The Cheap Bastard's™ Guide to New York City, 4th; A Native New Yorker's Secrets of Living the Good Life--for Free!

by Rob Grader

• ISBN13: 9780762747702
• ISBN10: 0762747706
• Format: Trade Paper
• Copyright: 2008-05-13
• Publisher: Globe Pequot

Summary

This book catalogs the endless free opportunities available in the Big Apple, from theater, concerts, and museums to yoga classes, haircuts, and massages--for native and visiting cheapskates alike.

Author Biography

Native New Yorker Rob Grader is a writer and producer for public radio and television and is an actor on stage and TV. A graduate of the Institute for Advanced Theater Training at Harvard University, he has performed at regional theaters throughout the country, on popular dramas, sitcoms, and soaps, and in national commercials. He lives in New York City.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments	p. xi
Introduction: The Land of the Free	p. xiii
Entertainment in New York	p. 1
Theater: Free Speech	p. 3
Volunteer Ushering	p. 4
Cheap Seats	p. 17
Just Plain Free Theater	p. 19
Free Will(iam): Free Theater in the Parks	p. 23
Music: Of Free I Sing	p. 25
Rock, Pop, Folk, and Alternative	p. 26
Jazz and Blues	p. 29
Classical Music	p. 32
Outdoor Summer Concerts	p. 35
Film: Cheap Shots	p. 43
Chart: Free Movies by the Week (Year-Round)	p. 44
Chart: Free Movies by the Week (Summer)	p. 45
Free Flicks	p. 45
Better than the Book	p. 53
Television Tapings: Public Access	p. 55
Comedy: Cheap Jokes	p. 61
Chart: Comedy by the Week	p. 62
Dance: Free Expression	p. 66
Watching It	p. 67
Doing It	p. 69
So You Want to Be a Dancer: Work-Study Dance Classes	p. 71
Magic: Cheap Tricks	p. 74
Living in New York	p. 77
Food: On the House	p. 79
Happy Hours	p. 80
Free Samples: A Sampling	p. 86
Eat Late, Eat Cheap!	p. 93
Wine Tastings: Cheap Drunk	p. 96
Chart: Wine Tastings by the Week	p. 98
Hair, Beauty, and Massage: Free-Style	p. 106
Product Testing Centers	p. 107
Hair Salons	p. 108
Beauty Schools	p. 113
Massage	p. 116
Makeup	p. 117
Real Estate: This Land Is Your Land	p. 119
Low-Rent, No-Fee Apartments	p. 120
Children and Teens: Olli Olli Oxen Free	p. 124
After-School Programs	p. 125
Arts and Crafts	p. 126
Films	p. 130
Sports and Games	p. 134
Health Insurance	p. 137
Museums	p. 137
Stores for the Fun of It	p. 139
Storytelling	p. 140
Education: Cents-Less Smarts	p. 145
Arts	p. 146
Food and Wine	p. 150
Mind	p. 152
Body	p. 156
Spirit	p. 158
Health and Medical: Live Free or Die	p. 161
To Your Health: Free Clinics	p. 162
Whatever Ails You: Clinical Studies	p. 162
HHC to the Rescue	p. 165
Depression/Mental Health Studies and Clinical Trials	p. 167
STD Clinics	p. 168
Fitness, Fun, and Games: Cheap Thrills	p. 170
Park It Here! Parks Offering a Variety of Activities	p. 171
Recreation Centers	p. 173
Skating, Biking, and Running	p. 174
Boating	p. 178
Everybody In! Public Pools	p. 179
Beaches	p. 182
Libraries: Free Access	p. 185
Research Centers	p. 186
Private Libraries	p. 188
Newspapers: The Free Press	p. 192
Furniture and Household Goods: One Man's Trash	p. 197
Map: Manhattan Trash/Treasure Pick-up Days	p. 198
Favorite Finds	p. 199
Curbside Shopping Tips	p. 200
Shopping: A Tale of Two Streets	p. 203
32nd Street: Bargain Paradise	p. 204
17th Street: First in Secondhand	p. 204
Pets: Canine, Feline, Bottom Line	p. 207
Low-Cost Pet Care and Adoptions	p. 208
Pet Postings	p. 210
Exploring New York	p. 213
Walking Tours: The Freedom Trail	p. 214
Chart: Walking Tours by the Week	p. 215
Travel: Free-Wheelin'	p. 225
Getting Around New York	p. 226
Getting Out of New York	p. 227
The Train to the Plane	p. 229
Gardens and Gardening: Dirt Cheap	p. 232
Public Gardens	p. 233
Gardening Education	p. 235
Community Gardens	p. 236
Art Galleries: Show Me the Monet	p. 238
Chelsea	p. 239
Soho	p. 242
Williamsburg, Brooklyn	p. 244
Other Galleries and Shows Around New York	p. 246
Museums: Free to See	p. 249
Always Free	p. 250
Chart: Free or Pay-What-You-Wish Days at Museums	p. 253
Sometimes Free	p. 256
Museums with Suggested Donations	p. 262
Zoos: Born Free	p. 263
Appendixes	p. 265
Romance: Sweet Nothings	p. 265
Parades: Gratis Gatherings	p. 270
Public Library Branch Locations	p. 276
New York City Recreation Centers	p. 282
Index	p. 287
About the Author	p. 298
Table of Contents provided by Ingram. All Rights Reserved.