Three thrifty and non-touristy New York hangs

One of the things that amuses me about tourists -- and of course, I am one as well -- is that they land at airports, pick up a guide, then follow the points of interest like sheep. Not just sheep, but sleepy, overeating, overdrinking, unimaginative sheep. This is why San Franciscans, Parisians and New Yorkers instinctively bristle at the notion that yet another tourist season is upon them.

It shouldn't be like that.

You can blend into the scene in these cities, act like a local, dress as if you just stepped out of a class at NYU instead of off the double-decker bus inching through Times Square. It starts with your attitude, and leaving fear back home in Indiana or Peru or wherever you came from.

1. 72nd and Broadway, Upper West Side

This reporter lived on 73rd and Broadway from 2004 to 2006 and had a ball. Take the 1, 2 or 3 train from Times Square and get off at 72nd. Head out of the station and grab a hot dog from Gray's Papaya, right there on the corner, if you are hungry. Cheap, tasty, perfect. Then walk either a few blocks east or west, depending on whether you're interested in hanging at Central Park or Riverside Park. It's still winter, so be prepared to lace up your skates and head to Wollman Rink at Central Park South (59th) and Fifth Avenue. This is near the famous Plaza Hotel, site of Elliot Spitzer's latest shenanigans and just a heartbeat away from Mrs. The Donald's digs at Trump Tower. For my money, though, I like Riverside Park on a Saturday. Far fewer tourists, not even sure if they know about it, and you can take your dog to the dog park to run around. In the spring, rent a kayak and pretend you're about to see Sully land in the Hudson. Note: this time of year check the weather report carefully. You don't want to plan for a picnic and there's seven inches of snow outside. Watch for ice, tourists. Yes, you'll fall.

2. Broadway and Prince Streets, SoHo

This is where you'll find one of my favorite megamarkets, Dean and Deluca. Ummm. Went there before Christmas and found some marvy French cookies and flowers that I'm still dreaming about. Divine coffee and cute little hang right there at the front. Walk up a few blocks and talk to one of the Apple geniuses if your Mac is perplexing you. This area is full of fashionistas but you'll also stumble across cool freebies and upscale demos. I once got my picture taken free of charge by a Getty photographer (right before my birthday party!) simply by agreeing to be part of an ad. Don't fret if you're not a millennial anymore. I hung around here for several hours around the holidays and felt 30 again. Too bad, though, that Irish pub Puck Fair on Lafayette's gone out of business. You can enjoy a brewskie a few blocks up at 203 Spring Street at the SoHo Room. I just chilled out with a glass of Chardonnay in the back, but indulge in a Tex Mex burger for less than $12. Super comfy, craft beers, you name it. Excellent vibe for couples or solos, as I was.

3. 23rd and Tenth, The High Line.

I could hang out on the High Line for eight hours at a stretch looking at the city behind me and the Hudson to the west, as well as below. Just reopening this past Friday, the time is right to visit this park in the sky. You'll feel like a kid skating through a cloud. F-r-e-e. Wear some decent sneakers, pack a lunch and bring your water. Don't forget your camera or iPhone - the 1.45-mile (2.33 km) walk screams photogenic at every turn. I like the greenery on top of the path, the blend of visitors from other countries and states (these are not your Times Square tourists, but people who have enough imagination to think a walk is more fun than a museum of waxed superheroes on 42nd). Climbing down, continue walking west til you hit the jubillent Chelsea Piers. So much to do, so much to see. Bowl, swim, take a cruise. I loved the Classic Harbor yacht trip I sailed out on last spring.

One piece of advice for visiting New York: don't buy into the hype. This is not a city full of rude people or hucksters. Yes, it's fast-paced, super fast if you're not used to it. That's why it's important to seek out the quieter, natural parts of New York. If you have only a few bucks for one good map, get a city map that includes the parks. Central Park will surprise you with its plethora of birds and flowers and plants. I have sat in the Great Meadow watching squirrels chase each other, roller bladers check each other out, and bald men in baseball caps act like high schoolers on the field.

Find your own New York and tell me about it in the comments below. Have fun!

Photos: Top 6, by Laurie Wiegler: L-R Top row - the author at Riverside Park, 2006; The author in Central Park on a snowy day, Upper West Side entrance around 68th St.; next row - A young Harlem student Celeste, 2009, in front of Riverside Park on West End Ave.; R- the author at Sephora, photo by Getty photography Cindy Ord, on Broadway, SoHo, 2013; next row, two shots of the High Line in New York City; last row courtesy of Wikimedia Commons Images, By Marcel René Kalt alias Groovio - Own work.

Contact me at lauriewiegler@gmail.com or by visiting my website.