Tory Hoen

When the first real snow falls in NYC, pretend you’re a kid again and go sledding. Some of the best NYC parks (in all five boroughs) offer great hills for thrill seekers. After having a playful day throwing snowball fights and sliding down those slippery slopes until you become a snowperson, take us up on our recommendations for watering holes where you can grab a drink and warm up afterward. There are many great bars with fireplaces in the city that will do the trick, but if you want the real post-sledding beverage, check out our list of the best hot chocolate in the city. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to things to do in the winter in NYC

The micro-hood where Soho, Little Italy and Chinatown converge into a chaotic microcosm is breathtaking for its randomness. Fourth-generation Italian eateries share walls with Chinese herbalists; style mecca Opening Ceremony and Andrew W.K.'s club brainchild Santos Party House attract downtown cool kids; and street vendors hawking faux-designer handbags dodge the fuzz while keeping the tourist throngs happy. Despite its ostensible discordance, this neighborhood is full of people who know how to get along in order to get by. The micro-hood where Soho, Little Italy and Chinatown converge into a chaotic microcosm is breathtaking for its randomness. Fourth-generation Italian eateries share walls with Chinese herbalists; style mecca Opening Ceremony and Andrew W.K.'s club brainchild Santos Party House attract downtown cool kids; and street vendors hawking faux-designer handbags dodge the fuzz while keeping the tourist throngs happy. Despite its ostensible discordance, this neighborhood is full of people who know how to get along in order to get by. Tom Leung, CEO, Kamwo Herbal Pharmacy "A lot of people say they don't recognize Kamwo anymore. It used to be this mom-and-pop herb store. We've modernized our whole operation to cater to nonlocals. Now, 85 percent of our customers are non-Chinese."Kamwo Herbal Pharmacy, 211 Grand St between Mott and Elizabeth Sts (212-966-6370, kamwo.com) "Right next door is good, the Paris Sandwich shop. I always liked barbecue-beef sandwiches and that