In keeping with the theme of local, handmade, and all that inspires, I recently started to do a bit of adventure-seeking in the New York metropolitan area on the cheap and have decided to take you with me.

As a native New Yorker, I am continuously impressed with what exploratory treasures can be found just around the corner. Today, I begin with a few gems found in my backyard, Morningside Heights, Manhattan, to show that you really needn't go far or broke for inspiration or history.

A few little factoids for you:

The General Grant National Memorial, or Grant's Tomb, is the second largest mausoleum in the Western Hemisphere.
Location: 122nd St & Riverside Drive
Cost: Free (Yup, you can walk right in and all around. It's beautiful and is surrounded by Riverside Park.)

Columbia University is the oldest institution of higher learning in the state of New York and the fifth oldest in the United States.
Location: 116th & Broadway (a beautiful shortcut to Amsterdam Ave)
Cost of walking through: Free. Cost of tuition: Another story ;)

Tom's Restaurant is where the Seinfeld gang enjoyed so many of their cups of coffee (in TV land).

Location: 112th St & Broadway
Cost: Well, the picture is free. The coffee is not. ;)

The Cathedral of St. John the Divine is the largest cathedral in the world!
Location: 112th St & Amsterdam Ave

Cost to check out this architectural wonder: Free

So, what's around your corner? In the comments section, please offer suggestions for my upcoming adventures and they just may be featured in the next Around the Corner! They can be anything interesting to do or see in the New York Tri-State Area such as touristy sights, museums, galleries, monuments, artsy, cultural, educational events, crafty fairs, shows, markets, and the like for *free* or close to it. Thank you!

See you next time. Have a super weekend!

Virginia Kraljevic