For those that don’t know - Humans of New York is about a guy that goes around the city every day and finds one person to talk about their life. It’s almost always eye-opening, and an absolutely incredible Facebook page to follow.
He has also written a book, which can be found here for $16. https://www.amazon.com/Humans-New-York-Brandon-Stanton/dp/1250058902
I can’t express how incredible this page and book are. For what it’s worth, this redditor gives it a 10/10 and recommends it to EVERYONE!
Edit: For those of you without Facebook, here’s a website! http://www.humansofnewyork.com
Whenever someone I know moves to New York I give them this book as a housewarming present:
It’s both funny and helpful, and it’s fun to revisit once you feel acclimated. Welcome!
This book is indispensable to transplants, giving some awesome information and details that will help them get going in the city.
Here are some pages in GIF form
https://www.amazon.com/Basic-Tips-Etiquette-Nathan-Pyle/dp/0062303112
This book should be in every hotel room in the city, and tourists should not be allowed to leave their room until they have read it. If you don't have a copy, get one. https://www.amazon.com/Basic-Tips-Etiquette-Nathan-Pyle/dp/0062303112/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=nathan+wpyle&qid=1547996088&sr=8-1-spell
I purchased a NatGeo Adirondack map on amazon for like $11. Has every road, trail, and camp site depicted. Highly recommended for planning trips.
Here is the whole bundle, or you can purchase sectors individually: https://www.amazon.com/Adirondack-Bundle-National-Geographic-Illustrated/dp/1597752258/ref=nodl_
With that being said, Moose river plains may be a good start.
Nat Geo makes a Six piece series that covers the whole park. Adirondack Park [Map Pack Bundle] (National Geographic Trails Illustrated Map) https://www.amazon.com/dp/1597752258/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_7wyJCb0HJJBE0
I just came back from a long weekend in the Adirondacks and I found this map to be really helpful. In particular, I liked that it also showed the shelters in addition to the trails and distances.
https://www.amazon.com/Lake-Placid-High-Peaks-Illustrated/dp/156695357X
Some of the trails there are a little bit sparse on trail markers relative to other places I've hiked making me extra appreciative to have the map.
Well since I live in MD and it’s not too far from Maine, Northeast Foraging: 120 Wild and Flavorful Edibles from Beach Plums to Wineberries (Regional Foraging Series) https://www.amazon.com/dp/1604694173/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_ZJ2JHX41XMNP3FXT21G1?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
NYC Basic Tips and Tricks by Nathan W Pyle was lifesaver for me when I was prepping to move to the city - very comprehensive, but also some really interesting facts and funny observations https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CGZXTE6/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?\_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1&asin=B00CGZXTE6&revisionId=7db307ca&format=1&depth=1
NYC Basic Tips and Etiquette https://www.amazon.com/dp/0062303112/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_i_TN853D8BHPDZ23170GSE
He's also the author of "Strange Planet": Strange Planet (Strange Planet Series) https://www.amazon.com/dp/0062970704/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_i_WZ099F5ZQNVXFNMJFT71
I recall he has an AMA here too but can't find it
You said fun, but honestly, a gift basket of stuff to really help with the NYC learning curve would be amazing.
+ Earplugs
+ blackout curtains for bedroom windows
+ roach gel or spray
+ waterproof shoes
+ windproof compact umbrella
+ folding/packable grocery bags
All in a Manhattan portage messenger bag
Northeast Foraging: 120 Wild and Flavorful Edibles from Beach Plums to Wineberries (Regional Foraging Series) https://www.amazon.com/dp/1604694173/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_JKAKX9007T41DMGXQVQD?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I'm very new to this and the north east. I'd love to hear any book recommendations you have! I'm also hoping to find foraging classes in my area
The thing is that it's publicized greater than it used to be.
Head on a swivel and you'll be fine. Don't do that slow walk crap.
if you need a book about it, this one is a fun and accurate account on how to live
When I first moved here, I checked this book out from the library and explored some of the more well-known and lesser-known neighborhoods and it was a good way to get my bearings and always see whats out there - so much history around you that you won't see on first glance.
Meet-up groups around hobbies or interests, as many have said, is probably the easiest and most sure way to make new friends, unless you have a fun group of coworkers. I find it easy and convenient to chat with my neighbors in my building, too, and have made some of my closest friends that way.
I don't know if the AIA Guide to NYC has a an index that lists buildings by era, but could still save you a lot of time.
The latest one seems to be from 2010 so some places may no longer exist.
I'm not sure if we're talking about the same site? I linked to Nat Geo's index of their paper (I think they are actually some kind of plastic) maps to order online. You can also order them through Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Adirondack-Bundle-National-Geographic-Illustrated/dp/1597752258/
There is an interactive map in the link that I shared, but it's just an aid to see what maps cover what areas, not for trip planning.
National Geographic has an illustrated map that you could cut out.
$6 on Amazon. Lake Placid, High Peaks: Adirondack Park (National Geographic Trails Illustrated Map) https://www.amazon.com/dp/156695357X/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_9UYqDb133XPDA
You may want two copies as some of them are on the backside.you might even need a second map.
This map links up with a guide for the high peaks by the Adirondak Mountain Club(?) or something like that.
There's also other maps by the AMC(?) but they are likely more technical.
https://www.amazon.com/AMCs-Best-Backpacking-Mid-Atlantic-Multiday/dp/193402886X is a great book with some longer loops. i'd imagine you can find it locally too.
When I lived there, I found the AIA Guide to New York City to be useful.
There is also a series of massive tomes on NYC architecture from specific periods by Robert A.M. Stern and various co-authors. I think it starts with New York 1880, and continues on with other successive periods. New York 2000 being the most recent.
Northeast Foraging: 120 Wild and Flavorful Edibles from Beach Plums to Wineberries (Regional Foraging Series) https://www.amazon.com/dp/1604694173/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_Ckm3Bb7NN4Z17
I have the Midwest version of this and I love it! It’s wonderful to just sit down and read, but also good to use as a field guide!
East of Colden Dam, on the trail toward Cliff, Redfield, and the Four Corners, maybe .5 miles from Lake Colden.
Sidenote: not sure where you got that map that you linked to, but it's pretty sketchy, it's missing a lot and there are several trails on that map that don't exist or have been closed. I suggest getting a basic National Geographic map of the High Peaks Region, they're not that expensive and super helpful!
There's a great book you might find helpful or at least amusing: NYC Basic Tips and Etiquette
It's by a local NYC artist and offers some funny and helpful tips on moving to New York... also could make a fun gift for your fiancée when she joins you. Good luck!
Edit: updated to fiancée, not girlfriend
My 85 year old Mom loved the new Humans of New York book. It's easy to read because it's photos matched with very short stories.
https://www.amazon.com/Humans-New-York-Brandon-Stanton/dp/1250058902
This book has a lot of rules and etiquttes about the subway, you may even find some gifs around
Um is no one going to comment on how talented AND good looking this guy is? ��
PS: I'm also linking his book and if you want to find him on Instagram, his name is NathanWPyle
https://www.amazon.com/Basic-Tips-Etiquette-Nathan-Pyle/dp/0062303112
yeah with a little bit of curiosity (and many repeated visits) you learn some spots to get alternate views and/or a bit of privacy.
as for maps, i don't think nynj trail conference has done anything for the adirondacks. for the high peaks area the two main maps i know of are the nat geo and the one put out by ADK.
personally, i find the nat geo map a little easier to read. i prefer the older version of the adk map to the current, though the new one is made of a better material. the ADK map has a few things the nat geo one doesn't, namely some of the bigger herd paths and camping/lean-to sites.
My favorite and the most comprehensive book I've ever found about Pittsburgh is this one, but I will definitely need to check out the one you recommended! The one in my link also makes for a great coffee table book! My friends and other guests love thumbing through the pages with all the amazing pictures.
We have used these books for a few of our trips:
http://www.amazon.com/AMCs-Best-Backpacking-Mid-Atlantic-Multiday/dp/193402886X
If you're interested in VA as well, we use: http://www.amazon.com/Hiking-Virginia-State-Guides/dp/0762778024/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1431951111&sr=8-1&keywords=hiking+virginia