Cheap New Yorker

Although the City has it’s glamour and appeal, it’s hard to shake that curious notion about what lies beyond the taxi cabs and train stations.  Luckily, New York has a lot to offer even after the thrill of the city that never sleeps!  From museums, amusement parks, and camp sites, there’s a lot to do if you have extra hour to spend on travel time.

Camp crazy?

Under two hours away, lies Heckscher State Park, rated one of the Top 100 camping sites in the United States.  What makes Heckscher great is not only is camping allowed but there’s a plethora of other activities to keep everyone happy.  Lay on the beach, go for a ride in your boat, take a bike or hiking trail, or even enjoy a game of ultimate frisbee on the fields.  Most of the areas are wheelchair-accesible, making it easy to bring along whoever wants to come!  Plus, the park is all year seven days a week from 7AM to sunset.  And for those who wish to bring their furry friends as well, feel free to!

Heckscher State Park
East Islip, NY 11730

History Aficionado?

Vanderbilt Museum complex is lcoated in Centerport, New York - about an hour and half from the city.  Visitors can explore through the 24 rooms of the Spanish Revival Mansion, “Eagle’s Nest”, built from 1910 until 1936.  Or enjoy The Beatles Laser Anthology light show at the Vanderbilt Planetarium, the largest facility of it’s kind in the area.  And if that’s still not enough, the 43-acre museum includes a marine museum, natural history habitats, a seaplane hangar, gardens, fountains, and pools.  Living History, Mansion tours are available, and workshops are available as well.

Vanderbilt Museum
180 Little Neck road
Centerport, NY 11721

Romantic Getaway?

Caldwell House Bed and Breakfast is 90 minutes from the city in history Hudson Valley.  Close to local museums, the Hudson river, many parks, and other activities, the Caldwell House is a place for those who love the feel of a true bed and breakfast.  Go antique shopping, apple picking, or just read a book by the parlor fire!  Caldwell House is a quiet, serene place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city!  Not to mention, their breakfast has been has rated as best in New York!

Caldwell House Bed & Breakfast
25 Orrs Mills Road / PO Box 425
Salisbury Mills, NY 12577

Grab the sunblock!

Rated one of the Best Waterparks in America by the Travel Channel, Splish Splash Waterpark is the place to be for fun in the sun!  Featuring 96 different and exciting areas to play, there’s never a dull moment for you and the hubby or the entire family too!  Check out the new Dr. Von Dark’s Tunnel of Terror and experience a 40-ft. drop like no other - complete with a few intense 360-degree spins added for fun!  Of course, if you’re in the mood for something low-key, take a ride on the Lazy River!  Season passes are starting at $69.99!

Splish Splash
2549 Splish Splash Drive
Riverhead, NY 11901

Entertainment, Travel

Fashion is a big thing in the Big Apple. No matter what your style is, the one thing in common is that clothes aren’t cheap! With the economy nowadays, it’s hard for us to just shop the way we used to. It’s a time for stowing away and saving things for a rainy day. Fortunately, not only is New York home to the biggest designers; it’s also home to biggest in bargains: consignment stores!

Coming all the way from Tucson, Buffalo Exchange has revolutionized the way we can get rid of clothes we no longer want. At the Exchange, you can bring in any of your old wardrobe to sell for cash on the spot or trade for something in the store. With all the exchanging and selling, the inventory of each Buffalo Exchange store is entirely unique. They’ve got everything from designer to vintage all under one roof!

If you’re looking for only designer duds, then Michael’s Consignment Shop and Encore are the places are to be! Specializing in couture and designer consignment wear, both stores stock names such as Chanel, Hermes, Oscar de La Renta, Prada, Donna Karan, and many, many, more! And of course, they sell accessories as well! They offer the very best in designer fashion without the hefty price tag!

As old as New York itself, Goodwill Industries has been around a very long time! Not many people think to head to Goodwill for fashion but what you’ll find is quite a surprise! Be prepared to spot everything from designer frocks to vintage tees and whatever else in between! It’s a bit harder to find things at times but when you do, it’s definitely worth the search! Not mention they have special Student Discount Days that give an extra 10% off!

Up and down the streets of New York, you can find many other consignment stores to sift and search through! Try using Consignment Shops locator to find a location in New York near you! And if you’re a good negotiator, there’s always the chance of knocking one or two dollars off the already low price tag! Happy shopping!

shopping clothing, consignment, shopping, thrift

Chocolate, flowers, a present, dinner.. all that can get a little expensive huh? With Valentine’s Day around the corner, many of us are struggling to figure out just what we have to buy or plan for our significant other. Times are hard at the moment and although you’d love to say money wasn’t a problem for your special someone, the reality is that for a lot of people money is a problem! Thankfully, having a great time with your hubby doesn’t necessarily mean spending a hundreds of dollars! New York is known for it’s ritz and glamour but it’s not hard to find something to do even if you don’t want to spend too much! So have no fear since I’ll be sharing a few events for this Valentine’s Day that are cost-friendly and a great time!

History of Valentine’s Day with Dessert and Cocktails

Ever wonder where Valentine’s Day really came from? What does cupid stand for? And why is the heart used to symbolize the day? Learn the meaning behind this chocolate and rose-filled holiday over a tasting of rich, delicious desserts and cocktails.

When: February 11th
Where: 118A East 15th St at Irving
Price: $35.00
RSVP: 212-667-2900 EXT 8003

Love peanut butter?

And for the kid at heart, Peanut Butter & Co. is bringing back their Valentine’s Day Sweetheart Snack! Peanut butter sandwiches, fresh milk, and a unique dessert only available at Peanut Butter & Co.

When: February 14th
Where: Peanut Butter & Co.
240 Sullivan St between Bleecker and West 3rd
Price: $35 per couple
RSVP: Reservations are recommended: 212-677-3995

Dessert Wine, Desserts, and Bubbly Tasting

Sample a few of the best champagne that France has to offer or tempt your taste buds with a selection of dessert wine! Sip while you sample bites of desserts and treats that would satisfy anyone!

When: February 11th
Where: 118A East 15th St at Irving
Price: $20.00
RSVP: 212-667-2900 EXT 8003

Chocolate Fountain and Cocktails

Imagine a 3 foot tall chocolate fondue fountain and now imagine being able to indulge yourself with it’s sweet rivers of melted cocoa for 2 hours! Accompanied with a chocolate martini and a selection of dippers, of course!

When: February 11th
Where: The Village Pourhouse: 982-988 Amsterdam Ave (between 108th and 109th St)
Price: $35.00
RSVP: 212-667-2900 EXT 8003

Theater and a concert.. for free

On a normal occasion, tickets to a play, The Greeks: Part Two: The Murders; plus tickets to a concert, the Julliard Organists; would fetch a pretty high price tag. Fortunately, the ever-so-thoughtful students at Julliard have decided to give you a break.. all in the name of love!

The Greeks: Part Two: The Murders
When: February 14th
Where: Julliard; 60 Lincoln Center Plaza
Price: Free; tickets are being given out at the Julliard box office - only 2 per person

Concert at the Church of Saint Mary, the Virgin
When: February 14th at 8PM
Where: 145 W 46th St between 6th and 7th avenue

Love for nature

If Valentine’s Day is going to be a day-long celebration for you and your special someone, make sure to stop by the Staten Island Botanical Gardens. For Valentine’s Day entrance will be only $5.00 and that’s more than worth catching the hibiscus, jasmine, and orchids in bloom!

When: February 14th
Where: 1000 Richmond Terrace
Price: $5.00

And if you’re planning on dinner, go online and head to OpenTable.com. Usually known for only reservations, they are showcasing restaurants all over New York City that happen to be having Valentine’s Day Specials. Restaurants that would ordinarily cost an arm an leg are featuring ‘prix-fixe’ menus for even those on a budget to enjoy!

Entertainment, Food valentines day