It’s just awful right now – whenever you turn on the tv, pick up a newspaper or check the news online, when they aren’t talking about Madonna & ARod they are talking about one thing….. INFLATION! From gas to food it’s all just enough to make your stomach turn and then you end up just sitting there biting your nails wondering what’s next, how are you going to survive? And more importantly, how you are still going to have the perfect summer on a tight budget? Below are some fun ideas to help save some cash and still have a guaranteed fabulous summer in NYC!
NYC just got a bit cheaper…
Broadway in Bryant Park - FREE!
When: Thursdays from 12:30-1:30pm
Where: Bryant Park
NYC just got a bit cheaper…
Broadway in Bryant Park - FREE!
When: Thursdays from 12:30-1:30pm
Where: Bryant Park
What better way to spend your lunch break than going to get sun in the park while enjoying the Broadway performers sing their hearts out! I just got back from going and I absolutely loved it! Today I saw "Mama Mia," “Avenue Q” and “In the Heights.” Don’t miss Aug 7th when “Spring Awakening” takes the stage!
Win the Lottery! 
We all have dreams of winning the Power Ball Jackpot and for you theater lovers this could be your chance! Okay so this isn’t “free” but a $25 front row seat sure does beat the outrageous $120 Broadway tickets these days! Here’s what you do… start googling what Broadway shows have ticket lotteries or “rush” systems and arrive to the theater 2 hours prior to the performance. You will enter your name into the drawing and be eligible for 2 tickets per person, and you must pay cash. If your name is drawn then you will be sitting in the front row… what an experience. Some of the shows that offer the lottery are “Wicked,” “In the Heights,” “Hairspray,” “Avenue Q,” “Grease,” and “Rent” (Hurry! "Rent" ends in Sept!).
We all have dreams of winning the Power Ball Jackpot and for you theater lovers this could be your chance! Okay so this isn’t “free” but a $25 front row seat sure does beat the outrageous $120 Broadway tickets these days! Here’s what you do… start googling what Broadway shows have ticket lotteries or “rush” systems and arrive to the theater 2 hours prior to the performance. You will enter your name into the drawing and be eligible for 2 tickets per person, and you must pay cash. If your name is drawn then you will be sitting in the front row… what an experience. Some of the shows that offer the lottery are “Wicked,” “In the Heights,” “Hairspray,” “Avenue Q,” “Grease,” and “Rent” (Hurry! "Rent" ends in Sept!).
What is better than MACARONI & CHEESE?? 
Tired of spending so much money on food or dinners out? Do you have those cravings of the good ol’ comfort food like me and a serious passion for Mac & Cheese especially when it’s burnt and homemade? Try S’mac! Prices begin at $4.25 and to save even more $$... S’mac is introducing their Happy Hour! Every Monday through Thursday, from 3pm until 5pm, your entire bill will be discounted by 15%, as long as you spend a minimum of $10.00. Not sure what kind of mac to get?
Get some friends together and try the "S'Mac Sampler" for $16 which includes the All-American, 4 Cheese, Cheeseburger (my personal fav!), La Mancha, Cajun, Napoletana, Alpine, and Parisienne! So..... what are you waiting for?!
Tired of spending so much money on food or dinners out? Do you have those cravings of the good ol’ comfort food like me and a serious passion for Mac & Cheese especially when it’s burnt and homemade? Try S’mac! Prices begin at $4.25 and to save even more $$... S’mac is introducing their Happy Hour! Every Monday through Thursday, from 3pm until 5pm, your entire bill will be discounted by 15%, as long as you spend a minimum of $10.00. Not sure what kind of mac to get?
Get some friends together and try the "S'Mac Sampler" for $16 which includes the All-American, 4 Cheese, Cheeseburger (my personal fav!), La Mancha, Cajun, Napoletana, Alpine, and Parisienne! So..... what are you waiting for?!
Happy Hour time! 
Your insane day at work is finally over and you 'need' a drink! Sick of spending crazy prices on cocktails? Well now you don't have to be! Check out this website to find the best deals on a happy hour near you. You can find bars that offer 25 cents pitchers of Bud Light, perfect right? That’s a quite way to save some major $$$!
Your insane day at work is finally over and you 'need' a drink! Sick of spending crazy prices on cocktails? Well now you don't have to be! Check out this website to find the best deals on a happy hour near you. You can find bars that offer 25 cents pitchers of Bud Light, perfect right? That’s a quite way to save some major $$$!
Let’s go to the movies - FREE!
Since when are movie tickets $10.50? And after a night at the movies and dinner you are up to $50! So, to save $$ why not go to Bryant Park to check out the summer film festival. It’s free! You could make this a date, pack a picnic and here's a helpful hint, disguise your wine in water bottles (yes, I have done that before and it worked perfectly!) but don't tell anyone I told you to do it!
I absolutely love that NY offers this affordable way to dine out at the most amazing restaurants in the city for ½ the price. Make your reservations early as they all book quickly. Reservations can be made on opentable.com.So you think you can dance?
If you are into this show as much as I am this summer and think you want to discover some new dance moves of your own check out “Midsummer Night Swing” at Lincoln Center. This only goes until July 26th so hurry! Each evening begins with a dance lesson at 6:30pm for dancers with all levels of experience and live music begins at 7:30pm. Tickets are $15 which includes the dance lesson!
The Infamous Bohemian Hall Beer Garden in Astoria 
I couldn’t think of a more perfect way to spend a Saturday afternoon than sitting with your friends at the picnic tables and listening to all of the fun live bands, and of course perhaps some dancing! The trip to Queens is well worth it and the pitchers of beer are around $12! The Bohemian Hall is a part of New York City history and is the last original remaining Beer Garden in all NYC.
I couldn’t think of a more perfect way to spend a Saturday afternoon than sitting with your friends at the picnic tables and listening to all of the fun live bands, and of course perhaps some dancing! The trip to Queens is well worth it and the pitchers of beer are around $12! The Bohemian Hall is a part of New York City history and is the last original remaining Beer Garden in all NYC.
Ride the Beast! 
Looking to do something a little more exciting with your out-of-towners than the typical ferry boat ride around the island? Look no further! Take that person on a NY experience that they will never forget…. The Beast. Travel NY harbor at 45mph on the thrilling speedboat! It's a roller coaster, a water ride and 30 fun-filled minutes of high-speed cruising all in one! Tickets start at $17.00.
Looking to do something a little more exciting with your out-of-towners than the typical ferry boat ride around the island? Look no further! Take that person on a NY experience that they will never forget…. The Beast. Travel NY harbor at 45mph on the thrilling speedboat! It's a roller coaster, a water ride and 30 fun-filled minutes of high-speed cruising all in one! Tickets start at $17.00.
Shakespeare in the Park - FREE!
I am so excited that “Hair” is coming! Tickets are usually a bit tricky, but if you are one of the lucky ones to snag a ticket, it’s definitely worth it! I am crossing my fingers for "Hair!"
I am so excited that “Hair” is coming! Tickets are usually a bit tricky, but if you are one of the lucky ones to snag a ticket, it’s definitely worth it! I am crossing my fingers for "Hair!"
If you are looking to treat yourself (a little) 
Go immediately to Mario Badescu for the best facial in New York! Not only the best, but the most moderately priced. I’ve been to Exhale and others and no one compares to Mario! Only $65 for a facial! You can’t beat that in NY!
Go immediately to Mario Badescu for the best facial in New York! Not only the best, but the most moderately priced. I’ve been to Exhale and others and no one compares to Mario! Only $65 for a facial! You can’t beat that in NY!
Nothing beats a manicure & pedicure for $23! Oh yeah and they give you a great massage! So, Athena's may be in Queens, but it's just steps from the 30th Ave stop on the N and W train. The wait can be long so call and book an appointment today (718) 278-4597 .
“Beatles” in Astoria Park - FREE!
An evening with all of our favorite songs from the Beatles, but that’s not the only concert (just the one at the top of my list). Pick the park closest to home and check the nycgovparks.org website to see what free events the park is offering each week. Movie nights & concerts can make for a really fun night!
An evening with all of our favorite songs from the Beatles, but that’s not the only concert (just the one at the top of my list). Pick the park closest to home and check the nycgovparks.org website to see what free events the park is offering each week. Movie nights & concerts can make for a really fun night!
I hope that some of these ideas will be useful when planning your summer on a budget! If you have suggestions for more fun ideas that don’t break the bank, please do share. Gotta LOVE New York, there's always something fun going on and it definitely can work with a tight budget!!
One last thing - a VERY important tip:
Before you book anything – ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS google the event, tour whatever you are doing to find discount codes – they exist you just have to find them!
One last thing - a VERY important tip:
Before you book anything – ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS google the event, tour whatever you are doing to find discount codes – they exist you just have to find them!
Enjoy!!
Samantha: "I'm always surprised when anyone leaves New York. I mean, where do they go?"
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1 comment:
Can we please discuss how cheap it is to get a mani/pedi in the greater NYC area, too? You've got Chicago beat! Love this!! xo
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