OK, let’s establish some ground rules. It’s called the City, not Manhattan. And under no circumstance should you ever say New York City. Yes, we know some New Yorkers do take things a bit too far and say they are from the City even when they are visiting relatives in Tulsa – where the nickname really loses its luster.

Whatever it is you are trying to do while you’re in the City, do it quickly and get out of the way. That applies to ordering at the deli (where do you think the Soup Nazi idea came from?), riding the escalators, crossing the street or buying a paper. Things have a faster pace up here and people like it that way. This City will eat you alive if you don’t prepare properly.

But even with all of the millions of people scurrying around, you can still blend into the madness and fit right in. That’s because everyone is too busy to notice you as they race to the subways, run to catch the ferries, or fight for a cab. New York has a “kick you in the teeth” attitude that can make you feel satisfied when you actually accomplish something. And, you know you earned it because you’ve just navigated thru all the madness. Here’s a local tip so don’t sound like a tourist when you are downtown- it’s pronounced “How-Stin” even though it is spelled like Houston. SoHo means south of Houston – now go figure out NoHo on your own.

Immerse yourself in the City, with all it has to offer, and you’ll understand why it’s like no other place on earth. The diversity, the energy, the attitude – you can find anything and everything in the City that never (EVER) sleeps. There’s always a new neighborhood to explore, another restaurant to try, another club to dance at, and another bar to drink in.

Dreams have been realized here since the first settlers and you can feel that same spirit as you walk the streets of each neighborhood. Where else can you see millionaires mingling seamlessly with the working class? From munching on their morning bagels to singing along with Frank Sinatra at the end of the Yankees game, New Yorkers share the local pride. Maybe it’s because everyone has one thing in common – they’ve all lived in that 300 square foot studio apartment and paid $2000 a month for it. And why does everyone say their address like it’s the most regal location in the known universe?

NYC was built (and still runs) on its neighborhoods. You’ll find that each has its own character, so get out and explore. People from all walks of life are really what make this place so special.

Bars & Nightlife

The City comes alive at night (and its usually when most are tucking themselves in for a good night’s sleep!). Times Square has more lights than a sound stage and feels like midday even at 2:00 am. With so many people in town each and every night (and I mean, each and every night) there are plenty of special occasions that must be celebrated. Whether you’re out for a birthday, promotion, or the eminent “Girls Night Out” – here are some journeyPod Picks:

Maritime Hotel: Yes, we are listing a hotel as a pick for our Nightlife category and it’s not because of what goes on behind closed hotel room doors. The entire city block is just one big open air extravaganza right out of South Beach. Located at 363 West 16th St. (at Ninth Ave.), this place was once the headquarters for the National Maritime Union. Now, it’s a glamorous Chelsea Hotel that draws a trendy nightlife scene. Among its hot spots are Matsuri – sushi restaurant, a Japanese-themed nightclub called Hiro and La Bottega – a bar/trattoria which extends outside into a 6,000 square foot patio. Ah, and how can we forget to mention the party cabanas on the terrace?!

Pacha: Talk about a high energy import that lets you explore the vibe of Ibiza without stepping foot outside NYC (located at 618 W. 46th St. – between 11th Ave. and West Side Hwy). This international nightclub transports club-goers from NYC to the steamy tropics, featuring four floors (and 30,000 square feet) of options. Navigate a maze of staircases, palm trees, mirrors and tarp canopies. You’ll find drop down projection screens, staging runways, and intimate retreats (check out the Jacuzzi-style booths).

Passerby: Screwdrivers are back and somehow they made the Greyhound even cooler. Their juicer will freshen up your cocktails and their glowing “Saturday Night Fever” dance floor will liven up your evening. A stylish little hole-in-the-wall that features great drinks and an easy, laid-back crowd. Passerby is located at 436 W. 15th St. (between Ninth & 10th Aves.).

White Horse Tavern: A super-popular West Village institution, White Horse Tavern is quiet, literary, and features lots of wood – a former haunt of Dylan Thomas. Good for a few laid-back Happy Hour pints with old friends and colleagues. Just make sure you’re not watching your waste line if you decide to order grub – the big juicy burgers and slab-cut fries are worth the calories! White Horse Tavern is located on Hudson & 11th Street.

Bungalow 8: With so many luxuries offered at this honeymoon-suite locale, who has anytime for sleep? If you’re looking for great drinks and interesting snacks, this mini-resort provides it. A hospitality-themed lounge, Bungalow 8 offers everything but the mint on your pillow. Perfect for night-owls who have trouble turning in. Bungalow 8 is located at 515 W. 27th St. (between 10th & 11th Aves.).

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Vegas, baby. Vegas! They weren’t lying: what happens in Vegas… stays in Vegas!

How many times have you heard those catch phrases? Well, we agree – they are both very overstated. But, they really do sum up your Vegas experience. Bottom line: Las Vegas is about checking your husbands, wives, girlfriends, boyfriends, etc. at the door and cutting yourself loose from any morals, worries, conscience. This is the place where everyone seems to think that “anything goes” – and it usually does! People actually do enjoy pretending they are somebody else. Even the most conservative woman in your office will let her hair down and give in to that one night stand — she is in Vegas, after all!

With all those poker faces and bluffs at the casino scene, everyone thinks they are somebody else long after they leave the tables.

Vegas is a place to act like that friend that always tells the best stories. It’s a place to stay up way past your bedtime, gamble away your entire paycheck, act a bit crazy, or do the things you are always too scared to do in the “real world.” It’s a place where you’re supposed to get into trouble and mix things up. It’s a town of bling-bling and dreams – cause you never know when your luck is going to catch fire.

Somehow, despite all this crazy single silliness, Vegas is still a big enough town to offer plenty of options for the alterna-yuppie couples too. They can get all cleaned up and enjoy an exquisite meal or glitzy show. They can run the tables with the best of ‘em and waste the afternoon away at the pool or spa. Things getting boring in the bedroom? Try one-part champagne, one-part swanky hotel room, one-part Vegas, and you’ll be at it like jackrabbits again. Just don’t get too liquored up, cause you might just wake up the next morning and learn you were married by Elvis in that tiny white chapel, complete with plastic flowers. Classy, ey? Bet the parents will love hearing that one!

Yes, Vegas has a lot of adrenaline and you’ll feel the rush in everything you do here. In a town where people have $10,000 riding on one card, even the mundane everyday tasks like eating and drinking take on more excitement. And if eating and drinking is your thing, you’ve come to the right place. Top restaurants and chefs from around the world have dropped into town and opened up for business. Now, you too can enjoy the highest quality of cuisine on The Strip. Here then, are our journeyPod Picks for dining, wining and dancing Las Vegas style:

Bars & Nightlife

If it’s nightlife you’re after, you’ve come to the right place. Vegas provides a party all day and all night. But the town really comes alive when the desert sun sets and everyone’s inner player and alter-ego come out. Every night in Vegas feels like an elaborate Bachelor party. If you’re looking to have some fun, have a girl’s night out or forget your past and meet somebody new, then a night on the town in Vegas is your best medicine.

The nightlife has significantly picked up in recent years, and now provides just as much buzz as the table games inside the casinos. So grab your little black dress and your best pickup lines and get on it! Roll the dice and see what the night has in store for you. Oh, what’s that? You don’t “normally” enjoy the clubs? Well, you don’t normally go home with strangers either. Go out there and enjoy- don’t worry, we won’t tell!

PURE Nightclub (Caesars Palace) – If class, sophistication and style are what you’re all about – this is the place you need to be (definitely the most upscale club in Las Vegas). With 36,000 square feet, PURE is like three clubs in one. The three distinct environments include The Red Room – a VIP haven with cocoon-like private booths and secluded from the main club; the Terrace – a 14,000 square foot enclave with private cabanas and panoramic views of the Strip (pay attention to the glass elevator or the twisting staircase that’ll get you here). If you’re a high-roller, celeb or just have enough cash to drop to feel like one, PURE is the spot to check out!

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It’s a city where a 5 year old boy and an 86 year old grandmother will be wearing the same Boston Red Sox hat on the T and asking the same question each and every morning- how did the Sox do last night? Baseball is not just another sport in Boston, it’s part of the culture…it is Boston. That “Fever Pitch” movie was no joke. Just get used to it and leave your opposing team jerseys at home unless you want to get hit in the head with a bottle. Seriously, especially you Yankees fans.

Boston is a great city that blends its future into its storied Boston Tea Party past. Walk The Freedom Trail to step back in time for some Revolutionary history. And then you have the cosmopolitan new architecture right next to Paul Revere. Think charming New England with those lovely brownstones.

Faneuil Hall is a must. Explore the North End for “to die for” Italian… just like grandma makes.

Here are our journeyPod picks for your viewing pleasure:

Restaurants

1. Anna’s Taqueria: Yes, there is always a line out the door, but it is well worth the short wait. Stick with their world famous Chicken, Pork, or Beef Burrito. Anna’s has become a Boston icon, and has two locations:in Brookline and in Cambridge.

2. Red Bones: Barbecue in the North must have been created here. Great selection of every style of ribs. Fantastic beer menu as well. Walk in very hungry. Red Bones is located in Cambridge.

3. Ginza: The best Sushi in Boston. If you are hungry, try ordering the full Boat. You will float out of there. The staff and SAKE are fantastic. Ginza is located next to the St. Mary’s stop in Brookline.

4. Fiore: There is simply not enough room on this list to mention all of the North End Italian Restaurants, so we picked one of our favorites, Fiore. If you have never been to Italy, the North End is the next best thing. A walk down Hanover Street is like a moment in Italy.

5. Tasca:The best Spanish Tapas restaurant in Boston. Fantastic Sangria and a huge selection of tasty Tapas. Located in Brighton on Commonwealth Ave.

6. Sunset Grill:Menu is very diverse with something for everyone. If you have room, you must order the Mud Slide Pie for dessert. For the Beer Fanatic, Sunset has the most beers on tap or in the bottle in all of Boston. They must just have every beer ever made. Located in Allston on Brighton Ave.

7. Figs: When he is not cooking for the TV audiences, our boy Todd English turns out a nice thin crust pizza. There are only 13 tables in Figs, so be prepared to wait. Figs is located Beacon Hill, Boston, and Charlestown.

8. JP Licks: Keeping with the dessert theme, JP Licks has some of the best home made ice cream (and yogurt) on the planet. We highly recommend the Peanut Butter low fat yogurt. JP Licks is located in Coolidge Corner in Brookline, Jamaica Plain, and Newbury Street.

9. Mike’s Pastries: No trip is complete without a stop for Mike’s famous canoli. They should put Mike’s on the Freedom Trail it has become so popular. Again, there is always a line for late night dessert, but it moves quickly and is worth it. Mike’s is the perfect finish after you have stuffed yourself in the North End.

10. Davios: High end Italian American food. The menu is very diverse, and we highly recommend their steak or seafood. Located on Arlington Ave.

Okay, seriously, we are not suggesting that somebody from London or New York or anywhere really is going to drop everything and plan a vacation to Atlanta. But it is a city on the rise with a ton to offer. So, if you’re coming down here for business or to see friends and family, you now have a lot more upscale options. Actually it makes for a great road trip or weekend getaway if you are in the Southeast. To some people Atlanta is their New York when it comes to shopping and nightlife. I mean, we do have the only IKEA for miles and miles…

So what’s new in Atlanta? For starters nobody down here ever says Hotlanta. So please check that phrase at the city limits. Head downtown to the new trendy Glenn Hotel and you’ll discover b.e.d. b.e.d. is a restaurant/lounge combo great for people watching and sipping cocktails with friends. Other b.e.d.s are in NY and Miami, but somehow Atlanta is lucky enough to get the third one. Not sure who we bribed to jump ahead of Vegas and other cities, but we are damn glad your’re here. The VIP rooftop bar has the best views in town.

Checkout the largest aquarium in the world only a few blocks down the road. Waste the afternoon away in Piedmont Park and then grab a drink at the Park Tavern. Hike up Stone Mountain if you need to get away from it all.

Here are our journeyPod picks to give you some ideas:

Bars & Nightlife

Atlanta has many areas for going out. So pay attention people. You can really do some damage with this info. Buckhead no longer rules the scene. The current epicenter would have to be Midtown. If you are looking to chill with friends, then duck into the Highlands or Decatur. If you want something alternative (pronounced All-Tur-Nah-Tive) then try Little Five Points or East Atlanta. But the main action and largest collection of bars and clubs is really in Midtown (or at least in our little twisted world it is).

Here then are our journeyPod picks to keep the good times rolling:

Bazzaar: step into this intimate Midtown enclave to see where all the beautiful people are hiding.

Compound : the best dance club in the city and no hassles when you wear your Pumas…plenty of space for indoor and outdoor raging in Midtown.

eleven50: the only stop in town for international superstar DJs is an old time theater redone as a hot Midtown club.

Fever: the party is alive and well as it rolls across all twelve of their posh rooms…located on Cheshire Bridge Rd.

Halo: diverse Midtown crowd and still on top of its game five years running.

Loca Luna: feel the entire place pulse as you sip mojitos to the hardest working band in the city…located in Midtown.

The Local: the only true bar in town for those nights when you leave your dancing shoes at home…located in Midtown.

Cosmo/Lava Lounge: two clubs for the price of one offer endless rooms of music for any mood in Midtown.

MJQ: dance the night away and for the love of God they have no guestlist but they are in Midtown.

The Mark: the action and scene go underground at this downtown club.

Okay, seriously, we are not suggesting that somebody from London or New York or anywhere really is going to drop everything and plan a vacation to Atlanta. But it is a city on the rise with a ton to offer. So, if you’re coming down here for business or to see friends and family, you now have a lot more upscale options. Actually it makes for a great road trip or weekend getaway if you are in the Southeast. To some people Atlanta is their New York when it comes to shopping and nightlife. I mean, we do have the only IKEA for miles and miles…

So what’s new in Atlanta? For starters nobody down here ever says Hotlanta. So please check that phrase at the city limits. Head downtown to the new trendy Glenn Hotel and you’ll discover b.e.d. b.e.d. is a restaurant/lounge combo great for people watching and sipping cocktails with friends. Other b.e.d.s are in NY and Miami, but somehow Atlanta is lucky enough to get the third one. Not sure who we bribed to jump ahead of Vegas and other cities, but we are damn glad your’re here. The VIP rooftop bar has the best views in town.

Checkout the largest aquarium in the world only a few blocks down the road. Waste the afternoon away in Piedmont Park and then grab a drink at the Park Tavern. Hike up Stone Mountain if you need to get away from it all.

Here are our journeyPod picks to give you some ideas:

Restaurants

Antica Posta: the best Italian in the city offering authentic upscale Tuscan dishes in a romantic redone house in Buckhead.

Haven : everything on the menu will tempt you…walk down to their sister lounge, Mix, for a drink afterwards….located in Brookhaven.

b.e.d.: food fit for a king – dine like royalty in your own private bed in Downtown…what to do after dinner? two words- VIP rooftop.

Rathbun’s: remember how hot Bluepointe was when it opened back in 1999? Well the magician has done it again with his own place in Inman Park. Chef Kevin Rathbun will blow you away with his innovative cuisine that is as tasty as it is eccentric. From the eggplant fries to Elvis’ favorite Banana Peanut Butter Cream Pie, you’ll have to show some serious indulgence control to even leave your table.

MidCity Cuisine: consistently dishes out fabulous plates in Midtown.

Nuevo Laredo: yes you can drink your margarita pitcher in the parking lot while you wait for your table…authentic Mexican with the best carne asada in the city and located on the West Side.

Apres Diem: cosmopoliton eatery and people watching with a great vibe in Midtown…perfect Sunday brunch to cure that hangover…the only place that is good every night of the week.

the globe : fusion food meets euro cafe in Midtown. Great little plates like tuna and tempura frites will hold your attention all night long.

Nan: rumor has it that Gwenyth fancies their trendy Thai treats in Midtown.

Aiko: sushi hits the dance floor at this hip Buckhead eatery.

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OK, let’s establish some ground rules. It’s called the City, not Manhattan. And under no circumstance should you ever say New York City. Yes, we know some New Yorkers do take things a bit too far and say they are from the City even when they are visiting relatives in Tulsa – where the nickname really loses its luster.

Whatever it is you are trying to do while you’re in the City, do it quickly and get out of the way. That applies to ordering at the deli (where do you think the Soup Nazi idea came from?), riding the escalators, crossing the street or buying a paper. Things have a faster pace up here and people like it that way. This City will eat you alive if you don’t prepare properly.

But even with all of the millions of people scurrying around, you can still blend into the madness and fit right in. That’s because everyone is too busy to notice you as they race to the subways, run to catch the ferries, or fight for a cab. New York has a “kick you in the teeth” attitude that can make you feel satisfied when you actually accomplish something. And, you know you earned it because you’ve just navigated thru all the madness. Here’s a local tip so don’t sound like a tourist when you are downtown- it’s pronounced “How-Stin” even though it is spelled like Houston. SoHo means south of Houston – now go figure out NoHo on your own.

Immerse yourself in the City, with all it has to offer, and you’ll understand why it’s like no other place on earth. The diversity, the energy, the attitude – you can find anything and everything in the City that never (EVER) sleeps. There’s always a new neighborhood to explore, another restaurant to try, another club to dance at, and another bar to drink in.

Dreams have been realized here since the first settlers and you can feel that same spirit as you walk the streets of each neighborhood. Where else can you see millionaires mingling seamlessly with the working class? From munching on their morning bagels to singing along with Frank Sinatra at the end of the Yankees game, New Yorkers share the local pride. Maybe it’s because everyone has one thing in common – they’ve all lived in that 300 square foot studio apartment and paid $2000 a month for it. And why does everyone say their address like it’s the most regal location in the known universe?

NYC was built (and still runs) on its neighborhoods. You’ll find that each has its own character, so get out and explore. People from all walks of life are really what make this place so special.

Restaurants

New York has so many types of food – from American to Japanese, from French to Asian – you can find anything and everything in this City. Where else can you walk down the street and smell the aromas from innumerable food stands that line the streets and the kitchens that pack them in every night? The diversity of NYC is unparalleled to any other. Here are some of our favorites:

Gascogne: If you can’t make it out to Paris, make sure you can find your way to this charming French bistro in the city’s Chelsea district. With French-speaking waiters, indoor/outdoor seating and culinary indulgences, this place can make you forget you’re in NYC! The escargots and foie gras are always a pleaser! Gascogne is located on Eighth Ave. (Between 17th & 18th Streets).

B-Bar and Grill (formerly Bowery Bar): A popular summertime setting with indoor/outdoor ambiance, B-Bar is great for summer drinks and dinner on the patio. The place is known to draw A-listers and occasional celebrities. The grill offers delicious appetizers and the calamari & popcorn shrimp are always a great choice! B Bar is located on East 4th & Bowery.

Per Se: You’ll go running down the streets in glee after dining here (located at 10 Columbus Circle, between 58th and 59th Sts.). With a French-New American menu that changes daily, this pricey culinary experience is a worthwhile treat for your senses (the dishes are as delicious as they are colorful). Whatever you do, begin your meal with the “Oysters and Pears” and make sure you save enough room for the “Coffee and Doughnuts” dessert.

Il Mulino:This is the epitome of an Old New York hangout, the restaurant boasts some of the best Italian food you’ll ever eat. Located in the West Village (on 86 W. Third St., between Sullivan & Thompson and near NYU), the place is small, crowded & quite loud, but the food makes it all worth while. Bring your appetite (portions are big enough to feed a small country) and your wallet.

Dos Caminos (Soho): With made-to-order guacamole and some of the best margaritas in town (in addition to more than 150 tequila selections), you can’t go wrong with the city’s top Mexican spot. With indoor and outdoor seating options, this place brings the fiesta downtown! Dos Caminos is located at West Broadway & Houston (along with a location on Park Avenue and a Midtown location opening in Fall ‘06).

Jean Georges: It’s simple, French chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten can’t get it wrong (ever!) This restaurant, inside the Trump International Hotel, is as sophisticated as it is superb. Located off Columbus Circle (1 Central Park West, between 60th and 61st Sts.), this divine masterpiece offers a formal dining room, more casual cafe and an outdoor terrace for those cool summer nights. Don’t you dare leave without sampling the baby scallops and the four-part citrus tasting.

Babbo: Who doesn’t love Mario Batali? With its trademark pasta tasting menu, make sure you aren’t watching your waistline when you arrive at this two-story townhouse. You’ll find that the simplest ingredients have never tasted so good! Everything is tasty but we fancy the ravioli with beef cheeks and the goat cheese tortellini. Reservations are a must. Babbo is located at 110 Waverly Pl., between 6th Ave. and MacDougal.

Una Pizza Napoletana: Seriously, who needs Italy? This is, by far, the best pizza in the City – “The Best, Jerry…the best.” Each bite is light, fragrant and oh-so delish! The buffalo mozzarella is shipped directly from Italy and pairs nicely with the finger-licking-good basil-infused tomato sauce. Una Pizza (349 E. 12th St., between 1st and 2nd Aves.) is not to be missed.

Bouchon Bakery: Located on Columbus Circle in the Time Warner Building, this casual French Boulangerie is anything but plain. You’ll find everything from mouth-watering fresh croissants, to good-ol’ PB&J sandwiches. This place has the best tuna fish sandwich we’ve ever had. And, did we mention they make their own hand-made chocolates?

Momofuku Noodle Bar: If you need a quick ramen fix – this is your spot. Just be prepared to wait (they don’t take reservations). And, if you don’t mind getting packed in like sardines and eating thigh-to-thigh with your fellow patrons – find your way to this amazing noodle bar. The three-variety steamed buns (pork, chicken or shitake) are worth the trip and the wait. Momofuku is located at 163 First Ave. (at 10th St.).