Laurie Lewis

What makes New York so livable is the parks---not just the big ones but also the little ones that offer a place to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Most of my tours include these oases as well as the typical city highlights. I like to think of myself as "the park specialist."

I enjoy walking at all times of the year. To share New York with others who enjoy winter, I have developed a series of short outings called On This Corner. As the name implies, these on-site history lessons focus on buildings and events that occurred at a particular intersection. These tours are also good lunch-time and after-work options.

Tourists may need a long time to truly feel the pulse of some areas. I offer two extended tours in such placs. These tours are called A Day in...because we spend about six hours in the area.

To learn more about my tours (and those of my partners) and to see my popular newsletter Tours and Tales of New York, go to www.takeawalknewyork.com.