8th Ave Between 43rd St and 45th St

    

I love this stretch of 8th Avenue. Not because it's pretty…it isn't. Not because it's full of great examples of architecture…it's not. Not because there's a wide variety of great attractions…there isn't. But because it's a step in the right direction to get away from the Port Authority Bus Terminal and Times Square. The further away I can get from these two things, the happier I am. While engaging in this escapism, you're surrounded by a myriad of buildings ranging from brand-new eyesores to dilapidated classics which barely warrant renovation. Sure, you could argue that the Milford Plaza Hotel is a nice example of design, but you're better off looking over at skyline and at some of the buildings on nearby side streets.

This is one of the few areas where some of the classic "dirty" Times Square culture remains. Though there's a ton of commercialization and touristification to be had, you'll still have no trouble finding a porn shop, a dive bar, or some questionable electronic retailer. And really, what more does a man need than booze, naked ladies and rip-off iPods?