And after so many years of kooky characters living virtually on top of one another, New York‘s streets and buildings and parks have their share of chilling or amusing ghost stories. Here, I present my own personal brand of the Halloween treat: five New York places to get your fright on (for free).

Central Park Pond
59th Street

Sunk in between trees at the base of Central Park, the 59th Street Pond feels secret and serene. It can also function as a haven, as it must have for Victorian-era sisters Janet and Rosetta Van Der Voort. Growing up in a wealthy household on Central Park South, the girls were prohibited by their over protective father to venture anywhere unaccompanied, with the exception of the pond.

It was perhaps for this reason that the sisters seemed to fuse together over the years. Neither married, and they died within two months of each other in 1880. Today, their spirits live on and can sometimes be seen, all done up in their bustles, skating infinite figure eights over the pond’s smooth surface.

Green-Wood Cemetery
500 25th Street, Brooklyn

Don’t let its pretty park feel deceive you. The Battle of Brooklyn, one of the biggest of the Revolutionary War, was fought on this hilly outcrop, and now some of New York’s most fashionable reside here for eternity. The spirits are almost palpable as you wander among the trees and ornate crypts here, and you can visit everyone from tortured artist Jean-Michel Basquiat to Boss Tweed.

12 Gay Street
West Village

There’s a ghost party going on at this elegant 19th-century townhouse. The building once housed a speakeasy, and has been home to Frank Paris, creator of Howdy Doody, and the mistress of New York mayor Jimmy Walker, among many others. Over the years, myriad ghost sightings have been reported from this dwelling, the most famous being a regal man wearing top hat and opera cape.

St. Paul’s Chapel and Churchyard
209 Broadway

The churchyard behind St. Paul’s Chapel has sunken headstones dating back to 1704, but there is one ghost in particular that makes people, ahem, lose their heads. The extravagant and alcoholic British actor George Frederick Cooke was buried here in 1812. His head was not buried with him. Mr. Cooke had donated it to science as a means of settling some his debt. His skull is said to have appeared as a prop in a few Hamlet productions, so you might say the actor went on working. The rest of him, though, is said to wander the cemetery in search of his lost noggin.

The Public Theater (Astor Library Building)
425 Lafayette Street

Best known for bringing free Shakespeare in the Park to New York each summer, the Public Theater is based year-round in a glorious red-brick building in the East Village. Said building originally housed the Astor Library, which opened in 1849 and was the foundation of the New York Public Library.

It wasn’t long after the opening that ghosts were reported at the library. In 1860, the New York Evening Post reported that Library Director Dr. Joseph Cogswell, encountered a wealthy, recently deceased neighbor three nights in a row. Today, the architectural gem is said to be haunted by literary icon Washington Irving and Public Theater founder Joseph Papp. The latter is said to have a protective presence over his legacy.

Read more

If you’re heading to New York (for a haunting or just a visit), be sure to swing by our Cheapo guide to New York, with hotel recommendations and much more budget advice.

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And so begins the beloved New York tradition that is Shakespeare in the Park.

History of Shakespeare in the Park

Much ado about something

Rain or shine they come. They wait in line, they endure mosquitoes, they strain to hear over car alarms… But why all the hype around Shakespeare in the Park? Well, New Yorkers are fanatic about their traditions, and rightly so about this one.  It has certainly accomplished the goal of Joseph Papp, who founded the Shakespeare Workshop (today’s Public Theater) in 1954 with the goal of bringing the Bard to those who might not otherwise experience him.

Like many of the city’s institutions, this one began as a scrappy upstart, running early performances in a crumbling church, along the East River, and then at Turtle Pond in Central Park before the Delacorte Theater was built opened in 1962. And oh what a theater it is. With Belvedere Castle rising in the background, this is magical place for enjoying theater alfresco—whether you’re dancing with the cast at the end of “Hair,” or enjoying the stars and Turtle Pond while Lorenzo praises “How sweet the moonlight sleeps upon this bank!” in “The Merchant of Venice.”

It’s this magic, along with rotating all-star casts (James Earl Jones, Meryl Streep, Kevin Kline, Philip Seymour Hoffman, and many others have graced this stage), that keep people coming back for this fabulous, and FREE, event.

And it is the combination of free and popular that adds up to ever-increasing competition for tickets. Your options can sometimes seem confusing, but we’ve broken down all the ways you can score seats, and threw in some tips for good measure.

Getting tickets the simple way

A midsummer day’s wait

The most common way to acquire Shakespeare in the Park tickets is to wait in line, sometimes for hours. Tickets are distributed in front of the Delacorte (enter the park at Central Park West and 81st Street) on the day of each showing.

Bring entertainment to make the wait fun. Photo: smackfu.

Here’s what you need to know about receiving one:

1. Arrive early. Tickets are distributed at noon on a first-come, first-served basis, so would-be attendees have been known to camp out and wait. How early should you arrive? Well, the park opens at 6 a.m. (don’t come earlier than this), and many will begin lining up then. We say arrive no later than 10 a.m., but if you get in line around 8 a.m. you should be okay.

2. Bring supplies. You’ll be sitting until noon, so bring along items to occupy yourself. Books, magazines, even a game will surely come in handy. And don’t forget a blanket or chair, plus food and plenty of water.

3. Come in a group and arrive together. Tickets are distributed two per person, so if you need more than two tickets, be sure to bring along a buddy (that game you brought is more fun with a pal anyway). However, note that latecomers are not allowed, so make sure your group arrives together or you’ll all be sent to the back of the line.

4. Don’t leave the line. You leave the line, and you lose your place, so plan to stay put. Bathroom breaks are, of course, allowed, and you can find restrooms right at the Delacorte. They are relatively clean, but because they will be used a lot, you may want to add tissues and hand sanitizer to that supply list.

5. Time it well. When tickets are handed out at noon, will you get one? Depends on your place in the line, of course. A latecomer’s best chance for scoring a ticket will be on a weekday, or if you brave the wait on a rainy day when fewer folks will venture out.

Other options for tickets

To wait or not to wait

The wait for tickets is completely worth it, and some might even call it part of the fun, but there are times when you just aren’t able to sit in line for hours. Never fear, you still have options:

Brave the rain for a better chance at tickets. Photo: lilyo.

• Head to an outer borough. On select dates, vouchers are available at outer borough locations between 12 and 2 p.m. Supplies are limited, so we again suggest arriving as close to the noon open time as possible. Note that once you receive your voucher, you’ll have to be at the Delacorte between 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. to exchange it for a ticket. Check the Shakespeare in the Park site for information on dates and locations for these tickets.

• Enter the lottery. The Public Theater also offers a daily online raffle for those who can’t make it to the park to wait. Simply create an account and sign in between midnight and noon on the day of the performance. You’ll receive an email after 12 p.m. letting you know whether or not you have received tickets, and then you can pick up your tickets at the Delacorte between 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

• Stand-by. If tickets are available before the start of the show, they are distributed, one per person, to those in the stand-by line. Guests can line up for to wait as early as 1 p.m., but we’d say 5:30 p.m. is a reasonable time to start waiting. The same rules apply: Bring food and entertainment, and know that this is not a sure thing (but if nothing else you’ve enjoyed a picnic in the park).

Tell us: Have you been to Shakespeare in the Park? Do you have any tips for obtaining tickets?

The post New York: A guide to getting free Shakespeare in the Park tickets appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

We know with an estimated 3.5 million people lining Manhattan’s streets to catch a glimpse of floating Spider-Man and Shrek and Kung Fu Panda, heading out yourself can seem like a bit of a nightmare, but we have a few tips to make it all worthwhile.

The Route (and Where to Watch)

Floating Kermit. Photo: MJStewart

The parade starts at 77th Street and makes its way around Central Park, first south along Central Park West, then curving at Columbus Circle to head east on Central Park South. It will turn south down 7th Avenue until 42nd Street, where it will go east for a quick block before moving south again down 6th Avenue. At 34th it will head back west to 7th Avenue and its final destination: Herald Square and Macy’s itself. Got that?

Not to worry: All you need to keep in mind are three segments, our short list of best places to watch. We factored proximity to food and facilities into our choices, in addition, of course, to good views.

1. Sixth Avenue and 42nd Street

Subway: B/D/F/M to Bryant Park, N/Q/R/1/2/3/7 to Times Square

The 6th Avenue stretch is a wider street, which means more space on the sidewalk for onlookers, so pretty much anywhere on 6th will do, but the corner of 6th Avenue and 42nd Street is a particularly good vantage point. Floats move down 42nd from 7th Avenue, so at that corner you’ll have a direct view. Along Bryant Park is also lovely, but we do recommend staying north of 38th Street so as to give a bit of berth to the chaos that will be Herald Square.

Where to fuel up

Grab a coffee (and a delicious pastry) at the Pain Quotidien or Blue Bottle Coffee on 40th Street and 6th Avenue, just across from Bryant Park.

2. Columbus Circle and Time Warner Center

Subway: A/B/C/D/1/2 to Columbus Circle, N/Q/R to 57th Street/7th Avenue

If you’re claustrophobic, this area tends to be a little less crowded. We should caveat: It tends to be a little less crowded because higher winds in this small stretch sometimes spur balloon teams to race through a little quicker. That being said, they won’t be whizzing past fast enough that you’ll miss them, and you may be able to evade some of the throngs over here, on the west side of the circle.

Click to see these locations on Google maps.

An added bonus is that the Time Warner Center is a great place to avoid the elements. If it’s a nasty day, just head up to the second floor to watch from the windows there.

Where to fuel up

The Whole Foods on the lower level of the Time Warner Center is perfect for a quick cuppa joe and a muffin.

If you’d rather indulge before the evening feast, dig into a flaky croissant or a fluffy, fresh donut at Bouchon Bakery on the third floor.

3. Central Park

Subway Stops: 1 or 2 to Lincoln Center, A/B/C to 72nd Street

It’s never bad to be hanging out along Central Park, so it’s a great thing that the parade makes its way down Central Park West. The parade starts at 77th Street, so anywhere south of that is grand. (We’ve heard that from 61st Street to 72nd Street is a good stretch.)

Where to fuel up

For a slice of Paris, pick up some coffee and fresh bread or pastries at Maison Kayser (along Columbus circle) before moving north on Central Park West.

Or hang out around the enchanting Tavern on the Green, a famous restaurant with a famously expensive menu. There are public bathrooms here when nature calls.

Sugar fiends should note that Magnolia Bakery (69th Street and Columbus Avenue) is just a block from the park and will be serving up their heavenly confections and signature blend coffee on the big day.

The Basics: How to survive the parade

Timing: So you’ve scouted your spot. What time to arrive? Early. The parade starts at 9 a.m. at 77th Street, but wherever you choose to watch it, crowds will already be forming at least two hours in advance. We recommend getting to your chosen spot by at least 7 a.m., earlier if you’re concerned about being up front.

Clothing: Also, it’ll be chilly that early on a November morning, so layer up, and bring along a thermos or two of something warm to keep you going while you wait.

Thanksgiving Eve Inflation Celebration

Another option is heading out the day before for a little pre-parade revelry. Balloon inflation has become just as big a draw as the parade itself.

Public viewing is from 3 p.m. until 10 p.m on the two streets flanking the American Museum of Natural History, 77th Street on the south and 81st Street on the north. The entry point is 77th Street and Columbus, and from there the action winds northeast up to 81st Street. The area is sectioned off so that crowds can move through in a semi-orderly fashion.

The real action takes place around 5 p.m., but as can be expected it gets crowded around then too, so if you can show up earlier, it’s worth it to get close to big balloons when they’re spread out flat and being prepped. Likewise, don’t worry if you show up a little later. It all moves along pretty well.

Did Ya Know?
Finally, five fun Macy’s Parade facts for your reading enjoyment:

1. Zoo-crazy: During the first years of the parade (which started in 1924) the Macy’s employees who marched in costume—think cowboys and sheiks and knights, oh my!—brought along animals from the Central Park Zoo to join them. Donkeys and goats paraded down the street, and one year there were even lions and tigers and bears. Until, that is, they terrified small children.

2. Burst your balloon: The first balloon, in 1928, was Felix the Cat. Because he was filled with helium only, and helium expands in high altitudes, Felix, sadly, popped.

3. Biggest balloon ever: It’s a balloon, it’s a parade, it’s Superman, way back in 1939.

4. The long way down: The first parade started at 145th Street, a 5.5 mile trek down to Macy’s.

5. Doggone popular: Since his debut in 1968, Snoopy has gone through six incarnations, making him the character with the most balloons.

The post New York: Where to watch Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

The holidays are arguably when New York is at its finest, and there are many options to enjoy the glittering lights of the city and simultaneously strut your skating skills. Be mindful that many rinks may be closed certain nights for special events and parties, so be sure to check their websites before venturing out.

Here are four places where you can easily get your skate on:

Rockefeller Center
5th Ave. between 49th and 50th Streets

Hours: Daily, hours vary
Open: October 9, 2010 – Early April 2011
Admission: $14 (Weekend) or $10 (Weekday)
Skate Rental: $8
Web site

Given the endless movie and TV scenes set in this famous ice rink, it’s no surprise that it is the ice skating destination for holiday visitors and New Yorkers alike. Though it’s the smallest rink in the city, its popularity means that skaters might wait over an hour to take their spin around the ice with up to 150 others at a time.

The musical playlist here consists mainly of Christmas tunes, appropriately paired with the Rockefeller Christmas tree that towers over the rink before the holidays. It is hard to build up much skating speed though, given the small rink and crowds, but be prepared to suddenly stop for an on-ice marriage proposal! Once the skating wears you out, there are a couple somewhat overpriced eating options on site: Rock Center Cafe, The Sea Grill and Cucina & Co.

The Pond at Bryant Park
5th Ave. between 40th and 42nd Streets

Hours: Sun. – Thurs: 8 a.m. – 10 p.m.; Friday & Saturday: 8 a.m. – Midnight
Open: October 29, 2010 – February 27, 2011
Admission: Free
Skate Rental: $13
Web site

Thanks to Citi, this is the only free skating rink in Manhattan, assuming you bring your own skates and lock, of course! This fact, combined with its easily accessible Midtown location makes it a popular winter destination. Bryant Park draws a hefty crowd around the holidays, which can be bypassed with the purchase of an Express Pass (for a rather hefty $20).

The rink itself isn’t the best–it turns watery when the temperature is warm and it is covered with rivets and holes because the Zamboni can’t keep up with the dense crowds. There are several venues to grab a hot chocolate or snack while exploring the crafting and culinary pop-up shops throughout Bryant Park.

Wollman Rink at Central Park
Central Park South. Enter at 59th St. and 6th Ave.

Hours: Daily, 10 a.m. – Closing Times Vary By Day
Open: November 2010 – March 2011
Admission: $14.75 (Weekend) or $10.25 (Weekday)
Skate Rental: $6.25
Web site

Nestled in the midst of Manhattan’s iconic Central Park, Wollman Rink offers a more natural setting with amazing views of the park’s trees and the city skyline peeking through. This type of ambiance comes at a bit of a price, though, as admission is $14.75 on weekends, plus $6.25 for skate rentals and $4 for lock rentals. Should you want to bypass the skating altogether, you will have to pay a $5 spectator fee just to watch your friends and loved ones fall around the ice.

If the price isn’t a deterrent and you’re comfortable jumping over a kid or two on the ice, then grab some warm cider or hot chocolate from the concession and game up for a little league hockey-esque skating experience. The rink is much less crowded during the week and stays open until 10 p.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Sky Rink at Chelsea Piers
Pier 61, 23rd St. and the Hudson River

Hours: Daily, hours vary
Admission: $13
Skate Rental: $7.50
Web site

If inclement weather prohibits you from fulfilling your winter ice skating dreams then you can seek shelter at the indoor Sky Rink of Chelsea Piers. This rink lacks a winter breeze, but it is home to many of the city’s hockey players and figure skaters. What this place lacks in outdoor charm and Christmas carols can be somewhat regained with the stunning views of the Hudson River and George Washington Bridge.

The hours here are a bit erratic because general skating time is embedded in hockey and lesson schedules, but a quick call or look at their holiday schedule can prevent any scheduling conflicts. Sky Rink isn’t necessarily a cheaper option, but is definitely a better place for those looking to seriously sharpen their skating skills or reign in a group of rowdy kids.

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1. The High Line
L, A, C or E Train to 14th Street & 8th Avenue (see Web site for other access points)

The High Line is a true New York success story. The elevated train tracks, a 1930’s answer to freight train accidents, were under threat of demolition until the non-profit group Friends of the High Line turned them into an oasis in the sky in 2009. Its wild patches of green are overgrown on purpose, spilling out onto concrete walkways and, of course, the rails themselves. Enjoy views of the Hudson River and the Meatpacking District, or check out one of their free events.

Governors Island. Photo by jonmeyer.

2. Fort Tryon Park
A Train to 190th Street

If the High Line is an urban playground, Fort Tryon Park at Manhattan’s northern tip is anything but. In fact, if it weren’t for views of the George Washington Bridge, you might even forget you were in New York City. Picture massive boulders, lush vegetation and one of the largest heather gardens on the East Coast. Oh, and then there’s that museum that looks like a French monastery…

3. Governors Island
Free ferry from Battery Maritime Building (10 South Street;adjacent to Staten Island Ferry)

This little island is a Cheapo happy place. The blissful feeling starts on the free ferry ride over and builds when you’re welcomed by historic buildings (including a castle), unbelievable views of the Statue of Liberty and, um, a “beach.”

4. Coney Island
D, Q, N or F Train to Stillwell Avenue

Once the playground of New York’s elite, then later an entertainment destination for the masses, today this boardwalk/beach at Brooklyn’s southern edge is trying to fight its way off the list of New York’s endangered treasures. We advise visiting Coney Island while you still can. Take in its beach, its historic, rickety (and exhilarating!) Cyclone and the amazing (and disturbing) Shoot the Freak carnival game.

Sunset Park. Photo by Lorianne DiSabato.

5. Conservatory Garden in Central Park
4 or 6 Train to 103rd Street (Enter at Fifth Avenue and 105th Street)

We know, we know! Central Park is a terribly obvious pick for New York’s best outdoor spaces, but the idyllic Conservatory Garden at its northeastern end is all too often overlooked. And its manicured hedges, fragrant flowerbeds and Secret Garden-esque fountains will not disappoint.

6. Sunset Park
N or R Train to 45th Street, Brooklyn

The neighborhood of Sunset Park, Brooklyn is a miniature United Nations built up around its namesake park, which offers views that rival those from the top of the Empire State Building. Only here you can also see said building—and the views are free. While you’re in the area, stop at Greenwood Cemetery, a Civil War battle site and final resting place of Boss Tweed, Samuel Morse and other New York elite.

7. Stargazing

Believe it or not, it’s possible to see stars from the city. And no, we’re not talking about the artificial kind. The Amateur Astronomy Association of New York hosts “observing sessions” at parks throughout the city. Try Inwood Hill Park at the northern tip of Manhattan, said to be the best place see stars since it has no streetlamps. The AAA takes groups there every Saturday. Bring comfortable shoes, a flashlight and your sense of wonder.

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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.

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