1. Forbes Galleries, NYC
Tucked away in Greenwich village, No one seems to know about this art and history-filled gem so it’s almost always empty of tourists.
2. Forest Lawn Cemetery, Buffalo, NY
Terrific for long walks and even a picnic. Much quieter than a park! Watch out for marauding geese.
3. Shopsin’s Restaurant, Essex Street Marketplace
This place has become something of an institution on the Lower East Side. Terrific food served up by a zany cast of characters. What more could you ask for?
4. Tina Louise Restaurant, Carlsbadt, NJ
Undiscovered except by locals in-the-know, don’t let the outside fool you. Amazing Asian fusion cuisine. One sister is cranky, one is nice, just like in a sitcom.
5. Fripp Island, South Carolina
Great place to relax while the alligators keep mostly to themselves.
Laura Pedersen was a columnist for The New York Times and has published 15 books. Her latest travel memoir, Trains, Planes and Auto-Rickshaws, is available on Amazon now.