28 E. 20th St., 212-260-1616, nps.gov/thrb 
When thinking about presidential birthplaces, the image of a rural log cabin probably comes to mind more readily than a Manhattan town house. However, Theodore Roosevelt, in fact, hails from New York City (the only US president to boast an NYC upbringing), and his family's brownstone—where, as an ailing boy, Teddy lived a decidedly unglamorous Manhattan childhood—is open to the public for free guided tours. History buffs should arrive early to explore the ground-floor gallery prior to their tour, but, if the momentous artifacts inside—like the 50-page speech that saved Roosevelt from an assassination attempt or a rare photograph signed by Abraham Lincoln—cause you to miss it, another tour will start in an hour (the last one leaves at 4pm). When exploring the house's period rooms, be sure to ask your guide about the master-bedroom furniture set, which was purchased for the extravagant sum of $3,000 in 1865. Music lovers won't want to miss the home's free monthly classical concert series, featuring pianist Judith St. Croix on November 28. —Harrison Peck

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