Shakespeare in the Park...For Free!

It has been way too long since I've posted. Between finals, starting a new internship, and dealing with some major health issues, this blog had to take a backseat for a while. But as summer is kicking into full swing, so am I! Summer is the best season for amazing free and cheap events in the city. Case and point: Shakespeare in the Park.

Since 1962, the Public Theater has been sponsoring free performances of Shakespeare's most iconic plays in Central Park; often casting big name actors like Amy Adams, Meryl Streep, Phillip Seymour Hoffman, and Anne Hathaway. Performed in the open air Delacorte Theater, stadium seating guarantees there is not a bad seat in the house.

This year's performances include Much Ado about Nothing (through July 6th) and King Lear (July 22nd-August 17th). I was so excited when my friend Bekah volunteered to go through the ticketing process (see below). We attended the show last Wednesday. I would not consider myself a Shakespeare fan. In fact I was barely certain I would be able to follow the storyline with all those thee's and thou's much less actually enjoy the play. So I was absolutely shocked when I found myself laughing out loud along with the rest of the audience at the many hilarious jokes and becoming emotionally invested in the romances of the characters. It was truly a great experience and one I would highly recommend to others.

Read on to find out how you can get tickets and my tips for making it the best experience it can be!

Free Cone Day at Ben and Jerry's

Mark your calendars because it's that time of year again! On Tuesday, April 8th, swing by any participating Ben and Jerry's (full list here) for a free cone! If you live in the NYC Metro area there are locations at Macy's Herald Square, Rockefeller Center, and Times Square. This year they'll be offering cones of their tried and true favorites as well as some of their newest flavors like Salted Caramel Blondie, Hazed and Confused, Cotton Candy. Bon Appetit!

Free Cone Day 2013. I could hardly contain my excitement!

Enjoy Free Gourmet Treats from TableHoppingNY!

TableHoppingNY is a company that partners with restaurants throughout New York to connect customers with culinary experiences in the city. It is a great resource to find restaurants, bars, and events according to your specific tastes and neighborhood. As an added perk, members of TableHopping's mailing list regularly receive exclusive offers for free treats. Registration is easy and, of course, free! Simply fill out their registration form (click here) and you'll begin receiving emails with their exclusive offers. Once you are notified of an offer, simply confirm receipt of the email and they will send you a second email with a confirmation number to show the restaurant when you redeem the offer. Over the past three months, I've received offers for a personal chicken pot pie from Tuckshop, a cupcake from Billy's Bakery, an ice cream sandwich from Melt Bakery, and an order of Pommes Frites among other things. Most of the offers are valid for a limited time so be sure to redeem them promptly after receiving the email. What could be better than opening you're email just to find out that there's a free ice cream sandwich waiting for you just down the street!

Shop Affordable and Ethical Products at Hearts.com

As a young New Yorker on a budget, I am always looking for bargains, especially when it comes to clothing. So I'm a real sucker for fast fashion.

But recently I've become aware of the unethical practices used in the apparel industry. Some of my favorite retailers have been caught up in scandals involving sweatshops, pollution, and unfair labor practices. Check out the shocking list here. I was appalled! After learning more about these issues, I am making a conscious effort to support retailers who are socially responsible. However, I've found it difficult because firstly, it's hard to find brands who are transparent about their sourcing procedure and secondly, most of the products I was finding were at a price point out of my budget.

So I was thrilled when I discovered Hearts.com, an e-commerce website that curates hundreds of
ethically made products from vendors around the world, many of which are quite affordable. I love browsing through the different items and learning the stories of the people who created them. And as an added bonus, when you sign up for their newsletter, you get $10 off your first purchase! Score! Read on to see some of my top picks from Heart.com for those on a budget...

Learn Something New at Presentation Party Night

Ever wanted to know the history of the hot sauce industry? Or how stand-up comics develop their material? Maybe you're wondering how the deep web works or how scientists can create burgers using in vitro. These are just some of the many topics that have been explored at the monthly Presentation Party Night held on the 3rd Sunday of every month at Bat Haus in Bushwick, Brooklyn. The event is comprised of a lineup of ten minute presentations. Each presentation is followed by a brief question and answer session. And did I mention that there is free booze and snacks? The Brooklyn Brewery, Brooklyn Salsa Company, and Zico Coconut water sponsor the event and provide gratis food and drink. Many of the guests also bring snacks to share and the spread is usually plentiful.

Photo Credit: PPN Website

Photo Credit: PPN Website

I'll admit the whole idea sounds a little bit crazy and I was pretty apprehensive about going the first time. But I have thoroughly enjoyed each of the Presentation Party Nights I have attended and learned about stuff I would have had no understanding or awareness of had I not gone. The presentations are consistently intriguing, the crowd is always fun, and the free food & drink is just the icing on the cake. The next PPN is on February 16th and is rumored to be Valentines Day themed. I can't wait for the line up of presentations to be announced. Save the date!

Visit their website for more information and like them on Facebook to be notified about upcoming events.

Free Fitness Classes at JCC on January 1st

Looking for a way to jump-start your New Year's Resolution to get in shape? Or maybe just seeking a way to work off the liquid calories you are going to consume on New Year's Eve? You are in luck! The Jewish Community Center at 334 Amsterdam Avenue and 76th St is hosting their annual New Year's Day Fitness Fair tomorrow. Every year, the center opens its doors to the public and hosts an array of fitness classes free of charge. They have classes all day in everything from Zumba to strength training to self defense. Or if you're in the mood for something a bit tamer (or maybe a little hung over), you can try meditation or yoga. They also are offering free individual nutrition counseling and workshops on topics like personal finance management and overcoming trauma. They recommend you sign up online for the classes you are interested in but will accommodate walk-ins on a first come, first serve basis. Check out the list of classes here. Registration is still open so go ahead and sign up before you head out to your NYE party! I've already registered for a couple. Even if I make it to just one, it's good motivation to get out and exercise on a day that I know I would not have otherwise. Happy New Year!

Jewish Community Center

334 Amsterdam Avenue

http://www.jccmanhattan.org/

Free Sightseeing NYC: Roosevelt Island Tram

Good views in New York City are pricey! Tourists will pay about thirty dollars just to view the skyline from the top of Rockefeller Center and it costs over forty bucks to see the cityscape from the 102nd floor of the Empire State Building. But there are other somewhat less impressive ways to view the infamous skyline for a fraction of the cost! How? The Roosevelt Island Tram. After a photographer friend showed me some breathtaking shots he had taken while aboard, I was convinced to check it out myself.

The Roosevelt Island Tram operates seven days a week and provides transportation between Manhattan and Roosevelt Island. For one metro-card swipe, you can board the tram in Manhattan at 2nd Avenue and 60th St and enjoy the panoramic view that the three and half minute ride offers. The Chrystler Building, United Nations, and entire East Side are visible as you leisurely travel above the East River. The rain today ruined many of my pictures but Yelpers have posted tons of photos of the view including the ones below.

Once off of the tram, you can board a bus for $.25 that will take you around the perimeter of the two mile island. The parks at either end of Roosevelt Island, conveniently called Northpoint and Southpoint, also offer great views of Manhattan. I imagine on a sunny, warm day that picnicking would be a great idea! 

Granted, the view from the tippy top of a skyscraper is probably more impressive but if you're just looking to gape for a few minutes at the wonder of the man-made effort that is the NYC grid, the Roosevelt Island Tram is a great option!

If you're jonesing for another way to see the city skyline without paying an arm and a leg, check out my post about the Staten Island Ferry!