One for the Road: Lonely Planet Encounters

by Kelly Amabile on

I’ve got a friend visiting New York this week for the very first time, and in advance of her visit, I road-tested a few guides to see which might work best to use during her short stay. For the rest of this week, I’ll feature the NYC versions of several guidebook series. Consider this part-two of my previous I Love NY mini-book reviews.

First up is New York Encounter, the Big Apple edition of Lonely Planet’s new series of pocket guides that were launched in May. Geared for “urban adventurers seeking unique experiences” the books are for travelers who want to “rapidly immerse themselves in a city.” They were created in collaboration with travelers who seek info from locals in the know. Some short Q&A’s throughout the book showcase the diversity of personality and place that characterizes these guides: there are interviews with the guys behind the High Line, a pedicab driver originally from the Ukraine, a Brooklyn bodega owner and a curatorial assistant at MoMA.

The focus is on experience. There are limited accommodation suggestions, since the emphasis is on what you can do, and in a city like NYC, sleeping doesn’t really count for much. Organized by neighborhood, each section has maps that show places to eat, shop, drink, see and play. There’s a free pull-out map in the rear too, for when you don’t mind looking like a tourist as you plunge deeper into your encounter with the city.

Tubemap Wallets Are A Wallet AND A Map

by Willy Volk on

When you first see the Tubemap wallet, you’ll nod your head and mutter, “Of course! Why didn’t I think of that?” So simple it’s brilliant, a Tubemap wallet is an “ordinary” black leather wallet that folds open to reveal a printed London Underground map inside. Not heading to London? Tubemap also makes wallets for the New York subway.

At £35 ($69), the Tubemap seems a little pricey, but if you’re the kind of person who like traveling light, you’ll gladly pay for dual-purpose gear. With space for loads of cash and 8 cards, this will be one wallet you’ll really cry over if it gets snatched.

On the Inside: An Insider’s Guide to NYC

by Willy Volk on

On the Inside calls itself a “personality-driven Insiders city guide.” Covering New York City, the site showcases movers-n-shakers from the Big Apple — including filmmakers, actors, designers, writers, models, artists, and musicians — who share their favorite spots to eat, drink, shop, and relax in the City.

Allowing uses to search by Insider, neighborhood, or category of destination, On the Inside helps visitors (as well as the congenitally non-hip) learn about some off-the-beaten-track destinations. For example, actor/comedian Will Forte suggests having cocktails at Professor Thom’s — a split personality of a bar — while filmmaker Salvatore Stabile suggests heading to the Brandy Library for a quiet drink and some good conversation.

If you’re heading to the City and you don’t know exactly what you’re going to do, swing by, poke around, and I bet you’ll come away with several cool ideas.

[Thanks, Laurie!]

GADLING’S TAKE FIVE: Week of April 29

by Adrienne Wilson on

Not sure about all of you out there, but I’ve got summer on my mind – BAD. Every read here seems to translate to summer for me and that is only speaking for me, myself and I. If you are as ready as I am you will easy find how to work these recent blog topics, suggestions and tales into a summer adventure of your own.

5. 10 Worst Cities to Visit/10 Best Cities to Visit:
Save time this summer by skipping some of the duds found on the worst list and heading to the best. Or if you’re like me you’ll let all the others cramp and crowd what’s considered the best to make the most out of what’s considered the worst by checking it out on your own. You dig?

4. Finding the Right Place to Workout While on the Road:
Don’t leave the body you’ve been chiseling up for the summer at home. Take it out on the road and keep it fit while you go. If you’re finding it hard to workout on the road perhaps this one will help ignite whatever it is you need to get you started.

3. New York: Bowl at the Bus Station:
Here’s a fun one if you’re out in NY looking for activities aside from the club and bar scene on a late weekend night or any night at that. Bowling at the bus station can be done during the day as well while waiting for your bus to carry you back home. It is recommended you order a $50 Tower of Beer to cool you off between strikes.

2. A Canadian In Beijing: Steamy Bathhouse in Shanghai:
There is never a dull moment in Ember’s Beijing world. In one of her latest she tells all from her hot and steamy Shanghai bathhouse visit. Okay, it isn’t that steamy… Maybe.

1. How to Insult Someone Using British Sign Language:
As the temperature begins to rise don’t let your attitude, but if it does and you feel as though you should and you must insult someone using British sign language start learning how by visiting the tutorial as discovered by Justin. Just be sure you learn the good stuff too and by that I mean ‘nice’ gestures.

Coney Island Mermaid Parade, June 23

by Willy Volk on

Founded in 1983, the Mermaid Parade is an annual event that only New Yorkers could stage. Simultaneously honoring Coney Island’s historic Mardi Gras (that lasted from 1903 to 1954), while celebrating the sand, sea, salt air, and the beginning of summer, all kinds of participants dress in hand-made costumes as Mermaids, Neptunes, sea creatures, lighthouses, Coney Island post cards, amusement rides, antique cars, yachts, and more. Apparently, the primary reason for the fun is the goofy costumes — or lack thereof.

Don’t get too tired from all the parade excitement, because the parade is followed by the Mermaid Parade Ball, featuring live music, sideshow acts, and burlesque shows.

This year’s Memaid Parade is scheduled for June 23. It might be enough of a reason to head to NYC during the summer. If you need some nudging, check out NPR’s coverage of the 2004 event, in which 250,000 people attended.