Google Maps wants to show you its Favorite Places

The other day, somebody sent me a map and directions for a place via MapQuest, and I thought to myself “what is this, 2001?” Maybe I’ve grown accustomed to the cool little things Google Maps has, but that has always been my “go-to” place for maps. And now Google Maps just got a little bit cooler for people who live or visit the Big Apple and other world-class locales.

Google has partnered with NYC & Company, the city’s official tourism marketing association, to unveil a new campaign for Google Maps that celebrates New York City. The new global campaign — Google Maps – Favorite Places — brings together technology, business and celebrity to strengthen that ever-loving chokehold that Google has on online mapping and navigation.

By visiting http://www.google.com/favoriteplaces, people can learn about cool little spots in New York City (and about a dozen others), little gems for shopping, dining, browsing art, or whatever you’re into. And these Google-mapped recommendations aren’t coming from thin air, but rather from a host of celebrities sharing the places they like to visit or mean something to them. You have Mayor Bloomberg pointing out Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs, Marc Ecko shows his favourite graffiti spots, Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto tells you where he buys his kitchen utensils and DJ Roger Sanchez lets you in on his favorite place to buy sneakers. And you’re not just limited to New York. Al Gore takes you to the Maldives, Tony Hawk has you search up in Alaska, and Yo-Yo Ma lets you in on where the best roast chicken in San Fran is.

One of the cool things about this campaign is that it just doesn’t help out you and I when we’re looking for late night snacks in the Meatpacking District, but it also promotes the hell out of the businesses who receive such ringing endorsements. These businesses get decals for their entrances, marking them as a Favorite Place, and some even get giant Google Maps pushpins.

Oh and the whole thing is compatible on your iPhone, Android, Blackberry or just about every other handheld device.

I think I’m gonna send this to the person who sent me the MapQuest link.