Everyone who visits New York City seems to know about Battery Park and the Staten Island Ferry, but what fewer people know until they get there is that a castle stands here, looking out over the water. Though it may not be as large as some of its European counterparts, it still stands testament to the conflicts surrounding the founding of the United States.
The fort was originally built to keep the British at bay during the War of 1812, though it never ended up seeing any military action. Over the years, the structure was used as an entertainment center, an immigration center, and an aquarium.
Today, the bow-shaped castle has been restored and even houses a few cannons, pointed out over the water as if still to protect the city from invasion. Inside, tourists can buy tickets to see the Statue of Liberty, as well as purchasing souvenirs from the gift shop. Even with the ticket office and gift shop, the site never feels too crowded by tourists and is definitely worth a visit for history-oriented travelers like me!
Find your way with 304 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
"Rubenstein Atrium" in New York's Lincoln Center has a free performance every Thursday night. I recommend you try to arrive around 18:30 to catch a seat.
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Games of Professional Baseball in New York doesn't just mean watching the Yankees play and paying 100s of dollars: watch a Class A game for much cheaper!
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"Gray's Papaya" in New York equals classic hot dogs. This place has been here at least 45 years, and it's easy to see why. Great people-watching spot too.
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"Revson Fountain" at the Lincoln Center in NYC is one of the results of the renovation that started in 2006. It's spectacular and a must-see!
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"Paris Cinema", est. 1948, is the last single screen cinema in NYC today; what irony that it was saved from closing by Netflix itself...
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The White Clam Sauce linguine is classic. So much is served that what can’t be eaten on the spot can be taken home and easily reheated the next day,
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At the "American Legion Post 398" in New York City I get to hear jazz played the old fashioned way, Harlem in the '30s, '40s and '50s...
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"A Great Day in Harlem" is an important photo of 58 jazz greats taken in 1958 in NYC. The building on 126th Street where it was taken is still there...
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The 13-mile Hudson River Greenway in NYC, which begins at the George Washington Bridge, is the most heavily used bike trail in the USA...
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"New Plaza Cinema" in NYC has one mission: to show independent, foreign and classic films. It is run by a grassroots group; how long will it survive?
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"Manny's Bistro" is a French bistro in my neighborhood in New York. Susan & I prefer to sit at the bar, which makes us belong & contribute to the scene...
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