and the proprietor, Valerie, prepared wonderful breakfasts as well as free wine and cheese in the afternoon. Hidden Oak also gives their guests a tasting card, which will save you hundreds in tasting fees!
I love vegas too! But my vote would be for Napa if you are both wine lovers!
Napa…it’s so romantic and I enjoyed taking the wine train (and we’re not wine drinkers). There’s a certain quiet charm to the place. NYC would be a close second but it’s my hometown so I take it more for granted.
Napa…weddings are pretty intense in general.. but an Indian/Pakistani wedding is even more so with all the different events… You might just want some downtime where you can rest and relax before you start attending weddings again…
NYC is great but it’s a pretty intense city, it has this nervous energy that doesn’t say relax.
And like you said vegas would not be a new experience…and i think somehow a honeymoon or even a minimoon should be something of a new experience since you’re starting a new life
Another idea might be Lake Tahoe. I’ve never been but I hear it’s gorgeous…
I’d vote for NYC. Like someone else said, there’s a lot of stuff to do there for pretty cheap…and you get the free lodging.
I vote for Vegas because I love Vegas! I love love Mandalay Bay and their spa. It’s so luxurious and relaxing. They have some the best table games and plus great shopping and food next door. (Fleur de Lys has fantastic food).
I vote for Napa because neither of you have been there. It can be a shared new experience. NYC would be next. Vegas last.
What about San Antonio? Its beautiful there and has a lot of culture.
If you are from Chicago then you have to be aware of Door County in WI. That is a favorite for a lot of folks from IL. They have little cute B&Bs all over the place and it is pretty inexpensive to stay right on the lake.
Napa!
Definitely Napa. I am a big fan of Vegas and I live in NYC but neither of those locations says ‘romance’, ‘honeymoon’, and ‘time together’ to me. YOu’ll have plenty of time to take those trips as well.
Another vote for Napa! You’ve done Vegas, you can go any weekend since you live in LA, and I agree that it sounds like you are going to have a jam-packed few weeks. Napa is good for “at your own pace” touristing. If you really aren’t tired and want to see ten wineries in a day, you can do that! But if you want to relax, enjoy the hotel, and see just a handful of your favorite wineries, you definitely won’t feel like you’re missing out too much.
June is beautiful up there, and you have a great choice of both outdoorsy activities (hot air balloon rides, bike trails, vineyard tours) and shopping (wine, olive oil, other gourmet foods).
If cost really becomes an issue, look into Sonoma Valley as an alternative. But I don’t think Napa will end up being more than partying hard in Vegas or flying all the way to NYC.
NYC! Maybe it’s because I’m from northern california, but I went to NYC last winter after not having gone in years and it was AMAZING. Then again, you couldn’t make me go to Las Vegas if you paid me!
Napa looks the most romantic and laid back - perfect for a minimoon between two big events. And it’s way closer than NYC, so you can actually spend your time relaxing rather than traveling…
i thought about it again, and you don’t have that much time, so now I’m inclined to say Napa. NY requires an extended stay!
My order would be: 2, 3, 1. I love Napa-great wine, food, and beautiful scenery. If you can swing a reservation at TFL, doooooo it, it was one of the most memorable meals of my life.
Napa!
We’ve never been and we’re both dying to go too. But, friends keep planning destination weddings so we don’t really have the $$ or vacation time lately to get there.
Sooo… my selfish reason is: I want to live vicariously through you! 
it’s strange how many people are recommending to go to san antonio! i just moved here a few months ago and it doesn’t strike me as a “minimoon” type of town…and it’s going to be VERY hot in june (it’s so close to mexico!).
my vote is for napa. =)
1. They see a lot of bride and grooms here, so you probably won’t get “You just go married? Oh congratulations!” You won’t have to go far to keep busy, but it might be too busy.
2. Sounds peaceful which is probably what I would want after a wedding and several events coming up.
3. That’s a lot of time sitting in an airplane after your wedding….time that could be better spent cuddling.
Have you been to Vegas together? If you’ve been plenty of times but on your own, it would be new and different to go together. I personally love the idea of Vegas because there is so much you CAN to together that is couple-ish.
I love NYC, but if you haven’t been there in 10 years then I’m sure there is a TON of things you want to see, and trying to fit it all in to 4 days will make your trip very cramped. If you want a high-energy running around minimoon then it is a great option, but personally I’d rather relax and enjoy the time with my new husband than jet around the city. I’d leave NYC for a non-honeymoon vacation at some point in the future.
I second the vote for Sonoma. Traffic in Napa is so annoying and it can get very crowded. Sonoma has excellent vineyards and is a lot less stressful. You can easily take a side trip to Napa, but Sonoma will be more relaxing. That being said, if you go to Napa and like port, you must go to Prager Vineyards. Yummy!
For choices you’ve mentioned already
Anywhere in Nor Cal wine country, Napa, Sonoma, Calistoga, ETC… SO. MUCH.FUN.
Also, one new suggestion… why not Tahoe ? Lots of relaxation there, and you’ll be there during off months, it’ll be cheaper !
2nd vote would be NYC…only downside to NYC to me would be you wouldn’t get too much time there, since it’s a cross country flight, and I know every time I go to NYC I don’t have time to do everything I want to do.
i’m from northern california, and i live in southern california, so i was pretty excited to read talk of LA and napa in the same post. hehe, it’s the little things that amuse me, what can i say.
napa is gorgeous. and it’d be a great place for a minimoon! so relaxing, so many little towns to go visit. NYC would be fun, but not super relaxing, and that’s a long flight for such a short amount of time.
other options: have you thought of san diego? coronado island is gorgeous! you wouldn’t have to fly, so that would save money, and it can be just as relaxing, i’d say. also, someone mentioned lake tahoe, and that is gorgeous, relaxing, and great weather as well. i don’t know if you can fly there though… you’d probably have to fly to reno and then drive across. might end up costing a bit more than other options.
another thought: san francisco? it has a similar city feel as NYC, but it’s not quite as crazy. (in my opinion) it’s also a lot closer!
either way, take southwest! download their ding program, and keep your eye out for flights. i routinely fly from burbank to sacramento for under $100 round trip.
Thank you so much to everyone who has weighed in so far– I don’t know what I do without you guys! You’ve provided such great input and offered some suggestions I didn’t even think about– namely Lake Tahoe, Coronado Island, and San Francisco– will definitely have to think about those as well.
That is a hard choice. For me you have highlighted two of my most favorite places Las Vegas and Napa. Since you have never been there before I think you should choose Napa. My F and I used to do Napa once every few months when we lived in SF. You can do the weekend for as much as Vegas or maybe even less. Book a bed and breakfast and there are many wonderful restaurants that feature a great local menu without breaking the bank. Don’t make too many plans because sometimes your daytime activity (read: wine tasting) gets in the way of your night activities (read: you are passed out by 7pm). Have fun!
Napa for sure. Everytime I go to vegas, I come back even more tired than before I went. There is deffinitly too much to do, and not relaxing at all.
New York! I recently book two flights to New York from LAX for $300!!! Direct fight, round tirp
I say NYC, but I’m biased because I live here!
Go to New York! I think it’ll be very romantic to have an empty home for you two to share in the city. I bet you can keep costs pretty low without the price of rental car (Napa) and hotel (Napa and Vegas).
i say the wine country! and not because i live just outside it. lol. there’s napa, st. helena, calistoga, sonoma…yountville too. there are tons of places to go and it will be a great respite after the wedding and before the rest of the other plans and events you have in the future. wine tastings, touring, spas. i have friends that take weekend trips to b&bs a lot just to get away for a day or two. they have nothing but good things to say. remember there are two sides to napa, the tourist/wine country and then the city proper where everyone works and lives that’s pretty busy and noisy. just keep that in mind when planning.
i’ve also heard good things about catalina island too. you can try that…its in socal.
so my order: napa, nyc, vegas
i also vote for napa! if you don’t want to go to all the corporate wineries, try the silverado trail.. much more fun and intimate. there’s also this AMAZING sandwich shop in calistoga (they make it sound so far away but it’s really close to napa) right next to the train depo (used as a wine store now).
Wine Country…. but Sonoma not Napa
NYC — love it (and will be there for the holidays) but not for post-wedding recovery
Vegas - ADORE it, but it is the city that never sleeps… and I wanted to sleep soundly after all the hubub
NAPA!!!! You’ll love it. = )
I vote for Santa Barbara. It is a quick and beautiful 1-1/2 to 2 hour drive up the coast, with great boutique shopping, fabulous hotels and the beach! It is also only a 40 minute drive from where Sideways was filmed, and some of my favorite pinot noirs and sauvignon blancs come from Santa Barbara County.
did you consider going to catalina island?- its relatively close to LA, but its like a whole different world on the island.
I think Napa- it would make a very romantic minimoon.
If you wanted the Napa feel - without the huge price tag, you could always head a tad North and hit up St. Helena or Calistoga. It’s about a 15 minute drive to Napa. You could stay in St. Helena or Calistoga for much less, enjoy the spa retreats of Calistoga and then hit up St. Helena for it’s wineries, food & shopping.
Depends what kind of honeymoon you’d like. If you want to relax, I would say Napa. I absolutely love Napa, but besides visiting wineries, going to a spa, and shopping.. what else is there to do?
But if you want to have a variety of things to do and be kept busy, I say NY. June is a wonderful time in the city, and there are a ton of free things to do in the city. The upside is the free place to stay. The only thing you’d have to worry about paying for is airfare and things you may want to do such as sight seeing, shopping, etc.
I also vote for Napa/Sonoma! My hubby and I have been there many times (we live less than an hour from there in the East Bay) and it’s so romantic and peaceful. We went to Kauai on our honeymoon for the same reason, and let me tell you, after all of the activity surrounding the wedding, all we did for the first 3 days was relax.
Plus, June in Napa/Sonoma is beautiful. We spent July 4th in Sonoma last year and loved it - feels like a small town from another era!
I would count NYC out, particularly if you’re planning on specific restaurants — it’s next to impossible to get a reservation at Babbo (you have to call 30 days to the day before and be lucky enough to get through on their reservation line). Spice Market might be easier, because it’s so humongous.
I’d vote Napa. It seems a lot quieter and more laid back — plenty of time to spend together.
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I’d probably pick Napa–though you might want to consider Sonoma instead. It’s just as beautiful and the wine is just as good, but its more relaxed and a little cheaper.
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Mrs. Jasmine, Chicago/LA
Age and Occupation: 25, Attorney
Fiance's Age and Occupation: 26, Attorney
Engagement Date: March 24, 2007
Wedding Date: June 7, 2008
Blogging Since: September 20, 2007
Venue: Hotel on the westside of Los Angeles
About Me: I'm a happy-go-lucky, imaginative spirit trapped in the body of a lawyer. I love reading, shopping, dining out, and exploring my beloved adopted city of Chicago with my fiance. We're planning the wedding of our dreams in my hometown of Los Angeles and we're excited to incorporate our cherished Indian/Pakistani customs and traditions.
Here we go: 2, 3, 1.
2 because thats where I want be. Outside in nature with my honey.
3 because NYC is my home and there is no other place like it in the world. Plus, you have a place to stay free of charge so that makes up the difference in hotels fees.
1 Not really my idea of a honeymoon.