andiefrancese

State Street runs right along Battery Park and that is honestly it's main attraction. Battery Park is a huge draw and double decker buses and tour groups are all over the place. While some would find it rather obnoxious it doesn't take away the wonder of this area. The entire neighborhood has a lot of personality and the ability to spend some time in battery park with a bottle of water and maybe an ice cream makes it all worth while. This is a must see for anyone visiting NY.

The West Side Highway is how I get around Manhattan if I have decided to drive in. It's quick and convenient and is a really lovely ride. It runs on the far west side of Manhattan alongside the Hudson River. Chelsea Piers is a must stop for anyone visiting New York and the view is really beautiful at sunset. You can also check out the massive cruise ships docked along the way and if you get lucky you can watch one of the helicopter tours take off. Don't be taken back by the fact that the road has several different names. People call it many things, but the West Side Highway is probably easiest to remember.

Perry Street is the odd one out in the neighborhood. It is quiet and quaint with beautiful residential buildings, however just a few yards away, or a street over, the hustle of the city returns. It is close to Bleeker St. which has a solid night life as well as Hudson Street. It is a nice combination of the quiet everyone seems to desire and the entertainment and atmosphere that most move to New York City for.

Harrison Street, in Tribeca was once a lovely area with trendy and expensive loft style apartments and great businesses abound. While Harrison still maintains it's style a heavy construction project has robbed it of it's charm. The project is going to involve repaving the roads and will likely take years to complete. Sidewalks have been blocked off and overall this is no longer an area that most would want to travel on a regular basis if the construction sounds bother them any.

Varick Street has been nothing special for sometime, but that is getting ready to change. The street that runs north to south intersects some of the most popular spots in lower Manhattan and because of that it has long been considered a mere pass through. The M20 runs up and down the street and several subway stations are located on it. The street is currently home to warehouses and office space but very interesting changes are coming to the area. City Winery announced their plans to open in the neighborhood early in 08 and will be officially open for business shortly. The winery is a unique dining and entertainment experience that really deserves to be visited. Former club, Shelter, has been transformed into a two story nightclub experience by the name of Greenhouse. It is targeted towards the hip, trendy and eco-friendly types and will likely be a hit. The nightlife is really heating up on the street. More changes and additions are slated for 2009, so Varick St. is one to watch.

Church Street is an awesome place to visit. The Street, closest to the WTC has come back to life and serves as a true reminder that New York is one resilient town. Across from the WTC site the Millennium Hilton offers nice accommodations. It reopened in 2003, after it sustained significant damage following the terrorist attacks. St. Paul's Chapel is located on Church between Vessey and Fulton and is thought to be one of the oldest buildings in Manhattan. It's architecture is something worth a snapshot no matter what religion you are. The location also became an important part of the 9/11 recovery efforts.

135th Street is a street littered with problems. While much of Harlem has been revitalized this street has been missed and it's been left with a run down feel uncommon with the cities lower numbered streets. Because of it's proximity it's not very convenient for those working in Midtown or Downtown. It intersects with St. Nicholas Park but it is not an area you would want to walk around alone. It is reminiscent of NYC prior to the war on crime. There are some convenience in the area; mostly convenience stores, delis and small businesses, but that can't redeem the area and it's chaotic and strange vibe.

W. 110th street has solid potential, but it needs a city that believes in it to thrive. The street has a solid location and great transportation options. There are many small businesses and service type shops along the way which is a great service to the people who live here, but overall the area has a depressed feel to it. It's not necessarily run down or dirty, it simply feels old and uncared for. With a bit of sprucing up it would be a wonderful location, especially closest to Riverside drive. It's not a bad place to live though in any event and it's fairly convenient and reasonable.

East 58th street is probably what I would consider an ideal living situation. There is a lot to do in the area, but it still maintains it's own special charm. The New York Public Library has a branch on 58th between Park and Lexington which also offers computer training classes and lessons. Living space is pretty hard to come by but it is worth the effort. Stunning views are common in the area and there is everything a person needs right within walking distance. It is also located in the center of the city making traveling simple and convenient. While it's location does make it a pretty busy area it is not overwhelming at all and offers a nice balance of comfort and amenities.

Those looking for housing at a reasonable price should probably mark off the sections closest to the Park. Park views are what breed expensive real estate. Abbey Pub is a fun find in the neighborhood and offers a true neighborhood bar feel. The atmosphere is cozy and friendly, much like the rest of the neighborhood. It's a nice place to walk through and a nice area to consider moving to.

I happened upon King Street when I was attempting to get from 8th to Hudson Street and while it was nice enough there wasn't anything that drew me to it. Last time I happened by it there was a good deal of construction going on. The Area towards 6th Avenue is much nicer and the apartment buildings appear well maintained and rather peaceful. It is close to a lot of amenities which is important for anyone moving into the city, but not a necessity for people simply visiting. There are a few subway stations in the general area which makes it easy to get too and from.

Charlton Street is charming, really rather charming. It's a quiet street that crosses some of the major hot spots in the city, yet it maintains it's quiet vibe. It has a nice art house feel to it and the small businesses that are located sparingly along the street only add to the neighborhoods charm. Archipelago, Located on Hudson at Charlton, has been getting great reviews as of late and has brought a special flair to the neighborhood

Downing Street is just an average street in Manhattan. It's nothing spectacular, but it's not a troubling spot either. It seems to lack some personality but it does have a few little gems along the way. Mas Farmhouse is a true gem hidden on a mediocre street.Downing Street Bar is a nice little spot to stop in for a glass of wine and a conversation with a friend. Other than the above listed stops Downing doesn't offer much more, but there is nothing wrong with the street either.

Bedford Street is a street that any foodie will fall in love with. Along the entire strip there are restaurants that are absolutely divine. Casa offers Brazilian cuisine which is good, if not a bit much at times. I hate leaving feeling really stuffed and Casa caused that, though that's not the fault of the restaurant. Ditch Plains offers great lunches and a delicious lobster roll. Ditch Plains also delivers which is an added bonus. Overall this is a great strip with amazing food.

West 118th Street has a lot of convenient shops and businesses. It sits right next to Columbia University and the area between Morningside Drive and Amsterdam Ave can get a bit rowdy because of it's proximity to the Columbia Campus but across Morningside Park the area becomes quiet with a nice mix of housing options and neighborhood stores.

Rundown and uniform are the two words that come to mind about Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd. The road looks like it went through a major revitalization project at some point, but the entire soul of the area was wiped away in the process. Every building looks exactly the same. The only real stores are small businesses that are intended to cater to residents. I suppose the area never gets many tourists. Buildings go from looking new to looking run down, but that is the only distinguishing factor between each. I was entirely underwhelmed by the area.

Park Avenue in the 30's and 40's is home to many office buildings and specialty services. It's a busy and hectic area during the working day. It also offers some great, quick food finds for the working crowd. As you head further uptown the street changes a bit and offers up expensive high-end shopping for the men and women with Amex cards to burn. While it's a nice feeling to walk along the road it becomes obvious that it's a rather pretentious area. Park Avenue has always been famous for it's shops and luxury living and it does live up to it's reputation. That can be both a good and bad thing though.

97th street is close to subway stops and has ample transportation options, however the street itself is about as interesting as a brick wall. Well actually, what you will end up seeing is a brick wall. 97th appears to be one of those streets that were simply drawn in after the fact. Walking down you will see very few entrances, even to residential buildings. Rather you will find yourself surrounded by the side of many buildings. It's quiet, even during the busiest hours in the city which might appeal to some, but to me it's just downright creepy.

The Brooklyn Bridge Looms almost overhead on Dover Street. While I personally am not fond of large looming structures when I'm walking around the Brooklyn Bridge is beautiful to look at and it serves as a true New York landmark. Checking out the bridge is always interesting and Dover Street offers a nice perspective, however that is about all it offers. Close to the bridge there is not much on Dover Street worthy of stopping by.

Pearl Street has a cool, busy vibe to it. Because it is located close to the Brooklyn Bridge there is a lot of foot traffic and a ton of great quick food options. The Pearl Street Diner offers homey food and great burgers. Ketch offers more upscale dining. It's a nice area and great to walk around. Transportation is great and it's Financial District proximity makes it a good choice for those in the business.

Columbus Avenue, like many of the longer roads, has a different vibe depending on where you land on it, but rest assured you will find something to love about each section. Each area has great dining options and numerous shopping adventures. Isabella's located on Columbus near West 77th street offers great outdoor dining during the summer months. Columbus Avenue has a number of eating options that offer outdoor dining during the warm months which is great for individuals who enjoy watching the city go by (i'm one of those people). It is crowded but never feels overly congested which is a nice medium. Overall it's a wonderful place to visit and reside.

Irving place is very easy to get too and very close to the action, so to speak. The subway stations are plentiful and there are always people in the area. Irving Plaza offers some wonderful concerts and entertainment options. It is known as one of the best small venues in the City. A NYSC and a number of Cafes and stores round out the neighborhood for residents. It's an easy area to travel to and from and thus makes for an ideal place to live.

West 33rd St is one of the busiest roads in Manhattan, with a great deal of foot traffic and major venues located on it, but it is worth it. The Manhattan Mall is located on the block, not far from Madison Square Garden. It offers a variety of great stores to browse and shop at. Just two streets up is Macy's, rounding out the shopping experience. It's not the biggest shopping street in Manhattan but it is one of them and if you enjoy the mall experience Manhattan Mall will not disappoint.

Queens Boulevard is one of the longest and busiest roads in Queens. It runs through several neighborhoods. It has a myriad of different businesses ranging from large chain stores to small businesses all along the way. There is one glaring problem with Queens Boulevard; it's dangerous. Pedestrian traffic and vehicle traffic intersect at alarming rates and at 12 lanes wide in many sections those attempting to cross have a very dangerous sprint across. The local government has attempted to cut down on the danger, but it remains a significant problem in the area.

Fordham Road is a true shopping experience for anyone looking for a bargain. The outdoor experience situated in the Bronx offers a variety of stores; although Dr. Jay's and Akademiks are among the popular urban clothing locations. Some stores are willing to bargain with customers so it's always worth a shot. Fordham Road can be accessed by a number of buses and Metro North also services the area; heading both back into Westchester County and down into Manhattan. Metro North only offers a few Manhattan Stops on both the Hudson and Harlem line with the most popular being Grand Central Terminal.

West 55th street fits right into midtown. It has great restaurants, amazing shopping and wonderful lounges and bars. Ava lounge is an events space and a lounge that offers a relaxing environment with stunning views of the city. Milos offers an amazing seafood meal that will make any patron feel like they are on an island instead of in the middle of Manhattan. The area is extremely lively at all hours of the day and night. It's something you simply have to experience to understand. It is one of my favorite spots in Manhattan.

East 12th street is a nice place to live and depending on the cross street your residence falls on you will find all different atmospheres. John's restaurant, between 1st and 2nd Avenues, offers great cuisine in a nice calm atmosphere. Some areas offer wild fun with many bars and lounges while other sections of the street are much tamer and offer peace and quiet. Potential residents should consider walking the area before settling, because it does all depend on where on East 12th street you land.

West 11th street has a lot of personality. It's a nice street lined with beautiful brownstones. There are a number of antique shops in the area that are nice to browse on a relaxing weekend but there are also a number of great restaurants and bars in the area. West 11th is close to Washington Square which is a nice hot spot for entertainment. It's one of the quainter neighborhoods in the area and quiet enough to provide some peace in a busy area.

Malcolm X Blvd is bursting with heritage. At it's southern tip it meets Central Park at it's northern most part. There are some architectural points of interest, however most of the street is lined with chain stores, convenience type shops and fast food locations. The buildings in certain parts are a bit run down looking and the entire area has a bit of a dicey feel to it, but it's very much alive and well. There are people out all the time and while there are some unsavory characters most of the residents are nice and friendly. While it wouldn't be my first or 15th choice for living arrangements it is not all bad and as you head closer to the park the area can get rather nice.

Baxter Street is not all that well known, and for good reason, there is not much going on. The street however is nestled right in with some of the more famous areas and can be a nice location for getting around the lower side of the city. Nha Trang Restaurant is a good stop for a very quick bite to eat. Jaya Malaysian Restaurant is another good restaurant in the area. It is one of the quieter pass ways through lower Manhattan with some unique finds of it's own.

34th street is famous for it's role in the film "Miracle on 34th street" but it's far from a miracle in my mind. 34th street is loud, obnoxious and incredibly crowded. Macy's, Penn Station and the Empire State Building, which are all within walking distance of one another, create a triple threat that just seems to breed chaos. The amount of people in the area at any given time pretty much sucks the enjoyability out of the area. As a city dweller myself I don't mind crowds, but this is even too much for me.

Bank Street is a nice street to live on as it's close to everything and walking to the local stores and bar scene is not out of the question. A few restaurants can be found along the way but nothing of serious note, in my opinion. Most people who live in the area do so because of how close it is to Greenwich and Hudson Streets. It's pretty far removed from the wild and fun bar scene around Christopher, which can be a bit of a drag for people who are looking to be involved in it. It does offer a bit more quiet than the areas closer to the scene which is nice for those looking for a bit of quiet and solitude after a long day.

East End Avenue, like it's counterpart on the West End is classy and elegant. The condos that line the street are absolutely stunning. The street sits right across from Carl Schurz Park and offers residents a nice retreat from the hectic city life. Like most areas on the far east side of the city there is not much in the way of fun in the area and transportation can be difficult at best. Gristede's offers residents shopping convenience. The real allure is the quiet atmosphere so people looking for more than a nice stroll and classy living space probably will be greatly disappointed.

Some say that Avenue A is an up and coming area, but I just don't see it. There is nothing really worth seeing around Tompkins Square Park; just some restaurants and convenience stores. Sushi Lounge is one i've tried and it was simply okay. The entire block appears to have a film of dirt over it that it can't shake. Even the buildings look dirty and the sidewalks appear more blackened than concrete. It's not one of my favorite areas and it just feels generally filthy.

MacDougal is a nice place for insomniacs. There is always something to do and the nightlife is a large part of the streets charm. The Comedy Cellar is famous for being the stomping ground of some of America's greatest comedians. There are many great places to eat and a number of relaxed cafes. MacDougal Street has an amazing spirit to it and being in the area is invigorating. While it's not some place I'd like to live, just because it can be loud and obnoxious at all hours, it's a great place to visit for a night out.

Broad street is one of the famous roads in New York City, and for good reason. It's is located in the financial district and meets up with Wall Street. It's location has created an amazing atmosphere in the area and there are plenty of shops and businesses to stop in. The NYSE is located at the corner of Broad and Wall Streets, leading to one of the most heavily traveled areas in the city.

Pine Street is not known like it's surrounding streets, however it's a haven for small businesses. A nut and candy shop, cleaners, and wine merchants are common along the street all with cohesive awnings. It really pulls the neighborhood together and creates a nice atmosphere. It might not be as busy as Wall Street and Broad Street, but it is a lovely street to walk along and stop in the small stores.

Henry street is fairly residential and like many other residential streets in the city not much goes on right on the block. The area around it however has great entertainment. What is of interest on Henry street is the architecture. Many of the buildings have rounded corners, which is odd to see in a city like New York. A few delis and other conveniences dot the area, but nothing that drives tourists to the area. Most of the shops are for local residents. There is a nice community feeling to the area and the neighborhood has a nice friendly feel to it.

Fulton Street is an incredibly busy street that runs through lower Manhattan. Fulton street was once famous for the Fulton Fish Market, but the market relocated in 2005 to a Bronx facility. Left in it's wreckage is an odd smell that still permeates in the area. The South Street Seaport, however, still remains a great point of interest and offers great views, good dining and overall, a good time. The area has been under construction for sometime already and is well behind the projects time line. The construction has caused a good deal of mass chaos. Fulton Street also runs close to the WTC site, which can be difficult to navigate as well.

Fulton Street is an incredibly busy street that runs through lower Manhattan. Fulton street was once famous for the Fulton Fish Market, but the market relocated in 2005 to a Bronx facility. Left in it's wreckage is an odd smell that still permeates in the area. The South Street Seaport, however, still remains a great point of interest and offers great views, good dining and overall, a good time. The area has been under construction for sometime already and is well behind the projects time line. The construction has caused a good deal of mass chaos. Fulton Street also runs close to the WTC site, which can be difficult to navigate as well.

People once considered Ward's Island to be the ultimate retreat from New York City, however the landscape has changed significantly and most people would not want to set foot on the island. There is nothing to see, honestly. It's an island that now houses public works buildings and a psychiatric hospital that offers both inpatient and outpatient services. Unless you are having a nervous breakdown there is really no reason to travel to the island. While it still offers some picturesque views it's just not a necessary trip, in my opinion.

Randall's Island is officially part of Manhattan. It houses a few public works buildings but the majority of the island is a city park. The island houses a number of athletic facilities and has been the site of some world record breaking events; specifically i track and field. The island is also the host of many events including races and concerts. Ozfest has been held at the venue in past years and other bands and musicians have worked the venue. It's a bit difficult to get to and pretty out of the way but it's worth a visit for anyone who lives in Manhattan.

Central Park West offers walkers the ability to enter the park or to stay on the street. It's a great place to walk and admire all the people who get to live in the buildings that line the street across from the park. As for entertainment there is not much. It is mostly just an interesting street to walk. On a nice summer day vendors and artists line the way along the street and you can check out some interesting finds. If you are afraid of the K-9 population you will likely want to stay away. You will see more dogs on Central Park West then you ever though existed within the city.

New York City has many things to offer in the way of huge buildings and concrete, but some of it's greatest views can be seen in the park, by foot. Center Drive looks through the park and allows the perfect path for runners and bikers to follow. It's a beautiful area to travel through, but solace is not what you will find. Any time you enter the area there will be people, and a lot of them. I've been on Center Drive during all different hours of the day and during all different types of weather and there are always other people. It's still a great place to be and moves along at a nice pace for even the slowest walkers. It is worth a visit.

West 98th Street is largely a residential area and thus has very little going on. All the fun can be found on the Avenues that intersect it. The street crosses with Broadway and West End Avenue as well as Riverside Drive. The street does provide nice residential space very close to the amenities located on the major Avenues though. It's also close enough to transportation to make moving around fairly easy. It's not a tourist trap by any means and allows residents and visitors a nice stroll to the park, but that is about it. I'd consider living here, but I don't think I'd find myself visiting for the sheer fun of it.

West 44th street is almost a forgotten street. 42nd street and the glitz and glamour has eclipsed the streets surrounding it but there are some great finds on 44th street as well between 5th and 8th avenues. There are many offices and companies in the area, but the street also intersects the famous time square. Because of it's location there is a ton of through traffic which can be a bit annoying for those walking around. Viva Pancho is a great food stop. It has a ton of atmosphere and great fajitas for those passing by. 44th does not get the glory it rightfully deserves. Tourists should step off 42nd and check out this gem.

Hudson Street is a busy road that leads towards the Holland Tunnel and intersects with some of the more popular downtown streets. Because the street is so large and busy walking it can become pretty tiresome but foot travel will lead you to some great food and shop finds. Bagels on Hudson offers wonderful fresh bagels for a quick bite to eat. Hudson Bar and Books is a cigar club that caters to a young upscale crowd. Although crowded and busy it's an interesting stop for those who enjoy cigars. There is plenty going on along Hudson Street regardless of the area of the city you are in. Further downtown is where the area gets almost annoyingly busy, but that doesn't always have to be a bad thing.

York Avenue stretches down the east side of Manhattan and has managed to beat back commercialization. The area is largely residential but it is also home to some of the leading hospitals. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center is located between 68th and 69th streets. The rest of the area is pretty residential which offers a nice retreat from the hustle of city life. Like other residential areas York Avenue, in certain spots, lacks the public transportation that most city dwellers have grown accustom too. I personally think the retreat from the noise of regular city life is an acceptable trade-off to the lack of public transit, but many may not agree. Those looking to move into the area should consider the transportation issue before grabbing the packing boxes.

Spruce Street, near Park Row, is home to Pace University's campus and because of that offers great convenience in a small area. When you enter the street you will find that the shops and the food spots are catering to the college crowd, which usually means affordable. The big issue that keeps me from giving this street 5 stars is the construction. There appears to be a constant construction on the small street. Sidewalks are closed and it's generally a nightmare. Parking probably won't happen in the area, unless you get unbelievably lucky. New York Downtown Hospital is also on the street. I like Spruce for it's proximity to other places,however as a street alone it's too chaotic.

The Wall Street of today may not be what it was prior to September 11th but it is still a worthy place to visit. Seen as the financial center of the world, Wall Street is still a face paced and quick moving area. If you happen upon the street during rush hours it's best to keep it moving. The sheer number of business suits running around is a sight worth seeing.The NYSE is such an amazing building it makes you want to jump right in and become a trader. The Charging Bull statue, now located in Bowling Green Park, is perhaps one of my favorite statues in the city. The massive bronze sculptor is both menacing and beautiful and a worthy photo opportunity for any tourist.

If you ever travel on the public transportation system you will learn fairly quickly that Chambers St. exists. Every line seems to converge upon the street, and while that's plenty nice tourists might be fooled into thinking their is something worth seeing. The area is home to lots of financial buildings, a famed high school and some college buildings. New York City Hall, located in the area is a point of interest due to it's historical significance and architectural value. Along the bi-directional street travelers will also happen upon the Tweed Courthouse and a number of other municipal buildings. It might be an interesting stop for people interested in government and government buildings, but other than that it's hit or miss.

Several years ago the hipsters, artists and college students must have gotten together and decided to descend upon a neighborhood. They all seemed to agree upon Union Square. Lots of stores have come into the area to pacify the new up and coming crowd in the area and it has transformed the neighborhood. Sushi Samba and Whole Foods provide some seriously good eats and the Virgin Megastore draws in a huge crowd. Luxury buildings have popped up and living is expensive, very expensive. Apartment hunting in the area is not for the tight of pocket or even the faint of heart.

East 27th Street is a nice place to settle into the city. It's close to everything and is only a block away from Madison Square Park. Because of it's location real estate is hard to come by but worth it if you can find it. The area can get heavily congested but walking to the amenities is easy and enjoyable. Barbecue and Jazz haven, Blue Smoke is located on the block and is almost worth moving into the area for; it is that good. The restaurant offers great atmosphere and amazing barbecue that rivals even the most authentic BBQ. The restaurant sells it's sauce by the bottle and if you are only visiting I would recommend buying some.

East 32nd Street is an extremely busy area during the day. Many businesses and offices are located in the area and thus there is heavy foot traffic during the day. Because of the office population there are also amazing places to eat on a pretty tight budget. Healthy food choices can be found in the area as well, so just about anyone is catered to. Because it's a heavy traffic area it's best to take public transit and if you plan on moving into the area forget about bringing a car with you. Public transportation is readily avaliable, which is always nice.

Amsterdam Avenue is a pretty long street so the location on the avenue really affects what you will find. Around the 80s and 90s residents enjoy a quiet area sprinkled with interesting shops and spots to eat. Lincoln Center is commonly though of as the big draw to the area and even if you don't enjoy the cultural scene it's a nice area to just walk around. Once you hear further north into the 120s things get a bit dicier and the appearance becomes a bit more run down. Columbia University is nestled into the area and is a point of interest and hard to miss as it's expanded to encompass a pretty large plot in the area.

West 21st is probably not a spot were most people would want to settle down, at least it's not their first choice. The street has been under construction for as long as I can remember and the noise level at all hours is a bit more than most are willing to deal with. With that being said it does have a few fun gems hidden within the construction and noise. Porky's, between 5th and 6th, for example is a super fun spot for the young adult crowd; mostly singles. Try out one of the fishbowl drinks on the menu and the underwhelming atmosphere of 21st Street will fade away. Leave the kids at home for this one, of course.

Orchard Street has different feels depending on which part you are on but overall the street really comes alive at night and on the weekends. It hosts a number of hip and trendy lounges and restaurants. It's extremely eclectic so most people can find something to fit their tastes. Those who live on the road appear to enjoy that fact as well. Orchard pretty much meets the needs of all different people with varying interests and desires. One point of interest is Tut's, a club that offers food, drinks and hookah all delivered with a Middle Eastern and Egyptian flare.

East 42nd Street is near and dear to my heart. As a citizen of an outlying suburb my first view of the city, after getting off the train is Grand Central Terminal, located on 42nd street. When you step out onto the sidewalk the sheer amount of people walking around is amazing. Checking out GTC should be on the list of every tourist. The architecture and attention to detail that went into the design is worth a good look and a few pictures as well. Visitors would be advised to steer clear during rush hours. You have to move fast or risk potential disaster. All along 42nd street there are things to do and lots of places to duck into for a quick look around. It's one of my favorite streets to walk, although I'd never consider living so close to the hustle and bustle.

West 129th street is an eclectic street in the northern part of Manhattan. It's not in the most desirable neighborhood, but that also makes living in the area somewhat more reasonable than the rest of the city. Because of it's northern location getting to midtown can be a bit of a trek, but it is not one that will make movement around the city impossible. The area around 129th street recognizes it's Jazz heritage and it's always nice to visit some of the places including lounges and restaurants that have been heavily influenced by the Jazz movement. A point of interest for travels might be the Jazz on the Villa Hostel. The Hostel offers sleeping accommodations in a beautifully restored building at very reasonable prices.

Riverside drive stretches from the northern tip of Manhattan southwards on the west side of Manhattan. It runs through Morningside Heights and the Upper West Side and it is one of the most picturesque streets in the city. If you want to live in Manhattan this would be prime real estate. It's a huge avenue and has a great deal of traffic at any given time but Riverside Park offers a nice retreat from city life. Health and fitness enthusiasts will appreciate the area and the park because of it's recreational opportunities. Local shops and eateries are also common along the stretch and offer a nice community feeling. Grants Tomb is located in the park along with a number of other monuments and sculptors which are definite points of interest for visitors and residents alike.

I head to 6th Avenue (or the Avenue of the Americas) on a weekly basis and it's one of my favorite places in the city. 6th around 53rd street encompasses so many wonderful things and I feel like it pulls together everything that the city is all about. The structures are awe inspiring but it still maintains the "charm" factor that true New Yorkers are always looking for. Some of the greatest food i've ever had is from a street vendor on the corner of 53rd and 6th. The Halal Gyro stand offers gyro platters and flat bread sandwiches to massive lines starting at 7:30pm. If you are visiting the city you'll know it by the massive line that forms. It often stretches 100 people deep.

I visited West 19th a few years ago and happened upon it again just recently and I have to say the changes it has endured are not necessarily for the better. When you enter Manhattan you should never expect absolute quiet, however I was amazed at the level of noise on the street in the wee hours of the morning. It's looking more and more industrialized and the amount of trucks and movement is not a pretty site or sound. Walking inside a building didn't make it much better and I can't imagine the noise issue during the warm summer months. West 19th is part of Chelsea but it doesn't have the art-chic charm that can be found on other streets that are part of the neighborhood in my opinion. It's a take it or leave it street in my opinion.

Stepping onto Stone Street is like stepping out of the city. It's quaint street filled with great places to stop by. There are lots of great restaurants and the Stone Street Tavern is a nice hidden gem. Walking down the street is enjoyable in and of itself. The stone paved streets and brick buildings are really beautiful in their own way and it's a step out of the normal tar-paved roads and skyscrapers of Manhattan. Adrienne's Pizza Bar is also a great stop. If you happen by Stone Street during brunch you'll be pleasantly surprised. Some of the greatest brunch fare can be found on this small and charming street.

Vessey Street is still a grim reminder of what transpired on September 11th, 2001. The World Trade Center, once standing tall and proud as a symbol of American engineering, is now a large hole that can be viewed from the spot. The site is something that everyone should visit but it can be hard to take. The area closest to the site has a heavy, haunted feel to it, but it still is a memorial to those who lost their lives in the space. While it can be a troubling spot it is an experience. The site is surreal and the quiet that can sometimes set in is very unlike the city itself. If you are looking for a hot spot this is not the street to be, but it's an extremely important one for both New York and America.

Carmine Street is one of the hidden gems of Manhattan. The street is located in West Greenwich Village sandwiched between Sixth and Seventh Avenues. It has an eclectic feel to it and offers up some great locations for music lovers. Carmine Street Guitars houses both new and used, custom-crafted Kelly guitars. It also stocks lots of accessories and can be a cool place to browse. The restaurant scene on the street is unbelievable and a great slice of pizza can be found at Famous Joe's Pizza. Grey Dog is a popular coffee stop. You can also find some really strange little shops, Wisdom of Tibet, a spiritual store, is one of them.

Vessey Street is still a grim reminder of what transpired on September 11th, 2001. The World Trade Center, once standing tall and proud as a symbol of American engineering, is now a large hole that can be viewed from the spot. The site is something that everyone should visit but it can be hard to take. The area closest to the site has a heavy, haunted feel to it, but it still is a memorial to those who lost their lives in the space. While it can be a troubling spot it is an experience. The site is surreal and the quiet that can sometimes set in is very unlike the city itself. If you are looking for a hot spot this is not the street to be, but it's an extremely important one for both New York and America.

Broadway can be considered the heart and soul of Manhattan. The street is best known for it's theatrical connotations, but there is far more happening on Broadway. The strip, which stretches through the city has great shopping in the SOHO area, with great brand name stores and interesting boutiques.

The theater district is what most people associate Broadway with and it's beautiful and breathtaking. Walking past the theaters, adorned with show posters and billing is an amazing experience. If there is one place in Manhattan that is overpriced this would have to be it. Eating in the area can be expensive and it's incredibly crowded with hoards of tourists both day and night. While it's a site to see I'd keep the kiddos away from the area unless explicitly heading in to see a play; the crowds can be insane.