blaugra: Summer in the City - #BlogHer10 countdown!

I just realized that BlogHer is a little more than 2 weeks away!

I'm a NYC occasional tourista so I thought I'd pull together some fun things I like to do in midtown. So like, when you need to get some fresh air outside of the conference, see some fun New York! Get yourself a fold-out map of Manhattan. Even seasoned tourists use these to find our way around.

I've been to the BlogHer big hotel several times for conferences and awards shindigs, but I've never stayed overnight (@ the New York Hilton). I hope they don't have bedbugs like much of Manhattan.

We'll be across from Radio City Music Hall and Rockefeller Center, and if you haven't seen Rock Center, well then duh, make sure you do. Take photos in the channel gardens, find a cupcake shop, visit the Radio City store and La Maison du Chocolat.

From Rockefeller Center, cruise 5th Avenue for shopping experiences you can't get in your hometown. Don't do it all, just un poco. You don't want to get mallitosis.

> Turn left and cross the street and walk to Tiffany & Co. flagship store - Come on, Holly Golightly. Shop for your dream jewels.

> If you need some clothes and you don't have H&M in your town, now's your opportunity.

Salvatore Ferragamo

museum!

I just saw that one of my favorito 5th Avenue stops, Takashimaya, has closed. Domo noooo! I was going to tell you to go there.

> Oh yeah, and if you're in need of salvation, St. Patrick's Cathedral is there for you. Even I go in and light a candle.

Over in Times Square, which is now like Menlo Park Mall exploded all over the place, there are a few great shopping experiences. The Sanrio "HELLO, KITTEH!" BOUTIQUE is on W. 42nd conveniently near the Port Authority Bus Terminal. Convenient for me, that is.

If you've arrived in NYC sans false eyelashes, or you are in need of some hair clips, boas, glitter, fishnets, and natural skin products at great prices... oh yes you need all these things, especially for the Sparklecorn party, no? Go to Ricky's NYC. There's one at 1412 Broadway between 39th & 40th. I've never been to that one but I love all Ricky's.

Here you're close to Bryant Park and the New York Public LIbrary. Enjoy this park. It's lovely. Awesome people watching. You're in the middle of everything. There's the HBO offices. There's an off-Broadway theatre. Fashion avenue in the next block. Have a drink at the Bryant Park Grill. Ride Le Carrousel. Do not get sick after your drink and le carrousel.

From the Public Library, walk to Grand Central Station. If your train did not arrive at Grand Central. If you were stuck arriving in the less grand Penn Station, for example.

Notice the zodiacs on the ceiling. Walk the concourse of food and shops and fresh market. Try Li-Lac Chocolates, a New York legend. Pylones is a must-shop. And it's next to the NY Transit Gallery Store. No shortage of souvenirs, here. Get your F, M, L train shirts.

Stand in the middle in everyone's way and say, "Shit it's like Grand Central Station around here!" Don't you hate that expression sometimes?

Alright. Exit the station and stay on E. 42nd St. Look up. See the Chrysler Building on the corner of Lexington. So shiny.

Walk back uptown and go to the MOMA Design store - the next best thing to spending an afternoon inside the museum. This is at 44 W. 53rd Street. Not much further to loop back to the hotel for a siesta, or keep walking up to Central Park. Either way, there are bars somewhere in between you and your final destination.

The best part of any trip to The City is discovering new things for yourself.

(Bloghers, there are more guides to NYC in our BlogHer guide written by other bloggers but I got too overwhelmed looking at everything because you can read until your eyes bleed, at this point.)