Become a local at Big Apple Greeter

It's always great having friends in the places you visit. Why? Because you get that local flavor you'd otherwise not get on your own. At Big Apple Greeter you will be paired with a local "friend" so you see the city from their unique perspective. Here's what their website has to say about the program.

Big Apple Greeter is a non-profit organization that matches visitors with friendly and enthusiastic New Yorkers who are happy to share the city they love. A wonderful experience for families, friends and individuals traveling solo, Greeters help travelers feel welcome and get more from their stay in the Big Apple.

Big Apple Greeter’s services are offered FREE OF CHARGE, and there is a NO TIPPING POLICY.

The New Yorkers who serve as Greeters are all volunteers, come from varied backgrounds and can welcome visitors in 22 languages. The office staff, also mostly volunteers, matches Greeters to visitors according to language, neighborhoods requested, and interests, when possible.

Keep in mind that these are unpaid volunteers and not tour guides. What you will get is a local New Yorker's take on the neighborhoods they know and love along with tips on little known favorites like restaurants, shops and things to do. You're also likely to get a glimpse of some neighborhoods you might otherwise not know about. So put on your adventurer's hat and head out on the town with your new local "friend".

Joy@touriststop

Broadway on Broadway

The annual free Broadway outdoor concert is set for Sunday, September 13th at 11:30am. Broadway on Broadway brings together stars and performances from current and upcoming Broadway shows to celebrate the beginning of the new Broadway season.

The event takes place from 43rd to 47th Street in Times Square and will feature appearances and performances by stars from the upcoming productions; Bye Bye Birdie, Fela!, Memphis, Finian's Rainbow and Ragtime as well as some of Broadway's most popular shows, South Pacific, The Phantom of the Opera, Wicked and Irvin Berlin's White Christmas.

This years Broadway on Broadway will be hosted by Micheal McKean, probably best know for his role as Lenny in Laverne and Shirley. Mr McKean is a veteran of Broadway. Get there early as thousands of theatre fans are expected!

by Scott@touriststop

Tug Boat Race

The 17th Annual Tugboat Race is this weekend, Sunday September 6. Head on over to Pier 84 - West 44th Street at the Hudson River Park. While you're there take a free ride on a historic tug boat or fireboat. It all starts at 9:30am and goes all day with exhibits, activities for kids, music and more.

by Scott@touriststop

20at20 Off Broadway Ticket Discount

In the same spirit as Restaurant Week, which we've mentioned before, Off Broadway theaters are rolling out the 20at20 promotion. Starting September 8th and running through September 20th you can get tickets to select shows (including STOMP, The Toxic Avenger Musical and The Fantasticks) for just $20.00. The tickets are available from the theater box office 20 minutes prior to showtime, with the exception of sold-out performances. Tickets for these seats generally run anywhere from $25.00 to $85.00 each.

Having seen STOMP some years back I would definitely say that the $20.00 ticket is well worth it. With some 25 shows already signed on to participate there's sure to be something you would find worth the effort.

Joy@touriststop

Museum Day

Mark your calendar, September 26Th is Museum Day here in NYC. Sponsored by the Smithsonian Magazine, several museums will be opening their doors for free general admission. In order to take advantage of this you must go to their site and print your admission card, you will not be allowed to participate without it. Some of the museums in the city that are participating include; Bodies..The Exhibition, Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, Museum of the City of New York, and the South Street Seaport Museum, just to name a few! General admission to some of these museums can be over $20 per person. So if your in the city at this time print your admission card and choose your museum to see for free!

A complete list of the museums in New York that are participating can be found here.

by Scott@touriststop