Let’s start at the earliest settlement of New York at the Battery Park area.  Note that you are standing on “landfill”.  You may not realize but due to landfill, New York City is 20% larger today than it was when the Dutch first settled in 1624! 

But let’s move on to the “best” free thing to do in the City – the Staten Island Ferry.  This wondrous trip, that takes 25 minutes each way and travels breathtakingly passed the Statue of Liberty, is an extension of the Department of Transportation transfer system, so it’s free!  Hint:  Stay on the right side of the boat going to Staten Island.  On your return trip, (which we recommend doing immediately when you reach the Staten Island side) an absolute must is to walk down one flight to the car deck level and go outside.  You’ll feel like “the king of the world” as you are so close to the water level and have a fabulous view!  This is a must for out of town visitors as you show off “the City”.

From there, walk to the foot of Broadway and enter the Alexander Hamilton Customs House – a gorgeous building.  The Museum of the Native American, run by the Smithsonian, is so-so, but the building’s architecture and interior rotunda, that shows some of the maritime stories of the harbor, are magnificent.  Hint:  Look for the movie star mural with Greta Garbo (“I vant to be alone”).

So, by now you are hungry!  Walk or take a simple bus ride up to Chinatown.  As you enter this foreign country, make sure to visit the Mahayana Temple, 133 Canal Street, at the foot of the Manhattan Bridge, with its amazing giant Buddha.  Light some incense and make a wish before you leave.  The people are friendly and you should be respectful.

Let’s move up to 12th Street and 5th Avenue, the northern boundary of Greenwich Village.  Don’t miss the Forbes Magazine Gallery.  Here you will see a phenomenal collection of toy boats, toy soldiers, manuscripts, changing exhibits and even the first Monopoly set.  Principle owner, Malcolm Forbes, was a generous philanthropist, but a boy at heart.  So, marvel at his incredibly expensive Faberge Eggs; the largest collection in the world – including Russia!

Back on the road again and up to the east 50’s (Madison Avenue and 54th Street), site of the contemporary and future technology company, the Sony Corporation.  Here you can trace the evolution of technology with loads of hands-on devices to keep you busy for hours.  And just in case you forgot, you can’t beat the price, IT’S FREE!!

OK!  Another secret that few people know.  Situated in the northern extremes of Harlem is a wonderful area called Audubon Terrace (remember the “bird” artist?)  that is the setting for the Hispanic Society Museum.  The building is a throwback to a Spanish monastery and here you can find original Goyas, El Grecos, Velasquez’s and others.  A real treasure for the art lover!

Enjoy these free great places anytime, but at this time of year, and all through the year, take advantage of the endless street fairs, concerts and park events that are sprinkled throughout the City.  Of course, still the “best” free thing to do in the City is “people watching” (and dog watching, too).  You’ll see it all in The Big Apple!

For a great guide of free events each month, consider purchasing a monthly publication which lists these things, either in magazine form or online.  It is called “Club Free Time”.  Phone them at (212) 545-8900 or get them on the web at www.clubfreetime.com.

But remember one of the best free places to hear about the wonderful area we live in and near is on WVOX 1460 on Monday nights from 8-9 PM. We have great guests and travel destinations and things to do that will make those winter months fun and enjoyable.

Don’t forget to take a walking tour, its healthy and actually the best to do as the weather gets cooler. We love the 30 degree weather and will continue throughout the cool weather.