If you live within 200 miles of New York City and you enjoy driving with the top down, Manhattan can be an inexpensive day trip only costing around $100 bucks! My wife, the kids and I often pile into our little convertible and visit the Big Apple. Small cars are best because parking can be free (more on that soon) and the convertible feature lets you enjoy the vertical views. At Christmas we dress warm, drop the top and soak up the sights, the smells and the sounds of Manhattan.

There are several great places around Manhattan where you can pull off this feat of frugal travel depending on the season. Visit Central Park in summer and you can sail toy boats for just $10 or rent a row boat for the whole family for only $12. There's plenty of high quality park performances that can be had for free. For a few bucks you can have your portrait drawn, painted or characterized. If your handy with a camera, New York City is chock full of great places to pose the family. The Alice in Wonderland Statue is a must and climbing is not frowned upon.

Once in New York, the trick is to find affordable or free parking. Affordable parking is easier to find away from major New York attractions, free parking can be had on weekends. Which brings me back to our small car. Some residential neighborhoods, especially those on streets above 78th, still have some unregulated parking. Inevitably, gaps between cars tend to get larger allowing a small car to squeeze in.

In my opinion, the Metropolitan Museum is still the best cultural deal on Manhatten. They have a suggested donation, which is proper for a museum of this quality. If the suggested amount is to much for your wallet, ask to make a donation of a different amount. We have never been turned away. Shopping in New York can be cheap if you know where to peek. Instead of 5th Avenue, we prefer stores near St. Mark's place in the East Village; full of leisurely and interesting shopping. Also in the Village, especially on the weekend, you can find bargains at various flea markets and farm fairs. Bargains galore can be found in all the ethnic neighborhoods in lower Manhattan. All day train passes are just $7.

Learn more about this author, David Gould.
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