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Going Back in Time in NYC
![IMG_7044[1]](https://gabriellahoffman.files.wordpress.com/2015/11/img_70441.jpg?w=620&h=620)
I’ve just returned from a weekend getaway to the Big Apple. Any reasonable person would ask, “Why in the world would you go to New York–let alone in early November?” (Lucky for me and my sister, last weekend’s temperatures averaged from the high 50s to low 70s!) Sometimes we need a change of scenery, even for a weekend. (NYC is a quick 3-4 hour train ride north of Washington, D.C.)
NYC is a very expensive place that lures tourists with gimmicks, bright lights, and cool incentives. Amid the dirt, grim, and busyness, there are some hidden gems inset in the Big Apple. One thing I highly recommend doing is taking a trip on Statue Cruises to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.
Tickets to visit both places range from $18 to $21. Adult tickets are divided into three categories: Reserve Only ($18 for access to the grounds of both places), Reserve with Pedestal Access (access to pedestal of Statue of Liberty included for $21), and Reserve with Crown Ticket (access to grounds at both places, crown of Statue of Liberty for $21). It was the best $18 I’ve ever spent in NYC, hands down.
-STATUE OF LIBERTY-
Below is a picture of me standing in front of the Statue of Liberty. Isn’t she beautiful?
The Statue of Liberty was gifted to the U.S. by the French in October 1886. It was designed by Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi and erected by Gustave Eiffel, who is famous for also building his namesake Eiffel Tower in Paris, France. “Lady Liberty” stands tall at 305 feet. Originally fashioned as a copper statue, the Statue of Liberty has succumbed to oxidation over the years and now boasts a green appearance. She is a testament to the principles of freedom and liberty that have come to define our great nation!
-ELLIS ISLAND-
Exterior of Ellis Island
Ellis Island is perhaps the most famous immigration processing station in recorded history. Established in 1892, Ellis Island housed and processed millions of people from all over the globe–particularly immigrants from Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Although it formally closed in 1954, today the museum welcomes tourists to explore and read corresponding pictures, footage, and documents that came to define their day-to-day operations. While it has been subjected to immense scrutiny over the years, Ellis Island served as a gateway for people to come here legally and to achieve the American dream. A mere few sentences about the monument don’t do it justice. I recommend planning a visit and dedicating a sizable amount of time to meander your way through it!
Below is a picture of the infamous Registry Room inset in Ellis Island:
Here are some interesting tidbits about Ellis Island I wasn’t aware of before:
- During Red Scare in 1920s, Ellis Island detained individuals suspected of boasting Soviet Communist ties and deported many of them. (Haha!)
- With the help of land reclamation, Ellis Island grew in size to accommodate the museum, detention centers, and mental hospitals.
- Most of Ellis Island is owned by New Jersey, not New York.
-WALL STREET-
Wall Street is famous for being the financial capital of the world and is often vilified by Democrats. (Ironically, Democrats receive the most $$ from Wall Street.) But did you know that it’s also the site where America’s first president George Washington was sworn in? Or that Federal Hall was the original site of the first Congress, Supreme Court, and Executive Branch offices in the U.S.? (I knew it was housed in NYC before but was largely unaware it is located right in the heart of Wall Street!) Such a cool find.
![IMG_7036[1]](https://gabriellahoffman.files.wordpress.com/2015/11/img_70361.jpg?w=620&h=827)
Also found in Wall Street: street vendors who sell pro-gun posters. Nice!
![IMG_7037[1]](https://gabriellahoffman.files.wordpress.com/2015/11/img_70371.jpg?w=620&h=827)
And what is a trip to Wall Street without spotting the Trump Building? Supposedly the man behind this will make America great again or something. (Hopefully not!) This is not to be confused for Trump Tower, where Donald Trump takes up residency. However this building is, in fact, owned by Trump Organization.
![IMG_7038[1]](https://gabriellahoffman.files.wordpress.com/2015/11/img_70381.jpg?w=620&h=465)
-MIDTOWN-
Midtown is renowned for being a tourist trap, a fashionista’s dream, and occasional foodie paradise. I generally avoid going here if I don’t have to, but I couldn’t resist stopping by NYC’s first-ever Chick-fil-A shop. (Mmmm, delicious hate chicken!) It’s located at 1000 Avenue Of The Americas, New York,NY 10018. As you can tell, the line was YUUUUGE.
A photo posted by Gabriella Hoffman (@gabriella_hoffman) on Nov 7, 2015 at 9:12pm PST
In addition to being a tourist, I channel my inner foodie whenever I come to NYC. I tried two new places: Oregano in Brooklyn and Nussbaum & Wu in Morningside Heights. (Fact: it’s virtually impossible to try every single restaurant in NYC, but it’s worth attempting to do so!)
Oregano is located in the Williamsburg neighborhood of Brooklyn. It’s known for wood-fired pizzas and delicious Italian cuisine. The second is Nussbaum and Wu in Morningside Heights near Columbia University. It’s a great cafe for breakfast or lunch. (I recommend the egg frittata with a side of bacon!)
Have you visited Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty? What were your experiences? Let me know your thoughts below in the comments section!
As always, I welcome you to connect with me over social media. Follow my accounts on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!
Source: http://thegabriellahoffman.com/2015/11/10/going-back-in-time-in-nyc/
