A trip to New York means different things to different people. For some, it's all about the city, with its energy, diversity and excitement. To get a true taste of the Big Apple, avoid the big hotels of midtown, and stay in one of New York's unique neighborhoods. Tribeca is artsy and gay, while Chelsea is gentrified and trendy. For a truly New York experience, choose a bed and breakfast on Manhattan's Upper West Side, home to the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, the Museum of Natural History, the Planetarium and the famous Zabar's food store. While many of New York's traditional haunts have closed down, Gray's Papaya still stands proud. Located on 72nd Street and Broadway, Gray's serves a variety of juices, which they claim are great for your health. How they justify the fact that they also specialize in hot dogs is beyond the comprehension of most people, but it's all part of the fun. You can work off the calories by taking a walk or a run in Riverside or Central Park. In Riverside Park, be sure to check out the 79th Street Boat Basin, which some boat owners call home. Continue walking north to 110th Street. Leave the park and cross Broadway to Amsterdam Avenue, where you will find the Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine, which is the world's largest Gothic Cathedral. Whether you are a Christian or not, you will be moved by the Sunday night vespers service. In October, the Cathedral hosts a Saint Francis Day celebration. Locals bring their pets to be blessed, and an elephant leads a procession of animals through the cathedral. The event fills up quickly, so choose accommodations in close proximity to the Cathedral. There are a number of wonderful bed and breakfasts in the area. As much as New York City is famous for its non-stop excitement, sometimes you need to get away to a more peaceful environment. Croton on Hudson is just a short ride from the city. This is Washington Irving country, and if you look carefully, you may be apt to believe that you see the headless horseman. Staying at a historic house will help you get into the spirit. Speaking of spirit, if you are too young to remember the 60s, you'll be happy to know that it is alive and well in Woodstock. Home to aging hippies and young hippie wannabes, Woodstock is an artist's colony, which boasts an interesting array of shops and galleries. However, if the lifestyles of the rich and famous interest you more than the historic counter culture, you will definitely enjoy East Hampton. For years, the Hamptons have been the desired summer vacation destination for New York's beautiful people. Come winter, the Lake Placid area, home to the Lake Placid Olympic Center, is home to New York's best skiing.