A visit to the Statue of Liberty

It was the first time that my kids had visited New York City. One a teenager, one a pre-teen. We had a lot on our agenda that trip: the Empire State Building, a play (Phantom of the Opera), a baseball game (Yankees) and much more.

But, one of the things I was longing for and was hoping they would too, was just a simple boat ride. A boat ride to “Lady Liberty” and Liberty Island. A trip to visit our nation’s Statue of Liberty.

You see, many years ago, when I was 8 or 9 or so, my parents took us for a car trip up I95 from Philadelphia to New York to visit her. My parents, two sisters and me.

I can’t remember the year or the time of year. It was a grey day, but the city, New York City, was a big magical place. So it was not just de ja vu, it was my attempt to hand down a tradition and to pass on a little of our nation’s history to my children.

And the boat ride was magical as well.

But, this time, it was different. I was the parent taking my kids to visit her.

By contrast, it was a gorgeous June day in New York. The waters were choppy, as usual. Our tour guide on the boat was an ex-actor who spoke emotionally as we passed by the World Trade Center site and spoke enthusiastically as we approached Lady Liberty on the island

Many people put many things on their lifetime to do lists. One of the things you should do is not just go see Lady Liberty in that fantastic and historic harbor. But go and take others with you. A friend, a family member, or better yet one of your children.

You’ll be surprised how small the island is.You should take many, many pictures.You should spend as much time as possible there, taking in the whole scene.Visit and enjoy the Statue of Liberty museum.

You should spend time listening to your tour guide, listening and taking in all the beautiful history of our beautiful Lady Liberty. A gift from France, but now our long standing symbol of political and economic freedom.

Other details: Ferries leave frequently, but you should buy your ferry tickets in advance at statueoflibertyferry.com to avoid the lines. (the ferry takes about 25 minutes to arrive at Liberty Island) Also, pack some rain gear, you never know what kind of weather you’ll encounter.

I doubt my kids got as much out of the boat ride to Lady Liberty as I did. I know they enjoyed the Empire State Building, the play (Phantom) and the baseball game and much more.

But, they will remember it many years from now with their children when they take the ferry to our Lady Liberty.

A visit to the Statue of Liberty

05/04/10

Liberty Island in New York Harbor 212-363-3200