[gallery] Last Friday, I met some folks who had taken an extra day off before leaving for their summer vacation just so they could do Free Bike Fridays on Governors Island and bike Summer Streets the next day. They were the poster children for NYC and Co’s Go Local! campaign that encourages New Yorkers to take advantage of all the great things there are to see and do right here in NYC. To me, those “staycationers” were one sign that we’re starting to shed a little of our cool-but-creepy reputation and becoming a bona-fide destination. In fact, we’re well on our way to being a “must-see” according to a really great article in the New York Post over the weekend. Another terriffic story by the AP that echoed the Governors Island getaway theme was picked up by papers around the country last week: Escape By Ferry to Governors Island. Both articles really capture what it’s like to spend a day out on the Island. Labor Day weekend is traditionally the last weekend of the summer, though the Island will be open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday until October 12th. If you haven’t taken our free ferry over, hopped on our free bikes (on Fridays) and free kayaks, appreciated our free art, picnicked on our shady (and free) lawns, or swooned at our dramatic views — now’s the time!