When I moved to NYC in the summer of 2009, my wife Hannah and I went straight to Central Park and the Belvedere Castle. It was the first time I fully grasped that I lived in New York and it felt euphoric standing on that hill. For me this place is still a romantic symbol and reminder of the spirit and essence of the city and the reasons I live here.

If only places can speak...yet they have their own language with their texture, smell, vibe, mood...new york is waking up 

Stupendous views of Manhattan and what feels like all of Brooklyn from the only tall-ish building around. And very good beer.

Great mid-eastern food in Chelsea/Flatiron/NoMad/whatever you call that area.

A place for when you only have a day and your soul needs the smell of an ocean breeze and to feel sand between your toes. You can watch all the craziness of Coney Island from across the water.