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.

Good vibes bar with some of the best food-next-to-your-drink in the city.

Printed Matter—organizer of the NY and LA Art Book Fairs—is a non-profit supporting the work of artists and independent publishers through the circulation of their books. At their store in Chelsea, you can shop an insanely diverse selection of artists’ books, zines, posters, and more. They’re also always hosting awesome in-store exhibitions and events, from book launches and talks to lectures and performances.

A not-for-profit community museum and civic organization located in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. The museum traces the history of New York City's five boroughs with its exhibitions of cultural ephemera and relics.

City Island is a seaside town in the Bronx. Known for its fishing, seafood, and main street it is a self-contained working-class haven. The buildings range from late 1800's houses to 1960's storefronts, and you can smell the ocean everywhere on the island. Restaurants and local pubs dot City Island Ave, and even the few empty storefronts stay vibrant.