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Statue of Liberty National Monument |
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Taller than the Colossus of Rhodes, the crowned lady
with a torch is a universal symbol of political freedom and democracy,
given as a gift from France to the United States in 1886. There are
354 steps to reach the crown. A museum located on the second floor
of the pedestal traces the history and symbolism of the Statue through
photographs, prints, videos and oral histories. The exhibit includes
the original 1886 torch and much altered flame. National Park Service
Web site: www.nps.gov/stli
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Ellis Island |
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The chief immigration station in from 1892 to 1954,
with 12 million people passing through its portals. The Ellis Island
Immigration Museum tells the story of immigrants through an oral history
collection of over 1300 taped interviews as well as extensive photographic
archives. Visitors can walk through the same rooms as the immigrants
did. There are Self Guided Tours, Ranger Guided Tours, and Audio Tours.
Park Service Web site: http://www.nps.gov/elis/index.htm
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Buildings |
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World Financial Center |
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On the Hudson waterfront across from the former World Trade Center,
are four gleaming towers - headquarters for American Express and the
Wall Street Journal; at the center is one of the most beautiful
indoor spaces, the 120-ft-high glass Winter Garden filled with palm
trees and a grand marble staircase. Smart boutiques, fine bookstores,
indoor and outdoor restaurants, lunchtime entertainment events and
the bustle of high finance.Now, gleamingly reopened! www.worldfinancialcenter.com |
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Empire State Building |
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The Art Deco "Ambassador to New York," built
in just 30 months during the great economic depression or the 1930s,
rises more than a quarter of a mile. The Observatory on the 86th and
the 102nd floor offers panoramic views and the most popular place
for proposals and marriages on Valentine's Day. ESB features the New
York Skyride, a simulated helicopter ride in a virtual-reality movie
theater. lobby. Web: www.esbnyc.com
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Grand Central Terminal (and Market) |
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 A
northern gateway to the city and a monument to the country’s
preeminence in overland transportation, opened in 1913 in the heart
Manhattan. The Main Concourse rises to an elliptical vault 125 feet high, and is
decorated by constellations. An award-winning restoration has turned the
terminal into its own destination with fine food and dining. Web: www.grandcentralterminal.com
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United Nations |
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 When
you enter the U.N. complex, technically, you leave U.S.territory. The headquarters
were built in 1947-48 on land donated by John D. Rockefeller. Tours
take visitors to the General Assembly and Security Council chambers.
A lovely garden stretches along the East River. There is a large U.N. publications
bookstore and multi-cultural gift shops. Web: www.un.org
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New York Stock Exchange |
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Visitors can watch the trading floor from a narrow,
sound-proof balcony that makes you feel as if you are watching a television
show. Still, the bustle of traders and the amassing of video terminals,
LED displays and raw computer power is impressive. Although tours
operate every half-hour until 3:30, frequently, all tickets are distributed
by lunchtime. Web: www.NYSE.com
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New York Public Library |
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 One
of New York's classical treasures. Visitors ascend the marble
stairs, view murals in the high corridors,
attend lectures and exhibitions, follow tour guides and
purchase unique literary gifts. Request a book
from the collection of several million and sit in the 2-block
long reading room (Quiet please!) next to writers,
researchers and an eclectic cast of city philosophers.
Web: www.nypl.org
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Federal Reserve Bank of New York |
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Gold bullion. Millions and millions
of dollars worth is stored in the deep basement of the fortress-like
headquarters of the "New York Fed." The gold belongs to
different countries and visitors on the ever-popular tours can observe
as it is moved from one country's vault to another. No touching, please. Note: Tours currently suspended.
Web: www.ny.frb.org/aboutthefed/ny_tours.html
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South Street Seaport and Museum |
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A riot of souvenir shops, fashion boutiques, eateries, and musical entertainment, set
in a restored neighborhood with many pre-19th Century buildings. Lovely
views of the Brooklyn Bridge from the multi-level pier, access to riverboat cruises and bording of anchored square riggers. Easy bus parking make for an ideal unstructured group stop. Web: www.southstreetseaport.com
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Intrepid Sea-Air-Space Museum |
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 An
aircraft carrier in Manhattan!! The 37,000-ton Intrepid,
which saw action in World War II is anchored at West 46th Street
and welcomes kids of all ages onto its flight
deck to view fighter jets, helicopters and all sorts
of war machinery. Nearby, a nuclear-powered submarine.
Great outdoor fun. (Caution: Strong sun and big crowds Summer
afternoons) Web: www.intrepidmuseum.org
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Central Park |
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 An
oasis for Manhattanites that, since the 1860s, offers
something for everyone. A small, handsome zoo, baseball diamonds, tennis courts,
an ice skating rink, playgrounds, statues, boating and walkways. The Sheep Meadow and
the Great Lawn offer beautiful open views of the tree-framed skyline. Park rangers
offer nature tours for adults and students. Web:
www.centralpark.org
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Hudson River Shoreline |
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The great North River, became the commercial gateway
to America in the 19th Century when the Erie Canal allowed products
to be shipped to the Great Lakes. The shore, once lined with
railroad tracks and giant docks is being transformed into a continuous
band of parks, bike- and walk-ways from the tip of Manhattan to the
George Washington Bridge. In the Summertime, you can go
kayaking, rollerblading or running. There are outdoor
movies, concerts, children's entertainment and dancing on the restored
piers. Web: www.hudsonriverpark.org
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Bronx Zoo (Wildlife Conservation
Society) |
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The 265 acres of the Zoo (one of the of the largest
in North America) allows animals to be kept in relatively expansive
habitats. Monorails take you over and around tropical forests, African plains
and a Lion's Island. There is a separate children's zoo with many pedagological
activities. And, of course, there is "Congo," the gorilla habitat where the
huge glass windows let you go eyeball to eyeball with distant cousins. You're sure to
recognize one of your own. Plan the better part of the day for a visit. Web: www.wcs.org/home/zoos/bronxzoo
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New York Botanical Garden (Adjacent
to Bronx Zoo) |
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Here you will find wilderness, lawns, gardens, an arboretum
and the magnificent landmark glass Conservatory. This is also a
research institution. A visit can be not only a delight to the
senses, but an educational foray into the botanical sciences to learn
about how plants are used for flavors, fragrances and medicines. Interesting outdoor
option for the wheelchair bound.
Web: www.nybg.org
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New York Aquarium |
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Located on the ocean front at Coney Island in Brooklyn. Changing exhibits
and daily marine mammal demonstrations and narrated feedings.
Web: www.nyaquarium.com
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