Check out c squat and some of the anarchist bookstores near by like bluestockings. There are some cool in city wwoof farms you can pop into, do some work while learning stuff and getting fed. I'd say go check out some of the asylums on LI like pilgrim state or Kings park, but be ready to spend some $ to get out there and then be ready to deal with a whole lot of trouble (police, gangs, tweakers, etc). If anything check it out with a friend. If you do decide, PM me I can give you some tips to not get caught/jumped and about the buildings. Also I believe the art history museum only cost a donation of like 2$ to see on Wednesdays. That's worth seeing