25 What's in store
From outside, ABC Carpet & Home looks unremarkable. Once through the doors, however, you'll feel like Dorothy when she realizes that she's not in Kansas anymore. The store is like an upscale, indoor bazaar, where each stall is filled to the brim with eclectic and beautiful housewares, textiles, rugs, and more. Information: 888 Broadway, 212/473-3000, abchome.com, abchome.com. Susan Brauer, Minneapolis, Minn.

26 Rose and shine
Walking through the flower market, on West 28th Street between Sixth and Seventh avenues, is a great way to start the morning. Mark McCradden, Fairfax, Va.

INTERACTIVE MAP! Explore these New York City locations • Launch the map GOTHAM IN NINE SHOTS Cheryl Lemanski of Chicago was one of the winners of our 10th Anniversary reader contest. We sent her out to photograph nine iconic spots in New York City. She brought back these nine terrific images. • Launch the slide show

27 Crash pod
Rooms at The Pod Hotel come with iPod docking stations and individual TVs for the bunk beds. (Larger rooms have double or queen beds and private baths.) When my daughter and I stayed there, we called ourselves "two peas in a Pod." Information: 230 E. 51st St., 800/742-5945, thepodhotel.com, from $89. Gina Clark, Charlotte, N.C.

28 Winter wonderland
I love the holiday season, from the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade to New Year's Eve in Times Square. I love seeing the balloons get inflated on Thanksgiving Eve and then going to the parade in the morning. I love the big Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center and the department stores' windows. I love the Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall. I love watching the ball drop in Times Square. Information: 1260 Sixth Ave., 212/307-7171, radiocity.com, from $42. Julie Kasenow, Los Angeles, Calif.

29 Hepcat's cradle
Founded by Bob Holman, one of the deans of modern poetry, The Bowery Poetry Club is a refuge for intellectuals and artists. The club has poetry slams, creative music, and even comedy. Information: 308 Bowery, 212/614-0505, bowerypoetry.com, $5–$10. Michaela Lola Abrera, Manila, Philippines

30 A club supreme
Smalls offers jazz until 4 a.m., with low lights, brick walls, and comfortable seats. It's like you've stepped back in time. Information: 183 W. 10th St., 212/252-5091, smallsjazzclub.com, $20. Dana Bertotti, Philadelphia, Pa.

31 Local hero
My husband and I signed up with Big Apple Greeter, a free service in which locals give private tours. We were interested in the NYU and Gramercy areas, and our guide was a native New Yorker and NYU grad (back in the '50s) who shared his stories. Information: 212/669-8159, bigapplegreeter.org. Jane Whittington, Grand Rapids, Mich.

32 One in eight million
I love the feeling of being anonymous. Emily Wright, Anthem, Ariz.

33 Freeze!
"Regular" flavors at Chinatown Ice Cream Factory include ginger, green tea, and red bean, while the "exotic" ones are vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry. Information: 65 Bayard St., 212/608-4170, chinatownicecreamfactory.com. Laura Nixon, Alexandria, Va.

34 Perfect circle
When I bite into a bagel from H&H Bagels, my whole face feels like it's smiling. Last time, we brought back three dozen. Information: 2239 Broadway, 212/595-8003, hhbagels.com. Melissa Vanefsky, Deerfield Beach, Fla.

35 Hole nother story
Ess-a-Bagel. Game, set, and match. Information: 359 First Ave., 212/260-2252, ess-a-bagel.com. Gary Gleckman, Chula Vista, Calif.

36 Walk-in movie
The Bryant Park Summer Film Festival screens classic movies under the stars. You're surrounded by 1,000 other cinephiles and glowing skyscrapers. Just don't forget bug spray. Information: 212/768-4242, bryantpark.org, Mondays June 16–August 18, free. Tiffany Sun, New York, N.Y.