New York City
New York City is amazing! There is so much to see and do, it would probably be boring to just read all about it - so I will just try to tell you my favorite things, and give you lots of links! If you have never been, YOU HAVE TO GO!
If you like to shop for clothes, the very first thing you should do is go to Century 21 - it's New York's best kept secret (but everybody know's about it now!) - located on Cortland Street, right across the street from where the twin towers stood. Designer merchandise 25%-75% off! We're talking everything from Dolce & Versace, to Tommy and Polo. Everything is here! The only catch is they have no dressing rooms. So I always go my first day there, that way I can take it home, try it on, and make sure it all fits. I think they have a 7-day return policy...
Whether you are gay or not, you should spend some time in the Village. For over 100 years, this small area below 14th Street and west of Broadway has been a Mecca to the creative, rebellious and Bohemian.
Although today no starving artists could afford to live here, the vibe still lingers and the beat goes on...
CONDOMANIA has over 70 SIZES of condoms! And you HAVE TO have a drink at the Stonewall Inn. It's history. In case you are too young, In June 1969, a group of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people rioted following a police raid on the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in New York City. The late Miss Sylvia Rivera, a transgender rights activist and founding member of both the Gay Liberation Front and the Gay Activists Alliance, is credited by many as the first to actually strike back at the police and, in doing so, spark the rebellion.
The Stonewall riots are generally considered to be the beginning of the modern gay rights movement, as it was the first time in modern history that a significant body of LGBT people resisted arrest. So stop in and feel your pride! Be sure to explore the East Village and the West Village. So there is so much to see and do!
If you go in June, NYC Pride is one of the biggest in the country. Labor Day plays host for Lady Bunny & WIGSTOCK. 
Sleeping in Style
the Flatotel is newer hot spot, which offers deluxe accommodations with panoramic city views; continental breakfast, a program of all the local shopping discounts (135 W. 52nd St., 212-887-9400, www.flatotel.com).
If you love to be pampered, then book a room at the Millennium Broadway Hotel or the Millennium UN Plaza Hotel New York. Both are offer packages complete with breakfast in bed and two complimentary martinis. (144 W. 44th St. and 1 United Nations Plaza at 44th St. between First and Second Aves., 866-866-8086, www.millenniumhotels.com
Courting hip gay travelers, the Muse Hotel is another hotspot. Two rainbow martinis await you and your guest at the minibar, as well as car service to the nearby chic lounge and bar Therapy, breakfast in bed and a “quick fix recovery kit” of Red Bull drinks and aspirin (130 W. 46th St., 212-485-2400, www.themusehotel.com).
Calling all cowboys and cowgirls, the W Hotels is updating its popular gay and lesbian travel package, Pride365.guests who choose the Pride365 package will get two cocktails upon arrival and a W tote bag. (W Hotels citywide, www.whotels.com/pride365). - are you seeing a trend here? They all have cocktails!
I could go on and on, reviewing clubs and restaurants and shops, but the lists are endless. I must say however, one of my favorite dining spots is BED. In the Heart of North Chelsea's Art District 530 West 27th Street , 6th floor Loft-
Between 10th & 11th Avenues - 212.594.4109 - they do a Sunday brunch from 2-7pm, which is good and fun! YOU MUST REQUEST A BED to dine in! Located in a bi-level penthouse BED New York is the first downtown restaurant to combine two dining floors with a 360-degree rooftop view of the sweeping midtown New York skyline. The design and concept fuses seductive Miami sophistication with modern New York City style. VERY COOL!
Other resources -
Columbia Fun Maps produces maps and guides for gay and lesbian travelers, featuring shopping venues, accommodations, bars and restaurants.
Time Out New York, available at newsstands or online, includes gay/lesbian picks and bar listings.
The Best of Gay New York
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