Now fans can see where in New York City the scenes of Ugly Americans take place using the new Interactive Map, complete with video clips and character icons created by Comedy Central.

Ugly Americans is a new horror comedy about New York City with horrifying beasts, science-fiction freaks, and fantasy faeries. This animated horror-comedy series follows one Mark Lilly, social worker at the Department of Integration, as he helps new citizens both human and “other” adapt to hectic life in the Big Apple.  There are easier tasks than weaning vampires off of blood, socializing land-whales, and housebreaking werewolves, but Mark is up to the challenge. Between his stressful job, a zombie roommate, and a demon ex-girlfriend, Mark’s lucky if he can sneak in a few minutes of sleep. But who can sleep when there’s a drop-dead gorgeous Mermaid sitting at the bar?

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“SEE NEW YORK AT 3MPH!” Shorewalkers’ mission is to enhance, enjoy and protect the parks, promenades, and paths along the waters throughout the New York metropolitan area. Membership is $20 a year though you do not have to be a member to join a hike (though you may want to make a tiny donation). Improve your health and stamina, have fun on your feet while enjoying great walks, protect our shore areas, explore and learn about the Hudson estuary and other shore areas, and meet interesting people along the shore!

The Shorewalkers are best known for their annual Great Saunter around the perimeter of Manhattan, though you may have heard of Batt-to-Bear, their Hudson River hike from Battery Park to Bear Mountain. Check out their calendar for more hikes; there’s a hike three days out of the week.

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There is tons of stuff to do on Roosevelt Island! Use this detailed map for your own self-guided tour of the area. Don’t miss the lighthouse and the castle-like Renwick ruins (gorgeous).

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The 90-minute self-guided tour tour begins on the harbor front at Castle Clinton and concludes on Wall Street at Federal Hall, the site of America’s first capitol building where George Washington was inaugurated as president. Very informative, easy to use, and colorful.  Has a great map so you don’t get lost.

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The Gowanus Dredgers Canoe Club offers free canoe, bike, and self-guided waterfront tours by the shorelines of Gowanus, Red Hook and DUMBO. During the past season, over 1,000 individuals participated in their programs with over 2,000 trips on the Gowanus Canal. As people experience and enjoy the waterfront through our programs, they become advocates for its revitalization.

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Architectural historian Francis Morrone leads public tours of iconic spaces at the landmark hotel.  The Plaza is launching its first public tour series to give visitors an intimate look inside this iconic landmark that has been magnificently restored and preserved. Guided by celebrated architectural historian, author and teacher Francis Morrone, the tour winds through The Plaza’s legendary spaces including the Palm Court, the Oak Room and Oak Bar and the Grand Ballroom and gives you special access to some spaces that are not open to the general public.

Tours will last approximately 45 minutes. The tours are free to the public but those interested must call The Plaza Boutique to reserve space since each tour will be limited to 20 participants. Arrive approximately 15 minutes in advance to check in before the tour begins at The Plaza Boutique in The Plaza Retail Collection. Enter at 1 West 58th Street (between Fifth and Sixth Avenues). Take elevators or escalators down to the
concourse level.

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Take a free tour of New York City at your own pace and at the time of your convenience. Get your iPod, turn the volume to your preference, and listen to these great tours of the greatest city in the world.

• CentralPark.com offers for free podcast guides “Family Tour” and “Arts & Architecture” (must register as a member).
• The Lower Manhattan Cultural Council offers a series of three theme-based self-guided audio walking tours explaining public art in Lower Manhattan.
• New York Minute Podcasts – Insider tips from a native New Yorker on how to get the most out of the city that never sleeps.
• OpenHouseNewYork -Architecture and design podcasts in every borough

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Yes you can hike in NYC!  Enjoy the greenery and forget you’re in the city.  Bring water, sunscreen, baseball hat, and rest as often as you need to.

• North Woods of Central Park – view the map
• List of hikes by borough
• High Line (now open to public)

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Try these self-guided tours dedicated to the funniest (and scariest) of architectural elements.

• Check out the city’s best gargoyles and grotesques according to Time Out New York.  Nice self-guided tour of the small details of the city.
• Gilded Gargoyles on American Radiator Building- Points out and explains the details of one NYC block

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Join the fascinating tours of our public libraries. See the exhibits, learn about the beautiful and lavish architecture and its details, and find out what the libraries have to offer you! We recommend the Humanities and Social Sciences Library at 42nd Street; it is stunning!

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