Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Toys “R” Them
Among the hideous chains that characterize the new Times Square,
Toys “R” Us
stands out for its free entertainment. The
central Ferris wheel, which rises 60 feet in the center of the store, is beloved by the kiddies, who don't begrudge the some-
times long waits. A 5-ton animatronic T-Rex is another crowd pleaser, as is the pink-overload- zone of Barbie's envy-indu-
cing duplex dollhouse. Prices here are good and made better by frequent in-store specials. Demonstrations are fun to watch
and usually come with discounts on the product at hand. Even if you don't have a buying agenda, this is an easy place to fill
time on a rainy day. 1514 Broadway, at 44th St.
646/366-8858.
www.toysrus.com
.
Subway: 1/2/ 3/7/N/Q/R/S to Times
Sq./42nd St.
6 Free from New York
My apartment would be an exercise in minimalism if it weren't for the generosity of the sidewalks of New York.
Lamps, chairs, prints, and even the beveled mirror in the kitchen have all been harvested from the bounty of the
curbs. The key is to strike without hesitation because good stuff doesn't lay around the streets for long.
A good place to start is the
Department of Sanitation's
website (
www.nyc.gov/html/dsny
)
, where you can
find out the current collection schedule for any address in any of the boroughs. Unless you're a van owner, you'll
probably want to target places that are within close hauling distance. (Trash-picking pros invest in small, wheeled
hand trucks.)
Generally, just after the first of the month is the best time to be on the prowl. People have just moved in or out,
and they're more likely to be of a disposing bent. Late May, at the end of the school year, is another excellent time.
The streets around NYU and Columbia overflow with abandoned student goods. Though much of what you'll
see is better suited to a dorm than your swanky digs, with careful culling you can find treasure among another
man's trash.
Freecycle NYC
This grassroots organization has grown into a serious waste-fighter, with over nine million
members worldwide. To connect in NYC, check out their Yahoo Group (
www.groups.yahoo.com/group/free-
cyclenewyorkcity
), which generates 1,500 leads on free goods every month. There's no cost to join; the main stip-
ulation is that everything offered must be free—not even trading is allowed.
Greencycle Swaps
Greenpoint and Williamsburg represent the cutting edge of New York culture, so it's no sur-
prise to find a local community group there embracing the free market movement. Town Square hosts swaps
between 1 and 4pm (usually the second Sat of each month), spread around churches and schools in the two
neighborhoods. They ask for a $5 donation and whatever clothes, shoes, bikes, books, and electronics you wish
to divest yourself of. Check in at
www.townsquareinc.com
for site addresses and more information.
Stop 'N' Swap
For 40-plus years now,
GrowNYC
has been helping keep New York green. Efforts for the
environment run from 54 greenmarkets to these all-free shopping fests. The Bronx, Queens, and Build It Green!
have all hosted recent events. Entry is free and so are all wares. On the contribution side, they're looking for
clean, working, and portable. Furniture is out, but you will find a nice array of clothes, books, and toys.
Various
locations.
212/788-7900.
www.grownyc.org
.
Swap-O-Rama-Rama
Sort through 4,000 pounds of clothes, for free! That's the come-on to this community
event, where you dump of some of your own fashion don'ts and then replenish your closet with whatever you
find. A small donation never hurts, especially when you're getting both duds and DIY workshops. “Shoppers”
can get help with on-the-spot iron-ons, silk-screening, and tailoring. Successful projects are oohed and aahed
over at the end-of-the-day fashion show. Check the website for dates and locations,
www.swaporamarama.org
.
Thrift Collective
Trading parties are the M.O. of this swap scene, which meets once a month or so to rotate closet
fodder. Events tend to have entrance fees (say, $10 in advance or $15 at the door), but that entitles you to browse
through gently worn stocks of dresses, pants, T's, scarves, purses, shoes, and more. You're asked to bring some
