Ways to Help:

http://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/hurricane-sandy-how-you-can-help-2012511

http://gothamist.com/2012/11/04/how_you_can_help_hurricane_sandy_fo.php

http://www.treehugger.com/culture/12-ways-help-hurricane-sandy-relief-efforts.html

http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2012/11/hurricane_sandy_resources_get.html

Some MetroCards have insurance!
The 30 day monthly MetroCard and the 7 Day Express Bus MetroCard (note: this is not the Select Bus Service, but rather the actual Express Bus) have balance protection if you purchased them with a credit or debit card. In other words, if you report your card missing, the balance that you had left (i.e.- if you were 15 days into the 30, it would be $52) will be safe. Visit the MTA’s website (http://www.mta.info) for information on replacing your card.

Other cards that can be replaced are any Easy Pay cards.  These are the cards that the cost gets automatically taken out of your credit card or debit card each month (or after a certain dollar amount is gone).

Pay Per Ride Cards Do Not
If you have a Pay Per Ride card, unfortunately, you’re going to be having a pretty bad day if you lose your card.  Someone else is getting a free ride at your expense, unfortunately.  My advice is always to get a Easy Pay card, that way, even if you aren’t using an unlimited card, your balance will still be protected.  It’s also a lot easier to always make sure there’s money on your card. Get more info about this amazing MetroCard here: http://www.mta.info/metrocard/EasyPayXpress.htm

Want more MetroCard info and tips?

Check out NTNYC’s MetroCard page here: http://www.newtonewyorkcity.com/sample-page/metrocard/

Now you may be asking, what stops people from just getting on the bus without one of those receipts of proof of payment from the machines? The MTA Transit Police.  I knew they existed, but in a mythical sort of way like you know that Cash Cab exists but you never actually see it.  Anyway, long story short, I had to flee from the bus in order to avoid the HUNDRED DOLLAR (yes, seriously) fine that comes along with not having a receipt, even if you have a MetroCard on you. Special thanks to my fellow passengers for encouraging the ride and dash to freedom… New Yorkers really are helpful people.

Moral of the story: ALWAYS HAVE YOUR RECEIPT.  Even if it only happens once in a blue moon, there are apparently consequences to not using that little machine prior to getting on the bus.  One hundred dollars worth of consequences, which is about $97.75 entirely too much money. I know I will never again give into the temptation of trying to just narrowly catch the bus to save myself a few minutes….. probably.

Fall Foliage

Who says you need to go upstate to see the leaves change? NYC’s parks provide a great display of colors, especially during the peak time of mid-October to early November. You can go on an organized tour, but one of the best (and cheapest) ways to see the beautiful leaves is just to take a walk through Central Park.

Feast of San Gennaro

Every September, Little Italy transforms into a party with food, entertainment, parades, and more.  Eat at some of the local restaurants, many of which feature San Gennaro specials. To avoid headaches and massive crowds, go during the week. This year’s festivities run from September 13th-23rd.

New York City Marathon

The first Sunday in November marks the amazing NYC Marathon.  Tens of thousands of runners from all over the world come to run 26.2 miles through all five boroughs of NYC.  Not in shape to run? Make sure to check out one of the cheering zones along the route.  The energy and enthusiasm from the crowd is fantastic, and anyone who is running around the ENTIRE CITY definitely needs as much support as possible!

Parades

If you’re brave and willing to deal with the crowds, the city has a few parades to check out for various Fall holidays.  Highlights include the Veteran’s Day Parade, Columbus Day Parade, the Halloween Parade, and of course the most famous Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Spa Week

One of the best unofficial NYC holidays, Spa Week allows you to take advantage of some of the best spas for just $50 per treatment.  Spa Week runs from October 15th-21st this year.  More information can be found at http://www.spaweek.com

Need more ideas? Make sure to take a look at Time Out New York’s annual 101 Things to Do in the Fall: http://www.timeout.com/newyork/things-to-do/101-things-to-do-in-new-york-city-fall-2012

New to New York City sends love to all those who lost loved ones 11 years ago, and to all New Yorkers who still believe there’s something missing from the skyline.

Be smart!
I’m not even going to sit here and tell you not to walk down the street while listing to your iPod, talking on the phone, or texting (well, please avoid the latter if you can’t keep up your normal walking speed… but for different reasons). I do it, you do it… let’s be real here. BUT, avoid it if it’s 1. late at night, 2. you are in an unfamiliar area or 3. there are little to no people around you. If you’re walking down Broadway in the middle of the afternoon, chances are there are hundreds of other people around you and you’re a low risk for being a target. However, if you’re on a side street at 12am by yourself rocking out to Jay-Z and texting your BFF, muggers are going to think it’s Christmas in July.

Be aware!
Know where you’re going and how to get there. If you’re going somewhere new, make sure you get directions beforehand. Nothing makes you a bigger target than wandering around aimlessly. If you do get lost, maintain the look of confidence and duck into a store to re-group. Make sure you are aware of who is around you and what is around you. If you see something or someone that looks suspicious, go with your gut and avoid that street or cross to the other side. Even if you’re listening to music or on the phone, be aware of who is around you and what. Make sure your bags or anything you’re carrying is secure and not hanging out. Notice if someone has been following you for a while, or is following too closely.

Choose your public transit carefully
General rule of thumb- buses are safer than trains late at night. Why? You’re waiting on the street, typically a busy one, where cars are passing by and people have a better chance to be around rather than an underground tunnel where no one can hear you scream (okay, that’s dramatic). But seriously, bus stations are more open and less likely to be isolated. An exception to this rule is busy train stations where regardless of what time of day, there’s always a crowd. Examples are Times Square, Penn Station, Columbus Circle, Union Square, etc. I would still say this rule only applies until about midnight, and then I’d say do not enter a train station by yourself for any reason. Cabs are always your best bet… you will be pissed you didn’t splurge for the $8 if the unthinkable happens while you’re waiting for a train or taking a deserted walk.

Phone a friend
Make sure someone knows when you’re leaving wherever you’re leaving late at night. Let them know when you go, let them know when you arrive. This way, if the worst happens, at least someone is aware of where you SHOULD be and can be worried if something seems to be going awry.

Bag safety
Cross body bags are the best option for walking around the city as far as being deterrents for getting swiped. If cross body bags aren’t your thing, and your shoulder needs some bag love, make sure you keep one hand on the strap while you’re walking through a potentially unsafe situation. Don’t carry too much that you are overwhelmed or an easy target due to the distraction of carrying your body weight in bags. If you have your wallet and you’re walking through a really crowded area where people are constantly bumping you, make sure it’s in your front pocket. You’re way more likely to notice if a pickpocket is grabbing your front pocket… for many reasons.

Trust yourself!
If it feels unsafe, it probably is. And if it isn’t, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Always trust your instincts! What’s the worst that can happen if you do?

Avoid cuisines that are already cheap
There is much debate over this, but I avoid Italian, Chinese, and most other Asian-inspired cuisine. Why? Because they’re already pretty affordable.  I love Italian food, but there are plenty of places you can get great pasta for $35 or less all the time.  Same goes for Chinese food.  Therefore, I skip it.  There are a few exceptions to the rule, when the price of the food is actually worth it because it really is that much better. These include Kittichai (Thai) and Shun Lee (Chinese).  I’m sure you could add more to the list, but as a general rule, these are cuisines I avoid.

Make Reservations Ahead of Time
Tourists can go to any restaurant at any night of the week, because they are on vacation and have all the free time in the world and life is great.  Chances are, if you live here, this is not your life.  Therefore, your preference is probably to go on a Friday or Sunday.  Surprise surprise, these times fill up the fastest.  As soon as you see the restaurants are taking reservations for RW, make yours, especially if you know the place you’re dying to try is popular.

Plan Out Your Finances
Even though the base price for the prix fixe is a great deal, please take note, it does NOT include alcohol.  Drinks can make a nice $35 dinner become a $100 dinner really quickly.  Make sure you make note of this ahead of time and plan on spending some extra cash if you want to go all out on the booze.

Don’t Go To Tourist Traps
You will see some restaurants on the list that have very recognizable names, and while some are definitely worth it, there are others that are not even close.  These restaurants also tend to be the ones during RW that offer the skimpiest portions, so it’s not like you’re getting a deal anyway. This leads me to….

Look At Menus
Don’t judge a book by its cover, as they say.  Just because you’ve heard great things about a certain restaurant doesn’t mean their RW menu is stellar.  Choose the restaurant based on both name AND menu… there are a lot of hidden gems that are amazing, especially during RW.

Personal Favorites
If you need a personal recommendation, below are my favorite past Restaurant Week choices:

1. Mesa Grill
2. Kittichai
3. Butter
4. Victor’s Cafe
5. Fig & Olive
6. Lure Fishbar
7. Spice Market

Coney Island

First of all, only go in the summer.  It’s cold in the winter, and not anywhere near as fun.  Crowds will swarm this beach/amusement park combo, and for good reason, it’s a New York institution.  An um… interesting… array of people will be sun bathing and roller coaster riding with you, which can make for some good people watching to help you forget that there is a bit of a space issue.  Try the new Luna Park, take in some of the boardwalk food (Nathan’s hot dogs, please), and cool off with a dip in the ocean.  Avoid on holiday weekends, because while you want to experience THE NYC beach, you don’t need to torture yourself.

Getting there: Via subway (D, F, N, Q to Coney Island/Stillwell Ave. station)

World Trade Center Memorial

This should not have to be classified as a “tourist trap”, but unfortunately, it is.  A beautiful dedication to the tragic events of 9/11/01, it is a must see to understand what was an important part of NYC history that brought all New Yorkers together.  But please, do not take smiling photos in front of displays.  It’s tacky.

Getting there: A, C, J, Z, 2, 3, 4, or 5 trains to Fulton Street; E train to World Trade Center; R, 1 trains to Rector Street

The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree

This area during the holidays is a madhouse, and you won’t be able to turn around without bumping into someone (who probably doesn’t live here).  But the tree is beautiful, and part of an amazing tradition here in the city.  Avoid it at all costs during the tree lighting ceremony (trust me, watching it on TV will give you a better view), but visit at any point during the rest of its time here.  It’s really an amazing way to get in the holiday spirit.

Getting there: B, D, F, M to Rockefeller Center (47th/50th St)

Central Park

The least touristy thing on this list, but take a day to explore all of it.  Go to the zoo, see the Castle, visit the Great Lawn, take a picture of Strawberry Fields… see everything that the guidebooks always tell you to see. It will take you an entire day, but it will definitely be worth it.  Pick a sunny day, and plan to stroll through for as long as your feet will hold you up. Bonus= there are some great little restaurants/cafes and food stands/trucks to nourish you throughout your journey.

Getting there: A, C, B, D, 1 trains to Columbus Circle (59th St), N, R, Q to 5th Ave (59th St), 2, 3 to 110th St (Central Park North), B, C to 72nd/81st/86th/96th/103rd/110th St.

Summer is the time that most people gorge themselves on ice cream, milkshakes, and other cold, sweet treats.  Unfortunately, I am not really a dessert person, so I usually miss out on the great concept of cooling down while eating something delicious.  That all changed when Neesa Patterson brought her amazing Sno Balls all the way from New Orleans. Sno Balls are a fluffier version of shaved ice, topped with sweet syrup (and other toppings like condensed milk or ice cream, if you prefer). They’re AMAZING. Neesa, who helps make the brightly colored store feel very welcoming, recommended the nectar cream, and now so do I. Stop by for a new kind of summer treat, and you will suddenly crave ice cream a little less than before.

Imperial Woodpecker: 124 MacDougal St.

Twitter: @ImperialSno