7 days in New York City.

What an amazing place, it doesn't matter how many times I visit this city there are always new places to discover. A week gives you time to explore places that are well away from the tourist traps. Staying in Jersey City instead of Manhattan gives an entirely different perspective of Manhattan and the different moods it presents every day.

Joshua Tree National Park California.

The southern park entrance is located 25 miles east of Indio on Highway 1, about one hour from Palm Springs. Unfortunately when we were there in September the temperature was over 100 F. so doing any of the hiking trails was not an option. There are hundreds of miles of hiking trails with camping facilities along the way, something to put on the to do list if ever we are in the USA during the winter. 
More info. here http://www.nps.gov/jotr/index.htm