DH, DS15, and I are going to visit New York City in August! I'm very excited; it's been twenty years since I was there, and I'm eager to share it with our son.

We will be there six days, staying in Brooklyn and taking the subway into Manhattan. We have a very touristy itinerary planned, including museums, the Trade Center memorial, a harbor boat tour, a Broadway show, and lots and lots of walking and exploring.

We are driving, so I don't have to limit myself to a carry-on, but I don't want to overpack. I know a couple pairs of comfortable walking shoes are essential. It's probably going to be too hot for jeans; I plan to bring a casual black skirt and white linen pants. Should I bring shorts? If yes, what type? I'll bring my Hinge white denim jacket and a cardigan for air conditioning, my rain slicker, and a variety of tops. What else should I be thinking about?

I'm especially wondering about how to carry things in the city. Should I use my shoulder bag? Or maybe a nice-looking backpack? (I worry about a backck feeling uncomfortably warn.)