How to do EVERTHING in NYC before moving...
How I did it: Lots of research online...I read lots of blogs and reviews on places like restaurants and shops to find out of the way locales and interesting hard to find places. Also, just going and scouring the city on foot. The best way to find interesting things is to just aim for interesting things as you head down the street. If you see an odd looking banner down a side street, go and look at it.
Lessons & tips: If a restaurant is empty, don't eat there.
Resources: http://www.newyorker.com/
http://www.nytimes.com/
http://www.villagevoice.com/
http://nymag.com/

