Kickin' cupcakes. Photo: Magnolia Bakery

As the weather gets colder and New York gears up for the holiday season, we’re daydreaming about sugary treats and high-kicking entertainment. We were happy, then, when we learned that two of our favorite city traditions are pairing up to offer a sweet deal.

Magnolia Bakery (the cupcake boutique made famous in “Sex and the City”) has joined forces with the Rockettes to offer a 25% discount for tickets to the Radio City Christmas Spectacular with the purchase of a special “Rockette Red Velvet Cupcake.”

The cupcakes (pictured here) cost $3.50 and are only available at the bakery’s Rockefeller Center location (which is convenient if you plan to pop into Radio City afterward to purchase your tickets).

Full-priced tickets to the “Christmas Spectacular”, currently in its 76th year, run $45-$250, making the Magnolia discount especially welcome. This year, the show runs from November 13, 2009 through December 30, 2009. The cupcake deal is valid for the entire run.

We don’t know about you, but we think this is one offer that has legs.

Popularity: 4% [?]

All aboard the Governors Island ferry. Photo by Salim Virji.

It’s balmy here in New York City and we’re dreaming of breezy bike rides and picnics in idyllic settings. Time for a trip to historic Governors Island, the small island located 800 yards from Manhattan in New York Harbor. Read on to find out how to get there (for free!) and what fun awaits.

A little bit of history…

First inhabited by a tribe of Native Americans in the early 17th Century, Governors Island is afloat with history, lore, and intriguing sights. It’s been home to Dutch and British settlers, the latter who used it for quarantining immigrants.

In 1909, Wilbur Wright flew a plane from the island, over the Statue of Liberty, and back again, thus marking the first flight over U.S. waters. From the 1960s to the 1990s, Governors Island was controlled by the U.S. Coast Guard, which erected apartment buildings for officers on the island (as well as a Burger King and a Super 8 Motel!). From 1995 to 2001, the island was ostensibly abandoned by the Coast Guard until finally (hooray!) in 2003, it reopened for guided tours.

These days, Governors Island is open for weekend visits from May through October. Locals and tourists alike enjoy exploring, checking out some of the original Victorian homes, and taking part in city-planned events. As of this year, plans for an 85-acre park on the island are in the works.

How to get there

You may visit Governors Island on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from May 30 to October 11.

Free ferries leave from the Battery Maritime Building in Manhattan (South Street at Whitehall), and on designated weekends from the Fulton Ferry Landing in Brooklyn. The island is open 10 AM - 5 PM Friday, and 10 AM - 7 PM Saturdays and Sundays. Check out the island’s website for a detailed ferry schedule.

What to do

A full list of events and concerts on the island is available on the island’s website. Free bike rental is available on Fridays (you’ll see signs posted once you dock). On Saturdays and Sundays, bike rental is $10 an hour.

For more fun ideas, check out this comprehensive list of activities from New York Magazine.

Popularity: 8% [?]

A midsummer crowd in Bryant Park; photo by mjpeacecorps

By Meredith Franco—New York never sleeps. OK, sometimes we take the occassional midsummer nap. But, for the most part, the city sparkles and goes into high kicks even when it’s sweltering and balmy in July and August.  The Big Apple also likes to kick up a whole lotta free offerings throughout the summer, and this includes hundreds of concerts, plays, and movies in the park.

Here are three summertime freebies you won’t want to miss.

Movies in Bryant Park

This year’s line-up includes a EuroCheapo personal favorite “Harold and Maude” as well as classics like “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” and “Dog Day Afternoon.” Locals know to snag a picnic spot early. Bring your own food, wine (we won’t tell), and nibblies and settle in for a fun night under the stars. All movies are free of charge and open to the public. For a full schedule and directions, visit Bryant Park’s web site. 

A typical Summerstage scene, photo by wallyg

Central Park Summerstage

Summerstage kicks off its diverse season tomorrow with performances by Calle 13 and Bebe.  The rest of the summer promises more excitement with headliners like Q-Tip (July 18), performances by the Metropolitan Opera stars, and a smattering of renowned dance spectacles. For a full rundown of all free events, go here. Line up early for the best seats.

Free tours and workshops, Prospect Park (Brooklyn)

Prospect Park, in Brooklyn, was designed by the same gents who brought us Central Park.  It measures a hefty 585 acres. Summer brings a lushness to the park that’s out of this world, and also a host of free events and workshops. Tours of the grounds, bird-watching seminars, arts and crafts workshops, and an annual fishing contest are all free for the taking. While Prospect Park’s events are decidedly more kids-oriented, we think adults will enjoy them too. For a full schedule, visit the Park’s web site.

Popularity: 6% [?]

The "other Lady" on the Île des Cygnes in Paris. Photos by Theadora Brack.

by Theadora Brack (a former New Yorker—Staten Island, to be exact) in Paris–

Yes, Cheapos, the Statue of Liberty is back and looking ever so fierce in her spiky nimbus (or halo—after all, it’s not a crown!) and her matching floor length chiton robe in all its coppery green tonalities. It’s an exquisite nod to the style of classical Greece, I must say. Pinching from Christian Dior, “Darling, your toile with the cinched waist is perfect!”

"Teddy" market sacs by Perigot at the Carrousel du Louvre.

As a salute to the July 4, 2009 re-opening of the crown of Frédéric Bartholdi’s ”Lady Liberty” statue in New York harbor, and the upcoming July 14th Bastille Day in France, we’re giving away a “Teddy” market sac in royal purple created by Frédéric Périgot of Paris.

The first Cheapo to answer our question correctly wins the prize. Just leave your answer in the comments box below.

Here’s the big question:

Bartholdi was the artist, but who was the structural engineer of the Union Franco-Americaine Statue of Liberty project?

Leave your answers (and your emails!) in the comments section below to win!

Speaking of Franco-American gifts…

Périgot is the official supplier of feather dusters and other cleaning implements to the Palais de l’ Elysées (the French presidential palace) on rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré. What could be hipper or sexier than tidying up the pad with black ostrich feathers? “Nothing but the best,” as torch singing French First Lady Carla Bruni-Sarkozy said when Michelle Obama recently presented her with a Swank acoustic guitar in turn.

While in Paris

Check out the prototypes of Lady Liberty. You can find them on the Île des Cygnes, in the Jardin du Luxembourg, and at the Musée des Arts et Métiers. And you can find a full-sized version of the torch at the entrance to the Pont de l’Alma tunnel. Nowadays, it serves double duty as the unofficial Princess Di memorial.

Bon Chance!

Popularity: 8% [?]

McSorley's on 15 E. 7th St.

McSorley’s Old Ale House in New York’s East Village is hardly a hidden gem.

Given its status as New York’s “oldest continuously operated saloon,” most guidebooks recommend a visit and the weekend lines tend to trail out the front door. And if you visit during peak hours you’ll have a hard time finding a spot to sit, let alone be able to easily navigate to McSorley’s 19th-century restrooms.

The good news, though, is with just a little planning, a visit to McSorley’s is a memorable and charming experience that taps into layers of New York’s history.

Here are a few tips for making the most of a visit to McSorley’s:

Seize the day

Planning on a leisurely drink at McSorley’s on a Saturday night? So are hundreds of other people. Consider visiting on a weekday night or, better yet, during the afternoon when you can easily get a table and linger. (The weekday early afternoon crowd is quite a bit more “legit,” in any case.)

It’s like a museum, but with beer

Many famous patrons spent time at McSorley’s throughout its 150-year history. Abe Lincoln, John Lennon, e.e. cummings, and Woodie Guthrie are a few of the notable names. McSorley’s takes special care to hang pictures, newspaper clippings and other relics to be admired by customers. So take your time and browse a little, but watch where you walk - they keep sawdust on the floor and it can get a little slippery.

Pass on the daiquiris

Ordering a drink at McSorley’s is easy and you only have to know two words. You can get your beer either “light” or “dark.” McSorley’s only serves “McSorley’s” beer, natch, and customers always receive two beers per order rather than one. After all, as the bartenders are quick to point out, “you can never have just one beer.”

Enjoy the curmudgeons

The bartenders at McSorley’s take well deserved pride in their establishment, but are a little light on the small talk. Don’t be offended–it’s all part of the “charm” and experience.

Not able to visit?

If you’d like to see the inside of McSorley’s but aren’t able to visit New York soon, have a look at the nifty virtual tour tool on McSorley’s website.

Other tips?

Do you have other tips and feedback for visiting McSorley’s? Leave a comment below and tell us!

Practical Info

McSorley’s Ale House
15 E 7th St
New York, NY 10003
(212) 473-9148
Open Mon-Sat 11am-1am; Sun 1pm-12am

Popularity: 7% [?]

It’s not always easy to find cheap eats in bustling cities like New York. Thankfully, the Big Apple does benefit from some of the least pricey and easiest-to-find fare. All you have to do is hit the streets!

Here’s a little bit about our favorite vendor, to get your appetite started:

Soho street meat

Cheapo note: True, the term “street meat” used to make us a tad queasy too, but then we found these primo slingers.

Ever wonder where the resident Cheapos go for lunch most days? Well, the guys that run the Calexico burrito carts in Soho have us smitten with their fresh, succulent (sometimes spicy) dishes - a blend of  Californian and Mexican culinary practices - and their oh-so-speedy lunch rush service.

These guys are so good that they even won a 2008 Vendy Award. (The Vendys are awarded each year to the best street food purveyors in NYC.)  Calexico occupies two stands in Soho, one at the corner of Wooster and Prince Streets, and another at Broadway and Broome Street. 

If you go…

We suggest the fish tacos (when they’re available) or just get a burrito bowl (they start at $6; about €4.50). And, hang out while your stuff gets cooked. The nice gents who handle the hash often blast plenty of hard rock hits, too!

For more info, check out their web site, our article on cheap restaurants in New York City, and our list of cheap hotels in New York.

Popularity: 14% [?]

Photo courtesy of wicho

Pack your neck pillows, blankets and bring your ear plugs, Cheapos, because Ryanair is coming to the United States!

Our friends at the Budget Travel blog tipped us off that Ryanair just announced it will begin offering flights from Dublin and London Stansted to the U.S. starting at about $13 each way, taxes not included.  U.S. cities expected to be included are New York, Boston, Los Angeles and San Francisco, and take-off is anticipated sometime in 2009.  Ryanair is also expected to announce the acquisition of over 50 additional aircrafts, purchased from its cash-strapped rivals. All of this will help Ryanair support its upcoming additional U.S. routes.

We’ve written before about the ups and downs of flying Ryanair, but these were typically limited to flights of 2 to 3 hours.  A Ryanair flight from New York to London’s Stansted airport is a different beast all together, but in the current economic times this could be a welcomed option for budget travelers.

Tell us, Cheapos, what do you think about Ryanair’s announcement?

Popularity: 25% [?]

 
Tee-browsing along the sidewalks of New York. Photo by John and Keturah

The “I (heart) NY” tee is a global phenomenon. Walk through any major European city and you’re bound to see one, two, or ten of the tees, known for their block lettering and bright red heart. For good reason, too. Nothing translates into “cheap souvenir” like buying five New York shirts for just $10!

We (heart) souvenirs

Created pro bono in 1977 by Milton Glaser for a marketing campaign to promote New York State, the original design for “I (heart) NY” was intended to be in the public eye for only a few months. But locals and tourists alike took hold of the black, white and red symbol. A popular souvenir movement was born.

While finding your own special tee in Times Square or around Soho has its own allure, shops around Chinatown and Madison Square Garden (in the west 30s) offer better deals. Look for street vendors with tables of tees offering crazy deals. Some vendors even sell five shirts for $10. Individual tees go for about $3 to $30, depending on quality.

While you’re at it…

Grab some of the other cheap trinkets available on the vendor tables in Soho and the Fashion District. We’re talking about mini taxi cabs, cityscape snow globes, foam Statue of Liberty crowns, Times Square playing cards, etc. Classic. 

Also see: Our recommended budget hotels in New York City.

Popularity: 18% [?]

When planning your trip to New York, it’s easy to forget to pack your bathing suit. (After all, not many affordable hotels are blessed with swimming pools.) However, the city’s Downtown Boathouse offers kayak rides in the Hudson River throughout the summer and fall… for free!

The all-volunteer boathouse has been getting New Yorkers (and visitors) into the Hudson for 10 years, and an estimated 250,000 kayak trips have been enjoyed so far. The group provides several programs: kayaking lessons, three-hour kayak adventures up the Hudson, harbor tours, and the popular “walk-up kayaking.”

Free Walk-Up Kayaking

Between May and October each year, the group offers its free walk-up kayaking program. It’s simple: walk up to any of the group’s three boathouses, sign a liability waiver, put on a life jacket, and grab a kayak and paddle. You’re restricted to paddling inside the protected waters surrounding the boathouse (so lay aside your plans to head for Lady Liberty). The staff keeps a watchful eye on the kayakers.

Rules: Anyone who can swim is permitted to kayak. Children between 16-18 years may take a kayak out on their own, if a parent or guardian is present at the boathouse. Children younger than 16 may go out, but must be accompanied by an adult in a double-kayak.

Boathouse locations and hours

The Downtown Boathouse has three locations, each with their own hours:

Pier 40 at Houston Street and the Hudson River — 9 AM to 6 PM, weekends and holidays.

Pier 96 at 56th Street and the Hudson River — 9 AM to 6 PM, weekends and holidays. Also open weekday nights from 5 PM to 7 PM, June 16 through August 29.

72nd Street and the Hudson River — 10 AM to 5 PM, weekends and holidays.

For more information, visit the New York City Downtown Boathouse’s website.

Popularity: 17% [?]

Cheapo’s traveling to (or living in) New York City, take note: On Wednesday, June 18, the city’s first IKEA opened in the Red Hook neighborhood of Brooklyn. It’s notable (and controversial) for many reasons, but right now we’d like to focus on the budget travel implications of the new store.

The store offers a free water taxi service every 20 minutes (from 8 AM to 10 PM) from Pier 11 in lower Manhattan, just south of South Street Seaport. Even if you’re not in the mood for shopping, the ferry could provide an entertaining diversion. It’s free — no proof of purchase required. Once at IKEA, you can enjoy a moderately priced Swedish-themed meal, pick up some house wares, or simply re-board and head back to Manhattan.

Last night, on the store’s second day, I wanted to check it out. So, I rode my bike down to the pier after work and met my friend Greg Young, with whom I produce the weekly “Bowery Boys” podcast (a weekly podcast on the history of New York City, sponsored by EuroCheapo). As the opening of the Swedish furniture behemoth is a notable event in the city’s history, we felt a certain responsibility to show up and register its impact.

Free ferry ride to Red Hook

There, at Pier 11, was a bright yellow ferry, its side emblazoned with a navy blue IKEA logo. We were greeted by the New York Waterways’ crew, which operates the IKEA ferry (as well as several other water taxis around the city). Contrary to my expectations, there were hardly any other passengers around. One crew member handed us each a free ticket, while another collected it as we stepped aboard the vessel. I locked my bike up on the deck. We sat inside, although we should have headed upstairs to the open-air upper deck (clearly more fun).

The ferry ride is great. You pull out into the harbor, then pass along the north side of Governor’s Island, floating along the Brooklyn shore. As you arrive at Red Hook, you pass the shipping yards, round the bend, pass the Fairway supermarket, and pull into the IKEA port. Behind the pier, the big blue box beckons.

Swedish-inspired dinner for $6.99

Once inside, we headed straight for the restaurant (pushing our way passed the clown-greeters as quickly as possible!). There was almost no wait. Apple-glazed salmon with veggies, with lingonberry juice for $6.99? Check! (The famed Swedish meatballs with mashed potatoes are an even cheaper option.)

Touring the store (optional) 

Finishing dinner, we took the tour of the IKEA. You know the scene. Notably: Many interior settings (bedroom with funky wallpaper, office with fake computer, kitchen with faux photos) are complimented with giant floor to ceiling windows looking out over the neighborhood, waterfront, and skyline. We witnessed many shoppers taking a break and simply stopping to gaze out the windows.

Downstairs in the “Marketplace,” pick up a 100-pack of “Glimma” tea candles for $3.99. The check-out was a breeze.

Free ride home

Greg and I emerged from IKEA at 8:45, two hours after we walked in. We carried our purchases in two bright blue sacks ($.59). “If it can fit in the sack, you can take it on the water taxi” reads the sign at the dock. However, if you buy a new sofa or a children’s bedroom set, you’ll have to pay for delivery. 

A water taxi was waiting at the pier. There were probably 15 other passengers on board. We climbed up to the top deck as the boat reversed and began its trek back to Manhattan. How strange to see the Statue of Liberty sliding by behind Governor’s Island. How odd to see the other side of the passing Staten Island Ferry. How great to be taking a boat ride for free.

Editor’s Note: Although the ferry was nearly empty, and the store and restaurant were not jammed with other customers, we can only assume that this was because it was a Thursday night and the store had only been open for two days. We’re also assuming that, like other free and fabulous things in this city, soon enough this attraction will also be crawling with people. In the meantime, however, we recommend stepping aboard.

Popularity: 19% [?]