Take a Free Ride on the Staten Island Ferry

Yesterday I found myself at a loss for how to spend my Saturday evening. After browsing my usual sources for cheap events, it seemed like there was nothing fun happening in the city  (which proves how much of a spoiled New Yorker I've become). I racked my brain for an enjoyable, free way to spend a summer evening in the city. And then it came to me...the Staten Island Ferry! 

I know what you're thinking: why would anyone who lives in Manhattan spend thier Saturday night going to Staten Island? Not that I have anything against this forgotten borough because I'm sure if I explored I would find many redeeming qualities. But it's definitely not the mecca of entertainment and culture that is Manhattan. So why go, you ask? Well, as R. Alan Woods would say, "The journey is the destination."

Leaving from the Whitehall Station at the Southern tip of Manhattan, a ride on the Staten Island Ferry offers great views of the Manhattan skyline, Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island. The ferry has a deck and ample outdoor seating so passengers can enjoy the view. The ride takes about 25 minutes one way and ferries operate twenty-four hours a day. Best of all, it's free! The best time to go is in the evenings, after rush hour. There's something hypnotic about watching the lit up city skyline get smaller and smaller as the sea breeze blows through your hair. It's a summer must-do!

So grab some friends, your camera, and maybe a beer or two and hop on! You can get more information and check the schedule for departures here. 

Get Deals with the 7-Eleven Mobile App

I can't believe it has been over a month since my last post. Between starting a new internship, moving to Brooklyn, re-registering for school, and oh yeah...enjoying every moment of spending my first summer in NYC, it seems like I barely have a free moment to spare. But of course I want to keep you all updated on the free, fun stuff happening...so expect lots more posts in the coming weeks.

For today, I want to share a quick, easy way I've been scoring freebies and coupons on a regular basis. Let me introduce you to the 7-Eleven Mobile App. 7-Elevens are popping up around the city at an alarming rate. It seems like there's a new one every few blocks. I downloaded their mobile app a few months ago (which is free, of course) and have been getting deals ever since. Coupons appear every few days and all you have to do is have the cashier scan the barcode on your phone to redeem them. The freebies I've gotten have included slurpees, ice cream bars, snacks, and gum. It's nothing gourmet, but I can't turn down a cold Snapple or Ice Cream Twix bar when it's 101 degrees in New York. Especially if I don't have to pay for it!

And just a heads up- they'll be offering free hot dog coupons on Tuesday, July 23rd in celebration of National Hot Dog Day! So download the app before then and stop by one of their locations.

Side note- There's a big push in my neighborhood to boycott 7-Elevens in support of local, family owned convenience stores. I totally understand the sentiment but just want to point out that a lot of the 7-Elevens we're seeing pop up are franchises opened by hard-working people who have busted their butts to save up the money to own a business. Maybe that's just me justifying my shopping habits but I wanted to put it out there. Food for thought!