"Forever, New York, New York" - Time Out 149

Sitting and thinking, and hoping and dreaming of traveling.

What an enjoyable regular pastime for me, and probably for many of you out there,too, the reading public of Our Town and far beyond.

How about let's re-visit a location I have been many times over the years. It's a universal destination that holds a special place for many world travelers, every 24-hour day of the year.

New York City (NYC)---The Big Apple!!

Previously, I have taken you on an adventure to this fascinating place, with an emphasis in the past, primarily, on the mid-town area of Manhattan. This time, we will stay in lively Manhattan, but concentrate on the so-called lower (southern) part of this famous borough. My bride, Debbie, and I have never actually stayed in this area of the magic city before, but have enjoyed the numerous attractions on display there, many times over. Therefore, I will certainly not be complete with today's written offerings, but will mention some of our favorite haunts.

Absolutely #1 on the list is the iconic Statue of Liberty National Monument.

It is located in Upper New York Bay on Liberty Island, and is accessible only by ferry service from Battery Park in Manhattan and Liberty State Park in New Jersey.

Gosh, my mind's eye wanders back to my youth of the 1950's, when my dear father, Col. Clarence Breedlove, took me to NYC for a vacation. He thrilled my young heart by taking me on the ferry ride out to Lady Liberty, and in those distant years, visitors were permitted to climb stairs up to the statue's raised right arm, and gain a magnificent view of the city, bridges, ships, etc. from her torch platform. Today, 10 visitors at a time are allowed to ascend the 377 steps from the statue's main lobby to the crown platform. As a young lad, I also marveled at the outside world from the crown observation area, even if my father had to help me with a gentle lift to the height of the viewing area. Thank you, again, Dad!

Remember, folks, the statue was a gift to our country from France, and was dedicated in 1886 in commemoration of our two countries' alliance during the American revolution. It measures 151-feet tall on a 154-foot-high pedestal, and with these incredible numbers, is the world's tallest statue in modern times. Visitors can also take an audio self-guided or a National Park Service (NPS) ranger-led tour of Liberty Island, so you should allow at least 3 hours to visit both the statue and nearby Ellis Island.

Ellis Island, located north of Liberty Island and accessible by the same ferry systems as the next stop, is also a must-see place. This location was our nation's main point of entry for millions of immigrants, 1892-1954. On display there are 30 galleries and exhibits in their museum, beautifully outlining the history of immigration in our great nation. Audio self-guided and ranger-guided tours are also offered on Ellis Island, along with a 28-minute film titled "Island of Hope, Island of Tears".

Back on Lower Manhattan, another feature that should certainly be seen is the National September 11 Memorial, and its adjacent spectacular museum.

This 8-acre treasure lies on half the previous World Trade Center grounds before the horrible event destroyed the structures, almost 17 years ago. There are impressive water features, including two large pools and a 30-foot waterfall. The design, titled "Reflecting Absence" is a very powerful reminder of that awful event in our country's recent history. Nearby, is the 110,000-square-foot underground (visitors have to descend 70-feet ) museum, an incredible, educational collection of that fateful time in New York City and our nation's history. The museum experience is so gripping with many major facets to see, you should plan on spending at least 3 hours on-site, and will be so glad you chose to see this special place in NYC.

Also, in this immediate area, is the One World Observatory, in One World Trade Center, said to be the Western Hemisphere's Tallest Building. At floor levels # 100, 101 and 102, visitors have access to a 3-floor observatory. Passengers get to this area via a Sky Pod elevator from ground level in less than 60 seconds. Wow!! In the observatory, there are films, displays, and, of course, absolutely awesome views of the Big Apple, and nearby New Jersey.

History buffs will also appreciate the Federal Hall National Memorial. It was at this famous site on April 30, 1789, crowds gathered on Wall Street to observe this structure's second-floor balcony. It was then and there General George Washington was sworn in as our country's first president. Today, in close proximity, is the charging bronze bull statue, representing the front of the legendary New York Stock Exchange.

Other attractions to mention are the Lower Manhattan classic neighborhoods Chinatown, Greenwich Village, East Village, Little Italy, SoHo. Lower East Side and TriBeCa. Each area has its own identity, charm, shopping, food, and great people-watching opportunities. Also out there to see are Brookfield Place, the very popular High Line (an elevated, linear public park), Lower East Side Tenement Museum, Museum of Jewish Heritage, Skyscraper Museum, Rubin Museum of Art, New Museum of Contemporary Art, South Street Seaport Museum, Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace National Historic Site, and the Whitney Museum of American Art.

O.K., folks, now you have been exposed to some of what's there to enjoy. It's now up to you to make it happen by experiencing it yourselves! Happy travels to all!!!