The first time you go to New York, go ahead and be a sight-seer—everyone should visit the Statue of Liberty, the Met, Times Square, etc. But on a return trip, pick a neighbourhood and go deep. You’ll find hole-in-the-wall bars, great delis, quirky shops… exploring the non-touristy side of New York is an incredibly rewarding experience for a traveller.

Famous as the home of Yankee Stadium, elevated trains, and dense apartment blocks, the Bronx is also the greenest of New York City's boroughs. Visit the gorillas at the famous Bronx Zoo or wander through the 50-acre forest at the New York Botanical Garden. Pick up some gourmet foods on Arthur Avenue, the Bronx's Little Italy, and have a picnic at Van Cortlandt Park, which features two square miles of boating, horseback riding, tennis, and the oldest public golf course in the United States.

The south Santa Cruz County region of Watsonville and Pajaro Valley boast pristine beaches and a Mediterranean climate. Birders flock to the miles of trails around the Wetlands of Watsonville. Nearby, the Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Reserve is one of California's last undisturbed wetlands and is ideal for bird watching. An annual Birding Festival, the Strawberry Festival, a weekly farmer's market, Watsonville Plaza, and the Agricultural History Museum are sights not to be missed.

Known for its medieval history, its auto-making prowess (as home base of both Ferrari and Maserati) and its famous balsamic vinegar, Modena is a treat for visitors of all ages. The 12th-century Romanesque Cathedral of Modena, with its spectacular Ghirlandina bell tower (under restoration until the end of 2010), is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Just outside of town (and next to the car maker’s factory) in Maranello is Galleria Ferrari, dedicated to the brand and Italian motor racing industry.