NYC: THERE’S AN APP FOR THAT

   
By Jerrica Knight-Catania




Though I write historical romance and sometimes wish I lived in the 1800s, I'm incredibly grateful that I live in the year 2011 and have such amazing tools at my disposal, such as a smart phone. Whether you have an iPhone, Android, Windows Mobile or Blackberry, these little babies can really come in handy, especially when you're about to embark on a trip to a new city.

Since Nationals is in my hometown of NYC this year, I've scouted out a few important apps for all you iPhone users that you won't want to leave home without! (Some of these are also available for Android, but I'm not sure about the others. You may want to search for something comparable in your phone's marketplace, though!)

Up first…NYC Way

This is a pretty neat app, and it's free! This is kind of one-stop shopping for lots of different things around the city. It uses your location (click Allow when that warning pops up) to locate you and then when you click on, say, the Restrooms button, it will show you the nearest restroom to where you are. They'll show you coffee shops, dining options,Wi-Fi hotspots, banks, transit, local attractions, and more! Definitely a great app to have when you visit the city!

http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/nyc-way/id343208275?mt=8



NY Cupcake Guide

Okay, so maybe you're not aware there's a cupcake craze going on in this country, or maybe you're glued to the TV every time Cupcake Wars comes on the Food Network, but either way, you'll want to have this app at your disposal. The City's 50+ cupcake bakeries are listed by neighborhood, so hop from one to another in an afternoon. It's a great way to see different neighborhoods while checking out the fun and unique cupcakes the city has to offer. It also has reviews, Editor's Picks, up-to-the-minute cupcake news, Facebook and Twitter integration, as well as the ability to comment on the bakery and star your favorite spots.

Oh, and did I mention it was created by Yours Truly? That's right! My husband and I embarked on a cupcake marathon tour last summer and we've released the app just in time for Nationals! It's been a long time in the making, but I'm sure you'll agree it was well worth the wait! Available for both iPhone and Android AND it's on sale for Memorial Day! You have until 11:59pm tonight (5/30) to get it for $0.99!...

http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/new-york-cupcake-guide/id435741287?mt=8&ls=1

https://market.android.com/details?id=nycupcakes.com.swebapps

And last, but not least, Beer Gardens NYC

I bet you didn't realize that so many RWA members were whipping up useful iPhone apps, but here's yet another must-have app for NYC...

For multi-published romance author, Hope Tarr, Beer Gardens NYC was a true labor of love. She and her real life Prince Charming, information architect Raj Moorjani, spent six weeks visiting their initial pool of 50 New York City beer gardens before launching on the App Store in September 2010. Within one month from launch, they received press coverage in The New York Times, The New York Post and Gothamist. Appolicious named Beer Gardens NYC as one of its six "Best iPhone Apps for New York City." The suds-loving duo recently launched a 2.0 version that includes Foursquare integration, GPS functionality, and even more city beer gardens!

Tarr will be presenting her workshop, "Nobody Cares You Just Had a Muffin: Ten Tips for Using Social Media to Brand Your Books," at The New Jersey Romance Writers' annual conference on October 21-22, 2011. To learn more about Beer Gardens NYC, visit the web site at http://www.beergardensnyc.com/.

http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/beer-gardens-nyc/id389710211?mt=8


So there you have it, folks! These are my picks for the 3 best phone apps, whether you live in NYC or are just coming here for a visit! For less than $4 (or $3, if you buy on Memorial Day!), you can have the city at your fingertips!♥



Jerrica Knight-Catania is a published author of Regency romances. Her latest novel, THE ROBBER BRIDE – Book 1 in the Daring Debutante Series! – is available now on Kindle and Nook. Visit her at www.jerricasplace.com. This article was first published in the Lady Scribes blog.