New York City, Day 2

2019 Road Trip, Stop #1
New York City, NY
Day 2

After working for the first half of this lovely Friday, I met my cousin and her 5-year-old daughter at Bowling Green Station on the southern most tip of Manhattan. They wanted to take me on the free ferry ride to Staten Island to see the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan city skyline from the water.
Map of Staten Island Ferry

 The Staten Island Ferry

The Staten Island Ferry is a completely FREE Ferry that runs between Manhattan and Staten Island. The ride takes about 30 minutes and ferries typically leaves every half hour from each terminal. (Meaning that while you are getting off your boat after your first ride, the next boat is already leaving and you will have to wait 30 minutes for the next one.)

The ride out was amazing! It was beautiful, sunny and warm weather, and all of the windows on the Ferry were open and so we had a nice breeze to bring cool fresh air. Looking behind the ship as you leave the terminal, you'll get a perfect view of the city skyline coming out of the water.



The Ferry goes right past the Statue of Liberty on Liberty Island for a great full picture view. I recalled going on the island to see the statue up close when I was little. It was cool to see, but you aren't really able to take many good pictures when you're on the island because you have to look UP at the statue. All the native city-dwellers know that the best view of the statue is the FREE view from the Ferry.



The ride back on the ferry was not as pleasant. Unfortunately for us, the boat we rode back was a different model with no outer deck and windows that did NOT open. It was very warm inside and the air got stuffy quickly with so many people riding in a cramped space. Nevertheless, we made it across just fine and were greeted with the day's gorgeous 65 degree air as we stepped out of the terminal.

Battery Park and the Seaglass Carousel

Once we were back in Manhattan, we took a walk through Battery Park, which is right across from the station for the Staten Island Ferry. In this park is the beautiful and unique Seaglass Carousel.



Inside the swirling building is a magical, aquatic-theme carousel ride. Instead of the typical carousel horses, riders choose between different types of fish move up and down and in layers of overlapping circles in a crazy feat of engineering. Rides are a little expensive at $5 a person, but it's definitely a fun and unique experience!



Prospect Park

Back in Brooklyn, my cousin took me for a walk through part of Prospect Park on our way back to her apartment in Park Slopes (which is named for being next to the park). At 526 acres, this giant green space nearly rivals the size of Central Park (which is 843 acres). At it's northern most point is Grand Army Plaza and the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Arch, marking the signature entrance way to the park.



On my 3rd and final evening in the city, we spent time up on the rooftop with some beers and snacks to enjoy the beautiful skyline once more. I've been to New York City several times to sight see, visit friends, and see shows, but I never fall short on finding more things I want to do and experience. I'll definitely be back again soon!

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