Here are 10 of those things, in no particular order, that you should go out of your way to see if you are in NYC for the U.S. Open:

1. Walk the Brooklyn Bridge: If you are looking for a magnificent view of the city that never sleeps, walking across the Brooklyn Bridge is how to get it. Notwithstanding the great view, it is also impressive to know that you are walking across a structure that originally opened in 1883 and has status as a National Historic Landmark.

2. Hang out at Brooklyn Bowl: While you are in Brooklyn, you should check out Brooklyn Bowl, located at 61 Wythe Avenue, a hybrid bowling alley, club, and musical performance venue. While I have no doubt you will be able to find live music and bowling in any city in the country, this may be the only place where they are together, with the bowling on beautiful new lanes and the musical acts including acts you have actually heard of.

3. Eat at Clyde's Wine and Dine: No one embodies the bright lights of New York City like Knicks legend Walt "Clyde" Frazier. Opened in March of 2012, the restaurant is located at 485 10th Avenue (West 37th Street), Clyde's is definitely the place to go to eat and greet for dinner after one of the matches.

4. Attend a Mets Game: Although the New York Mets have not been winning much at Citi Field in recent weeks, a trip to the ballpark is too good to pass up if you are going to the U.S. Open, as it is within walking distance of the tennis complex. Although the team embarks on a road trip for most of the tournament, the Mets return home the final weekend of the tournament to play the hated rival Atlanta Braves. This means if you go you will have the added bonus of a chance to see a game in Chipper Jones' final series in New York against the Mets.

5. Chelsea Market: In an old Nabisco factory, Chelsea Market is home to virtually every type of food you could dream of. Whether you are looking for fresh desserts, produce, or protein, there will be something for you here. This will be especially perfect for a night when you are tired of eating at restaurants and want to put something together in your hotel room.

6. Scott's Pizza Tours: Who am I kidding, in New York City you will never get tired of eating at all of the great restaurants! Along those lines, you would be cheating yourself if you spent an extended amount of time in New York City and did not enjoy a slice of traditional New York-style pizza. The only problem is figuring out which pizzeria's slice to enjoy, as New York is a city with an endless amount of similarly-named pizzerias. That is where Scott's tours come in. Either by foot or school bus, Scott will guide you on a tour of some of the most famous pizzerias in the area, complete with slices of pie at each stop.

7. Queens Zoo: If you are looking for something to do on a quick break between matches at the U.S. Open, you can make a quick trip to the nearby Queens Zoo. With entry costing only $8 for adults and $5 for children, you can really get bang for your buck as you wait for the likes of Maria Sharapova and Serena Williams to take the court.

8. Madame Tussauds: Unfortunately, basketball will not be in season while you are at the U.S. Open, so you will not have the chance to see Carmelo Anthony, Amare Stoudemire, Tyson Chandler, and the rest of the New York Knicks in a game at Madison Square Garden. Luckily for you, however, Madame Tussauds wax museum in New York recently unveiled a wax statute of Anthony to be featured alongside other statutes of politicians, athletes, and stars. If you are really lucky, you may get the best surprise ever.

9. The High Line: If you are looking for something to do to get away from the bustle of the City for a little while, you should check out the High Line, a public park built on a 1.45-mile-long elevated rail structure running from Gansevoort Street to West 34th Street on Manhattan's West Side. The park features a series of events, many of which include crafts and/or nature. The High Line is perfect as both a retreat and an experience.

10. Ground Zero: Likely the most powerful thing you can do in New York City is visit the 9/11 Memorial at the site of the former World Trade Center complex in lower Manhatten. Consisting of two large waterfalls and reflecting pools, the Memorial provides the best dose of perspective that one can get and serves as a constant reminder for people to cherish the moments they are able to spend, in NYC or elsewhere.

So while in New York City for the U.S. Open you should check out as many things as possible, but remember to sit back and enjoy the greatest tennis in the world.