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Of course there's the obvious - big-name attractions like the Statue of Liberty, Rockefeller Center, Chinatown, Soho, Broadway, Central Park, Greenwich Village and, of course, the Bronx Bombers, along with the up-and-coming Meatpacking District and trendy Chelsea neighborhood. But for all of its big-name attractions, there are equal numbers of off-the-beaten-path favorites. It is a city with the equivalent of a shopping mall in every block; a theatrical scene that is the supreme rite of passage; a nightlife that is the idol of a nation; and a skyline that is the icon of civilization. Imagine a typical day of leisure in New York. You can start in the morning by biking in Central Park, then museum-hopping (from the Museum of Modern Art ... to the Asia Society Galleries ... to the Whitney, the Cooper-Hewitt and Guggenheim). There's a menu of enticing places to eat - whether it be at the touristy Tavern on the Green, Nobu for Japanese cuisine, Sparks Steakhouse, or an endless stream of corner delis. After an afternoon of shopping (at Bloomingdale's and Macy's, of course), an evening might include seeing a Broadway show, catching the Metropolitan Opera at Lincoln Center or enjoying budding improv artists. Then it's off to a hot jazz club ... or an all-night bowling alley. For great music, stop by the Bowery Ballroom, where local bands and big-name artists perform. Some of the world's best restaurants are located in Manhattan. A local hotspot is Da Silvano's, for celebrity-sighting and fine-dining. Grab the best brunch in the city at Norma's, located in Le Parker Meridien hotel near Central Park. For nighttime fun, there is an endless number of bars and clubs that fill up with bustling New Yorkers each night. Among these are the trendy Bungalow 8 (if you are lucky enough to get inside), the Meatpacking District's PM Lounge which features Haitian-inspired cocktails, and Employees Only, where the bartenders are called "bar chefs" and shake (or stir) up some of the best martinis around. The cities of Long Island, from Bay Shore and Douglaston to Manhasset and Valley Stream, offer an appreciated departure from the downtown pace. Extending 125 miles to the east of Manhattan - and easily accessible by rail and highway - Long Island is home to such well-known vacation sites as the Gold Coast and the Hamptons. A diverse mix of inland activities and coastal relaxation creates the perfect contrast to the city's commotion. Here you will find everything from historical sites and lighthouses ... to major regional malls and shopping villages ... to wineries and farmlands ... to pristine beaches and enchanting towns. New Jersey is the place to live for anyone who wants the exciting big city life of New York without the Manhattan gridlock and cost of living. Close enough for a daily commute or occasional visits via subway, train or ferry, the birthplace of Bruce Springsteen is home to many New York professionals who prefer a bit more breathing space. Frank Sinatra's hometown, Hoboken, is a hot spot, with interesting shops, bars and clubs and some of the area's better places to hear live music. Here in Hoboken you can dine at Lounge 11- reminiscent of the trendy Manhattan bars, without the crowd. Likewise, New Brunswick (home of Rutgers University) and Princeton are college towns with diverse cultural, arts and playtime attractions.
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