It's a struggle many Hamilton fans are currently facing: how to get tickets to see the show? With completely sold out shows and a lottery that receives over 10,000 entries per show, it seems like the only way to get tickets is via human sacrifice. So while you continue to face the day to day struggle without Hamilton in your life, here are some fun, simple day trips you can take around the NYC area that focus on our new favorite founding father.
1. The Ham4Ham Show
This one is pretty much a given but the Ham4Ham show is probably the best chance you have of winning the lottery. It's the only lottery that is required to be done in person which means fewer participants (though, make no mistake, the line will still be extremely long). And, even if you don't win the lottery, this is probably the only chance you will get to see any of the cast, especially Lin-Manuel Miranda. Lotteries occur Wednesdays at 12:30 pm. While it doesn't matter how early or late you arrive for lottery purposes, be sure to get there early if you want a good viewing of the show!
2. Columbia University
What was once known as King's College is actually now Columbia University. So if you want to see where Hamilton got his education, look no further. Located at 1130 Amsterdam Ave is Hamilton Hall. While it's just administrative buildings inside, at least there's a fancy statue of the man himself in front!
3. Hamilton Grange
While this isn't where the house was originally located, having moved twice from its upper Manhattan estate, the Grange is now a National Park Service site. Located in St. Nicholas Park, the Hamilton Grange is open Wednesdays to Sundays until about 4:30 pm.
4. Federal Hall
Want to see where Hamilton and Aaron Burr practiced law? Then look no further. Federal Hall was the first capitol building as well as where Hamilton and Burr defended Levi Weeks who was accused of murdering his soon-to-be-bride. It was the first major murder trial recorded in the United States shortly after America gained its independence. Now, if only Hamilton and Burr had remained the "dream team" everyone thought they were. Federal Hall is located at 26 Wall Street and, best of all, it's free to tourists from 9am-5pm during the week!
5. Thomas Jefferson's Residence
So what if you can't be in the room where Hamilton's being performed? Just go to the room where it happened instead. 57 Maiden Lane in Manhattan is where Thomas Jefferson temporarily stayed as Secretary of State. It's also where the compromise of 1790 occurred, a formal dinner between Jefferson, Hamilton, and Madison. Hamilton got the banks and Jefferson got the capitol location. While you can't necessarily go inside the building, there is a plaque commemorating the site.
6. Weehawken Dueling Grounds
Take the Port Imperial Weehawken ferry located at Midtown West 29th Street to cross the river into New Jersey. You'll find up on a hill along Hamilton Ave the Weehawken Dueling Grounds where Hamilton's son, Philip, was killed in a duel defending his father's name. It's also the same site where Hamilton and Burr would later duel and where Hamilton lost his life. Although the site consists of just a bust of Hamilton, a plaque, and a replica of the rock Hamilton supposedly laid upon after he was shot, it's still a pretty cool place to check out for any Hamilton fan.
7. Trinity Church
Hamilton's final resting place. You can also find Elizabeth Schuyler, Philip Hamilton, and Angelica buried here. It's one of the more popular places to visit whether you have or haven't seen Hamilton.
So if you want to stop feeling sorry for yourself that you can't see Hamilton, get going. You've got a lot of adventures waiting for you.
