travelwithjamesdean.ca

New York City, New York

The “Big Apple.” or the “City That Never Sleeps” are nicknames for New York City (NYC) - and it really lives up to the hype.!!
This is where you find the biggest buildings, dazzling Broadway, museums, galleries, and boutiques. Most will want to see the highlights, Times Square, Carnegie Hall, Empire State Building, and the Statue of Liberty or simply relax and walk in the massive 341 hectares (843 acres) Central Park. Or the main reason for many visitors, is to come for the shopping - from Fifth Avenue or Soho luxury shops to Artists & Fleas - a warehouse-turned-artisan market of New York’s vibrant creative community.

Visit the NYC 911 Memorial

After the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Centre, the grounds have been used for the National September 11th Memorial & Museum honouring those killed, as well as the sacrifice of emergency workers.
The memorial, (also known as the Ground Zero Memorial) has 2 reflecting pools in the footprints of the Twin Towers, with the victim names in bronze around the pools. The museum illustrates the history of the tragic events with historical records, interactive exhibits, imagery and personal stories (The memorial is free to wander around, but tickets must be purchased for the museum)

Intrepid Aircraft Carrier Visit was a Big Surprise.!!

You don’t have to be a military fan to enjoy this museum.
Located at Pier 86 in Hell’s Kitchen, NYC, the HUGE decommissioned aircraft carrier USS Intrepid was transformed into a fantastic attraction, (even more recently updated and renovated). The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum features many of the legendary aircraft, including the stealth Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird, Space Shuttle Enterprise, some of the world’s fastest jets, cruise missile submarine USS Growler, and even the British Airways Concorde.!!!
(A fascinating afternoon that exceeded my expectations with the interesting exhibitions and interpretation of history displays)

Central Park is a Relaxing Oasis in the Big City

The first thing to note about this urban park in New York City is how MASSIVE it is, so you will need to plan on what attractions you wish to see.
Most Central Park visitors want to visit all the recognisable filming sites - three of the most photographed locations are the 1862 Bow Bridge, the famous horse-drawn carriages (known as hansom cabs) and the beautiful Conservatory Garden. Other favourites include the Central Park Zoo, Conservatory Garden, Central Park Carousel, even the Sheep Meadow, a popular gathering place, (although they have not had sheep there since 1934)
(Note that the Delacorte Theatre is a good location for public restrooms near the Vanderbilt Gate)

Looking for an Inexpensive Waterfront Tour.??

The Staten Island Ferry ride across the Hudson River is a great way to get a view on Lower Manhattan as well as a fairly close view of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.
Board the ferry at Whitehall Terminal (at the corner of South Street and Whitehall Street) and enjoy the leisurely ride that connects Manhattan to Staten Island - except during rush hour, when boats are packed with commuters. (Its only about a 25 minute long trip and best of all its FREE.!)

Why are there Broken Chains at the Feet of the Statue of Liberty.??

Universally known as the Statue of Liberty (“Liberty Enlightening the World”) by French sculptor Frederic Auguste Bartholdi is the historic patriotic symbol of America welcoming newcomers.
His renderings of the statue are said to signify the end of slavery showing hands holding broken chains. BUT, It is thought that with pressure from the American financiers, he settled for chains at the feet - not really his original message representing freedom from oppression and servitude..??