Sightseeing in New York City

First stop for any red-blooded sightseer in NYC is the Statue of Liberty! You can hop on a ferry that takes you there and to Ellis Island - both of which are FREE National Monuments. You only have to pay for the ferry ride. You do not automatically get access to walk up to the crown - this requires a separate ticket which must be purchased before you get on the ferry. These tickets sell out way in advance so be sure to order them through the internet way ahead of time if this is something you want to do.

Officially closed in 1954, Ellis Island sat in a state of disrepair and decay for many years. The main building was restored and opened to the public in 1990. An additional 28 buildings are slated for restoration as funds allow.

Several building can be seen from the main hall that still require restoration work.

The exhibits within the Main Building highlight the daily activity of the workers and immigrants flowing through the system. An informative self-paced audio tour is available that adds significantly to the material presented on the displays. They do a good job of making you feel how intimidating and scarry it was to go through the process. No one wanted to be sent back home - many were fleeing repressive governments and America represented a new beginning for all who could successfully pass through the screening process.

A tracing room is also located within the main building for those who wish to try and trace the history of their ancestors through Ellis Island's volumes of documentation.

Evening NYC skyline from Ellis Island.

And here are some familiar sights, starting with the Empire State Building.

The FlatIron Building

The Brooklyn Bridge

And some newer architecture...

Pleanty of the old still remains - you gotta love the detail work.

It not often that you catch Lady Liberty putting on her makeup.And no trip through Harlem is complete without visiting the infamous Apollo Theatre.