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Girl Gone Travel

North America, Travel
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February 20, 2009

Sights and Fun on the Staten Island Ferry Ride

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New York City is starting to show signs of Spring. There are moments when it still gets cold and the wind can be chilly, but lately there are more days when the sun shines so brightly, so warm, and when the temperatures are high and the air smells like a new season.

This morning I woke up to the sound of birds chirping outside my bedroom window.  I hadn’t heard this sound for some time, and the beautiful sound of nature inspired me to embrace the day to the fullest. But I wasn’t sure what to do. The list was endless. With Midwinter recess in full swing, it seemed as if there was almost a surplus of activities and events going on throughout the city.  But with three boys, two of them under the age of 4 to care for, I was not in the mood to venture into a situation where it would be too busy for me to watch my kids.

So I went to my computer and put out the word via her Facebook status. “Looking for an adventure with the boys.” Within minutes her friend John suggested I take a ride on the Staten Island Ferry.  Not only is it free, but, he also pointed out, it was a beautiful day.

“Of course!” I thought, “What a wonderful idea!” So I started getting the boys together, packed up all the necessary supplies, and headed out towards lower Manhattan.

The ride was long. From Washington Heights to the South Ferry Terminal stop it is close to an hour train ride. Lucky for me, it was still early enough in the day where my boys where happy, awake, and playful.

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We took the 1 train, after switching from the A, and it took us straight into the ferry terminal. The next ferry was leaving in 20 minutes, so I bought the boys something to drink from one of the nearby food vendors (cash only) and we sat alongside the windows, looking out to the water, and the Statue of Liberty from a distance.  The terminal is really spacious and bright, and pretty comfortable, especially when not crowded.

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Once the ferry arrived, we quickly boarded, walking towards the back and taking the ferry’s elevator to the third level where we had access to the outside, on the left side of the ferry and could take in the views.

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I have read reviews on travel guide sites where people, often tourists, complain about the views from the ferry, often disappointed that the Statue of Liberty is too far away. But there are water tours for closer views of the statue, like the Circle Line, and I recommend that if the purpose is to see Lady Liberty in all her glory that people pay the fee for those purposes.

For the boys and I the views are stunning.  The view of the Brooklyn Bridge as they left the Manhattan shoreline, the salty smell of the river water, the sound of small waves softly crashing up on the ferry side as it made it’s way across, the seagulls flying up and down next to them as they watch and took pictures, the Staten Island skyline.  To me it was all wonderful. The fact that there was hardly anyone on the ferry made for an extremely peaceful, quiet ride.

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The ride is a short one, and often times, once tourists arrive to the Staten Island shore, they loop around the terminal to catch the next ferry heading back to the city.

The boys had really enjoyed their ferry ride, and it might’ve been enough of an adventure for the day.  But on this beautiful day, I decided I would do something I had never done before.

I would actually venture into Staten Island and take the kids to the Staten Island Children’s Museum.

So we exited the ferry and headed to the gate indicating boarding location for bus S40 for stop at Snug Harbor.

And the adventure continues. (Read more: Afternoon at the Staten Island Children’s Museum)

 

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Carol Cain

Brooklyn native Carol is happiest when on an adventure, whether close to home or farther away. She is a small business owner and travel writer. In addition to creating Girl Gone Travel, she is the Founder and Principal of Brave World Media, a social media marketing, communications, and branding agency. She's mom to three wonderful sons and wife to a handsome Irish/Scot. She lives, works, and plays in the beautiful Finger Lakes region of NY.

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3 Comments
  • Evelyn
    February 20, 2009

    Can't wait to read the rest! Awesome pictures!

    Reply
  • Niurka
    September 10, 2010

    we took the ferry once with the kids as well and they loved it

    Reply
  • Carol Cain
    September 10, 2010

    Hi Niurka-It's free and on a beautiful clear day it's an awesome view!

    Reply

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About me

Hi! I'm Carol! I am an award-winning travel blogger, a keynote speaker, and the Principal and owner of Brave World Media, a social media marketing, communications, and branding agency. I a wife to a handsome Irish/Scot and a mom to 3 sons and 2 puppies. Welcome to my blog where I share stories of my travels and professional public relations insights and advice. Thank you for reading and for your support!

Carol Cain

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I’ve been a mom for a really, really long time. I’ve been a mom for a really, really long time. As the oldest of all my many, many siblings, caring for littles started very early in my life. I have cared for, changed diapers for, fed, rocked to sleep, booboo-kissed, advised, reprimanded, worried for, been frustrated and given anxiety by more kids than I care to count. Because I started caring for children so young, I was convinced I wouldn’t have any of my own. But I had my three beautiful boys.

I miss the little babies they were, sometimes to the point where it aches, but I love seeing the men they are becoming. I am most grateful to them for the ways in which they continue to help me discover more about myself both as a mom and beyond motherhood. My identity was never fully in being a mom, I never wanted that for myself and they all have respected, accepted, and given me space for that. And I love them unconditionally for it. Because as they start to find their own paths in life, I am not left with an empty anything, instead I find myself with a life fulfilled. Of which being their mom has been the greatest adventure.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the amazing mother figures, caregivers, and humans who have provided for another in loving, maternal ways regardless of biology and traditional roles and societal expectations. ♥️ May you find fulfillment, love, and joy in the ways you have tried to give to others who needed it most.
The Village of Monticello is located right off NYS The Village of Monticello is located right off NYS Route 17 (future I-86), mid-way between New York City and Binghamton. It is also the largest community of the Sullivan County Catskills. Like many rural downtowns across the U.S., Monticello has experienced some hardships. However, what I found especially lovely was how there is a vibrant BIPOC community, especially Latino, thriving with their small businesses and eateries keeping Downtown Monticello alive.

Imagine my delight to have seen several Dominican- Puerto Rican eateries serving and sounding like a slice of home. Last night’s treat was had at @nellys_latin_restaurant. 

Roasted pernil, grilled chicken, rice and peas, yuca, sweet plantains, ox tail, goat….the list goes on and on. Right here in Monticello, NY. I ate and washed it all down with a cool papaya shake, just like from the islands.

So, if driving through, be sure to check out downtown Monticello for some good Caribbean eats…and wait till I tell you about breakfast!!! Thanks @nickfingdavis for the find! 🇩🇴🇵🇷

#monticellony #catskills #goodeats @sullivancatskills
Nothing like the beautiful golden hour in @flxwine Nothing like the beautiful golden hour in @flxwinecountry.🌞

#myflx
These days you will find me walking in the rain, c These days you will find me walking in the rain, chasing waterfalls, and anything nature filled. Such is spring in the Finger Lakes 🌷

#fingerlakes #lifeinthefingerlakes #cascadillagorge #ithacany
I sometimes can’t believe how easily I fell in l I sometimes can’t believe how easily I fell in love with this life.

There was a time when my DREAM was to be one of those old NYC ladies living in a 4 story walk-up, and who people would often see pulling around her shopping cart from market to market. And while I long for a NYC that barely exists anymore, I do have to say I am still often surprised at how dramatically that dream has changed.

Now I dream of uninterrupted days spent tending to my garden and growing food and other pretty greenery I never knew I could. Or figuring out new recipes and sitting by the fire with my puppies on my lap.

I crave mornings made foggy by the adjacent lake, and early wake-ups by the sound of the passing horse and buggy on Sunday mornings.

Yeah. The world is big and there is so much I want to see still but I also love this place where it feels like nothing else matters, not even the mud on my hands and boots.

📸 Gardening bliss on a rainy day at @theflxcottage.
Yesterday, we headed to @tanglewood_nature_center Yesterday, we headed to @tanglewood_nature_center to scout a photography location. The focus was work. But as we took the 3 mile hike to the overlook, through the mud, in the rain…and the sun, because spring, and as the birds sung, the woodpeckers pecked, and the deer strutted, I felt myself feel lighter, happier, and at ease. With just a walk, in this beautiful place. Alongside my beautiful partner.

If you call the Finger Lakes home, I hope you can also appreciate it and the gifts it offers, even when we least expect it. And if you need a reminder, just go outside.

#tanglewoodnaturecenter #fingerlakes

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