Exclusive | New York City: Resources

New York City has a small roster of gay media, led by Homo Extra and Next (212/627-0165) both in the bar rag category; and METROsource (180 Varick St, Fifth Fl; 212/691-5127), a handy gay and lesbian business directory, combined with articles on new dining spots, shopping, nightlife and profiles.

GoNYC (888/466-9244) is an excellent lesbian publication, with strong articles and great, up to the minute bar and club listings.

The Lesbian and Gay Community Center (208 W. 13th St; 212/620-7310)is your best stop for picking up verbal and written information on the gay and lesbian community. They have bales of leaflets, flyers, free publications and posted announcements that can easily consume an afternoon to sift through. A (usually) very helpful staff is on hand to answer any questions.

Two downtown, free weeklies, though not written explicitly for a gay audience, are NYPress (212/244-2282) and The Village Voice (212/475-3300), good for perusing the general goings-on-about-town, best for movie reviews, restaurant locations and pungent, social and political commentary.

Of course, the New York Times (212/556-1234) can't be beat for the best Friday entertainment section or Sunday Arts & Leisure round up.

NYC and Company, the New York Visitors and Convention Bureau (810 Seventh Avenue, between 52nd and 53 rd St; 212/484-1222) is the city's official visitor information center. It's the best location to find maps and brochures on the city.

There's also an information booth at New York City Heritage Tourism Center, at the southern tip of City Hall Park, on the Broadway side at Park Row. Both Info Centers are open seven days.

Possibly the most valuable guide you can possess here is Where To Go, a Guide to Manhattan's Toilets by Vicki Rovere. If you have a small and weak bladder, it's a worthwhile $4.50 investment upon arrival. The book contains anecdotes, advice and specific locations within buildings, eliminating any embarrassing searching or asking.

Related Articles:

New York City: Introduction
New York City: Where to Stay
New York City: Where to Eat
New York City: Where to Meet/Play
New York City: What to See and Do
New York City: Where to Shop
New York City: Neighborhoods