[Girlfriends, are you planning a girlfriend getaway for 2009? We know that many of you are wine-lovers, and we've got a great tip for you—but you must start planning today! In today's post you'll find all the details on how to plan a girlfriendly trip to the Big Apple, built around the New York Wine Expo in February. How fun! NEW! USE CODE 20BGWE FOR $20 OFF THE EARLY BIRD TICKET PRICE TO THE NEW YORK WINE EXPO. SPECIAL OFFER FOR OUR READERS GOOD UNTIL FEBRUARY 13, 2009. CLICK HERE! We're lucky to have insider travel tips by New York native Shelley Loo written just for Girlfriend Celebrations. Enjoy!] 

******* by Shelley Loo How about inviting your girlfriends to enjoy a Grand Tasting of more than 600 wines? Yes, that’s right. 600 wines! The New York Wine Expo, February 27-28, 2009, is an opportunity to swirl, sip and spit (with 600 wines, you’re wise not to swallow too many!) wines from around the globe, all in one venue. From New World Wines to French or Italian favorites, the New York Wine Expo offers the opportunity to sample the products of approximately 170 wineries and to chat personally with the winemakers and other winery principals.  In addition to sampling, you’ll be able to sign up for seminars that are designed for all levels of wine lovers. Here’s a guide to planning a great girls weekend around this wine-lovers’ event.

For those who crave excitement, bustle and glamour, spending a weekend in New York City with your favorite gal pals is the ultimate in girlfriend getaways. Planning a weekend can be a challenge but fret not, we’ve done some planning for you.

For a quick weekend, convenience is key. Look into hotels located in Midtown such as Affinia Dumont, Hotel Pennsylvania and W New York. These hotels are located near 34^th Street, Herald Square, which is home to the largest department store – Macy’s. Kick off the weekend at this shopping heaven and if you can’t find what you’re looking for there, you have plenty of options around you. Nine West, H&M, Victoria’s Secret, Old Navy and Sephora— just to name a few.

What’s one of the best aspects of New York City? The nightlife. It truly is the city that never sleeps. Start the weekend out at The Park in Chelsea. It is one of the best places to hang out or dance. The lounge on 18^th and 10^th Avenue has several themed rooms on the first floor and a dance floor upstairs. The music is fantastic, crowd and atmosphere is enjoyable and when you’re with your favorite girlfriends, you’re guaranteed to have fun here. Did I mention it’s no cover? Even better! 

Strata and Pink Elephant are also trendy clubs to get your groove on. Be sure to check in to see what parties are going on that night as the cover charges may change. 

After sleeping in from a night of fun, grab brunch with the girls. The East Village and Lower East Side have new and trendy restaurants popping up all over such as Virage and Inoteca. Virage is located in the East Village at 7^th Street and Second Avenue. The eggs benedict are a popular dish that should be tried once by anyone who goes here. Also try the brunch at Inoteca in the Lower East Side at Rivington and Ludlow. The various panini choices are delicious and their cappuccino is one of my favorite beverages.

Now it’s time to get out of the cold on Saturday afternoon and get to the main event: The New York Wine Expo at the Jacob K. Javits Center (34^th Street and 11^th Avenue). It’s a great opportunity to try 600 wines from around the globe, all in one venue.  Early bird purchasers save $10 per ticket. Advance tickets cost $75 for Friday and $85 for Saturday.

For dinner, head downtown for a change of scenery. In Chinatown, the legendary Joe’s Shanghai still resides on Pell Street. Bring your girls here for the must-have soup dumplings. You won’t regret it!

New York City is full of artistic creativity and home to prominent museums. Sunday is a great time to swing by the Museum of Modern Art at 53rd Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenue or the American Museum of Natural History at Central Park West, 79th Street. 

If theatre is more of your thing, wind down the weekend with a matinee in New York City’s popular theatre district. http://www.ny.com/theater/ The TKTS booth located in Times Square offers great discounts. http://www.tdf.org/

Whatever you decide to do, have fun! New York is a great place to spend time with girlfriends.

Shelley Loo is a New York City native, full-time PR professional and part-time blogger. This downtown gal knows where to go and what to do—and loves helping people enjoy the good life in the Big Apple on a young professional’s budget. Shelley has a bachelor’s degree in Media Studies from Hunter College in NYC. 

GIRLFRIENDCELEBRATIONS READERS, USE CODE 20BGWE FOR $20 OFF THE EARLY BIRD TICKET PRICE TO THE NEW YORK WINE EXPO. SPECIAL OFFER GOOD UNTIL FEBRUARY 13, 2009. CLICK HERE!