This seems to be the year for grandchildren’s graduations! And this family is no exception;-) A mere two years ago we were traipsing around horse country in Kentucky and Missouri with the first granddaughter’s graduation trip. This year spring break took us to New York City for all the iconic spots as well as a few evenings at the theater with Granddaughter Haley, who is into her drama/theater class.

Name the sight to see in New York and it was visited-perhaps even a few you might not put on the ‘iconic’ list;-) There is the skating rink at Rockefeller Center (it was still cold enough to maintain the ice), Time Square, the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, 9/11 Memorial and the Empire State Building.

Perhaps the MOST iconic symbol is Lady Liberty herself. Designed by Frederic-Auguste Bartholdi and engineered by Gustave Eiffel (yes – of tower fame) she was a gift from France to commemorate the Union victory in the Civil War and abolition of slavery. After design and assembly in France, the statue was disassembled, shipped to the US and reassembled before dedication by President Grover Cleveland in 1886. It stands on Liberty Island and with Ellis Island comprises the State of Liberty National Monument. In order to visit the islands one must take a ferry from Battery Park if in NY. This excursion not only provides the means to visit the islands but exquisite views of the statue and Manhattan Island.

Fantastic views of Ellis Island can be obtained when up in the Statue of Liberty prior to a visit to the island. Ellis Island served as the principal federal immigration station for the US from 1892 to 1954. A visit here is a very good reminder of what immigrants went thru in order to enter this country and, in many cases, what they left behind.

The 9/11 Memorial Museum is incredibly moving for those who lived through it as well as those not yet born, as we learned from our granddaughter. It tells the story of 9/11 through narratives and collections of authentic artifacts. Housed in space under the towers, the museum has exposed supports that remained from the fallen towers. Truly an experience not to be missed – and best told by a guide who may have personal ties to the losses.

Many may not remember that NY was the first capitol of our country and many activities of our first president took place just blocks from this memorial scene. A pleasant walk from the 9/11 Museum to the Financial District and Wall Street, one can find The Trinity Church and the historic Fraunces Tavern, among other points of interest. George Washington, Alexander Hamilton and John Jay worshiped at the Trinity Church, and Hamilton and members of his family are buried in the Trinity Churchyard.

A good meal can be enjoyed at Fraunces Tavern. The tavern played a prominent role in history before, during, and after the revolution. Before the war, Fraunces Tavern served as a meeting place for the Sons of Liberty. In late 1783, the tavern is where General George Washington was honored at a banquet celebrating the British Army evacuation and, days later, where Washington bid farewell to his officers. Later, when the US capital was located in New York City, Fraunces Tavern was rented in 1785-1788 by the Congress of the Confederation to house the departments of Foreign Affairs and War, and offices of the Board of Treasury – serving, in essence, as the Nation’s first executive office building.

Back uptown a bit is the Empire State Building. An early morning visit would allow us to see the view of Manhattan Island from the top before it got too crowded. The tour now includes a wonderful museum telling of the property and the building of this iconic structure. Many photo ops were provided at this early morning hour with few people and ‘special’ tix that took us all the way to the TOP – – –

And then there are the museums! The Metropolitan Museum of Art is the most visited museum in the U.S. The popular centerpiece of the museum, and specifically the Egyptian Art department, is the Temple of Dendur. Dismantled by the Egyptian government to save it from rising waters caused by the building of the Aswan High Dam, the large sandstone temple was given to the United States in 1965 and assembled in a new wing at the Met in 1978. Many special events take place in this fabulous space including the Met Gala – –

Leaving the Met, one goes back many years to the Museum of Natural History. Remember “Night at the Museum”? Well – here is where you live it!!!

And now to the theater part. There are soooo many good plays – how does one choose a few? Maybe before one sits down in the audience for the incredible entertainment provided, a tour of the backstage inner workings would be in order – especially for someone who wants to be a part of it all. So – off to The Lincoln Center for a fabulous ‘behind the scenes’ tour by a lovely young aspiring actress. Such a tour when in NYC would be highly recommended. Included was a tour of two of the five theaters utilized by the Center with lots of information.

It is hard to choose plays, but Haley chose Hadestown, The Lion King and the Great Gatsby – all great musicals. Of course there were great dinners before settling in for wonderful entertainment. First up – Hadestown – –

There are just a few other places that one might want to visit when in NY. Maybe not iconic adventures – but so NY nevertheless. With all the walking back and forth to the various museums from the Time Square area – one MUST walk through Central Park. And in April it can be a beautiful walk as all the trees are in bloom. AND – one might want to stop into The Tavern on the Green for a bite of lunch. Completely redone in recent years, it is still a pleasant scene for lunch.

Just a couple of FUN sights – the largest Apple store ever seen!! Haley managed to score a watch here;-)

Last but not least is the M&M store. Gramps even scored some M&M’s with our beautiful pictures on them for his b-day;-)!!!

Unfortunately, the time came for Haley to return to California to finish up her last semester of high school. The TSA lines at JFK were non-existent, but flight delays required some changes. All’s well that end well and we all had a fabulous visit to the city that never sleeps.

E & G – What fun to have grandkids!