Manhattan gets so sweltering in the summer, it’s easy to forget that…

A New Jersey mom won $5 million because a cashier misunderstood her request for a scratch-off ticket.

New York City has always had a certain appeal for those seeking a sensational vacation. Its landmarks are the sort that must be seen in person; it’s considered as the fashion capital of the world and lures in shoppers on the hunt for stylish clothing; its bright lights have inspired many a song lyric; a bevy of museums and theater performances draw in fans of the arts; and it’s home to some of the most incredible restaurants around the globe. Gotham, or whatever you wish to call it, is a bustling metropolis that essentially has something for everyone.

The third biggest country on earth, the USA packs spectacular biodiversity within its borders. Between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, you’ll encounter hot desert playas and plateaus, skyscraping mountain ranges topped by glaciers, rolling grasslands where millions of bison once roamed, tropical rain forests, active volcanic zones and polar tundra.

Ahh, brunch. One part omelette, two parts mimosa, three parts coffee – life’s sweet distraction when the workweek is nigh. Though not a uniquely New York ‘thing’ per se, there’s no other city that takes its breakfast-lunch combustion quite as seriously as the Big Apple and every visitor should take it upon themselves to sample a taste of NYC’s bustling brunch culture.

The US and Russia account for nearly half of the most geotagged cities this year, with the entirety of Asia and South America represented by just two cities.

Long overshadowed by its smaller, but better known sibling to the west, Queens is finally emerging from the shadows of Manhattan to take its place as one of New York’s most fascinating boroughs.

In recent years, Queens has seen the rise of microbreweries, boutique hotels, a reinvented seaside and a burgeoning art scene – all of which has given a big boost to local pride.

If you’re visiting New York City, deciding where to stay can be overwhelming. From five-star opulence to humble hostels, NYC has accommodation for every taste and budget. But if you’re looking for something different – something with its own unique style – look no further. Here are four of NYC’s coolest hotels.

Even if you’re not local, it will get to you: the car honks, the clank of trains passing overhead on elevated lines, or the roar of traffic below the pedestrian walkway on the Brooklyn Bridge. Even those walking conference calls, with dressed-up walkers barking into invisible hands-free mics around Wall Street.

Tacos have become as ubiquitous to American cuisine as hot dogs and popcorn. The popularity of these handheld delights means there is no shortage of places to grab a taco in New York City, but only a few restaurants offer up something that is truly special.

In the city’s crowded food scene, these places have mastered the art of combining meat, veggies, and sauce on a tortilla. Here are the NYC taco joints that rise above the rest.

Booze and books have a natural affinity: both look great on a wooden shelf, both are designed to be consumed, and, for better or worse, writers have tended to gravitate toward certain booze-dens through the years.