As part of its On Foot series of walking tours, National Geographic Traveler has put together a walking tour of New York City's Lower East Side. The DIY walking tour features 12 different neighborhood spots, including shops, restaurants, markets and museums. Their choices do a great job of reflecting the neighborhood's immigrant roots (including a person favorite of mine, the Lower East Side Tenement Museum), as well as the neighborhood's great shopping and dining. The only downside -- printing the map is easy, but it doesn't automatically include the addresses and descriptions of each of the spots on your printout, so you'll have to add your own notes to the map.

Article: On Foot Map: Steppin' Out Below 14th
Visitors Guide: Lower East Side Tenement Museum
Visitors Guide: Lower East Side

Visitors to New York City can enjoy a third night free at 15 participating New York City luxury hotels when they book two consecutive nights this winter. Participating hotels include: The Carlyle; the Mandarin Oriental, New York; the Plaza Hotel, and the Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park. Guests will also get a VIP package at Saks Fifth Avenue, including a personal shopping experience and complimentary coffee and dessert.

This special offer is valid for stays through February 28, 2010 and must be mentioned at time of booking. A complete list of participating hotels and discount codes is available online at Signature Collection Third Night™.

Details: Third Night Free Promotion

David Chang, of Momofuku Noodle Bar, Momofuku Ssam Bar, Ko, Momofuku Milk Bar, and soon to open Má Pêche fame, shares some of his New York City restaurant insights and tips in this article from Fodors.com. Chang's suggestions run from cheap eats (hit Chinatown!) to big budget restaurants (like Per Se), so there's something for just about anyone food-oriented traveler visiting New York City. David Chang's Momofuku Ssam Bar is actually one of my Favorite Restaurants in New York City.

Article: Top Chef Travels: Momofuku's David Chang on NYC Restaurants
More: My Favorite Restaurants in New York City
Neighborhood Guide: Chinatown Visitors Guide

Travel & Leisure put together an article highlighting Must Eat Now: 30 Dishes Worth Traveling For, including two picks in New York City. One, the pork bun at Momofuku Noodle Bar, is a personal favorite. The second, the Black Label burger at Minetta Tavern, is more of a challenge to experience because reservations at Keith McNally's newest restaurant are very difficult (if not impossible) to get.

Article: Top 30 Can't-Miss Meals
NYC Favorites: My Favorite New York City Restaurants
NYC Eats: New York City Required Eating