Travel & Things to Do: Recession Proof Outings for FREE my favorite word

Last week I got into the Newark Museum free because I am a resident. I have started to look for free events that I can explore in my recession proof summer. When you get bored and are without any spare cash, you get very creative and inventive. Here's a start for you in some cities... (Disclaimer: the text below for events I did just copy and paste and am not claiming any ownership)

blog on kns

50 FREE Things to Do in New Orleans
1Jackson SquareTake in the sights and sounds of Jackson Square, a good spot to take a rest, too. 2. Gallery hop in the Arts District along Julia Street on the first Saturday night of each month.
3. Join the parades during Carnival Season and Mardi Gras in New Orleans.
4. Stroll Royal and Chartres streets and window shop the arts, antiques and boutiques.
5. Enjoy French Quarter Festival every April, the South’s largest free music festival.
6. Watch the ships pass on the Mississippi River from Woldenberg Riverfront Park and listen for the Steamboat Natchez’s calliope.
7. Visit the Historic New Orleans Collection and the Williams Research Center.
More freebies in NO http://www.neworleansonline.com/news/2009/May/fiftyfreethings.html

12 FREE Things to Do in Los Angeles
1. Stroll through the black cultural mecca of Leimert Park Village located on 43rd & Leimert Blvd.
2. Take a tour of the small ethnic communities: Little Ethiopia, Little Tokyo, Little Korea, Chinatown, Little India (in Cerritos), Little Tijuana, and Little Thai.
3. Pick a farmer's market: Santa Monica (Saturday); Hollywod (Sunday);
4. Forecourt of the Stars at Grauman's Chinese TheatreVisit the Forecourt of the Stars at Graumans’s Chinese Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard to measure your hands and feet against the footprints and handprints of Hollywood legends.
5. Hollywood Walk of FameMeander along the Hollywood Walk of Fame to find the stars of your favorite celebrities.
6. Hollywood SignTake a look at the Hollywood Sign from the viewing area at the Hollywood & Highland shopping and entertainment complex next to Grauman’s Chinese Theatre or drive up Beachwood Canyon for a closer look. Another good viewing point is looking up Gower Boulevard. The sign itself is fenced off from the public, so there is no legal access to it.
7. Venice Beach BoardwalkTake a stroll down Venice Beach Boardwalk to check out the street performers, the hard bodies at muscle beach and the interesting characters wandering the strand during the summer and on weekends. Parking in the area ranges from $3 to $15 depending on the lot and the time of year. Limited free street parking is available in the neighborhood if you have the patience to look for it. Plug into more http://golosangeles.about.com/od/laforfree/tp/TopFreeStuff.htm

10 Free things in Portland
1. Forest Park: With more than 5,000 acres to explore, Forest Park is the largest city park in the United States. There are 50 miles of trails and 30 miles of gated roadways for mountain biking. Visit Forest Park for a run, hike, bike ride, or horseback ride.
Where: Because the park is so large, there are many entrance points. Check the maps at the Friends of Forest Park website
When: Daily 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.
2. Saturday Market: Hundreds of vendors sell handmade goods such as pottery, jewelry clothing and candles. Plus, enjoy food from the international food court. Each week, there's entertainment from live musicians, jugglers, and a variety of street performers. This is a great place to bring out-of-town visitors.
Where: Underneath the Burnside Bridge on the west side of downtown Portland.
When:Saturdays and Sundays from March – December 24. The market is also open for an entire week leading up to Christmas Eve for what’s called “The Festival of the Last Minute.”
3. Portland Farmer’s Market: Local farmers and food vendors sell the goods they’ve grown or made locally. In addition to excellent produce, you’ll find baked goods, meats, cheeses, and a variety of gourmet foods.
Where: Saturdays in the south park blocks between SW Harrison and Montgomery. Wednesdays in the south park blocks between SW Salmon and Main.
When: Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., April - October. For more visit http://portlandor.about.com/od/artsentertainment/tp/Free_Things.htm

Freebies in Atlanta
http://www.atlantaonthecheap.com/tag/free-events/

Freebies in Baltimore
http://baltimore.org/events/type/category/category/66
http://www.freefallbaltimore.com/

Free Admission Days in Chicago
http://www.naperville-lib.org/otherWebSites/entertainment/chicagofreedays.htm