By Jessica DeJesus The magic filled streets of Coney Island date back to the 18th century, when one of the world’s greatest escape artists, Harry Houdini himself, performed small tricks on the infamous boardwalk. The crowds would be in awe of the shows such an inspiring performer would put on.

People move to New York for a lot of reasons. Work, curiosity, boredom, a burning desire to be the best damn subway mime in the fucking country… all sorts of things call out to people. For me, one of the things that drew me here was that I generally feel

Founded by Dick D. Zigun (pictured below), the Mermaid Parade has been a Coney Island institution since 1983. A self-proclaimed celebration of “ancient mythology” and the “honky-tonk rituals of the seaside,” it embodies everything we love about Brooklyn’s historic entertainment district: iridescent chaos, schmaltzy charm and of course, shameless nudity. This year’s

My best friend came to visit a few weeks ago and he had never been to New York City. I panicked as to how to fit in a full experience in just a few days. Then I realized the best way to submerge yourself in any new place is through

About 20 years ago Michael Jordan was winning his second NBA championship, people used beepers to stay in contact efficiently, and riots broke out in Los Angeles after the Rodney King verdict. Nowadays LeBron is just winning his first NBA Championship, people have smartphones that can keep them updated on

Sure it’s a blast to take a stroll along the Coney Island boardwalk, shoving a Nathan’s hotdog in your face while waiting for your turn on the Cyclone. But don’t forget about the attraction that has had New Yorkers trekking across Brooklyn for over 100 years: Coney Island’s famous freaks.

So after a long, snowy winter, summer like weather is finally upon us here in NYC. In the home of the $1,000 pizza, how is a cheapskate supposed to enjoy oneself? Here are a few suggestions for those of us who like to pay next to nothing to get our