Another great Free NYC attraction - The Museum at F.I.T.

So, cold, cold January has arrived but not the fun part of January. The part where the calendar reads just after New Year's and the city has come to a frozen stop. All of your friends are suddenly broke and no one wants to leave their apartment because they have soup belly. Plus, with the sun setting at like a quarter after four in the afternoon, it feels dark all the time.

The worst part about this is that all the traditionally great free things to do in NYC- Walk the High Line, Bike Ride through Central Park, Run along Riverside Park - are suddenly terrible, terrible ideas. What to do? How about a visit to the Free Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology.(227 W 27th Street at 7th Avenue)

The Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology is the only museum in New York City dedicated solely to the art of fashion, and features innovative and award-winning exhibitions. The museum's Fashion Culture special programs run year-round and include exhibition talk and tours, fashion conversations with leading designers, lectures and book signings. Admission to the exhibitions is always free year-round. We've been impressed with our visits in the past and always a unique place to hit.

With a mix of permanent and rotating exhibits, the museum houses work from designers such as Dior, Chanel, and Balenciaga. With more than 4,000 pairs of shoes, 50,000 clothing pieces and accessories (dating back to the 18th century), and 30,000 textiles (dating back to the 5th century), there is plenty to see here. Be sure to stop by the Gallery FIT to view work from up-and-coming students and faculty members as well.

Hey and if you still need some Free middle of winter entertainment when you're done, go for a spin on The Staten Island ferry and have a contest to find the saddest Staten Islanders on the boat.

The 2013 NYC No Pants Subway Ride Returns

The 2013 No Pants Subway Ride in New York City. You have to smile just a touch when saying it. Ah, it is back once again. Like clockwork in early January of each year, those wacky folks at Improv Everywhere are hosting The 12thAnnual No Pants Subway Ride in NYC this Sunday, January 13^th from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Groups will be gathering in in Astoria, Downtown Manhattan, Uptown Manhattan, Flushing, and two locations in Brooklyn. 

Details can be found right here and if you're interested in a photo gallery of past no pants subway ride that can be found here.The premise is simple: Groups of people gather on random Subway platforms to ride the NYC Subway sans pantaloons. The participants (in theory) do not behave as if they know each other or as if anything is wrong. Aside from the lack of pants, everyone wears otherwise regular winter clothing.

The event is completely free, you can RSVP on Facebook and they raising the ante be selling official T-shirtsthis year. Hey, there is even an after party at Bar 13that afternoon.

Be forewarned: it is not a small, subtle event. So far, over 4,500 people have signed up on Facebook to join. That's a lot of people missing pants. 

Bottom line, if your goal is to make some new friends and walkaway with some memorable visions and good stories, this just might be the event for you. Although, where you keep your Metrocard without any pants  is your business.

We've written in more detail about this event - feel free to check out our former posts here.  Stay warm!