Free Travel for Teachers

Teaching and travel are my two passions in life. A few years back, I discovered a way to travel and become a better teacher, for almost no cost! The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) offers free summer courses just for teachers around the United States and World. Even though the programs are free, the cost of travel would still prevent many teachers from participating, which is why the NEH offers a stipend to all teachers that complete the courses. The stipends (which are taxable income) range from $1200 for week-long courses, to $3,900 for five-week courses.  Though you certainly won't make money earning an NEH Summer Program grant, you may be able to get pretty close to breaking even. 

What to Expect
I participated in a short NEH program in April 2010 called American Visions: NEH Picturing America held at the Newark Museum. The program focused on how to use Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS) in the classroom, and was taught by experts in the field. That program remains, hands down, the best training for education that I have ever attended. As a travel enthusiast, it was great to be in Newark, New Jersey because I took a few tris in Manhattan once our sessions for the day were over.

This June, I will again be participating in an NEH Summer Program. I will be traveling to Gettysburg Pennsylvania, to be participate in On Hallowed Ground: Gettysburg in History and Memory. The workshop will be taught by the faculty of Gettysburg College and will hopefully open new way for me to teach the Battle of Gettysburg to my students. I fill in details on this blog when I return.

How to Apply
Check out the NEH summer program website at http://www.neh.gov/divisions/education/summer-programs. The summer 2014 programs are closed for applications, but you'll get a good sense of the variety and scope of programs offered. Keep checking back in the fall or winter to see when the new programs are announced. You can apply for up to two programs, but may only participate in one. I applied for two programs this past year, and was lucky enough to be accepted to both. Applications are usually due in early March. My advice would be to find a program that fits your passions and interests in teaching, not the location of the program. 

If you have participated in a NEH Program for Educators, I'd love to hear about your experience! In the comment section, please share your experience and any advice you have for teachers thinking about applying for a NEH grant! 

Beat the Rush to La Mina Falls

La Mina Falls El Yunque National Forrest

A quick image search of La Mina Falls shows why it is one of Puerto Rico's most popular tourist destinations. It doesn't get much better than a waterfall in the middle of a tropical rainforest that is also safe enough to swim! However, most images also show a crowded pool full of people all waiting to get their picture taken in the falls. My wife and I were not interested in fighting crowds or taking part in the group tours of the falls. Our solution was simple; rent a car and arrive early! 

What to Expect
We left our condo in San Juan at 7am and followed Rt 3 until turning right onto PR-191 to the El Yunque National Forrest. There are signs on Rt 3 and PR-191 clearly marking El Yunque National Forest. The visitors center did not open until 9 am, cost $4, and didn't interest us so we skipped it. We instead drove straight up the steep and curvy mountain road to the La Mina Trail parking lot. The entire drive from San Juan to the La Mina parking lot took about an hour.

The 30 minute walk to La Mina Falls was not overly difficult, but I would recommend wearing sturdy shoes. The .7 mile trail has some steep up and downs and was slick with water. It rained off and on the entire time we were there (which is normal considering it is a rainforest). We arrived at La Mina Falls at 8:30am and had the entire area all to ourselves--our own little tropical hideaway! We spend 30 minutes swimming in the pool, snapping photos, and enjoying the falls without another soul in sight. On the hike back we encountered a couple of tour groups headed toward the falls. We had beat the rush!

Trail to La Mina Falls

Just the Basics 

• Location: El Yunque National Forest, Puerto Rico
• Website: http://www.fs.usda.gov/main/elyunque/home
• Cost: Free ($4 if you go to the visitor's center)
• Advice: Arrive early to avoid the crowds. Wear sturdy footwear for the falls to avoid cutting your foot on a rock in the water. 

Minnesota's Best Free Museum

Lost in the MIA=Perfect Afternoon

Minneapolis's best free attraction might also be it's best overall attraction.  The Minneapolis Institute of Arts displays top-notch art from around the globe without charging a cent for it's permanent exhibits.  This is not your typical free museum with so-so displays; the Minneapolis Institute of Arts has masterpieces from the likes of Vincent Van Gogh, Claude Monet, and Andy Warhol.  It also boasts the nation's best Asian art collection and keeps a definition of art open to include furniture, weapons, and architecture.  Did I mention that it is free to visit?

What to Expect

I visited the Minneapolis Institute of Arts (often called the MIA) as a respite from a cold February afternoon.  I should have planned a full-day visit.  The Institute is much larger and better than I had expected.  The Institute stretch over three floors and three wings and are divided between regions of the world and time periods.   There are free tours of the museum available every day.  If you miss one of the free tours,  recorded audio tours are available for $5.  If you have a smart phone, many of the exhibits have a QR code that you can scan for more information.  The Institute also has a cafe on the main level and a D'Amico & Sons restaurant on the second floor.  

Van Gogh Olive Trees with Yellow Sky and Sun

I took the Institute's size for granted, didn't take a map, and immediately became lost.  Getting lost in the Minneapolis Institute of Arts turned out to be a blessing in surprise.  Rather than make a beeline for the pieces by Monet and Van Gogh, I became fascinated by other collections.   There is a section devoted to painting and drawings of Minneapolis, St. Paul, and Lake Superior made well before Minnesota was even a state.  I was also impressed by the exhibit on the architecture design of Frank Lloyd Wright that included a full-sized section of a house he designed on Lake Minnetonka.  Before making my way to the European collection, I also was shocked to see Andy Warhol's Marilyn Monroe on display.  I had no idea such a famous piece was made it's home in Minneapolis!

By the time I had reached the impressionism collection, I though I was in for a let down, but I was not.  Van Gogh's Olive Trees with Yellow Sky and Sun did not disappoint. However, by the time I was through the European Art section, it was nearly closing time!  I never even got a chance to view collections of art from Africa and their world-famous Asian art collection.  I'm planning another visit to the Minneapolis Arts Institute next week just to catch up on all that I missed!

Minneapolis Institute of Arts

Just the Basics

• Location: 2400 3rd Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55404
• Website: http://www.artsmia.org/
• Hours: 10am-5pm Monday-Saturday, 11am-5pm Sunday, Closed Mondays
• Cost: Free, optional special exhibits may charge a fee
• Parking: Ramp/lot parking available off of 3rd Avenue for $3 for 4 hours, street parking is free
• Advice: Art lovers should split their visit into two.  The Institute holds too many treasurers to be viewed in one rushed blitz of the galleries.  

Sharks in the Mall of America?

Sea Life Aquarium shark, Mall of America

The Mall of America can be a scary place. Overzealous tourists, chaotic parking, and a general over-stimulation of the senses can break down even the most seasoned shopper.  Visitors to the MOA may be unaware of another danger in the mall. Sharks, giant octopus, jellyfish, and various other sea creatures lurk just below their feet!  Formerly known as Underwater World, the Sea Life Aquarium at the Mall of America is located below the first floor of the Mall of America. 

Just the Basics

My wife and I decided to visit the Sea Life Aquarium because teachers get free admission.  We were required to show our school ID at the ticket counter to get the educator discount.  In return, we were both given a year membership to the aquarium which also allowed each of us to bring in a guest to the aquarium at half-price admission.    

Jellyfish, Sea Life Aquarium, Mall of America

After descending an escalator to the depths of the MOA, the view that greeted me made me skeptical about what we would find in the Sea Life Aquarium.  The first exhibit, which feature an aquarium of stingrays and another shallow tank filled with starfish was underwhelming to say the least.  The tanks were small and the whole area seemed sparse of anything to view.  To make matters worse, the entire room was painted in a cheesy ocean theme more appropriate for a bad sea-food restaurant.  Despite the underwhelming start, the aquarium got better the further I explored.  

The next exhibits of small tanks feature jellyfish of all colors, a giant octopus, and sea horses of all sizes.  I had never seen any these marine animals in person and was impressed by the way Sea Life showcased the exhibit.  By using circular tanks and low room lighting, Sea Life allows visitors to get a 360 degree view of the vibrant color and detail of each creature.  The highlight of the Sea Life Minnesota Aquarium is a 300 foot ocean tunnel that is stocked with sharks, sea turtles, and countless other marine life.  Shark swam right above and beside me as I walked through the tunnel, which is designed to look like the lost city of Atlantis. I felt like a little kid giddy with excitement as I tried unsuccessfully to get the sharks and turtles to pose for pictures.  As we left the ocean tunnel, we walked through a yet-to-be completed exhibit on the rainforest, which seemed set to be a great addition to the aquarium. 

Ocean Tunnel, Sea Life Aquarium, Mall of America

Is the Sea Life Minnesota Aquarium at the Mall of America worth the price of admission?  For educators and those that plan ahead for discounted admission, yes.  For die-hard marine life nuts, yes.  For a family on a budget, probably not.  I enjoyed my time at the aquarium and was wowed by the up-close and personal views it offered of marine life.  Had I paid full-price admission, I would have left wishing for more out of my $20. 

Just the Basics

• Cost: Adults $19.99, Kids 3-12 yrs $15.99, Under 3 are free
• Hours: 10am-7:30pm weekdays, with varied hours on the weekend
  
• Location: Mall of America, Bloomington Minnesota
• Website: http://www.mallofamerica.com/attractions/view/sea-life-minnesota-aquarium
• Advice: Educators with school ID get in for free! Discounted tickets can also be purchased from their website. 

High Line Park, NYC

High Line Park, New York City

New York City's coolest new attraction is High Line Park.  The free park, located in the heart of Manhattan's up-and-coming meat-packing district, is a whole new take on public space.  High Line Park is built upon an abandoned elevated rail line.  The High Line sat as an unused eyesore since 1980, when it was last used as a freight rail.  Mayor Giuliani tried to have the tracks demolished in the 1990's.   However, a movement began in the early 2000s to recreate the tracks as a public space.  High Line Park was finally opened to the public in the summer of 2009.  This first phase ran from 20th Street to Gansevoort Street.  Once the second phase is complete in Spring 2011,  High Line Park will stretch all the way to 30th Street.   The park is an unique place to take a break from the bustle of the city while offering birds-eye view of the neighborhood.  It's no wonder that National Geographic dubbed High Line "The Miracle Above Manhattan."  

What to Expect

I was lucky enough to be given a tour of High Line Park from a friend who has lived in the neighborhood for over 20 years.  He offered an insightful perspective about the park; he was excited that the tracks were being used and that the neighborhood was being improved.  However, he was also a bit sad that the old world character of the area was being replaced by trendy shops and apartments.

High Line Park Phase 1

We entered the park from the stairs off of Gansevoort Street.  High Line is a combination of city, modern art, and an English garden.  There is ample room to walk on stone pathways that are bordered by plants, trees, and wild grasses.  True to the original rail line, High Line Park passes through the middle of some buildings, which in the past were factory stops for the trains.  Park designers purposely kept many portions of the original tracks intact and also chose to plant grasses and reeds that were native to the line it's years of neglect.  It should take only take you 15-20 minutes to walk the length of the first phase of the park, but you will probably want to stay longer.  There are wooden benches built throughout the park to relax and you never know who you might see.  On our first visit to High Line, we spotted Oscar winner Tilda Swinton strolling through the park.  Even celebrities want to check out Manhattan's newest wonder!

Just the Basics

Rail lines still visible in High Line Park

• Location: Manhattan's West Side, running from Gansevoort Street to 20th Street.  It is possible to access the park using stairs from at Gansevoort Street, 18th Street, and 20th Street. 
• Cost:  Free! 
• Advice: Use your time at the park as a chance to relax, rather than another destination to check off of your list.  
• Concessions: Sold at the Chelsea Market Passage. 

Minneapolis Sculpture Garden

Spoonbridge and Cherry, Minneapolis

One of Minneapolis's iconic images is the Cherry and Spoonbridge sculpture.  With a backdrop of downtown Minneapolis skyline, it is one of the most photographed locations in all of Minnesota.  The sculpture is located in the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, at the Walker Arts Center.  The Sculpture Garden has dozens of other sculptures to view.  The garden itself has a perfect central location between downtown and uptown, making it a great Minneapolis attraction.


What to Expect
The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden was first created in 1988, and later expanded in 1992.  Currently, there are more than 40 permanent exhibits on display, with temporary exhibits also showing throughout the year.  Though I think that spring and summer are the best times to view the garden, the garden is open throughout the winter.   Allow yourself an hour to explore all that the garden has to offer, including the conservatory.  A visit to the garden is best paired with a visit to the nearby Walker Arts Center.      

Without Words, Minneapolis Sculpture Garden

If you are looking for a different location for you wedding, consider the sculpture garden.  Nearly every locations in the garden can be reserved for events through the Minneapolis Park Board.  My wife and I held out wedding in the sculpture garden, in front of the Arbor and Flower garden.  The location was so beautiful that we didn't have to order any other flowers or decorations.    

Just the Basics

Cost: Free!
Location:
Across from the Walker Arts Center Building, 1750 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55403
Website: http://garden.walkerart.org/index.wac

Living Waters Waterfalls Balsam Grove

Living Waters Waterfall, Balsam Grove

Transylvania County North Carolina is known for it's many waterfalls.  One easily accessible falls that is often overlooked is just off of Highway 215 in Balsam Grove.  There is a fantastic short hike near the Living Waters Ministry Center in Balsam Grove, North Carolina.  The land is privately owned, but the area is usually busy with hikers and sightseers (who are allowed on the land as long as they are respectful).  The hike from the top waterfall to the bottom falls will only take about ten minutes. You can leave your hiking pack at boots at home for this one, it is easily accessible for even novice hikers.  

Living Waters Waterfall

What to Expect

 
If you are traveling from Brevard or the Blue Ridge Parkway, the road to Balsam Grove is curvy and slow.  There really is not a good route for people that tend to get motion sickness.  

Once you get there, bring your camera and possibly some swim trunks!  There are three to four excellent locations to take photos and a couple of places to take a cool dip.  

The Basics 

• Location: 58 Round House Dr Balsam Grove, NC 28708 
• How to get there: From Brevard, drive West on Hwy 64.  Turn right onto Hwy 215 (where Headwaters Outfitters is located).  Drive North up the mountain for about 15 minutes.  Living waters will be on your left side.   
• Where to Park: Most cars park on the side of the road.  The trail is located 25 meters downriver from Living Waters.   
• Advice: This is a very short hike.  It is best paired with a trip to Devil's Courthouse or one of the other area hikes.

Pedestrian Friendly Times Square

Times Square Advertisements

Times Square seems to be the epicenter for all the craziness that makes New York City the Big Apple.  Site of the annual New Year's Eve ball drop, there are few people in the world that wouldn't recognize the intersection. I'll admit that Times Square it is not my favorite NYC destination.  However, I am still strangely drawn to it every time that I visit the city.  There is something about all the bright lights, people, and energy that draws me in, despite my distaste for large crowds and noise.  I can't argue with those that call Times Square "the crossroads of the world!" 
What to Expect
Entering Times Square will probably trigger a sensory overload from all of the lights, people, and noise.  MTV, ABC's Good Morning America, Planet Hollywood, Hard Rock Cafe, and the TKTS booth (where you can buy discounted tickets to Broadway shows) all claim a spot in Times Square.  Countless neon and LED signs plaster every available inch of the plaza making it one of the most advertised public spaces in the world.

Expect to be hassled by aggressive salesmen peddling theater/comedy tickets or people claiming to represent charities.  Personally, I'd avoid conversation with anyone trying to get your money.

Times Square

In early 2009, Mayor Bloomberg began a trial program that closed a few of the traffic lanes in an effort to make the area more pedestrian-friendly.  I am a big fan of the move, having visited before the closing.  In the past, you had to shuffle down the sidewalks shoulder-to-shoulder with every other tourist in the world while trying to take pictures and avoid being nailed by a taxi.  The  street closings offer more room to breath and even some small tables and chairs to sit.  Times Square is within walking distance to many New York City attractions, such as Broadway, Rockefeller Center, the Empire State Building...the list could go on and on.  In other words, I'd plan to view Times Square on your way to or from another destination. 
Just the Basics 

Times Square Seating

• Location: Crossroads of Broadway and Seventh Avenue stretching from West 42nd to West 47th Streets 
• Cost: Free! 
• Advice: Visit at night so get the full visual effect of all the lights and glamour!  The best place to take pictures in atop the red stairs built above the TKTS ticket booth.  I would suggest pairing a visit to Times Square with the Empire State Building or a Broadway show (for those with a flexible budget) for a great evening in the city.

Free Staten Island Ferry

Staten Island Ferry Terminal

The Staten Island Ferry is a free ferry between lower Manhattan and Staten Island.  The short ferry ride is the best way to take pictures the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island at no cost.  The ferry that operate trips that stop at Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty are NOT free.  I have paid $11.50 for the Statue of Liberty ferry and it wasn't that much better than than the free ride that you can get from the Staten Island Ferry.  Besides, there is no better way to get good pictures of lower Manhattan than from the Staten Island Ferry.  See the pictures below and decide for yourself! 

What to Expect
The photo on the above left shows the St. George Ferry Terminal entrance on the Manhattan side, located at 1 Bay Street.  Both terminals are impressive considering they service a free ferry.  The terminals are spacious and clean with ample restrooms, benches, and concessions.   If you plan on staying in

Statue of Liberty from State Island Ferry

Staten Island, tourist information is also available in the terminal. 

Once the ferry arrives, follow the masses and allow yourself to be herded onto the boat.  There is bench seating throughout the cabin.  The large windows on both sides of the ferry allow good views no matter where you sit.  However, you should still plan your seating location depending what you most want to see.

• If you want great views of lower Manhattan, stay nearest the back of the ferry (where you boarded).  The best view is on the outside of the cabin (see photo above right).
• If you want great views of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, head to the front of the cabin and sit on the right side. 
• If you want to view Governor's Island and the Brooklyn Bridge, sit anywhere on the left side of the cabin.   

Once the ferry arrives at Staten Island, EVERYONE must disembark, even if you plan on immediately returning to Manhattan.  If you don't plan on exploring Staten Island, exit the ferry, follow the signs (and the rest of the tourists) and re-board the same ferry for the trip back to Manhattan.  If you get hungry at any point, there are concessions selling snacks, beverages, and beer on all ferries.

Manhattan from State Island Ferry

Just the Basics

• Location: 1 Bay Street 
• Cost: Free! 
• Advice: If you have extra time in the city, spend the day in Staten Island.  You can pick up tourist information and maps in the St. George Ferry Terminal. 
• Seating Tip: Sit in the front of the ferry on the outbound trip for the best views of the Statue of Liberty. 
• Concessions: Yes.  A variety of snacks and beverages (including beer) are sold on board.  
• Website: http://www.siferry.com

A Stroll Through Central Park

Strawberry Fields

 Central Park is my favorite New York City destination.  Every time I visit the city, the park tops my list of places to visit.  It's whopping 843 acres offer endless places to explore.  The park holds a special place in my heart...it is where I asked my fiance to marry me!  There is no way that I can do justice to all that Central Park has to offer, so I'll just mention a few of my personal highlights in this page. 

What to expect
The park is so vast that your itinerary should depend on how much time you can spend in the park.  If you only have a few hours, I would suggest the itinerary below.  The route crosses from the park from West to East.  The route is a great "museum break" if you are planning on seeing both the Museum of Natural History and he Metropolitan Museum of Art in the same day.  It also stops at some the park's most romantic locations.  If you have time, visit as much of the park as possible.  Exit the subway at West 72nd Street and walk across the street into Central Park, following West 72nd Street.  Look for signs to direct you to Strawberry Fields, the memorial the was created to honor John Lennon.  Lennon was assassinated in 1980 just across the street from Central Park, outside of the Dakota apartment complex where he was living at the time. 

Bow Bridge Central Park

From Strawberry Fields, return to the main road of 72nd Street (keeping the lake on your left side) to view the Bethesda Terrace.  The Bethesda Terrace is an excellent place to take photographs and it has also been featured in countless films.

Exit the Bethesda Terrace along the path that keeps the lake to your right (walking Northwest). You will reach the Bow Bridge, which is my favorite location to take photographs in Central Park.  The bridge stretches 60 feet over the lake. The bridge is one of the few spans in the park that is not made of stone. 

Loeb Boathouse Central Park

Walk over the bridge and continue on the path that keeps the lake on your right side.  A great place to stop and eat lunch is the Loeb Boathouse.

Belvedere Castle Central Park

The boathouse offers several dining options (from formal sit-down to take-out) that fit a variety of budgets.  If you are on a tight budget, I would suggest grabbing a sandwich or salad from the Express Cafe and taking it to eat somewhere out on the park.  From the boathouse, take five minute walk North to reach Belvedere Castle.  Stop in the castle to talk to one the knowledgeable guides before climbing the stairs for a 360 degree view of the park and Manhattan--the photo of the great lawn on the top of this page was taken from the castle.  Belvedere Castle is only open from 10am-5pm and is closed on Mondays, so plan your trip accordingly.

Complete your whirlwind tour of Central Park by stretching your legs or simply vegging out on the Great Lawn (see photo below) , which is located just North of Belvedere Castle.

Great Lawn View from Belvedere Castle Central Park

Just the Basics

• Location: North Central Manhattan--you can't miss it, the park takes up 6% of Manhattan's area! 
• Hours: There are no stated opening hours.  The park closes at 1:00 am.   
• Cost: Free! 
• Advise: Visit the park every day you are in NYC.  Seriously.   
• Website: www.centralpark.com

Brooklyn Bridge

Brooklyn Bridge Overview A walk across the Brooklyn Bridge is a must for any first time visitor to New York City.  The bridge spans the East River, connecting lower Manhattan with Brooklyn.  A stroll across the bridge presents artistic beauty, history, and stunning views of lower Manhattan.  Completed in 1883, the bridge was a technological wonder of it's time. It was the first suspension bridge to use steel support cables and it was 50% longer than any other suspension bridge previously built. What to Expect The Brooklyn Bridge seems to always be busy with pedestrian, bicycle, and automobile traffic.  Luckily, the pedestrian/bicycle walkway is located on a raised platform above the street traffic.  The location of the walkway in the middle of the bridge presents a stunning visual image as you follow the path of the support cables to the bridge towers.  But don't stand and stare too long, because you might be run over by other tourists or bicyclists!  It's hard to imagine that the towers were the highest structures in the world when the bridge was built.  Foot Traffic on Brooklyn Bridge If possible, plan to walk the bridge on a day when the weather looks favorable.  Cold weather, cutting winds, and rain (or snow) could quickly turn a planned frolic across the bridge into painful march against mother nature.  A brisk walk across the bridge, with time to take a few photos, should take 30-40 minutes, though your experience will depend on your traveling companions.  From the bridge, you can snap photos of lower Manhattan and even the Statue of Liberty.  If you don't want to walk all the way back to Manhattan once you've crossed the bridge into Brooklyn, you can catch a subway from the High Street station from Brooklyn. Just the Basics  Lower Manhattan from Brooklyn Bridge Location: 1071 Fifth Avenue  Cost: Free!  Advice: Time your walk with good weather if you can, otherwise you might be miserable!  As you plan your NYC itinerary, keep in mind that the bridge is close to Wall Street, Ground Zero, and the Staten Island Ferry.

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Best Free New York City Attractions

Sometimes the best things in life are free.  New York City is a place that you can enjoy on a small budget. In fact, much of the best sites in the city are free! . Here are some of my favorite free attractions.

• High Line Park- The High Line is a cool new park in the heart of the meat-packing district that was built on existing elevated rail lines. It's a great place to take 30 minutes or an hour away from the city while taking in modern architecture, art, and a little bit of mother nature.

Central Park

• Central Park- The iconic 843 acre park in north central Manhattan that offers just about everything you could ever need; open space, walking trails, a castle, zoo, lakes, restaurants, theater...the list could go on and on. Central Park should be number one on your list of places to visit!

• New York Public Library- Many people associate this library with the film Ghostbusters, but there are so many other reasons you should visit! The Manhattan branch of the New York Public Library system is a wonder for researchers, architects, and art lovers. There are exhibits and artwork spread throughout the library that is still used for academic research.
  

• Brooklyn Bridge- A great engineering marvel of the Industrial Age of America, every visitor to New York City should see the bridge. It's featured in just about every movie ever set in the city and is as synonymous with New York City as the Golden Gate Bridge is to San Francisco. Walk the bridge on a nice day for a great view of lower Manhattan.

Manhattan from Staten Island Ferry




• State Island Ferry- The best way to see both the Statue of Liberty and the famous skyline of lower Manhattan is on the Staten Island Ferry. While you are at it, you might even want to spend the day exploring Staten Island.

• Governor's Island- If you plan on traveling to NYC May-September (it's closed in the winter), this 172 acre island is a great place to spend an afternoon. Both the ferry ride and admission to the island are free. While you are there, you can partake in free walking tours or rent a bike. On Fridays, you can rent a bike for an hour for free! There are also special events and festivals that take place during the summer season.