New York Explorers:

BY LAUREN FELDMAN lfeldman@antonmediagroup.com

Spring is a chance for intrepid explorers to once again venture from their homes into the wide world. Long Island residents are particularly lucky, being so close to a plethora of exciting events, opportunities, and travel destinations. Whether you’re a family on spring break, a newcomer to the area, or are looking to get more in touch with the history of New York, the Ellis Island and Statue of Liberty Island tour offers something for you.

This editor, a lifelong Long Island resident, recently embarked with Statue City Cruises, the only authorized ferry service to visit these islands, for the very first time. Tours recently reopened to the public for Spring and Summer. Departing straight from The Battery at the southern tip of Manhattan—or Liberty State Park in Jersey City—a quick ferry ride delivers visitors to the shores of Lady Liberty. Perhaps the most popular and sought after experience is the ability to climb up the Statue of Liberty. In recent years, much of the statue has been closed due to maintenance and safety concerns. Visitors will be pleased to note that this season currently allows visitors to ascend Lady Liberty’s pedestal, as well as her crown. Pedestal and crown climbs offer visitors a unique and exciting view of both the New York City and New Jersey shorelines. These tickets must be purchased online in advance, and often sell quickly. Interested visitors should be sure to book their pedestal climbing tickets as soon as possible to ensure they can partake in this experience. For those who are unable to climb the statue, however, do not suppose that your trip will be lacking. There is much to do on the island besides.

This island, while small, offers an in depth, dynamic, and interactive exploration of the history of New York’s famous statue. From its conception by French designer Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi to the complicated scaling process and several construction challenges, visitors to the Statue of Liberty Museum can follow along all stages of Lady Liberty’s own immigration to the United states. Highlights from the museum include interactive models of the statue, many to scale with the real-life version—such as her foot, face, and ear—as well as a brief film on her history, and fun facts about aspects of her development.