We Won't Walk Like Tourists, I Swear (New York, Roosevelt: 2014, movies)

[ummyeahtony]

Hello all,

So my best bud and I are heading to New York City for the first time in a few months. We will be there from November 20th to the 26th, 2014. I was wondering if any of you have some insight or tips on the hidden side of NYC. We'll of course be doing a handful of touristy things, but for the most part we want to find some really neat and unique events, activities, and places to check out. What kind of awesome groups meet up to do fun and artsy stuff? What is a good place to find out about upcoming indie/rock concerts? Where are the best flea markets, vintage shops, places to spend an afternoon, festivals, interesting stores, free/cheap things to do in this mighty city? I know that New York has so much to offer, so basically I'm asking what your favorite of-the-beaten-path things to experience are, anything from outdoor movies, parties, volunteer work, exhibits, fairs, comedy shows, gatherings, coffee shops, galleries, infamous locations, plays, sculptures, parks, whatever. Major tourist traps aside, what do you, the very people that live there do?! Any and all suggestions are warmly welcomed and appreciated.

Thanks!

[Gramercy]

I'd check out Time Out NY before you arrive.

[Henna]

For food off the beaten path, you could find some local food blogs where the bloggers make a practice of exploring hole in the wall places and unusual cuisines. Some are Chopsticks and Marrow | New York City Food Adventures with Joe DiStefano
Eating In Translation
Jeffrey Tastes – Queens Qustodian
Food Forums - Chowhound

Also, you could join some meetup.com groups and attend a few outings while you are here.

[jad2k]

For indie concerts and shows:

BrooklynVegan

[Chava61]

The Brooklyn Botanical Gardens has free admission on Tuesdays and the Bronx Botanical Gardens has free admission on Wednesdays.

[Kefir King]

Don't worry about seeming like tourists and thus the very best attraction NYC has to offer is the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Nothing comes close.

[punkfan39126]

Take the 7 train to 61 st in Queens and eat your way up Roosevelt Ave to 82 st and ride back. Best ethnic food in the city.

[BinxBolling]

Check out the Morris Jumel Mansion and Sylvan Terrace in Washington Heights, make your way up to Fort Tryon Park and the Cloisters, stop for Dominican food on the way.