Apple has turned iPhone/iPod Touch users crazy with literally thousands of apps available to download. Whether it’s free or a hundred bucks, people are going nuts over apps.  Ever since I got my new iPod Touch for my birthday, I have been going “app crazy” too.  I can’t help it.  I have apps for games, social media, emails, coupons, recipes and even apps for everything in New York City.   The list can go on and on.  The best apps are the ones that are free because if you don’t like the app, you can simply delete them without any worries that you spent your hard-earned cash for a useless app.

I remember before getting my iPod Touch, I was kind of jealous of all those cool apps that everyone was getting and playing with.  I absolutely loved the Apple commercial where you see someone playing the roller coaster game.  I kept telling my husband, I’ve got to have that! Like the commercial you see on TV; “there’s an app for that”, I truly believe there is an app for almost anything. I’m excited to share my top 5 apps that I think will be useful, easy to navigate and that are 100% free for all the New York City tourists and locals as well.

1. NYC Way – My most favorite app for New York City.  It’s perfect for tourists and residents because it’s based on where you are. You get more than thirty apps in one and it includes places to eat, nearby movie theaters, local news, nearest WiFi spot, tourism, recreations and lots more.
2. Time Out New York (TONY) – Another great app.  This has a “locate me”, sort of like a GPS so it can find what you’re looking for based on where you are.  You can easily search through neighborhoods such as Astoria, Bedford-Stuyvesant, Chinatown or Coney Island.  Any neighborhood in the five boroughs is in one app!  You can also follow them on Twitter.
3. BeeLoop: New York City at a Glance – This app is great for those of you who want to find New York City, at a glance.  It’s simple and to the point. You can search for NYC’s history and culture, night life, lodging, things to see and of course, eat.  It includes over a hundred places and lets you view the address, phone number and information on the venue as well.
4. UpNext – It’s a virtual city right in the palm of your hands.  You can view neighborhoods such as the Meatpacking District, Chelsea, Soho, Tribeca, Upper West & East side and lots more.  You can also zoom in to view each building and find out what’s inside when you double tap your screen.  It even allows you to add a business if there is a new store that just opened up.
5. Scene Seeker – New York City – Have you ever visited a place and wonder where a scene was filmed?  I am a movie guru especially when it comes to movies that were filmed in the streets of New York City – I guess that stems from being a New Yorker for over thirty years.  This app contains complete address information, interactive map, pictures and information about the film locations of movies and TV shows.  If you ever wanted to know a certain scene that was filmed on Sex in the City, this app will take you right to the exact same spot!

Check out my friend Corine, another NYMetropolista writer, who has other fabulous apps you don’t want to miss. I guess you can call us both “apps crazy”!

Photo credit: Apple.com

What does fall in New York City  mean to you?

For me, there is no city like this one, I believe that it is perhaps the best time to be in New York City, the autumn chill lets me know that it is time to enjoy the beautiful scenery and events as we get ready for yet another holiday season.

As we began the month with Daylight Savings Time, NY Metropolista will continue the momentum by making sure everyone gets the most of the fall by providing an in-depth look at upcoming events for November as the 2009 holiday season kicks off..

The Holiday Shops at Bryant Park- November 6, 2009 – January 3, 2010 @ The Pond at Bryant Park, located at 42nd St & 6th Ave

Veteran’s Day Parade – Wednesday, November 11th, 2009 @ 11 a.m. The Parade begins on Fifth Avenue at 23rd Street, continues up Fifth Avenue to 59th St

Cirque Du Soleil Wintuk - performances are held November 11, 2009 through January 3, 2010 from Wednesdays through Sundays at Madison Square Garden which is located in Manhattan on 7th Ave between 31st and 33rd Sts

Radio City Christmas Spectacular – kicks off on Friday, November 13th, 2009 running through the end of the year

Grand Central Holiday Gift Fair – November 23rd & 24th, 2009, 87 E. 42nd St.(@ Park Ave)

Eighth Annual Grand Central Holiday train show -  November 25th- 2009-January 18, 2010 at the New York Transit Museum Gallery Annex, located @ Grand Central Terminal, 42nd St between Vanderbilt & Lexington Aves

Union Square Holiday Market -  November 25, 2009-December 24th, 2009, Union Square West & East 14th St., Hours:Monday – Friday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturdays 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sundays 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade – Thursday, November 26th, 2009 @9 a.m. The New Parade route for 2009 is as follows: It begins on 77th St & Central Park West, turning east onto Central Park South.  When the Parade reaches 7th Ave, the procession will turn south at the corner of Central Park South and march to 42nd St.  Traveling east along 42nd St from 7th to 6th Aves (Avenue of the Americas), the Parade will then head south and march to 34th St..  At 34th St., the procession will head west to Herald Square ending at 34th St. and 7th Ave. Don’t miss the inflating of the balloons the day before along Central Park West between 71st and 81st Streets approximately between 4:00 and 8:00pm!

Please note: The Parade will bypass Broadway from 58th to 34th Sts., including the Times Square area

South Street Seaport Tree Lighting - November 27th, 2009, 6pm, Pier 17, Fulton & South Sts

New York City’s Department Store Holiday Window Displays – the display windows begin unveiling towards the end of November, keep an eye out for them as you prepare for holiday shopping

Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony -  December 2nd, 2009, festivities begin around 6:45pm, and the lighting takes place at 8:55pm sharp! 600 5th Ave

Photo credit: Carol Cain