We acknowledge there are many websites on New York City. We thought we would just tell us a little about our experiences in the Big Apple.
Time Zone
New York City is on Eastern Standard Time zone. They adopt Eastern Daylight Savings time on the first Sunday in April and revert to Standard Time on the last Sunday in October.
Language
The Queen?s language is spoken, or some dialect of it (as well as all the languages of the planet) depending on where you are in the city.
Currency
US Dollar
Weather
Current Conditions
| Average Temperature and Rainfall Per Year |
| |
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
| High (?F/C) |
37/3 |
40/5 |
50/10 |
61/16 |
71/22 |
80/27 |
85/30 |
83/28 |
76/25 |
65/18 |
54/12 |
42/6 |
| Low (?F/C) |
25/-4 |
26/-4 |
34/1 |
43/6 |
53/12 |
63/17 |
68/20 |
67/20 |
60/16 |
49/10 |
41/5 |
30/-1 |
| Days of Rain |
11 |
10 |
11 |
11 |
11 |
10 |
11 |
10 |
8 |
8 |
9 |
10 |
|
Airport
New York City is served by 3 outlying airports: La Guardia, (LGA) small but closest to the city, JFK, the city's large international airport, and Newark, (ERW) cleaner and quieter than its New York cousins but located in New Jersey, further from the city.
On your way to New York, you must arrange for transportation. Since most people don't rent cars here, you'll need to take a yellow cab, use the coach buses or call a car service. Transportation info is at the exits near the baggage claim. See NYC Airport Info for details.
Warning
- When arranging transportation, do not accept any invitation from someone to give you a ride other than at the official Taxi Stand.
- When you use a telephone calling card, be very discreet when punching in your numbers. Airports are filled with professionals just looking to sell your number and run up your bill.
Holidays
2007 Federal Legal Holidays
- January 1, 2007: New Year's Day [Jan. 1 every year]
- January 15, 2007: Martin Luther King Day [3rd monday in Jan]
- February 19, 2007: Presidents Day [Washington's Birthday] (observed) [3rd monday in Feb]
- May 28, 2007: Memorial Day (observed) [last monday in May]
- July 4, 2007: Independence Day [July 4 every year]
- September 3, 2007: Labor Day [1st monday in Sept]
- October 8, 2007: Columbus Day (observed) [2nd monday in Oct]
- November 12, 2007: Veterans' Day [Nov. 11 every year]
- November 22, 2007: Thanksgiving Day [4th thursday in Nov]
- December 25, 2007: Christmas Day [Dec. 25 every year]
Internet
It is possible to connect to the Internet through the phone sockets of most hotel rooms in the United States. If you own a mobile phone contact your phone company as it may be possible to use this to connect to the Internet.
Getting around
Taxi
- Taxis are the most convenient and most assuredly expensive means of public transportation in New York City. We've got nearly 12,000 of them roaming the streets for fares. If you want one...it's easy! Just look for the light on the roof, raise your arm, yell, "Taxi!" and it's yours.
- Taxis are only allowed to carry 4 passengers maximum. 3 in back and 1 up front. A small child can sit on the lap of a grown-up if need be, but plan on breaking up the group into 2 taxis otherwise.
- Now that you're in the taxi, just tell the cabby where you want to go. It's a good idea to find out beforehand what cross street an avenue address is on. Unlike London, our cabbies don't always know. For example, the Guggenheim Museum's address is 1071 Fifth Avenue. That's between 88th and 89th Streets. See the Manhattan Address Locator
- Your fare will be determined by the meter up front. Currently, fares begin at $2 and increase 30¢ every 1/5 mile. A 50¢ nighttime surcharge applies between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. A 10 to 20% tip is customary.
Warning
- Often, especially in the outer boroughs, unmarked cars are looking for passengers like you. New Yorkers refer to these as "Gypsy Cabs."
- If one ever approaches you, don't accept. Even if it does not mean danger in the sense of crime, they are usually noninsured, non-metered and definitely non-licensed.
Walking
- You're going to find walking to be one of the fastest and easiest ways to get around. If you're going out sightseeing, wear comfortable shoes or sneakers. This is not a time to be fashionable.
- Plan where you want to go beforehand. Find out where places are and group them by location. You'll spend less time traveling and more time exploring.
- To calculate a distance from place to place, keep in mind that 20 avenue or 10 street blocks are equal to 1 mile. This rule does not apply, however, to parts of Greenwich and all of lower Manhattan. The random layout of streets in these areas confuses many New Yorkers as well!
Subways
If there was ever a way of beating midtown traffic, it's on the subway.
- Purchase a Metrocard or tokens at the booth in the subway station. Buy enough for a few round trips.
- In order to use the free transfer onto the bus, you must use the Metrocard.
- Metrocard offers a 1-day Fun Pass for $4 and a 7-day unlimited ride for $17. Can only be used by 1 person at a time.
- Plan your route beforehand.
- Stand away from the edge and in the middle of the platform.
- Make sure you are on the correct direction side.
- Don't get on an express line unless you know where it will stop!
Buses
And the bus can be the perfect solution for getting cross-town.
- Buses accept tokens, exact change or Metrocard - no bills.
- Metrocard offers a 1-day Fun Pass for $4 and a 7-day unlimited ride for $17. Can only be used by 1 person at a time.
- Ask for a free transfer to continue your travel on a connecting bus line from uptown/ downtown to cross-town and vice versa.
- In order to use the free transfer onto the subway, you must use the Metrocard.
- Make sure you see the number of the bus. Several lines can run on the same street.
- Watch out for "Limited" lines - these are like express trains.
Things to see
New York City is located on the Eastern Atlantic coast of the United States, at the mouth of the Hudson River. The city center resides at the exact location of 40 degrees, 42 minutes, 51 seconds N latitude, and 74 degrees, 0 minutes 23 seconds W longitude.
New York City is made of five boroughs separated by various waterways. Brooklyn and Queens occupy the western portion of Long Island, while Staten Island and Manhattan are completely on their own land mass. Bronx, to the north, remains attached to the New York State mainland.
New York was briefly (1789-90) the U.S. capital and was state capital until 1797. By 1790 it was the largest US city, and the opening (1825) of the Erie Canal, linking New York with the Great Lakes, led to even greater expansion. In 1898 a new charter was adopted, making the city Greater New York, a metropolis of five boroughs.
New York, the Big Apple - melting pot of cultures and opinions. It is a city of contrast, full of history and great people. Well know for being the city that never sleeps. NYC boasts some of the worlds most scenic vantage points; from atop the Empire State Building with its breathtaking panorama to the majestic view of the Manhattan skyline as seen from Liberty Island, home to none other than the Statue of Liberty. From Wall Street to Broadway and beyond New York offers something for everyone.
The New York CityPass gets you into seven famous New York City attractions. You have nine days to visit each attraction (once) beginning the day you first use your CityPass. You can purchase CityPass at any of the New York City attractions, or you can buy online. Cost is $38/person (a $85 value)
- Central Park Location- 59th to 110th Streets (bet. Fifth Ave. & Central Park West). Hours- Every day 6am to 1am. Subway- West Side: A, C, B, D, 1,9 at 59th St; B, C at 72nd, 81st, 86th, 96th, 103rd, and 110th Sts. East Side: N, R at Fifth Ave.; 6 at 68th, 77th, 86th, 96th, 103rd, and 110th Sts.
- Empire State Building The Observatory Deck is currently open on weekdays from 6pm to midnight. Regular hours on weekends. You must use the main 350 Fifth Avenue entrance. Location - Fifth Avenue and 34th Street. Phone- (212) 736-3100. Admission: $9 adults; $7 seniors; 4 children 5-11;Free under 5. Hours - Every day 9:30am to midnight. Subway - 6 to 33rd St.; B, D, F, N, Q or R to 34th St. Notes: The 102nd floor observatory is closed when crowds are too large. This is quite common.
- Lincoln Center If you're not into art, maybe a little music will put you in the mood. Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts sets the stage for romantic concerts, operas and ballets. Whether it's the NY Philharmonic, Metropolitan Opera House, or an intimate event at Alice Tully Hall you'll strike a note in the heart of your loved one here. Location- Broadway and 64th Street. Phone- (212) 875-5400 events hotline; (212) 875-5350 tour information. Subway- 1 or 9 to 66th Street.
- Rockefeller Center Having been built to meet the needs of the people, Rockefeller Center has been a favorite spot for both New Yorkers and tourists. Visit the outdoor cafe, site of the ice-skating rink, or Radio City Music Hall, the 6,000-seat former movie palace. Location- 47th to 52nd Sts. bet. 5th & 6th Aves. Phone (212) 632-3975. Admission - free. Hours- Every day 9:30am to midnight. Subway- B, D, F or Q to 49th St.; E or F to Fifth Ave.
- Sex & the City Tour of Manhattan Follow in the fancy footsteps of Carrie & Co. as they conquer New York City! Drink where they drink, shop where they shop, and gossip where they gossip. This two-and-a-half hour tour twists and turns through the Sex and the City girls stomping ground, visiting the gyms where they work out (yes, they really work out), the restaurants where they wine and dine, the shops at the center of Carrie Bradshaws shoe fetish, and much more! Live the chic life on an air-conditioned bus, hopping on and off to catch a glimpse into the lives of four of New York's most eligible bachelorettes. Call 212.209.3370 for reservations.
- South Street Seaport Along the bumpy cobblestone streets toward Pier 17 you'll find restaurants and shops galore, but this is also an historic district and a living museum. Inside, you can see ship models, prints and paintings. Location- 12-14 Fulton Street bet. Water & South Sts. Phone- Info: (212) 732-7678. Museum admission- $6 adults;$5 seniors;$4 students;$3 children 3-17. Museum hours- April 1-Sept. 30: Daily 10A.M. to 6 P.M.; Thurs. until 8 P.M. Oct. 1-Mar. 31: Daily 10 A.M. to 5 P.M.; closed Tuesdays. Subway- 2,3,4,5,J,Z,M to Fulton St. then walk east on Fulton.
Statue of Liberty Location - New York Harbor. Ferry leaves from Battery Park. Phone- Info: (212) 363-3200. Ferry: (212) 269-5755. Admission- $8 adults;$6 seniors;$3 children 3-17, cash only. Hours- 8:30am to 4:00pm. Ferries leave every 30 minutes. Subway- 4 or 5 to Bowling Green; 1 or 9 to South Ferry (1st 5 cars). Notes- Price includes admission to Ellis Island.- United Nations Location- First Avenue bet. 42nd & 48th Streets. Phone - (212) 963-8687. Subway- 4,5,6 to 42nd Street, bus - M42 east to First Ave. Hours - daily tours leave every 30 minutes from 9:30am to 4:45pm. Prices- Adults: $7.50, Seniors: $6.00, Students w/ID: $5, Children 5-14: $4. Notes- The building is closed on some holidays including Thanksgiving Day (usually fourth Thursday in November), Christmas Day, and New Year's Day. A limited schedule may be in effect during the general debate of the General Assembly (mid-September to mid-October), between Christmas and New Year, and during special conferences and events.
Museums
- American Museum of the Moving Image Motion pictures and television share a rich technological and artistic history in which scientists, inventors, artists and entrepreneurs have all played significant roles. The American Museum of the Moving Image is dedicated to educating the public about the art, history, technique and technology of film, television, video and digital media, offering visitors of all ages an opportunity to understand this history and its impact on our lives. Location- 35 AVENUE AT 36 STREET, ASTORIA, NEW YORK. TEL: 718784-4520 fax 718784-4681. How to get there: R or G train to Steinway Street in Astoria (exit at 34 Avenue end of station). Walk along Steinway Street to 35 Avenue. Turn right and proceed to 36 Street. E or F train to Queens Plaza (coming from Manhattan or Roosevelt Avenue (coming from points east). Cross platform to R or G train. Exit at Steinway Street. Proceed as above. N train to Broadway (Astoria). Walk along Broadway to 36 Street. Turn right on 36 Street. Proceed to 35 Avenue.
- American Museum of Natural History If you dig dinosaurs and fancy fossils, take an expedition to the Upper West Side! From giant blue whales to giant Redwoods, there is much to see in this intriguing (if a little outdated in spots) nature museum. Location: Central Park West at 79th Street. Phone- (212) 769-5100. Admission- $10 adults; $7.50 students & seniors; $6 children 6-12. Hours- Sun-Thu 10am-5: 45pm;Fri-Sat 10am-8: 45pm. Subway- B or C to 81st Street. Notes-Prices includes admission to the Rose Center but not the IMAX theater or Space Show.
Ellis Island Immigration Museum This restored landmark reopened in 1990 saving the memories and heritage of over 100 million Americans who can trace their immigrant roots here. Between 1892 and 1954, 12 million immigrants entered the United States from this island in New York Harbor, greeted by the Statue of Liberty "next door." Location- New York Harbor Ferry leaves from Battery Park. Phone- Info: (212) 363-7620. Ferry: (212) 269-5755. Admission- $7 adults; $5 seniors; $3 children 3-17, cash only. Hours- 8:30am to 4:00pm. Ferries leave every 30 minutes. Subway- 4 or 5 to Bowling Green; 1 or 9 to South Ferry (1st 5 cars).- Intrepid Sea-Air-Space Museum Perched on the flight deck of the U.S.S. Intrepid, a fighter jet looks ready to take off! The monstrous aircraft carrier now houses the largest museum devoted to the armed forces and the space program. Docked alongside the Intrepid are the U.S.S. Edson, a destroyer and the U.S.S. Growler, a submarine which displays and unprimed nuclear cruise missile. Location: Pier 86 - Hudson River at 46th Street. Phone- (212) 245-0072. Admission - $12 adults; $9 veterans/reservists, $9 seniors; $9 students 12-17, $6 children 3-11, Free for Active Duty US Military. Hours- APR 1 - Sept 30 - 10am to 5pm, Mon-Fri. 10am to 7pm Sat-Sun. Oct 1 - Mar 31 - 10am to 5pm Tue-Sun. Directions- subway to any 42nd St station and then transfer to the M42 bus west to the Hudson River.
- Metropolitan Museum of Art New York City's grand museum! Journeying through the art of mankind can be a overwhelming yet joyous experience. From Ancient Egypt through the Renaissance to American masters, try and take your time going through each section. You won't get to see everything but what you do see will be memorable. Location: 1000 Fifth Avenue at 82nd Street. Phone:(212) 535-7710. Admission: $10 adults; $5 students & seniors; FREE children under 12. Hours: Sun-Thu 9:30am-5: 30pm;Fri-Sat 9:30am-9pm. Notes: Admission includes Main Building and The Cloisters on the same day. To help cover the cost of special exhibitions, for which there is no additional charge or special ticketing, they ask that you please pay the full suggested amount.
- Museum of Modern Art Painting, sculpture, furniture, film and more comprises the largest art collection spanning the 1880's to the present. The permanent display features such masters as Picasso, Mondrian, and Matisse on the walls with works by Rodin presented in the sculpture garden. Art is presented via its relationships and shared themes, as well as divergent movements and conflicting points of view, by juxtaposing works in new and often provocative. Location:11 West 53rd Street (bet. 5th & 6th Aves.) Phone: (212) 708-9480. Admission - $10 adults, $6.50 students & seniors, Free children under 12 with adult. Hours: Sat-Tues & Thurs 10:30am-5: 45pm; Fri 10:30am-8: 15pm.
- Rose Center for Earth & Space The brand new, state-of-the-art center will take you to from the inner workings of our planet to the outer limits of the galaxy. The 87-foot sphere which appears to float in a glass-walled cube houses the new Hayden Planetarium, featuring the most technologically advanced Space Theater in the world, in which visitors can experience Space Shows of incredible realism. The Planetarium, as well as the "Big Bang Theater" -- a dramatic re-creation of the first minutes of the origins of the universe, the Dorothy and Lewis B. Cullman Hall of the Universe, which examines issues such as how the universe evolved. Location- Central Park West at 81st Street. Phone- (212) 769-5200. Admission - $10 adults;$7.50 students & seniors;$6 children 6-12. Hours- Sun-Thu 10am-5: 45pm;Fri-Sat 10am-8: 45pm. Notes- Prices includes admission to the American Museum of Natural History but not the Space Show or IMAX theater. Space show hours - Sun-Thu 10:30-5:00, Fri-Sat 10:30-8:00 Space show admission- combined with museum admission: $19 adults;$14 students & seniors;$11.50 children 6- 12.
- Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum This museum is a work of art itself! Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, this museum encircles you in a world of Modern Art masters. From Modigliani. To Mondrian, this is a fantastic collection. You can also visit the Guggenheim SoHo at which brings both special exhibits and a permanent collection to a 19th Century cast-iron landmark building. Location: 1071 Fifth Avenue at 88th Street. Phone: (212) 423-3500. Admission: $12 adults; $8 students & seniors; FREE children under 12. Hours: Sun-Wed 9am-6pm; Fri-Sat 9am-8pm; closed Thursdays. Subway: 4,5 or 6 to 86th St. notes: The Guggenheim Soho is located at 575 Broadway at Prince St.
- Whitney Museum of American Art Marcel Breuer's unique structure on Madison Avenue houses probably the greatest collection of 20th Century American Art. Renowned works of Edward Hopper and Georgia O'Keefe favorably contrast the multicultural works of Alexander Calder and George Seagal. Location: 945 Madison Avenue at 75th Street. Phone: (212) 570-3676. Admission: $10 adults; $8 students & seniors; FREE children under 12. Hours: 11am-6pm; Thurs 1pm-9pm; closed Mondays. Subway: 6 to 77th St.
Theater
Going to the theater is one of the most popular events for New York City tourists. We want you to have the best information to make your trip to the Great White Way as enjoyable as possible. Ticket sales.
Tickets for popular shows like Hairspray and good seats for most shows sell out quickly so it's often best to purchase tickets to a show you really want to see well in advance of your arrival. Three companies, Tele-charge, Ticketmaster and Broadway.com, control ticket sales of specific shows. You can buy tickets via their websites or by calling these phone numbers:
If you love the theater but need a break from retail prices, visit Duffy Square, the center island of 47th Street between Broadway and 7th Avenue for TKTS. TKTS Times Square 47th St at Broadway phone: (212) 221-0013. Established in 1973 for the betterment of theater and theater- goers alike, TKTS sells unsold tickets on the day of performance for all Broadway shows for 25-50% off the box office price plus a $2.50 service charge per ticket. The electronic signs in front display what shows are available for that day. TKTS only accepts cash and traveler's checks. And get there early! Lines can get long very quickly - especially during good weather and the holiday season!
NOTE: There is a new downtown TKTS location replacing the booth that was in 2 World Trade Center. It located at Bowling Park Plaza across the Street from Battery Park at the foot of Broadway. You can take the 4 or 5 subway to the Bowling Green Station.
| Box Office Hours - Duffy Square |
| Evening Performances |
Monday - Saturday |
3 PM - 8 PM |
| Matinees |
Wed. & Sat. |
9 AM - 2 PM |
| Matinee & Evening |
Sunday |
11 AM - 7:30 PM |
| Box Office Hours - Bowling Green |
| Evening Performances |
Monday - Friday |
11 AM - 5:30 PM |
| Evening Performance |
Saturday |
11 AM - 3:30 PM |
| Closed Sundays. You must buy matinee tickets the day before. For example, Wednesday matinees are sold Tuesday (only at this location). |
Off Broadway
For some people the term "off-Broadway" may have a negative connotation, such as not being good enough for Broadway or lacking in star power or quality. This is entirely untrue. Off-Broadway basically refers to theater capacity. These plays have the advantage of a more intimate setting, which allows for more experimental, edgier productions.
Comics like John Leguizamo and Margaret Cho have conceived one-person shows that flourish in their smaller environment, whereas holding them in larger theaters might detract from their charm. Other acts, such as the "Blue Man Group," have become off-Broadway staples, carving their own niche into the scene.
Several of the more famous off-Broadway venues are the Joseph Papp Public Theater, The Westside Theater and the Douglas Fairbanks Theater (the latter two are located along Theater Row on West 42nd Street). If you're looking for a play that's a little of the beaten path and maybe even take a chance or two, do not overlook an off-Broadway production. You'll be pleasantly surprised. For listings and information.
Dining
The power dining scene in New York rarely shifts. The Regency Hotel for breakfast, the Four Seasons New York restaurant for lunch (Fifty Seven Fifty Seven), The '21' Club for dinner are as essential dining spots for the upper levels of business and politics as the Empire State Building and the Statue of Liberty are tourist meccas.
Reservations for restaurants in New York City can be made through Open Table. They handle web reservations for hundreds (maybe thousands?) of restaurants. If you prefer thed more traditionsal gay restaurants, please refer to thed Village Voice Menu Guide
There are so many restaurants in NYC and so many where you go will depend on where you are and what you are in the mood for, we decided to give you a link to New York Restaurants Magazine and we will let you make up your mind on where to eat.
The Scene
Same thing applies to the bar Scene. Here is a link to HX
have a drink on us!
Associations
- ACTUP ACT UP/New York 332 Bleecker St. Suite G5, New York, NY 10014. Tel: (212) 966-4873. Email
- AIDS Council of Northeastern New York 800-342-2437. Email
- AIDS Council Project Hope (518) 436-3416
- AIDS Info NYC 611 Broadway, Ste. 612, New York, NY 10012. Tel:(212) 253-7922 . Email
- AIDS Meds.com 135 Eastern Pkwy., #13G, Brooklyn, NY 11238-6025. Email
- The Audre Lorde Project 85 S Oxford St, Brooklyn, NY 11217. Tel: 718-596-0342. Email Center for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, two-spirit and transgender people of color communities. Programs include: women's organizing, police violence, immigrant rights and education, HIV/AIDS, library and archives, discussion groups.
- Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS (BC/EFA) 165 West 46th Street, #1300 • New York, NY 10036. Tel. (212) 840 - 0770. Email The nation's leading industry-based, not-for-profit AIDS fundraising and grant making organization. BC/EFA is the on-going, committed response from the American Theatre community to an urgent worldwide health crisis. By drawing upon the talents, resources, and generosity of this community, BC/EFA raises funds for AIDS-related causes across the United States. Since its founding in 1988, BC/EFA has raised over $85 million for critically needed services for people with AIDS, HIV or HIV-related illnesses.
- The Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS (DIFFA) 147 West 24th Street, Seventh Floor
New York, NY 10011. Tel: 212 727-3100. Email The Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS (DIFFA) will soon mark its 20th year as one of the largest funders of HIV/AIDS service and education programs in the U.S. Since its founding in 1984, DIFFA has mobilized the immense resources of the design communities to provide over $31 million to hundreds of AIDS organizations nationwide.
- Diálogo Por Vida Sobre Sida Tels: 718.328.4188 (Bronx), 212.741.9797 (Manhattan), 718.803.2766 (Queens) Diálogo por Vida sobre el SIDA is a program of the Hispanic AIDS Forum
- Empire State Pride Agenda 647 Hudson St, New York, NY 10014. Tel: 212-627-0305. Email Statewide political organization that endorses candidates and organizes grassroots lobbying.
- The Estate Project for Artists with AIDS 330 West 42nd Street, Suite 1701, New York, NY 10036. Phone: 212.947.6340. Email
- Gay Asian & Pacific Islander Men of NY The Center, 208 W 13th St, NY 10011. Tel: 212-802-7423. Email Supportive social, political and educational forum for gay, bisexual and questioning men, and transgendered people of Asian or Pacific Islander heritage. Meets every 3rd Fri, 8-10pm.
- Gay Hurry Date Tel: 212-352-4323. Email 25 dates in one night?! You'll have 25 three-minute dates with New York's hottest single guys. Indicate on a scorecard whether you want to see each guy you meet again. Hurry...only 100 guys can attend!
- Gay & Lesbian Arab Society (GLAS) Tel: 212-663-9758. An international organization serving as a network for the Arab LGBT community. Meets 2nd & 4th Thu, 8pm.
- Gay & Lesbian Dominican Empowerment Organization (G.A.L.D.E.) c/o LCOA 24 West 25th Street, 9th Floor, New York, NY 10010 Tel: 212.584-9311. The Gay & Lesbian Dominican Empowerment Organization (G.A.L.D.E.) is a nonprofit organization which was created to provide to the Dominican Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender community in New York City and Dominican Republic; political, social and cultural representations. Email
- The Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) GLSEN National Office Development Department 121 West 27th St., Ste. 804, New York, NY 10001. Tel: (212) 727-0135. Email
- Gay Male S/M Activists (GMSMA) PMB D23, 332 Bleecker St, New York (212-727-9878) GMSMA is the world's largest organization of men seriously interested in safe, sane, consensual s/m. Organizers of Folsom Street East.
- Gay Men of African Descent (GMAD) GMAD, 103 E 125th St., #503, NY 10035. Tel: 212-828.1697. African, African American, Latino and Caribbean gay men dedicated to addressing the needs of their community. Drop-In Mon-Fri 12-6pm. Mon: Movie Night 6-8pm; Living Well, 6:45-7:30pm. Tue: Health Initiatives for Men, 6-8pm. Wed: Tumani HIV+ support group, 6-8pm. Thu: Sex & Sexuality, 6-8pm. Fri: Happy Hour 5-7:30pm, Friday Forum, 8pm. Sat: Youth programming, 2-10pm. Sun: Seniors programming, 2-10pm.
- Gay Men's Health Crisis The Tisch Building, 119 West 24 Street, New York, NY 10011. Tel: 800-AIDS-NYC (1-800-243-7692) or In New York City: (212) 807-6655. Email
- GRIOT Circle (Gay Reunion in our Time) YWCA, 30 Third Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11217. Tel: 212-718-246-2775. Email Gathering of Elders, an intergenerational and culturally diverse community-based social service organization responsive to the realities and lives of older LGBT persons of all colors. Wholeness and Wellness Program includes fitness classes, computer classes and quilting/discussion group. Social work services available by appointment.
- Heritage of Pride 154 Christopher Street, Suite 1D, New York City 10014. Tel: (212)80-PRIDE or (212) 807-7433. Heritage of Pride is a wholly volunteer-managed, nonpartisan, tax-exempt, not-for-profit corporation that organizes Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride events in New York City to commemorate and celebrate the Stonewall Riots.
- Hispanic AIDS Forum 213 W 35th St, 12th Fl, New York, NY 10014. Tell: 212.868-6237
- HoMoVISIONES 356 West 18th Street, New York, NY 10011 Tel: 212.271.7299. A New York Latino Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender nonprofit organization that promotes the arts and culture to further awareness, understanding and respect for our diversity in order to effect social change.
- Human Rights Watch 350 Fifth Avenue, 34th Floor, New York, NY 1011. Tel: 212-216-1297. Email World organization for human rights.
- Imperial Court of New York PO Box 613, New York, NY 10116-0613. Tel: (212) 501-4797 or (866) 533-ICNY (4269) outside New York City. Email
- Latino Commission on AIDS 24 West, 25th Street, 9th Floor, New York, Ny 10010. Tel: 212-675-3288. Email
- Latino Gay Men of New York (LGMNY) c/o ALP. 85 South Oxford Street Brooklyn, NY 11217. Tel: 718.596-0342 Ext. 36. New York agency that provides services to gay Latinos. Email
- Latinos & Latinas de Ambiente One Little West 12th Street, New York, NY 10014. Tel: 212.465.3144. New York agency that provides services to Latino/a LGBT community. Email
- Lavender Light 70-A Greenwich St, #315, NY 10011. Tel: 212-714-7072. Email Queer gospel choir for people of all colors, keeping alive the black gospel tradition in an environment supportive to LGBT people. Rehearsals open.
- The Lesbian & Gay Community Services Center, Inc. 208 West 13th Street, New York 10011, Tel: 212.620.7310. Email
- Long Island Gay and Lesbian Youth, Inc. 34 Park Avenue, Bay Shore, NY 11706-7309. Tel:631-665-2300. Email
- Mano a Mano c/o Latino Commission on AIDS 24 West 25th Street, 9th Floor, New York, NY 10010. Tel: 212.584-9306. Mano a Mano is a Latino lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) coalition. Its mission is to increase the well-being, visibility and voice of the Latino LGBT communities as a means to defeat the inequalities that we face based on our sexual identity, gender expression, ethnicity, race, language; immigration, social, economic and health status.
- Marriage Equality USA P.O. Box 121, Old Chelsea Station, New York, NY 10113-0121. Phone & Fax: 877-571-5729 (toll-free) Email
- Metrobears P.O. Box 1802, New York, NY 10185-1802. Tel: 212.460.1845
- Momemtum AIDS Project 322 8th Avenue, NYC, NY 10001. Tel: 212-691-8100. Email The Momentum AIDS Project sustains health and fosters wellness by providing communal meals and supportive services to any person living with HIV/AIDS, their family members, and loved ones in New York City.
- National AIDS Treatment Advocacy Project (NATAP) 580 Broadway, Suite 1010, New York, NY 10012. Tel: (212) 219-0106 or 888-26-NATAP. Email
- New York Bear Club PO Box 1377, Madison Square Station, NY 10159. Tel: 212-213-6392. Email Meets third Thu, 8pm @ The Center, 208 W 13th St.
- The New York City Gay Men's Chorus 1133 Broadway, Suite 1001, New York, NY 10010. Tel: (212) 242-1777. Email
- The New Festival, Inc. 139 Fulton St, Ste PH-3, New York, NY 10038. Tel: 212.571.2170. Organizers of the New York Lesbian and Gay Film Festival (June 5 - 15, 2003.
- NY Renegades PO Box 20106, West Village Station, New York
- Out Professionals Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center, 208 West 13th Street, NYC. Tel: 212-462-9255. Email Out Professionals was founded in 1983 and is governed by a Board of Directors. It is an established and ethical mainstay of the New York area gay and lesbian community. They are incorporated in New York State and operate on a nonprofit basis. Their annual dues are usually deductible as a legitimate business expense.
- People of Color in Crisis (POCC) 468 Bergen St, Brooklyn, NY 11217. Tel: 718-230-0770. Brooklyn-based HIV/AIDS organization serving African American and Caribbean gay and bisexual men.
- Primer Movimiento Peruano (PMP) 70 A Greenwich Avenue, PO Box # 390, New York, NY 10010. Tel: 212.340-1241. Primer Movimiento Peruano (PMP) is a New York City based organization created to unite the Peruvian LGBT community.
- SAGE, or Senior Action in a Gay Environment 16th floor, 305 Seventh Avenue @ 28th Street, New York, NY 10001. Tel: (212)-741-2247. Email
- Sing Out Proud! Brooklyn 50 Monroe PL (Pierrepoint St), Brooklyn Heights. Tel: 718-595-2960. Email The borough's only lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and friends people of all colors chorus. Practice Mon 7:15pm-9:30pm
- South Asian Lesbian and Gay Association (SALGA) PO Box 1491, Old Chelsea Station, NY 10113. Tel: 212-358-5132. Email Social and political group for lesbians, gay men, bisexual and transgender people who trace their descent from countries such as Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Burma, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Tibet as well as people of South Asian descent from countries such as Guyana, Trinidad and Kenya.
- Stonewall Community Foundation 119 West 24th Street New York New York 10011. Tel: (212)367-1155. Email Stonewall is New York’s Lesbian and Gay community foundation. Since its inception in 1990, over $4 million has been granted to 450 organizations. As a resource for the community, the foundation seeks to strengthen programs and projects dealing with health and human services, civil liberties /AIDS, youth/senior advocacy and the arts. Stonewall is to increasing charitable giving within the community today while building a strong endowment for tomorrow.
- STONEWALL Veterans' Association 70 - A Greenwich Avenue, Suite 120, New York City, NY 10011. Tel: 212-6271969. Email STONEWALL Veterans' Association ("S.V.A.") is composed of the actual, surviving, active Veterans of the famous 1969 Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Stonewall Rebellion.
- Treatment Action Group (T. A. G.) 611 Broadway, Ste. 612, New York, NY 10012. Tel: (212) 253-7922. Email
- Visual AIDS 526 W. 26th St. # 510, New York, NY 10001. Tel: 212.627.9855. E-mail
Newspapers & Magazines
- A & U Magazine 25 Monroe Street, Suite205, Albany, NY 12210-2473. Tel: 518-426-9010 or 888-245-4333. Email America's AIDS Magazine.
- El Diario/La Prensa CPK NYC, LLC 345 Hudson Street, Floor 13, New York, NY 10014. Tel: 212-807-4600. Email
- Gay City News 487 Greenwich St., Suite 6A, New York, NY 10013. Tel: 646.452.2500. Email
- Go NYC Magazine 305 W. Broadway, Suite 212, New York, NY 10013. Tel: 888-GO.NYC.44. Lesbian Magazine.
- HX 230 West 17th Street, 8th Floor, New York, NY 10011. Tel: (212)352-3535, ext. 45. Email
- Metro Source 180 Varick Street, 5th Floor, New York, NY 10014. Tel: 212-691-5127.
- Next Magazine 121 Varick Street, 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10013. Tel: 212-627-0165. Email
- New York Blade 333 7th Avenue, 14th Floor, New York City, NY 10001. Tel: 212-268-2701. Email
- NYC & Company 810 7th Avenue, New York City, NY 10019. Tel: 212-484-1200. Official NYC Guide.
- POZ Magazine 349 West 12th St, New York (212-675-8505 fax) Email
- Publishing Triangle 17 East 47th Street, 3rd floor, New York, NY 10017
- Pulse Published quarterly by Gay Men of African Descent (GMAD)GMAD, 103 E 125th St., #503, NY 10035. Tel: 212-828.1697.
Shopping
According to the latest statistics, shopping is listed as one of the main activities for visitors to New York. This shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone because New York has long been considered the epicenter of shopping. Even the most determined shopper prepared for the buying spree of a lifetime couldn't cover it all; there are simply too many options. But we've outlined some of the main shopping categories and provided a list of our favorite places to spend, spend, and spend.
- Barneys 660 Madison Ave & 61st street. TEL: (212) 826-8900. This is our favorite store in Manhattan. This legend in men's haberdashery originally began at the location on 17th street, but is now located in a swanky building on Madison Ave. Besides the fine clothing, Barney's gained fame among New Yorkers for it's outrageous holiday window dressings. You'll find all the best names in men's and women's clothing at uber-retail prices, but what the heck, when's the next time you'll be at Barney's? The clothes you get here will keep you stylish for years. The annual Barney's warehouse sale is unbeatable. Call ahead to find out when it takes place. A must visit for the gay traveler.
- Bloomingdale?s 1000 Third Ave. & 59th Street. TEL: (212) 355-5900. Wow, now this is a department store. You can find just about anything here from clothes to furniture to house wares and everything in-between. Known as "Bloomies", this store is as much a part of New York as the Empire State Building. It occupies an entire city block and has created lots of traffic for surrounding stores, making it the center of a good shopping area. The prices are usually reasonable, but as always, wait for a sale. You'll be sure to find some great souvenirs including the distinctive shopping bags.
- Creative Visions Books 548 Hudson Street, NY, NY 10014. Tel: 212-645-7573 or 800-434-7126. Email Creative Visions is located in the Heart of Greenwich Village at 548 Hudson Street, 2 Blocks North of Christopher Street. We are open daily from 12-10 and until 11 on Fridays and Saturdays. As New York's only locally owned and operated Gay and Lesbian Bookstore, we have been proud to be an integral part of the community for over a decade.
- Fifth Avenue The granddaddy of American retail shopping, New York's Fifth Avenue is home to the most prestigious jewelers, clothing designers, and accessory makers in the world. From the diamond district between 47th and 59th Streets, you can examine more diamonds, rubies, and sapphires (what's a girl to do?) than you will encounter in any world class jewelry exhibition. Cartier dominates the 52nd street block. Almost every retailer has an outlet in NYC.
- Galileo 37 7th Avenue, NYC, NY 10011. Tel: 212-243-1629. Just a very fun Imports. Great service and they do deliver.,
- Macy's W 34th street & Broadway. TEL: (212) 695-4400. Like Bloomies, this is one of the landmarks of the New York shopping scene. It also occupies a full block and is known for it's outstanding selection. The Cellar in the basement of Macy's is our favorite place to find house wares and other domestic items. The only drawback of shopping at Macy's is that you'll be sure to find lots of people wearing the same thing. For out-of-towners this might not be a problem (and you can be sure that New Yorkers are wearing it too.) Macy's is beloved by New Yorkers for their Thanksgiving Day parades and Fourth of July fireworks displays. They're both a real spectacle; don't miss them if you're in town.
- Orchard Street Bargain District Office - 261 Broome Street, New York, NY 10002. Tel: (212) 226-9010 or (866) 224-0206. Email New Yorkers know how to save money. This is the place where they shop for bargain clothes. Intersection of Rivington and Orchard Streets is the center of activity.
- Salsa Source 134 Orchard Street, New York, NY 10002. Tel: 212-473-3886. Great for leather fashions.
- The Oscar Wilde Memorial Bookshop 15 Christopher Street, NY, NY 10014. Tel: 212-255-8097. Email Since 1967 the shop has offered itself to the lesbian and gay community, and has perhaps gone through as many changes as the community that molds it. It was the world's first gay bookshop, and has never taken that distinction lightly.
- Saks Fifth Avenue 611 Fifth Ave. & 50th Street. TEL: (212) 753-4000. You'd think that any store with the name Fifth avenue in it would instantly mean a 30% markup on all items, but that is not the case with Saks. This chain of stores has branched out nationally and carries all the top designers at a reasonable price. The flagship store is renown for its perfume counter and selection of hard to find fragrances. It's proximity to such things as Rockefeller Center and the Dahesh Museum make it impossible to not stop in and browse.
References
Site created and maintained by GLBTEvents - Bill Rattan webmaster.
Travel 
New York City is located on the Eastern Atlantic coast of the United States, at the mouth of the Hudson River. The city center resides at the exact location of 40 degrees, 42 minutes, 51 seconds N latitude, and 74 degrees, 0 minutes 23 seconds W longitude. 
Statue of Liberty Location - New York Harbor. Ferry leaves from Battery Park. Phone- Info: (212) 363-3200. Ferry: (212) 269-5755. Admission- $8 adults;$6 seniors;$3 children 3-17, cash only. Hours- 8:30am to 4:00pm. Ferries leave every 30 minutes. Subway- 4 or 5 to Bowling Green; 1 or 9 to South Ferry (1st 5 cars). Notes- Price includes admission to Ellis Island.
Ellis Island Immigration Museum This restored landmark reopened in 1990 saving the memories and heritage of over 100 million Americans who can trace their immigrant roots here. Between 1892 and 1954, 12 million immigrants entered the United States from this island in New York Harbor, greeted by the Statue of Liberty "next door." Location- New York Harbor Ferry leaves from Battery Park. Phone- Info: (212) 363-7620. Ferry: (212) 269-5755. Admission- $7 adults; $5 seniors; $3 children 3-17, cash only. Hours- 8:30am to 4:00pm. Ferries leave every 30 minutes. Subway- 4 or 5 to Bowling Green; 1 or 9 to South Ferry (1st 5 cars).
If you love the theater but need a break from retail prices, visit Duffy Square, the center island of 47th Street between Broadway and 7th Avenue for TKTS. TKTS Times Square 47th St at Broadway phone: (212) 221-0013. Established in 1973 for the betterment of theater and theater- goers alike, TKTS sells unsold tickets on the day of performance for all Broadway shows for 25-50% off the box office price plus a $2.50 service charge per ticket. The electronic signs in front display what shows are available for that day. TKTS only accepts cash and traveler's checks. And get there early! Lines can get long very quickly - especially during good weather and the holiday season!