A generation ago, millions of immigrants passed through New York Harbor on their way to a new life in the city of New York. For many of the émigrés, tired and hungry from the Atlantic crossing, the sight of the Statue of Liberty was the first image of their adopted country. For over one hundred years the statue has offered a sign of hope, acceptance and American achievement. More recently, the statue has provided the backdrop for Americans visiting Ellis Island in search of their ancestral roots, and also for foreign visitors who have always seen the statue as a symbol of what America is and promises to be. Following the attacks of September 11th the entire monument was shut for safety purposes and did not reopen to the public until August 2004, with Lady Liberty’s observation crown remaining closed to the public. However, on July 4th of this year the observation crown will reopen thanks to a special authorization from the Obama administration, adding just another amazing activity for New York’s visitors.
A visit to Lady Liberty’s observation crown is the icing on the cake to any visit to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. A ferry from downtown Manhattan shuffles thousands of visitors back and forth from the two islands and from the city’s immigration past and multicultural present. The Ellis Island Immigration Museum is a staggering tribute to the men and women who went to amazing lengths to find a better life on American soil. It is here where many Americans find the names of their ancestors who passed though the island engraved on the American Immigrant Wall of Honor. Nonetheless, the main event to any visit to the islands of New York Harbor is undoubtedly an up-close encounter with the lady in green.
Lady Liberty’s crown is finally open again, but still will not be accepting overnight guests. Fortunately, some New York accommodations offer views of the famous landmark, while others place guests with in shouting distance of some other New York City monuments. Below are a few available accommodations to get your apartment search started:
Battery Park and TriBeCa are neighborhoods that offer plenty of very convenient and central apartments for someone looking to stay at the heart of the city.
-This 2-bedroom vacation rental in Battery Park (NY-14578).
-This 1-bedroom apartment in Battery Park (NY-14403) .
-Clean modernity defines this 1-bedroom Tribeca apartment (NY-8901). An architect’s custom design gives the apartment an artistically unique feel.
I really have always wanted to go into the crown of the Statue of Liberty, but it has been closed for so long…:-(
I’m delighted to hear that the crown of The Satue of Liberty will be reopen, I’m absolutely dying to visit.
I was actually surprised when I visited the Statue of Liberty at how nice Liberty Island really is. If you have an entire day and do not want to be in the City or your apartment, it is a short ferry ride to go and read or relax on a beautiful day.
The first and last time I visited the statue of Liberty was 21 years ago. I should consider going back pretty soon due to the fact that I live in Battery Park. When my family will come for Thanksgiving Day we will go check out that crown!
I live in TriBeCa right now, and we have wonderful views of the Statue of Liberty. However, I wish my apartment had windows as big as those in the Vacation Rental picture. Also, I am almost positive that they are revamping the Ellis Island Museum as well.
A trip to the satue of Liberty is an adventure worth taking. It almost feel like you’re taking a trip outside of the city. I spend the entire day on the island, it’s a treat!