Big Apple Greeter Jesse Richards’ forthcoming book, Unknown New York: An Artist Uncovers the City’s Hidden Treasures, illustrates the surprising, little-known corners that give New York City its special flavor and lasting appeal.

Ah, romance. The lights of Paris! The canals of Venice! A moonlit beach in the Maldives!

The New York City Marriage Bureau?

For Karlie Wilson and Paul Wordsworth, Manhattan’s Office of the City Clerk was the perfect place to celebrate 18 years as a couple with a late June wedding.

Looking for a New York history fix? Follow Duke Ellington’s advice and take the A train to Sugar Hill in the West Harlem neighborhood of Hamilton Heights. Fifteen Big Apple Greeter volunteers visited the neighborhood on a trip led by Greeter Chris Knowlton.

Big Apple Greeters were treated to a guided tour of historic Governors Island, known for its unique history in the New York Harbor. Learn some fun facts about the island and plan your own trip there.