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Statue of Liberty Welcomes Back Visitors 

- Millions of Dollars in Renovations Add to Visitor Experience at National Treasure -

The Statue of Liberty will welcome back visitors for the first time in more than two years after extensive renovations and security upgrades to the national monument. 

Visitors will be able to enter the pedestal where a new glass ceiling provides a view into the Statue’s intricate interior structure and Park Rangers teach guests about the rich history and architecture of the monument.  In addition, visitors will be able to enjoy the 360 degree views of New York City from the Statue’s observation deck located 16 stories above New York Harbor, and walk the promenades on Ft. Wood at the base of the Statue.  

“Millions of people from around the world travel to New York for the majestic sight of the Statue of Liberty – a symbol of our nation’s freedom and hospitality,” said Jonathan M. Tisch, Chairman of NYC & Company.  “These visitors will not only make a trip to the Statue in increased numbers - they will dine in our restaurants, shop in our stores and stay in our hotels, helping drive lower Manhattan and New York City’s economy.” 

“The Statue of Liberty is not only a national treasure, but a revered symbol of New York City’s spirit,” said Cristyne L. Nicholas, President and CEO of NYC & Company.  “Since 1886, Lady Liberty has welcomed millions of visitors to the World’s Second Home and now with more to explore, she can welcome them back in larger numbers to lower Manhattan and Liberty Island.” 

Tickets and Reservation Information

Tickets to tour the Statue of Liberty monument can be obtained at Castle Clinton National Monument in Battery Park, or by calling 1-866-STATUE4 (1-866-782-8834) U.S. calls only. Callers from outside the U.S. can call the NY ticket office at (212) 269-5755. 

A timed-pass ticket is required to enter the monument.  A limited number of daily tickets are available on a walk-in basis at the Circle Line ferry office at no additional cost.  Timed passes can also be reserved for a handling fee of $1.75 per ticket by calling 1-866-STATUE-4.

Beginning August 16th, visitors can log onto www.statuereservations.com for advance ferry tickets and reservations for the Promenade and Observatory Tours. 

Visitors who don’t make reservations can still visit Liberty Island, and take park ranger-guided tours or listen to an audio tour, but will not be allowed inside the monument.

The following tours are available to those visiting Liberty Island:     

PROMENADE TOUR – With breathtaking views of the Statue of Liberty and New York Harbor, this tour takes visitors outside the lower Promenade and inside the monument lobby to see the original torch and the Statue of Liberty Exhibit for a 20-30 minute Ranger-guided tour, with enhanced lighting and new video system.

OBSERVATORY TOUR – This option includes both the Promenade tour, plus a visit to the pedestal observation platform where visitors can view the Statue's interior framework through a new glass ceiling portal.  The ranger-guided program teaches visitors about the Statue’s design, history and architecture.   

ANTENNA AUDIO TOUR – Listen to voices of generations past as they recall their voyages to America, hear the story behind the Statue and learn what it really was like to pass through immigration on Ellis Island. Designed to allow you to go at your own pace and create your own tour.

The Statue's crown and torch are not accessible.

Getting There

Liberty Island is accessible by Circle Line-Statue of Liberty Ferry, Inc. ferries only. One round trip ferry ticket includes visits to Liberty and Ellis Islands. Round trip ferry tickets cost $10 for ages 13+, $8 for senior citizens (62 and over), and $4 for children 3-12. Ferries depart from Battery Park in New York City and Liberty State Park in Jersey City, New Jersey.

Battery Park is located at the southern tip of Manhattan, off the West Side Highway South or the FDR Drive South. Parking is limited and public transportation is recommended. Please contact the ferry company at (212) 269-5755 for ferry schedules.

For more information visit www.nycvisit.com.

Edited by Madelyn Miller

Helpful website

Interested in New York Theatre?
www.livebroadway.com

GREAT DEALS

New York City Pass www.citypass.com

NEW YORK PASS is www.newyorkpass.com

Save on meals  www.cityshuffle.com 

MOST UNUSUAL THING FOR WOMEN TO SEE IN NEW YORK

Ticklebomb’s Mantasia
www.mantasia.net
135 West 41st St.
212-278-0988

MADELYN’S FAVORITE CHOCOLATE EXPERIENCES

Frozen Hot Chocolate at Serendipity

Anything Chocolate by David Burke at DavidBurke and Donatelle

MADELYN’S FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

DavidBurke and Donatelle. Their prix-fixed lunch is a tremendous value

Town. 15 West 56th   212-582-4445. Extraordinary food, setting and service. Try the tasting menu..

L’ecole. The restaurant of the New York Culinary Institute

BEST WAY TO UNDERSTAND NEW YORK RESTAURANTS

See the film EAT THIS NEW YORK. It is the story of a few restaurateurs who have made it, and two hopefuls trying to beat the odds. From the outset, viewers are warned that over 1,000 New York restaurants open every year and only one in five survives. DVD is available from www.organicpictures.com

MADELYN’S FAVORITE NEW YORK HOTELS FOR VALUE

1.  Hampton Inn Manhattan. Great deal and neighborhood filled with          bargains and markets. Free breakfast and internet access and chocolate chip cookies in the afternoon. 108 West 24th Street.

2.Mansfield Hotel. Just off Fifth Avenue and halfway between Saks and Lord and Taylor. Free business office and friendliest staff in town

Washington Square Hotel. Funky and fun, this almost-historic hotel has been family owned for two generations and is now lovingly renovated. 103 Waverly Place. 800-222-0418 or 212-777-9515 

BEST BIG SPLURGE ELEGANT HOTELS

Kitano. Japanese owned, it offers an aura or oriental serenity. Yet it is conveniently located on Park Avenue in mid-town. 66 Park Avenue

Hyatt Stanhope. A haven for culture mavens, this elegant hotel is just across the street from the Metropolitan Museum

Great Guidebooks

 ZAGAT Survey
They have so many wonderful guidebooks to New York
Very focused and detailed and since they are based on the input of locals, very accurate and helpful
New York Nightlife
New York City Theatre Guide
New York City Restaurants
New York City Marketplace
New York Shopping
Brooklyn (which is now some people’s favorite part of New York City)
You can even vote at www.zagat.com

NATIVE’S GUIDE TO NEW YORK
Advice with attitude for People who live here—and visitors we like
By Richard Laermer
W.W. Norton
www.wwnorton.com

I love this book. I feel like a native when I read it. And this is a man who really understands shopping, my favorite sport in New York

THE GIRLSHOP GUIDE TO NYC SHOPPING
By Laura Eisman and Lara Ewen
www.girlshop.com
They also do shopping tours 888-450-shop  ext 303
tours@girlshop.com

EYEWITNESS TRAVEL GUIDE NEW YORK
Dorling Kindersley Publishing
www.dk.com
This well-organized guide combines facts with helpful interpretation.

MOON METRO
NEW YORK CITY
www.moon.com
compact size combines maps organized by sections of the city

Knopf City Guides
New York
www.aaknopf.com
Map references identify the corresponding area in the detailed map section

NEW YORK CITY
Insight Guide
www.insightguides.com
Great , well-organized and all the practical stuff is summarized at the end

NEW YORK CITY
Fodor’s
www.fodors.com
The guide for all budgets, updated every year, with a pullout map and color

New York from A to Z
The Traveler’s Look-Up
Source for THE BIG APPLE
Capital Books, Inc
www.capital-books.com

NEW YORK CITY
BERLITZ POCKET GUIDE
www.berlitzpublishing.com
small, but jam packed with info
you really can carry it in your pocket

OFFICIAL NYC GUIDE
Published by NYC & Company—the Convention and Visitors Bureau
This freebie book also includes coupons for stores like Bloomingdale’s and FAO
Schwartz as well as discounts on museums.
The first freebie you should get in the Big Apple

THE NEW YORK TIMES GUIDE TO NEW YORK CITY
ST. MARTIN’S PRESS
WWW.STMARTINS.COM
As you would expect, exceptional sections on restaurants and hotels. And I love any guidebook that has over 40 pages about shopping. No maps, no pictures, just pure information.

Sleep Cheap in New York: High-Quality Lodgings at Rock-Bottom Rates by Lisa Mullenneaux, The Penington Press, 2002, $15.95
www.peningtonpress.com

Manhattan
By residents Gil Reavill and Jean Zimmerman
Compass American Guides
www.fodors.com

New York with Kids
By Ellen Shapiro
Prima Publishing
www.primalifestyles.com

WHERE TO GO

A guide to Manhattan’s Toilets
By Vicki Rovere

IF YOU WANT TO VENTURE FURTHER

Long Island Alive
By Francine Silverman
Hunter Travel Guides

NEW YORK STATE
By Christiane Bird
MOON HANDBOOKS
www.moon.com

THE THIRTEEN COLONIES
Travel Historic America
Fodor’s
www.fodors.com

TASTE OF NEW YORK at home COOKBOOKS
The New York Restaurant Cookbook
By Florence Fabricant
Recipes from the Dining Capital of the World
Rizzoli International Publications
www.rizzoliusa.com

BALTHAZAR COOKBOOK
By Keith McNally, Riad Nasr and Lee Hanson
Clarkson Potter Publishers
www.clarksonpotter.com

Lobster Rolls & Blueberry Pie
Three generations of stories and recipes
Rebecca Charles of Pearl Oyster Bar
And Deborah Diclimenti
Regan Books
An Imprint of Harper Collins Publisher
www.reganbooks.com

Little Italy Cookbook
By David Ruggerio
Artisan Books

Welcome to Juniors
By Marvin and Walter Rosen with Beth Allen
William Morrow & Company
www.williammorrow.com

Second Helpings from Union Square
Danny Meyer and Michael Romano
140 New Favorites from New York’s acclaimed Restaurant
Harper Collins Publishers
www.harpercollins.com

HIGH HEAT
By Waldy Malouf with Melissa Clark
Powerhouse Chef Waldy Malouf turns up the heat on contemporary cuisine
Broadway Books
www.randomhouse.com

BEST WAY TO FIND YOUR WAY AROUND
Wear your favorite city on a scarf! Tasaram's 100% silk Map Scarves feature detailed street plans of London, Paris, Rome, New York, San Francisco and Washington, D.C. with more cities coming soon.
www.mapscarves.com

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