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    <location name="New York City" avg_rating="5" content_source="2" created="2007-08-16 08:45:48.152783" creator="154" hidden="0" id="5026" inherited="0" latitude="40.7532389943128" longitude="-73.9826202392578" ltp_level="0" merged_to="" modified="2008-06-27 16:19:57.142346" modifier="167" style="1" type="7" votes="315" zoom="12" />
    <trips id="14950" created="2009-10-22 15:28:14" creator_id="72" creator_name="cristina" creator_status="100" default_for_user_id="" description="We always have out-of-towners staying at our apt, and when they ask me the first thing they should do in NYC, I tell them to walk across the Brooklyn Bridge and explore DUMBO afterward.  But most out-of-towners have no idea what that means, so I usually end up drawing a little map with some highlights on it.  It ends up looking a lot like this one.

DUMBO is absolutely beautiful for just walking around, which is why I haven't listed too many galleries or bars - meandering around, you're inevitably going to find them all.  You could also do this itinerary in reverse, starting out in DUMBO and then walking across the bridge at sunset for dinner in Chinatown.  But to do DUMBO any justice, you really should go back for seconds and thirds." marked_deleted="0" modified="2009-10-22 18:59:25.022752" modifier_id="72" privacy="1" static_map_url="http://maps.google.com/staticmap?hl=en&amp;maptype=roadmap&amp;format=png&amp;markers=40.712435,-74.007887,reda%7C40.706210,-73.997140,redb%7C40.704343,-73.990130,redc%7C40.703180,-73.987234,redd%7C40.702635,-73.987625,rede%7C40.703188,-73.987545,redf%7C40.703245,-73.991391,redg%7C40.703432,-73.992534,redh%7C40.703042,-73.995130,redi%7C40.701561,-73.997340,redj&amp;key=ABCDABCD&amp;size=123123123x123123123&amp;path=rgb:0x0000ff,weight:5|40.712435,-74.007887|40.706210,-73.997140|40.704343,-73.990130|40.703180,-73.987234|40.702635,-73.987625|40.703188,-73.987545|40.703245,-73.991391|40.703432,-73.992534|40.703042,-73.995130|40.701561,-73.997340" status="0" sum_locations="10" sum_votes="4" title="You've walked across the Brooklyn Bridge . . . now what??" triplocation_id="5026" />
    <trips id="20866" created="2009-11-14 04:39:31" creator_id="72" creator_name="cristina" creator_status="100" default_for_user_id="" description="With so many bars, restaurants and theatre options, it's not hard for an adult to keep busy in NYC.  But often, visitors draw a blank when it comes to entertaining children in the Big Apple.  Sure you know about Times Square and F.A.O. Schwarz, but NYC has a surprising amount to offer those too young to drink PBR or care about the latest play drawing raves from Charles Isherwood.  I've listed some obvious choices here, but tried to keep this itinerary interesting for adults too.  Indeed, places like KidRobot probably have more grown-ups coming in than kids.  This itinerary is impossible to do in a day or even three, so if you don't have much time, pick and choose your favorite sections.

A NYC must for kids is 'The Lion King' on Broadway, an over-the-top production filled with familiar songs and the most impressive puppets you've ever seen.  After a matinee, have  mid-afternoon tea at Alice's Tea Cup, a whimsical cafe geared toward kids.

The American Museum of Natural History is also a kid favorite - check out the T. Rex displayed in the lobby, as well as the enormous Blue Whale hanging from the ceiling in the Hall of Ocean Life.  Afterward, meander into Central Park - ride the carousel, see a play at the Marionette Theater or explore the zoo, and see if you can find Alice in Wonderland's statue.  From there, satisfy your sweet tooth at Dylan's Candy Bar and then get out your sugar rush by romping around F.A.O. Schwarz.

Downtown, there's great kid stuff in the East Village catering to specific interests - Forbidden Planet is great for comic book fans, NY Central Art supply will please any budding artist, and Dinosaur Hill is the go-to place for old-school toys.  KidRobot in Soho has fantastic, unique toys designed by emerging artists.

And lest you think everything for kids is in Manhattan, Brooklyn has a lot to offer too - the Children's Museum is a worthy stop, and even adults can't help but be excited inside the Brooklyn Superhero Supply Co.  Brooklyn Museum is particularly good for kids on the First Saturday of every month, when there is kid-centered programming as well as live music and a dance party, and it's an easy walk into Prospect Park for some frisbee or football.  And of course, the carnival charm of Coney Island is great for everyone in the family.

" marked_deleted="0" modified="2009-11-16 18:47:23.480117" modifier_id="72" privacy="1" static_map_url="http://maps.google.com/staticmap?hl=en&amp;maptype=roadmap&amp;format=png&amp;markers=40.756815,-73.985968,reda%7C40.778118,-73.978388,redb%7C40.780411,-73.973179,redc%7C40.776967,-73.968887,redd%7C40.762207,-73.966101,rede%7C40.763511,-73.972739,redf%7C40.733722,-73.990683,redg%7C40.731235,-73.988705,redh%7C40.729113,-73.986506,redi%7C40.725529,-74.000245,redj%7C40.674877,-73.944460,redk%7C40.671290,-73.963345,redl%7C40.671437,-73.984780,redm%7C40.577780,-73.994440,redn&amp;key=ABCDABCD&amp;size=123123123x123123123&amp;path=rgb:0x0000ff,weight:5|40.756815,-73.985968|40.778118,-73.978388|40.780411,-73.973179|40.776967,-73.968887|40.762207,-73.966101|40.763511,-73.972739|40.733722,-73.990683|40.731235,-73.988705|40.729113,-73.986506|40.725529,-74.000245|40.674877,-73.944460|40.671290,-73.963345|40.671437,-73.984780|40.577780,-73.994440" status="0" sum_locations="14" sum_votes="2" title="NYC for kids (or those who are young at heart)" triplocation_id="5026" />
    <trips id="15381" created="2009-10-23 20:49:40" creator_id="72" creator_name="cristina" creator_status="100" default_for_user_id="" description="A lot of tourists feel daunted by the idea of exploring Harlem - it's so far (!) from midtown and downtown, it's a HUGE area, and isn't it dangerous?  Well actually, it's a 15 min subway ride on the A train, and if you're worried about safety, cooler-than-thou Williamsburg was also dangerous back in the 80's.  So get on public transportation already and explore one of the coolest, historic neighborhoods in the country.

This itinerary is hard to do on one day, especially since Parlor Jazz is only on Sundays and it doesn't make much sense to go to a museum after catching a night show at the Apollo.  So break it up.  Since no visit to Harlem is complete without gorging yourself on soul food, go to Amy Ruth's before a show at the Apollo.  The next day, check out the Cloisters and surrounding, magnificent Fort Tryon Park in the morning, then head over to the Studio Museum for their extensive collection of African-American Art, and finish the day at the Lenox Lounge.  And make Sunday your music day - a noon service of gospel music, followed by intimate jazz at Marjorie Elliot's apartment.  Harlem is a big place to explore, but these must-sees make it much more accessible." marked_deleted="0" modified="2009-10-28 20:00:20.182824" modifier_id="72" privacy="1" static_map_url="http://maps.google.com/staticmap?hl=en&amp;maptype=roadmap&amp;format=png&amp;markers=40.802211,-73.950077,reda%7C40.810121,-73.949841,redb%7C40.808490,-73.947184,redc%7C40.807232,-73.945520,redd%7C40.816630,-73.941489,rede%7C40.833696,-73.938689,redf%7C40.865227,-73.930876,redg&amp;key=ABCDABCD&amp;size=123123123x123123123&amp;path=rgb:0x0000ff,weight:5|40.802211,-73.950077|40.810121,-73.949841|40.808490,-73.947184|40.807232,-73.945520|40.816630,-73.941489|40.833696,-73.938689|40.865227,-73.930876" status="0" sum_locations="7" sum_votes="2" title="So You Want to Explore Harlem" triplocation_id="5026" />
    <trips id="15342" created="2009-10-23 18:18:18" creator_id="72" creator_name="cristina" creator_status="100" default_for_user_id="" description="Art Deco is NYC's signature architectural movement - though it gained popularity in Europe during the 20's and many examples survive today in cities around the world, New York has a monopoly on the most well-known landmarks.  Of course you know about the Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building, but there are scores of others that epitomize the duality of elegance and modernity inherent in Art Deco.  

This is a tour that could take one day if you're ambitious, and several if you would like to savor all of the little details.  I've included my favorite examples of Art Deco in the city, as well as places nearby to have a breather.

Start out at One Wall Street, and make your way over to Barclay-Vesey - in between, you can stop at the Ground Zero Memorial, or for something more lighthearted, you can have a drink at one of the many restaurants at the World Financial Center or go shopping at Century 21.  Take the R/W subway from City Hall to 23rd St. - here you can go to Shake Shack and lounge in Madison Square Park before moving on to the Flatiron Building.  Sure it's more Beaux-Arts than Art Deco, but it's a must-see nonetheless.  Then onward to the Empire State Building!  Across the street is a fantastic rooftop bar called 230 5th Ave., which gives a gorgeous view of Empire State.

From here, it's a lot of walking.  Take a break in Bryant Park, but otherwise get to it!  If you want coffee or a snack, there are many gourmet options inside Grand Central Station, and once you get to Rockefeller Center, there is a bounty of stores for shopping.  After you're done at Radio City, find the B subway train at Rockefeller Center and go uptown until you get to 72nd St.  Here you can see The Majestic and then head into Central Park for some much-needed R&amp;amp;R.  " marked_deleted="0" modified="2009-10-23 20:03:45.618671" modifier_id="72" privacy="1" static_map_url="http://maps.google.com/staticmap?hl=en&amp;maptype=roadmap&amp;format=png&amp;markers=40.707897,-74.011642,reda%7C40.710140,-74.010808,redb%7C40.713842,-74.014678,redc%7C40.713761,-74.016459,redd%7C40.741200,-73.989823,rede%7C40.742235,-73.988029,redf%7C40.744094,-73.987721,redg%7C40.748249,-73.985238,redh%7C40.753796,-73.984076,redi%7C40.751329,-73.979799,redj%7C40.752270,-73.977490,redk%7C40.751516,-73.976494,redl%7C40.752190,-73.974618,redm%7C40.757138,-73.971875,redn%7C40.756731,-73.973904,redo%7C40.759190,-73.980070,redp%7C40.760683,-73.979445,redq%7C40.775959,-73.976419,redr%7C40.776967,-73.968887,reds&amp;key=ABCDABCD&amp;size=123123123x123123123&amp;path=rgb:0x0000ff,weight:5|40.707897,-74.011642|40.710140,-74.010808|40.713842,-74.014678|40.713761,-74.016459|40.741200,-73.989823|40.742235,-73.988029|40.744094,-73.987721|40.748249,-73.985238|40.753796,-73.984076|40.751329,-73.979799|40.752270,-73.977490|40.751516,-73.976494|40.752190,-73.974618|40.757138,-73.971875|40.756731,-73.973904|40.759190,-73.980070|40.760683,-73.979445|40.775959,-73.976419|40.776967,-73.968887" status="0" sum_locations="19" sum_votes="2" title="NYC's Art Deco Masterpieces (and what to do in between)" triplocation_id="5026" />
    <trips id="15304" created="2009-10-23 16:22:15" creator_id="72" creator_name="cristina" creator_status="100" default_for_user_id="" description="Ever since the Highline opened in summer 2009, it has regenerated the area around it.  Not that Chelsea and the Meatpacking District were ever dead, but it's suddenly cool for New Yorkers to hang out here again.  This day-long itinerary takes in the Highline and the best of the surrounding area, because let's face it - the Highline would take about an hour to get through, even if you did stop to sit.  

Start at Chelsea Market and pick up some food for a small picnic - walk over to the Highline, preferably around Gansevoort (where it starts) and find a nice spot to sit, eat, and people-watch.  Entrances to the Highline are on every even-numbered street.  Take a break at 14th St., walk off the Highline and go south a block to The Standard Grill's biergarten for some beer, and then walk around the Meatpacking District for some window-shopping: Stella McCartney, Moschino, Alexander McQueen and other high-end labels can all be found here.  Once you are ready to get back on the Highline, walk along until it ends at 20th St. - you can see Frank Gehry's magnificent IAC building from the Highline, but it's a mere block away at 18th St. if you want a closer look.  Otherwise descend back to street-level at 20th St. and explore some galleries - you're in the middle of Chelsea's arts district.  I've listed two galleries here, but there are dozens to choose from.

Chelsea and the Meatpacking District are trendy places to go at night, so it's worth sticking around.  Weeknights are definitely better than weekends." marked_deleted="0" modified="2009-10-23 18:05:17.357868" modifier_id="72" privacy="1" static_map_url="http://maps.google.com/staticmap?hl=en&amp;maptype=roadmap&amp;format=png&amp;markers=40.742039,-74.004807,reda%7C40.739454,-74.008112,redb%7C40.740795,-74.007736,redc%7C40.745339,-74.007747,redd%7C40.746005,-74.005644,rede%7C40.746802,-74.005065,redf%7C40.748801,-74.004400,redg&amp;key=ABCDABCD&amp;size=123123123x123123123&amp;path=rgb:0x0000ff,weight:5|40.742039,-74.004807|40.739454,-74.008112|40.740795,-74.007736|40.745339,-74.007747|40.746005,-74.005644|40.746802,-74.005065|40.748801,-74.004400" status="0" sum_locations="7" sum_votes="2" title="A Day At the Highline: The Best of Chelsea and the Meatpacking District by Day" triplocation_id="5026" />
    <trips id="12502" created="2009-10-14 22:25:01" creator_id="72" creator_name="cristina" creator_status="100" default_for_user_id="" description="I've lived in the neighborhood for about 4 years now, and I'll admit - I have a total love/hate relationship with it. But regardless of how I feel about mullets or Members Only jackets, there actually are quite a few great places to eat, drink and shop, and not just around the Bedford stop either. This trip takes you to Bedford Ave, Williamsburg's hipster heart, but then it veers south to the part populated by Hasidic Jews and Dominicans for decades - because that is cool too. Your last stop is the most western part of the south side, an area directly under the bridge that seems to have about one new restaurant/bar opening a week.

This isn't really a walking tour, rather it's a guide to all my favorite places, so you're better off taking at least a few days to get through it all. And of course, there is a ton of other stuff around - one of the best things about Williamsburg is that there's always something new opening up. Consider this a primer of reliable stand-by's." marked_deleted="0" modified="2009-10-23 17:57:48.875889" modifier_id="72" privacy="1" static_map_url="http://maps.google.com/staticmap?hl=en&amp;maptype=roadmap&amp;format=png&amp;markers=40.716916,-73.958759,reda%7C40.717461,-73.959897,redb%7C40.718981,-73.960712,redc%7C40.717867,-73.959103,redd%7C40.719778,-73.958137,rede%7C40.721681,-73.957601,redf%7C40.721193,-73.957515,redg%7C40.720656,-73.951979,redh%7C40.718136,-73.950176,redi%7C40.712769,-73.949007,redj%7C40.711353,-73.949082,redk%7C40.712007,-73.951286,redl%7C40.707139,-73.954194,redm%7C40.707767,-73.955787,redn%7C40.714166,-73.956328,redo%7C40.714388,-73.957612,redp%7C40.709784,-73.962493,redq%7C40.710494,-73.965600,redr%7C40.717075,-73.963065,reds&amp;key=ABCDABCD&amp;size=123123123x123123123&amp;path=rgb:0x0000ff,weight:5|40.716916,-73.958759|40.717461,-73.959897|40.718981,-73.960712|40.717867,-73.959103|40.719778,-73.958137|40.721681,-73.957601|40.721193,-73.957515|40.720656,-73.951979|40.718136,-73.950176|40.712769,-73.949007|40.711353,-73.949082|40.712007,-73.951286|40.707139,-73.954194|40.707767,-73.955787|40.714166,-73.956328|40.714388,-73.957612|40.709784,-73.962493|40.710494,-73.965600|40.717075,-73.963065" status="0" sum_locations="19" sum_votes="2" title="Get Your PBR On: Williamsburg's Finest Establishments" triplocation_id="5026" />
    <trips id="22083" created="2009-11-18 22:35:43" creator_id="72" creator_name="cristina" creator_status="100" default_for_user_id="" description="Let's face it - most touristy places around the world are surrounded by shit food.  Bad interpretations of local food, bad pizza, bad kebabs, whatever - people take advantage of the fact that tourists have no idea where they are going, and don't even bother trying to make the food halfway decent.  To make things worse, you'll often get charged an arm and a leg for crap you'd otherwise never eat.  What's a well-meaning tourist to do?

Many of Manhattan's most famous landmarks (Times Square, MOMA, Empire State Building, etc.) are in Midtown, an area that is roughly from 34th St. to 59th St., and for the purposes of including the U.N. building, we'll just say that the eastern boundary is the East River and the western boundary is the Hudson.  Notorious for harboring some of the best and most famous (read: priciest) restaurants in the city as well as true dumps that barely passed the city's health inspection, it can be hard to track down an affordable, good place to eat.  Luckily, Manhattan's Midtown is also home to scores of office workers, so all is not lost.  You're better off getting lunch in this area, which works out perfectly if you're cruising around tourist sites all day - then hop on the subway and get a real meal either further downtown or further uptown.  

This isn't really an itinerary, as you're probably not going to eat at all of these places.  But it helps to look at a map and see what is nearby, so you can avoid going into some of the horrific, overpriced restaurants that abound in this area.  Take the money you save with this itinerary and buy some souvenirs instead.  

A few notes:  

This map makes it look like you're going way out of your way to get to Central Park, but there's a lot of the Park to see near the southern border on 59th St.  You can get carriage rides, drawn caricatures, etc.  It's easy to dip in and out and be right back in Midtown.  And don't let the lines fool you - it's just as easy to get to Ma Peche and Burger Joint from the Time Warner Center as it is from MOMA.

The area west of Times Square, from 34th St. to 59th St. west of 8th Ave., is a diamond in the rough landscape of Midtown - known as Hell's Kitchen, it was a bastion of poor immigrants until recent gentrification took over.  But the delicious restaurants have remained.  I've only listed a few places to eat, but seriously, if you are anywhere near the area, just have a wander and you will find something good and cheap to eat.

For that matter, you can't really go wrong in K-Town - NYC's Koreatown is only partially in Midtown, with the center being on 32nd between 5th and Broadway, but the delicious food is worth the detour." marked_deleted="0" modified="2009-11-20 17:38:46.565963" modifier_id="72" privacy="1" static_map_url="http://maps.google.com/staticmap?hl=en&amp;maptype=roadmap&amp;format=png&amp;markers=40.757584,-73.985642,reda%7C40.757819,-73.987203,redb%7C40.759906,-73.991589,redc%7C40.763133,-73.992963,redd%7C40.762996,-73.989761,rede%7C40.765311,-73.987578,redf%7C40.768428,-73.983073,redg%7C40.776967,-73.968887,redh%7C40.763988,-73.978465,redi%7C40.763068,-73.975708,redj%7C40.762765,-73.975546,redk%7C40.760600,-73.976200,redl%7C40.761719,-73.982807,redm%7C40.759190,-73.980070,redn%7C40.758434,-73.975124,redo%7C40.755775,-73.979048,redp%7C40.757395,-73.982263,redq%7C40.753796,-73.984076,redr%7C40.752792,-73.981375,reds%7C40.752194,-73.980503,redt%7C40.751402,-73.980728,redu%7C40.752270,-73.977490,redv%7C40.752190,-73.974618,redw%7C40.752894,-73.973561,redx%7C40.750696,-73.968177,redy&amp;key=ABCDABCD&amp;size=123123123x123123123&amp;path=rgb:0x0000ff,weight:5|40.757584,-73.985642|40.757819,-73.987203|40.759906,-73.991589|40.763133,-73.992963|40.762996,-73.989761|40.765311,-73.987578|40.768428,-73.983073|40.776967,-73.968887|40.763988,-73.978465|40.763068,-73.975708|40.762765,-73.975546|40.760600,-73.976200|40.761719,-73.982807|40.759190,-73.980070|40.758434,-73.975124|40.755775,-73.979048|40.757395,-73.982263|40.753796,-73.984076|40.752792,-73.981375|40.752194,-73.980503|40.751402,-73.980728|40.752270,-73.977490|40.752190,-73.974618|40.752894,-73.973561|40.750696,-73.968177" status="0" sum_locations="29" sum_votes="1" title="Stranded in Midtown - A Guide to Eating Cheaply and Deliciously in the Midst of Tourist Mayhem" triplocation_id="5026" />
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