Take the Time and Take a Look At Some Lighthouses!

 

I live in New England, and I love lighthouses.  Fortunately, those two things go together like peas and carrots as Forrest Gump would say.  There are well over 200 lighthouses in New England, at least 20 around Long Island and 7 on the Hudson River.  We have lighthouses.  Add in the lighthouse on Roosevelt Island and the harbor lights in New York City and you have an enormous collection of watchful lights.  With even more on islands like Block, Martha's Vineyard, and Nantucket and wow, what a collection.

In the summer, I like to visit the areas where the lighthouses are, especially places where there are a collection of them or where you can tour the lighthouse itself.  In Connecticut, we have both occasions in many ways, and it's a great way to spend your spare time in the summer.

You can see lighthouses in many ways.  I recommend a boat.  I like to take the ferry.  You can see a couple of lighthouses just riding the Bridgeport to Port Jefferson Ferry.  One of them sits in the middle of Long Island Sound.  It's a beautiful rock lighthouse that used to house a caretaker.

If you'd like to spend that weekend on Long Island, they have plenty of gorgeous lighthouses to look at and a lot of them are open to the public.  It's a great way to spend the day.

In Connecticut, there are also the tours.  Norwalk has a ferry tour to Sheffield Island.  New London has all kinds of lighthouse tours with the Cross Sound Ferry.  Most tours take 2 to 3 hours and the ones out of New London showcase at least 7 lighthouses; some tours see more.

The best part about visiting lighthouses, is that they are mostly each truly unique.  They were built in the late 1700's through the 1800's by many different people, so they each have their own distinct character.  Whether it's the coast of Maine, Cape Cod, Long Island, Rhode Island, the outlying islands off the coast or here in Connecticut.  There are many and they are amazing.

Don't forget the Hudson River Valley.  This area has so much to see and do; most of it historic.  The lighthouses really stand out.  There are boat tours out of Kingston, New York.  You can walk to one in Saugerties.  You can view the one in the river at Athens.  It's a great collection, and that's just a few.

No matter what lighthouse or lighthouses you visit, you'll enjoy them all.  From ancient to semi modern, house or tower, even that one on Orient Point with the disco ball that was an Air BNB.  They all have something significant.  Even the Statue of Liberty is technically a lighthouse.  Most of the lighthouses we all like to visit are not currently in use.  The ones that are, are typically maintained by the Coast Guard.

Gone are the days of people living their lives in a lighthouse, raising their families with live in teachers and such.  The modern time is that of automation and utility.  But make sure if you happen to be here on the East Coast; take the time to take a boat or a walk or a drive to see one of our magnificent lighthouses and take a trip back in time to when so much more was art. 

You can watch some of the tours I take to the lighthouses on my YouTube channel; Adventures for Anyone!  Enjoy!

https://www.youtube.com/@ninakindred9466

https://www.zazzle.com/store/imagings

https://www.longislandferry.com/Common/Help.aspx?page=lighthousecruise

https://www.seaport.org/

https://www.88844ferry.com/

http://www.newenglandlighthouses.net/

https://www.hudsonriverlighthouses.org/

https://hudsonrivercruises.com/sightseeing-cruises/?campaignid=17130356047&adgroupid=136826429752&creative=596034361835&matchtype=b&network=g&device=c&keyword=boat%20cruises&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=17130356047&gbraid=0AAAAADAjm7mwOy3MULCMWcG8wu-4jT73l&gclid=CjwKCAjw4efDBhATEiwAaDBpbgSBgj_bQDfXFwQVaGCBgBUbOzDmlRNQmsR1LTcpgJRtqY0FU5SvShoCsiUQAvD_BwE

https://www.hrmm.org/solaris-cruises.html

https://www.capecodlighthouses.info/ 

Just Some Random First Hand News From Various Excursions on This Week's Fast Five!

Welcome to one of these weird little sessions where I'm giving you some information about a collection of things.  This comes because my life is a collection of things and this is a weird sort of life update.  So, hang on for this week's fast five!

 

1.    As you may know, I've started a YouTube Channel also called Adventures for Anyone, and I tend to post five videos a week.  They are not a certain theme.  You never know what I might come up with.  I don't like to be on camera, so you won't see much of me.  I wish I was more of a personality.

That being said; I have been traveling a bit and there might be some things on there that spark or inspire you to travel on your own, so check it out.  I do a lot of local traveling.  I let you know when there's something important going on in my area or an area I'm traveling to.  Could be important.

I also am still posting a video here and there from last fall's travel to Porto, Portugal and our recent trip to Helsinki, Finland; Tallinn, Estonia; and Stockholm, Sweden.  It's summer here, so I'm visiting New York City a lot and taking a lot of trips along the shore.  Once in a while I'll be in the mountains, so I mix it up a bit.

I appreciate any attention the channel gets, and would love it if you could check it out; like and subscribe; comment and share; and hope you enjoy it. It's becoming a lot of fun for me and I like to share.

https://www.youtube.com/@ninakindred9466

2.    OMNY.  What is it, you ask?  That's the new system for the New York City Metro System.  That's right, welcome to the news portion of our post.  

Is it in a test phase?  No, it's completely operational.  Are there problems?  Maybe.  There are a lot of complaints, but there aren't any definite answers on whether it's system related or operator issues.

It's new folks.  Most of the countries I've been visiting lately in Europe have something similar.  For anyone who thinks it's a disaster; it will work.  It works in other countries.  Here's the deal.  Instead of a moldy old metro card, you can get a shiny tappable new metro card.  It will be called an OMNY card.  For anyone who chooses to stick with a preloadable card, there won't be much difference.  Read the rules on the machine.  If you use cash, it will only give back up to $9.95 in change in the denominations available in the machine at the time.  You will also be able to buy one with a variety of cards and digital wallet options.

The main thing that I'm getting is that you can use your tappable credit or debit card as well.  I didn't try it when I was there yesterday, because I have lingering monies on old metro cards, but I will try it soon.  The way I took what I read was that you can tap your card and it will work.  They say give it a minute the first time, so it can link up with your credit card company and/or bank.  After that, it should be quick and easy to just tap.

There are some considerations when tapping with your credit card.  First, always use the same card.  This will allow the system to work with you.  If you go from metro to bus or other system, your transfer will be free as long as you always use the same card.  Just make sure you transfer within two hours of the first tap, and the system will follow.  This should work on many things, Staten Island Rail, Roosevelt Island Tram, and the Air Train at JFK as well as buses and things.

There are a couple other things that I read about the system.  First, always use the same card.  Can't emphasize this enough.  There will no longer be week passes with this system.  As long as you use the same card, it will not charge you more than $34 a week.  Always use the same card.  You also can use it to pay for up to four people at a time.  No more than that.

Will there be some problems?  Sure, but change always has some glitches.  Just be patient and give it a try.  Metro cards will still work until the end of the year, but make that change now and get used to all things new.

https://omny.info/

https://www.mta.info/fares-tolls/subway-bus/tap-and-go

https://www.mta.info/fares-tolls/subway-bus/reduced-fare/omny

https://www.nyc.gov/site/fairfares/OMNY/omny.page

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZHkn788ZQJOMuW3uTQpDVWW4aXeKB1EW

 

3.    The Staten Island Ferry.  I hear Scarlet Johansen owns one, and what a hoot that must be.  No matter how you look at it, there's only one ride like it in the world.  And some people take that ride twice a day to commute to and from work.  However, as tourists, we love the ride.

First and foremost, the Staten Island Ferry is free and runs every half hour.  When you arrive as a tourist, you stand out like a sore thumb to the scammers and they'll try to sell you discounted tickets.  Total scam and everyone should know that.  The ferry is free.

But, if you're visiting the city, it's something that I highly recommend.  There's a few things to do on Staten Island, and you do have to exit the ferry when you arrive.  There's a farm league ball team close to the terminal.  There's a collection of stores and restaurants right next door.  If you do nothing else, that will give you a taste of the lengths these folks have gone to in order to welcome visitors.  The view of the rest of New York City is amazing as well.  Then, you can always catch the ferry back.  It's free and runs every half hour.  Free.  Can't emphasize that enough in a very expensive city.

Here's the other great thing about this trip.  It's easy to get to, easy to find, and easy to take.  South Ferry is the last stop on the red 1 line subway at the southern tip of Manhattan.  You exit the terminal and walk right into the ferry terminal.  It's nearly impossible to get lost as long as you board the subway toward South Ferry and every subway stop will tell you that.  The ferry terminal has restrooms, snacks, drinks and air conditioning that can make a huge difference in the middle of summer.  The ferry is set up for you to sit outside and watch the world in the famous harbor go by if you like.  You get cool views of the Statue of Liberty.  You get to see Governor's Island, the working harbor and so much more.  It's a great sightseeing trip.

Lastly, if you like a good boat ride, they've got you covered.  I go on it once in a while just for the ride.  Just remember, it's not for tourists, but they are used to having tourists along for the ride.  It's there for transport, not luxury.

https://siferry.com/

https://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/html/ferrybus/siferryschedule.shtml

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g60763-d143363-Reviews-Staten_Island_Ferry-New_York_City_New_York.html

https://www.exp1.com/blog/new-yorks-most-famous-ferry/

https://www.nyctourism.com/new-york/staten-island/

4.    Light House Tours From New London, Connecticut.  This is a great way to spend an afternoon, and I do it once in a while.  The company that runs the ferry from New London to Orient Point, Long Island operates lighthouse tours in the summer.  They have a variety of tours.  You can take the classic lighthouse tour as I normally do.  It goes from New London to Orient Point and back stopping to look at all the lighthouses along the way.  It's a great ride and they tell good stories too.

They also have a lights and sights tour that goes more along the shore and toward Newport, Rhode Island.  Also lighthouses and different ones from the other tour, but some unique additional sights along the way.  This tour and the classic tour normally alternate days.  Tour number three is a sunset tour and I hear it's lovely, but have never gone on that one.

Most tours take between 2 and 3 hours, and are a lot of fun.  If you get seasick, take Dramamine.  There are snacks and drinks available on the boats, and there are restrooms available.  There's a lot of outdoor seating so you can get a good view of the lighthouses, so take a seat and relax.  The captain will always turn the boat around so everyone on all sides of the boat get a chance to see each and every lighthouse.

It's a lot of fun, and don't worry if you didn't purchase you ticket online in advance.  Arrive early, and there will probably still be space.  If you want to make sure though, purchase your tickets in advance online.

https://www.lighthouse.cruises/

https://ctvisit.com/listings/cross-sound-ferry-lighthouse-cruise

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g33852-d10538534-Reviews-Cross_Sound_Ferry_Lighthouse_Cruises-New_London_Mystic_Country_Connecticut.html

https://www.visitconnecticut.com/state/connecticut-lighthouses/

https://www.nlmaritimesociety.org/lighthouse-stewardship.html

5.   The Sheffield Island Light Tour.   This one is a great little tour out of Norwalk, CT.  They go Wednesday through Sunday in season.  They also have special events throughout the season.  This is a quick trip from dock to island and the trip takes a whopping 3 hours.  

While on the trip you get the opportunity to tour the inside of the lighthouse, where the owners and their family used to live.  It's now a museum and the island is a nature reserve.  This is a great place to bring a picnic, take a walk or just enjoy the water, the island, the animals and birds, and the view.  The staff is also great, and they will make sure you have a good time.

If you take the train to South Norwalk, the dock is a short walk too.  So you don't have to drive if you don't want to.  Once again, it's a great way to spend some time along the water in the summer.  Do purchase your tickets ahead of time.  It's a small boat and can sell out.  I purchased my tickets on Eventbrite.

https://www.seaport.org/tickets-and-prices

https://ctvisit.com/listings/sheffield-island-lighthouse-and-harbor-tour

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g33871-d2233662-Reviews-Sheffield_Island_Ferry-Norwalk_Connecticut.html

https://ctvisit.com/events/2025-cruise-and-tour-greens-ledge-sheffield-island-lighthouse

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2025-cruise-and-tour-to-sheffield-island-lighthouse-museum-tickets-1247384022189

There you have it.  I do a lot of running around during the summer, and I love the activities so much that I do many of them again and again.  Keep reading to find out more about some of my favorite activities as the summer goes along.  Just remember, there are great things to do, no matter what you like, just always keep exploring and enjoy!

Just a Few Thoughts on City Amusement Parks and How They Came to Be

 

You can see it from the train station in Helsinki, Finland.  It's called Linnanmaki.  It's the local amusement park.  It has roller coasters, an aquarium, other thrill rides, kiddieland, and food and entertainment.  It's right along the tram line on line 2.  

I was in Helsinki a while ago, and I noticed it then, but I didn't have a chance to investigate it.  It's a very cool place, and available a lot of the year for the locals and others. 

The rides were cleverly situated and everything was amazing.  And it was all right in the middle of town. 

But, that wasn't all.

Upon arrival in Stockholm, Sweden on the very same trip, I discovered Grona Lund; their local amusement park.  It was on the same island as the Vasa Museum and the ABBA Museum along with Skansen, the outdoor history museum.

It was full of amazing rides, similar to the ones in Finland.  They had great park food and entertainment as well.  Another urban amusement park.

I love travel, and I love amusement parks.  This discovery left me thinking of times in the past when I've encountered a city amusement park.  I never thought much about it.  I just went, rode the rides, had the carnival food and enjoyed myself.

But was there something more to it all?

Anyone who reads this blog knows how much I love New York City, and Coney Island and all of its individual parks have been there since the 1800's.  The Wonder Wheel is one of my favorite rides and it's home to the world famous Cyclone roller coaster as well.

Many years ago, I visited Vienna and went to the Prater to ride the oldest working Ferris wheel in the world.  All of this got me thinking; what's with the city amusement parks?

Copenhagen has Tivoli Gardens.  Chicago has Navy Pier.  There's the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.  There's the Steel Pier in Atlantic City.  The list goes on and on.  There are a few amusement parks throughout London as well.  Many cities all around the world have urban amusement parks.

What is it with city amusement parks?  Why is it that they came into existence and what keeps them running today?  Most of these parks are at least 70 years old.  What started it all?

It's interesting how cities work.  During the industrial age, people worked all week long.  In the cities far and wide, they didn't have a lot of money, couldn't afford personal transportation, and needed a way to get to work.  Simple.  That's where mass transit came into being.  There were trolleys until buses, metros, and trams came into being and then they had those too.

But, what happened on the weekends?  The companies that ran the public transportation whether it was the local government or private, found that they were offering transportation to no one.  People were home on the weekends and ridership was down.  However, there were necessary workers who had to get to and from work on the weekends, so the public transport ran, but at a loss.  The powers that be had to come up with some way to make mass transit more profitable on the weekends.

Interesting fact.  Some of the inner city amusement parks were created by the transportation companies.  This is very true in New York City.  Coney Island falls at the end of a subway line.  That's where these companies put these parks.  They provided families with inexpensive local fun, and caused them to have a use for the mass transportation on the weekend.

The parks started out as a way to get families out on the weekends and putting the trams, metros, and buses to work at a profit.  Decades later, they've become tradition.  They're part of what makes that city tick.  Can anyone imagine New York without Coney Island?  I think not.  

So, remember, when visiting a city here or abroad; don't forget about the amusement park.  Across Europe in most capitals and some other cities you'll find them.  Here in the United States they aren't uncommon.  Many people go to Chicago for museums and sporting events.  Don't forget Navy Pier.  It's part of the fabric of the history of the city.  The world's first Ferris Wheel was right there.  And it's a lot of fun to take some time away from history and monuments to just go and ride some rides.

So, when you plan a trip to a city don't forget their amusement park!  Enjoy!

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g33048-d156830-Reviews-Santa_Cruz_Beach_Boardwalk-Santa_Cruz_California.html

https://www.coneyisland.com/

https://www.visitlondon.com/things-to-do/sightseeing/london-attraction/theme-park

https://parisjetaime.com/eng/article/theme-and-leisure-parks-in-paris-a952

https://www.praterwien.com/startseite/

https://www.linnanmaki.fi/en/front-page/

https://www.gronalund.com/

https://navypier.org/

https://steelpier.com/

https://www.youtube.com/@ninakindred9466