This July 4, NYC is the Best Place to Go

Other posts by MudslideMama

(wikicommons)My family loves Independence Day. Every July 4, there’s a cute old-timey parade in our town, replete with dressed up dogs, homemade amateur “floats (decorated cars, mostly) and our honorary mayor waving gaily from a convertible. But the best place to go for this year’s July 4th may not be small town America. The Statue of Liberty is reopening in New York City on July 4, the first time it will be open to the public since September 11. 2001. If there’s a better reason to go to NYC this July 4, I can’t think of it.

Interior Secretary Ken Salazar said, “On July 4, we are giving America a special gift. For the first time in nearly eight years, we will once again be able to have one of the most awesome experiences in the world.”  As most of us know, access to the Statue of Liberty was shut down after 9/11/01 due to concerns over security. To address these concerns, limits have been put on this popular tourist activity: 10 people at a time will be able to experience the trek up to the 265-foot high crown. Those 168 steps will again be able to be climbed by New Yorkers and tourists taking a summer vacation in NYC.

We left NYC several years ago, so when we travel there now it’s as tourists. We stay in a variety of hotels. What could make for a fitting hotel stay in New York City for July 4? Well, an upscale Independence Day trip to NYC could include a stay at the Ritz-Carlton in Battery Park: To celebrate the July 4 reopening of the Statue of Liberty, the Ritz-Carton’s hotel package “Liberty for All” includes two ferry tickets to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, some in-room treats and amenities, and the introduction of a martini called “The Libertini.”

Now, I remember taking the subway downtown to the South Street Seaport area and looking out at the Statue of Liberty.  This was around six years ago, right before we moved out of the city. She seemed so remote then, and far away. This summer, on July 4, it would be wonderful to vacation NYC, get down to Fulton Street, and know that the Statue of Liberty is open for visitors once again. Just thinking about it is healing.

  • Share/Bookmark

May 15, 2009 | Filed Under Travel News 

Comments

8 Responses to “This July 4, NYC is the Best Place to Go”

  1. Miss Lori says:
    May 15, 2009 at

    I have had the pleasure of experiencing a mega July 4th in NYC, but not with my family yet. We did spend last years holiday in Philadelphia, and that was equally a riveting patriotic experience that I fully recommend. This year I will be going home again. My family and I will spend my first July 4th TOGETHER in my hometown, Milwaukee. The day will start off with a bang with my own Concert with the CAMPUS Kids at Summerfest, followed by an afternoon filled with music, rides, delectable food and rejuvenating water fountains. The holiday will close with the spectacular fireworks display on the water near the grounds. I vividly remember Independence days of my youth spent on the Summerfest grounds. Watching the fireworks from the rocks of the lakefront was utterly thrilling through my own child eyes. Watching them through my children’s eyes this year is something that I can’t wait to experience. The fact of the matter is wherever you spend the holiday, the fact that you spend it TOGETHER is what truly makes the memory.

    SMILE On!

    ML

  2. Amy @ The Q Family says:
    May 15, 2009 at

    I would love to take the kids to NYC! It looks like a fun time to be in NYC. Any budget-friendly recommendation for the hotel or apartment?

  3. Matt Stephenson says:
    May 15, 2009 at

    I would also enjoy taking my family to New York City sometime soon (especially since I’ve never been to The Big Apple). Two years ago we took a vacation to the Adirondack Mountains and after the trip I was ready to move there.

    I am trying to plan a trip to NYC this December. Id like to see the town dressed in holiday decorations.

    -Matt

  4. Rachel Cotterill says:
    June 7, 2009 at

    I didn’t even know they’d closed it – what a shame. It’s good to hear they’re opening it again, it’s too far for me to come to the US for July 4th but I will be in NYC in August this year :)

  5. Jon - The DC Traveler says:
    June 8, 2009 at

    I agree the Big Apple is a great July 4th destination.

    I loved watching the fireworks over the Statue of Liberty, when I visited one 4th.

    But I still love Washington, DC for a Capitol Fourth!! I guess the fireworks exploding over the Washington Monument withthe National Symphony Orchestra playing in the background just makes me feel patriotic.

  6. Inspiring Travel Blog Carnival – June Edition | Sharing Experiences says:
    June 16, 2009 at

    [...] month with a fantastic suggestion to celebrate America’s birthday this year, the 4th of July. Spending the holiday in New York City, you’ll be one of the first to take advantage of the re-opening of the Statue of Liberty. [...]

  7. christy says:
    June 29, 2009 at

    FYI the July 4th celebration is over the Hudson this year. For anyone who had plans to head to the Seaport.

  8. Monthly Travel Inspiration, Tips, and Ideas - June Edition | Sharing Travel Experiences: Travel More | Travel Concierge Services, Experiences, Recommendations, and Inspirational Stories says:
    November 8, 2009 at

    [...] month with a fantastic suggestion to celebrate America’s birthday this year, the 4th of July. Spending the holiday in New York City, you’ll be one of the first to take advantage of the re-opening of the Statue of Liberty. [...]

Leave a Reply