August 11, 2004 -- Everyone in New York seems either to be kvetching, embracing or abandoning New York during the Republican Convention, which drops into town Sunday, August 29. But what they really should be banging their heads against a wall about is the 8th annual New York International Fringe Festival, a gathering of talented, wacky and wild theater groups, performers, actors, emerging ensemble casts and avant-garde dance troops who combine to happily turn New York's East Village and the Off-Off-Off Broadway scene on its head.
The Fringe Fest, as it's familiarly known among the downtown cognoscenti, kicks off August 13, 2004 and ends August 29, 2004 (yup, the same day those excitable Republicans rumble in). Two hundred theater groups are expected which makes for plenty of talented young, old and middle aged men and women who love to put on costumes and play characters. It's not Mardi Gras, but New York becomes a much more fun place than it already is for those two weeks. Simply put, it's a great time to see the City and explore the small theaters, big clubs, great museums and small currently smokeless bars. Go to www.fringenyc.org for all detailed information on show dates, times, locations, and all extra events associated with the festival. In addition, you can purchase tickets for all shows on the comprehensive site.
Last-minute fares can be had at several airlines and use of the travel deal Web sites such as Travelzoo (www.travelzoo.com), Expedia (www.expedia.com), Orbitz (www.orbitz.com), Priceline (www.priceline.com), and especially Travelocity (www.travelocity.com) are sure bets to ensure the cheapest possible flights.
For a great deal at the conveniently located and historic Gramercy Park Hotel, call the hotel directly at 800/221-4083. Normally priced around $200 a night, if you book your room by August 18, 2004, the room costs $159.00. As an added bonus, hotel guests receive a key to Gramercy Park, New York's City beautiful (and only) private park. The hotel is also a short walk to many of the Fringe Fest's popular venues.
An even smaller and little known Greenwich Village charming hotel is the Abingdon Guest House (www.abingdonguesthouse.com). Located in New York's quaint West Village, the hotels offers a discount of ten percent on your entire stay if you book more than seven days as well as offers a third night free if you begin your stay on either a Sunday or Monday. Guest rooms at the Abingdon are in connected brownstones and are similar to rooms in old country inns. Prices begin at $149 for small but attractive quarters and go up to $229 for a larger room.
Flights to New York can also be had for good prices. Jet Blue (www.jetblue.com) offers flights into the city from a host of large U.S. gateways. From Phoenix, San Diego or Seattle, a roundtrip to New York runs $198 plus additional flying taxes. From Tampa or West Palm Beach, the roundtrip flight comes in under $100 at $98 before air taxes and departure fees. On United Airlines (www.united.com), a flight from Chicago goes for $198 if purchased by August 16, 2004 while Northwest Airlines (www.nwa.com) is offering flights for $174 from Milwaukee with good deals from other locations as well.
Check with the carriers with major hubs at your closest airport for details on getting to the Big Apple. If you have friends here, call them. Nothing like freeloading off a local with the skinny on things to do and inexpensive but high quality restaurants.
