In case you haven’t noticed, the economy is still in the toilet and now with the stock market’s recent heart stopping plunge I’m definitely looking for ways to maximize my entertainment dollar. And Red Hook can definitely hook you up in the cheap fun department. Take a bike ride down to the water front but first make a stop by the ball fields and queue at the food trucks. There are lots of delicious options but my favorite thing to do is gorge on pupusas and tacos from the Salvadorian vendors and still get change back from my $10. Then you can take a ride around Fairway, pick up any extra supplies, beer whatever and sit outside at the picnic tables watch the ships go by. Or you could load up your picnic baskets, don't forget to pick up a fantastic Key Lime Pie at Steve's, and head to park surrounding IKEA. There are metal lawn chairs and an expanse of lush grass, perfect for kicking back and catching some rays. If you want take a side trip to the city you can take a Water Taxi to Pier 11 for 5 bucks each way, but its free it you spend a minimum of $10 at IKEA, and who couldn’t find $10 worth of Dutig glasses or Epistal plates in the house wares market.