3 FREE Things To Do This Weekend

As I'm fending off a sinus infection on my vacation down at the Jersey Shore (yep, likely cutting it short to get to a doctor this afternoon) and the dog days of summer are finally here, an August Friday means that one of the last summer weekends lies ahead in just a few short hours. If you can't get to a beach or pool (I like to refer to my parents house and in-ground pool as my 'summer home') or escape the city at all for that matter, we've got your sightseeing tips for around the city. Oh, and did I mention they are all free? Keep your money for your new Fall wardrobe and makeup (I know I am!) and have some fun without ever opening your wallet.

Bike Rentals at South Street Seaport
Never saw Battery Park? Or any of downtown for that matter? Hop on a two wheeler and see the sights you want to see! Check out Downtown Alliance, an organization providing free bike rentals (with helmets) to New Yorkers. Available 7 days a week through September 30, Downtown Alliance offers three 2.5 hour sessions per day. Since there are only 30 bikes per session, it's first come, first serve. Be sure to make your reservations at least one day in advance. Though biking in New York has always been a point of fear for me, this seems like a fairly tame way to see as much of New York as possible, for free. I think as long as I stay on side streets, I'll be ok.

Central Park Film Festival
Head on over to Rumsey Playfield to catch the end of this week-long film festival, where public screenings of popular films are shown. Screenings are free and start at 8pm, though gates open at 6pm. Tonight you can catch Twilight while tomorrow is viewer's choice, where viewers vote between Men in Black (seriously?), Goldfinger (my vote), and Desperately Seeking Susan. While the films may not all be cinematic masterpieces (earlier this week they screened Sex & the City, Shaft, and Ocean's Eleven), there's just something fabulous about curling up on a blanket and watching a movie in Central Park.

Walk-up Kayaking
Feeling a little more adventurous? Available until mid-October, this free kayaking experience is provided by the New York City Downtown Boathouse. Located at various locations, just walk up to the pier, rent your kayak and go. The provide the kayak, paddles & paddling tips, and life jacket - you provide the ability to swim. Best part? Not a big commitment, as the kayak sessions last a mere 20 minutes. There is a three-hour tour option, but then you probably wouldn't have time for biking and movie viewing!

Has anyone else found free entertainment around the city? If so, please share in comments or as a guest entry! Enjoy!

Jamba Juice Gives Away Free Summer Smoothies

Smoothie fans rejoice! This week, everyone's favorite over-caloried smoothie joint (I say this with love) is giving away a free smoothie with every purchase of another smoothie. I have not yet tried this out, but certainly plan to this week. I'll be heading to the Columbus Circle/Whole Foods location in hopes that this fabulous offer will include the Peanut Butter Moo'd, an ingenious concoction consisting of fro-yo, chocolate, frozen bananas, and peanuts. Though I'd really rather ignore the caloric intake, I can't help but wonder why it has to be almost 500 calories per 16 oz. Since it's summer time coupled with the fact that I generally deny myself the Juice, I will likely give in to this fantastic deal...possibly more than once. The catch? Download, print, and bring this coupon.

Any other Jamba fans out there? What are your fave flaves?

Free Food & Film: I Want This All The Time

On Wednesday I attended the Third Annual NYC Food Film Festival at the new Water Taxi Beach at the South Street Seaport, a location I had yet to visit.

FREE food and film!

Due to the Seattle-like weather conditions (I know it's been said over and over and over...but really? Do we live in Seattle?), it was a bit chilly and not quite as crowded as I had thought it would be, but it definitely had potential. After all, not much can beat free food at a free event on the water in New York City.

...waiting for films to start

Especially when the theme of the free food was 'deep fried'...yum! Food was also available for purchase...but isn't chasing down the tray-of-free-grub-carrying-girl part of the fun? While I wasn't able to stay the whole night, I was able to score some fried cheese curds (not sure what this means...curds sounds icky, but it was like deep fried mozzerella...and it was delicious, curd and all)...

Deep fried cheese curd...not sure what that means, but it was tasty!

Nice man preparing free food for all!

...and I pushed my way through the crowd to score 2 corn dogs, a food that when thinking about, I feel embarrassed that I think they are delicious...but they just are, I don't care how silly I look whilst eating one.

I was happy once I scored my corn dog

There was a free celery-based alcoholic drink...but since I despise eating the vegetable with a passion, I just couldn't stomach drinking it and went for a $6 Peroni Italian beer instead. While I didn't get to stay as long as I'd hoped, here's hoping the Fourth Annual Food Film Festival brings sunny weather and more fabulous food and film.

Wednesday, June 17th
Films:
Come Have An Omelette With Me
Clam Pie
The Sacred Food
Celeriac
Eat Your Fill
24 Hours, 24 Million Meals: Feeding New York City

Free Food Menu:
Fried Cheese Curds
Corn Dogs
Clam Pies