If You Like Lighthouses, Then You Should Visit Long Island and the Sound

 Lighthouses are some of the world's most beloved and adored pieces of architecture.  I grew up with the wonderful lighthouses on the Great Lakes of Michigan, Huron and Erie.  When I moved to New England, I started investigating the many mountain ranges and numerous waterfalls of the region and neglected to do much in the way of investigating the shore.  In the last couple of years, I have spent more time in State Parks and along the shores of New England than I ever have before.  This last summer I spent some significant time tooling around Long Island.  It's close by; only a ferry ride away, but I never went there.  I thought it was time, and I was right.  I saw my first lighthouse on my first ferry ride across Long Island Sound.  At that time, I didn't realize that there were over 25 of them in the area.  I had a lot to do.

 Throughout the summer and early fall this year, I visited several lighthouses in a few different ways.  I passed one while on the ferry every time I went.  I went to the one on Sheffield Island on a tour from Norwalk, CT.  They are literally all over.  Some are beautiful like the one on Sheffield Island.  Some are old and in ruins, but there are so many to see.  Some are very hard to get to like the one on Shelter Island.  Some you can only see from shore like the one off of Orient Point, NY.  I tried to pick the ones that would allow me to see a lot of the area without missing other things along the way.  It's a tough balance, but I think we did pretty well.

 Most of the lighthouses that I visited had amazing views both of them and from them.  I visited three that had guided tours.  I learned a lot of history while I was there.  Some of the lighthouses in the area were commissioned by George Washington.  Some were used by spies during the Revolutionary War.  They are amazing.  Many of them are still in use today.  The most famous ones, like Fire Island and Shelter Island are a little tricky to get to.  Shelter Island requires an expensive ferry.  Fire Island can also be reached by ferry or a tricky causeway.  Some, like Sheffield Island require a guided tour and a boat to get a pretty long way to reach it.  Montauk point is a tedious drive during the summer.  But, the payoff is amazing.  The lighthouses are beautiful.

 Montauk Point Lighthouse was commissioned by George Washington, and is one of the most beautiful lighthouses around.  The drive is difficult, but it's worth it.  Montauk, the lighthouse, and the views are all worth it.  Just remember, it's at the end of a very tough neighborhood.  It's just past the Hamptons, which is a neighborhood that I don't care to visit much.  I love the little bed and breakfasts, but the residents are a bit much and don't seem too fond of tourists.  You can see the beaches if you can find an unrestricted place to park.  Good luck with that.  Make the drive to Montauk.  You'll love it out there on The End.

Now, the north fork of Long Island was a little different.  Orient Point, and the State Parks which are the beaches on that side largely, were amazing.  We saw beaches, watched the ferries come in and out and saw lighthouses.  The view was amazing and the people were friendly and a lot more down to Earth.  Sorry, south fork, but you guys are kind of outer limits.  By the way, Long Island Terminology calls them the north and south forks.

The north fork is where we found Horton Point Lighthouse.  This was another gem with a lot of history, great views, and an amazing beach below it with a whole lot of steps.  The people there were getting ready to go home for the day when we arrived, but took time out of their afternoon to give us a tour anyway.  Great people on the north fork.  We learned more about George Washington and his impact on the area and saw a lot of great sights.

I did not investigate western Long Island.  I went across on the Port Jefferson/Bridgeport ferry many times this summer.  I purposely investigated only eastern Long Island.  While I was out East, I discovered that there are nearly 30 vineyards and wineries on the north fork.  They are literally everywhere.  What we realized was that we were in someone else's land of Oz.  I don't drink wine, but I wanted to partake in the festivities, so we went Cider Tasting at Woodside Orchards.  There were a lot of travelers there trying out the different hard ciders and we joined in.  The crowd was fun, the owners were fun and the cider was good.  It was a really good time.  So even though we aren't wine people, we had a great afternoon.

So, what to do after looking at lighthouses, laying on the rocky beach and tasting wine and cider?  You go and hang out in Port Jefferson and wait for the ferry.  Port Jefferson is that place that you could spend the day hanging out in and never see another part of Long Island.  It comes with amazing shopping, beaches, old and unusual hotels, more sweets than I've ever seen in one place and seaside dining. The whole downtown is accessible on foot and you can get a map of it at the visitor's center right next to the ferry terminal.  It's that cheap way to get away for the day.  You don't have to pay the extra to take your car on the ferry.  It's great.

The one thing that I found that you need to watch out for while traveling to and from the mainland to Long Island is the weather.  You have to make your reservations in advance when you take your car in the summer in particular.  You can go on standby, but that's sketchy at best.  The weather in New England can be temperamental as it was this last summer.  We learned how to have a good time in bad weather.  There are lots of outlet stores and movies to tide you over while the weather rages on.  I can say that no matter how bad the weather was, we managed to have a good time.  That says a lot.

So, I spent some significant time on Long Island on the East Half.  I shopped, I hiked, I tasted, I tried Sushi for the first time, I toured, I ate, I slept in a great bed and breakfast, and I had a really good time.  There are many ways to get there.  You can drive around the sound, which I thought was a long and tedious method.  You can take the ferries, which is my method of choice.  If you come from the city, you can take the Long Island Railroad, which is the most popular mode of transit for people from New York City.  Many ways, for many tastes.  Will I got back?  Probably.  I just have to find the time.  Enjoy!

http://longislandlighthouses.com/
https://www.tripsavvy.com/long-island-lighthouses-2227579
https://www.wfsb.com/news/tour-visits-lighthouses-along-long-island-sound/article_5ba9e58c-c194-5c19-965e-a50b6d9882ed.html
https://www.longislandferry.com/Common/Help.aspx?page=lighthousecruise
http://newenglandboating.com/long-island-sound-lighthouses-little-gull-island-light/
https://mommypoppins.com/likids/to-the-lighthouse-4-great-long-island-lighthouses
https://www.nytimes.com/1996/07/28/nyregion/the-lighthouses-of-long-island-sound.html
https://abc7ny.com/travel/lighthouses-of-long-island/74896/
https://www.discoverlongisland.com/things-to-do/famous-long-island/famous-lighthouses/
https://www.longisland.com/lighthouses/
http://lighthousefriends.com/ct.html
http://www.newenglandlighthouses.net/connecticut.html
https://www.visitconnecticut.com/state/connecticut-lighthouses/
https://www.discoverlongisland.com/
https://www.fodors.com/world/north-america/usa/new-york/long-island/experiences/news/photos/11-reasons-to-visit-long-island-now
https://www.lonelyplanet.com/usa/new-york-state/long-island
https://www.iloveny.com/places-to-go/long-island/
https://www.kayak.com/horizon/sem/hotels/region/2615?lang=en&utm_campaign=Region+-+United+States&utm_content=R%3A2615-longisland&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=bing&utm_term=hotels+long+island&skipapp=true&kw=-1&gclid=-1&gclsrc=-1
https://onmontauk.com/
http://woodsideorchards.com/
http://liwines.com/wineries/
https://www.longisland.com/vineyard-tours/
http://portjeff.com/visitor/
https://us-ny.train-us.com/schedules/long-island-rail-road?utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=ny-lirr
https://www.inkitt.com/ninakindred/settings
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/721980
https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B06Y1C2MS7
https://www.cafepress.com/artisticcreationsbyninakindred1
https://www.zazzle.com/imagings
https://terri-dixon.pixels.com/
https://www.facebook.com/adventuresforanyone?fref=ts

Dr. Suess and The Other Springfield Museums

There's a little kid inside of all of us.  There's a big kid inside of me.  The very minute that I first heard about the Dr. Suess Museum and Sculpture Garden in Springfield, Mass., I knew I had to go.  I don't care how old I am.  I was raised on Dr. Suess and so was my son. 

So, I dragged my husband to the Springfield Museums and found what I was looking for and so much more.  There are five museums and the sculpture garden at the Springfield Museums.  There is the George Walter Vincent Smith Art Museum, Michele and Donald D'Amour Fine Arts Museum, Lyman and Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History, The Springfield Science Museum, and The Amazing World of Dr. Suess and the Dr. Suess Memorial Sculpture Garden.  All in one spot.  There's a lot of variety, a lot to learn, a lot to see, and a good time for all.

The art collections are from around the world and span more than a 1,000 years.  There are sculptures, religious artifacts, dynastic armor, works by the masters, dinosaur bones, and face it; there's a Lorax on the lawn.  I went up to Springfield because it was a sort of rainy day and it's local for me.  I go to Springfield often to go to the Big E or to see Christmas lights; but I'd never bothered to go to the museums.  I should have gone sooner.  I had my picture taken with the Cat in the Hat.  You can't beat that.  I also saw local water life in the aquarium on the basement level of the Science Museum and a Monet in the Fine Arts Museum.  The place tickles all of your senses.

There are a lot of things to do in Springfield, the quirky little capital of Massachusetts.  The Basketball Hall of Fame is there and the brand new MGM Grand Casino.  But, right in the middle of the downtown area where all the best restaurants and bars are, sit the Springfield Museums.  I've spent a lot of my life going to museums, and this is the most comprehensive bundle of museums I've ever gone to.  I like the idea that I can pay one price and enjoy all kinds of art, science and history for a whole day.  And, if Dr. Suess was what drove me to this discovery; well that's all the better.  Enjoy!


https://springfieldmuseums.org/about/
https://www.booking.com/city/us/springfield-massachusetts.en.html?aid=346685&label=msn-bEc*ybnZpYODQspn138D5w-80745398568532:tikwd-17273502465:loc-190:neo:mte:dec:qsspringfield%20mass&utm_campaign=MA%3A%20Massachusetts&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=bing&utm_term=bEc*ybnZpYODQspn138D5w&msclkid=5edafa336fb510e5d256a191345649cf
https://www.springfieldmo.org/free-to-see/?utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Springfield%20(SEM-MOSpr)%20Leisure%20Free%20To%20See&utm_term=free%20things%20to%20see%20in%20springfield&utm_content=Free%20To%20See
https://www.springfield-ma.gov/cos/
https://www.facebook.com/places/Things-to-do-in-Springfield-Massachusetts/112781448736001/
https://www.opentable.com/ma/springfield-restaurants
http://www.hoophall.com/
https://www.easternstatesexposition.com/
https://www.mgmspringfield.com/en.html
https://www.springfieldmo.org/events/?utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Springfield%20(SEM-MOSpr)%20Leisure%20Events&utm_term=springfield%20calendar%20of%20events&utm_content=Events
https://www.eventbrite.com/d/ma--springfield/events/
https://www.inkitt.com/ninakindred/settings
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/721980
https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B06Y1C2MS7
https://www.fictionpress.com/u/530752/Nina-Kindred
https://www.cafepress.com/artisticcreationsbyninakindred1
https://www.zazzle.com/imagings
https://terri-dixon.pixels.com/
http://ninakindred.wixsite.com/ninakindredgroup/connections
https://www.facebook.com/adventuresforanyone?fref=ts

Going to the Beach on Long Island

I give tips.  It's what I do.  I am offering some solid advice on visiting Long Island in this entry.  I went out to Long Island twice this summer.  I specifically went to the South Fork one time and specifically the North Fork the other time.  We are talking about the Eastern Half of Long Island here, so all you city folk don't be upset.  This is what I found.

My first trip was to the South Fork, and I loved every minute that I spent in Montauk.  The lighthouse was amazing.  The whole area was amazing.  That being said, I encountered some problems at the beach.  My husband and I stayed in Westhampton Beach at the loveliest little bed at breakfast you ever saw, called the Grassmere Inn.  I loved this place so much that even though I was not impressed by the area, I stayed there on my second trip as well. 

The Hamptons has a reputation, and the problem is that they live up to it.  We went out Dune Road, because we just wanted to see what it was all about.  We discovered that there are beaches and a National Seashore that you can go on.  The problem is that there is no place to park and it's miles from town.  So, the locals have effectively made is so that no outsiders can invade their haven by putting in parking laws.  It's clever, but it's also offensive.  Live and learn.  You can't even park at the National Seashore. 

On my second trip, I concentrated on the North Fork of Eastern Long Island.  There I found beautiful beaches and parks at the State Parks with lots of parking and lots of people having a wonderful time.  I found lighthouses to look at, nice little restaurants to eat in, and great tourist spots.  This is also the area where the ferries come in from Connecticut, so it is convenient for me.  The beaches are rockier, but they have something that I did not see on the south fork except at Montauk.  They have dunes, and I love dunes. 

I am impressed by the huge homes on Long Island.  I am also impressed by the thirty or so wineries on the end of the North Fork.  What impresses me as a traveler however, is the people.  For this I have to recommend travel in the North Fork.  You'll get to see the beaches, and the people are friendly even if they happen to have money.  The South Fork was nice, except the Hamptons.  There's an old quote that says that I wouldn't belong to any club that would have me as a member, and if I were to become rich; I think that quote would apply to me.  I would much rather join the down to earth people on the North Fork than deal with the snooty, pretentious, fake people in the Hamptons.  I hate to wear navy and beige. That being said, the one shining spot in that neighborhood is the Grassmere Inn in Westhampton Beach.  That hotel is delightful. 

Sorry to be so harsh, but I feel the need to give honest advice to would be travelers.  And, Long Island is one of those places that information is not that easy to come by.  Enjoy!

https://www.lonelyplanet.com/usa/new-york-state/long-island
https://www.discoverlongisland.com/travel-guide/
https://www.facebook.com/travellongisland/
https://www.tripadvisor.com/SmartDeals-g148424-Long_Island_Out_Islands_Bahamas-Hotel-Deals.html
https://www.amtrak.com/northeast-travel-by-train-discounts?cmp=pdsrch-NER%7CNon-Brand%20Driving%20Directions%7CDesktop_DFCB-bing&msclkid=811dfe1dd325187b05b5a5bc8a6ca4b1&gclid=CJmV1eWrxd0CFY6NxQIdGWwGBQ&gclsrc=ds
https://www.fodors.com/world/north-america/usa/new-york/long-island
https://www.aaa.com/travelguides/long-island-ny
https://www.newsday.com/travel
https://www.discoverlongisland.com/things-to-do/beaches-ocean-fun/
https://mommypoppins.com/long-island-kids/beaches-lakes/best-family-beaches-on-long-island
https://www.iloveny.com/things-to-do/outdoor-adventures/beaches/?gclsrc=ds
http://www.resortsguides.com/?fr=2615
https://www.findhotel.net/Hotel/Grassmere_Inn_Bed_and_Breakfast.htm?highRate=&pageIndex=0&session_id=fh_fi3QNmBK17-636T411aRHg&section=&checkout=&newSearch=false&checkin=&isAvailabilitySearch=false&destination=&placeFilename=place:Westhampton_Beach&lang=en&reset=false&hotelID=1596757&sortOrder=Descending&pageSize=25&radius=0&curr=USD&search_id=fh_fi3QNmBK17-636T411aRHg|15373010363058927&lowRate=&datype=&rooms=2&hotelFilename=Grassmere_Inn_Bed_and_Breakfast&sortField=Popularity&noRedirect=&hotelName=&_force_=true
https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g1173658-i13118-k3794076-North_Fork_or_South_For-North_Fork_Long_Island_New_York.html
http://longislandwinetours.com/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIr93i6bDF3QIV1MDICh1oiw4fEAAYASAAEgJ1r_D_BwE
https://hamptons.curbed.com/maps/north-fork-vineyards-wineries-map
http://longislandlighthouses.com/
https://www.inkitt.com/ninakindred/settings
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/721980
https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B06Y1C2MS7
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1545104298/ref=cm_sw_su_dp
https://www.fictionpress.com/u/530752/Nina-Kindred
https://www.cafepress.com/artisticcreationsbyninakindred1
https://www.zazzle.com/imagings
https://terri-dixon.pixels.com/
https://www.facebook.com/adventuresforanyone?fref=ts

2018 Fall Activities in New England!

 Okay, it's my yearly pitch about New England in the fall.  We have beautiful trees; so beautiful that people come from all over the world to see them turn their fiery shades of red, yellow and orange.  We as New Englanders are not quite ready for winter, so we enjoy our fall.  We have Foliage Tours all over the area.  We have country and regional fairs.  We have Renaissance Faires.  We have Oktoberfests.  We have a lot of fun whether it be driving around looking at leaves, shopping at a craft fair, riding rides, going to a haunted graveyard or corn maze, taking a hay ride or whatever you can imagine.  New England is actually at it's most lively in the fall and you should come and check it out.  Enough said.  The schedules are below, and you should join us for some amazing times.  Enjoy!


https://www.visitnewengland.com/all/fairs-and-festivals/
https://eventegg.com/the-big-e/
https://newengland.com/today/seasons/fall/biggest-agricultural-fairs-in-new-england/
https://www.everfest.com/us/new-england-festivals
http://www.ctvisit.com/articles/connecticuts-country-fairs
https://newengland.com/today/seasons/fall/best-fall-food-festivals-in-new-england/
https://www.funtober.com/festivals/newhampshire/
https://www.vacationsbyrail.com/united-states/usa-fall-foliage?msclkid=a391319fbd171b6b37986a3eee7d07bb&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Genres&utm_term=new%20england%20fall%20foliage%20tours&utm_content=Fall%20Foliage%20-%20Phrase
https://www.jeff-foliage.com/2018/01/new-england-fall-foliage-forecast-2018/
https://www.visitnewengland.com/all/fall-foliage-in-new-england/
https://www.tripsavvy.com/new-england-halloween-haunted-houses-1600491
http://www.halloweennewengland.com/
http://hauntedgraveyard.com/
https://newengland.com/today/seasons/fall/best-corn-mazes/
http://www.vermontcornmaze.com/
http://www.halloweennewengland.com/massachusetts/night-and-haunted-corn-mazes/
https://ctfaire.com/
https://www.beeradvocate.com/community/threads/2018-oktoberfest-events-in-new-england.585538/
https://www.inkitt.com/ninakindred/settings
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/721980
https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B06Y1C2MS7
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1545104298/ref=cm_sw_su_dp
https://www.fictionpress.com/u/530752/Nina-Kindred
https://www.cafepress.com/artisticcreationsbyninakindred1
https://www.zazzle.com/imagings
https://terri-dixon.pixels.com/
https://www.facebook.com/adventuresforanyone?fref=ts

I'm Learning to Travel by Ferry

 Ferries are a way of life for many people in the world.  It was once believed that technology would render them obsolete, but as we have discovered; there are many places where the alternative is just ridiculous and won't work.  There are places where planes are not a suitable alternative and bridges are impossible.  This is where you still find ferries.  There are also many ferry routes around the world that are so traditional that there would be an uprising of the people if anyone were ballsy enough to try and take the ferries away.  It is in this spirit that I am beginning to live my new life.  I am trying to familiarize myself with all modes of public transportation; whether it be trains, buses, subways or ferries, so that eventually I can take the trip of a lifetime on these traditional modes of transport.  This summer I've spent some time getting a bit used to ferry travel.  I've been running back and forth some to Long Island from our home in Connecticut.

 I've not previously been a person who spends a lot of time along the shore, but this year I have.  It's been a whole new experience for me, and the travel is part of the awakening.  I do admit that it's hard to live my life by a schedule.  Most ferries that run around my area are easy to just walk on and go where you wish.  But, if you take your car, you need a reservation.  Then, when you arrive at the ferry dock to use your reservation, you need to wait in line until it is time; similar to readying to ride a roller coaster in an amusement park.  The ferry will show up.  You will see the vehicles unload and when it is time, the attendants will tell you how to get on the boat and where to park.  If there is more than one person, which is normally the case, because who travels alone; you will need an extra ticket for the ferry as a walk on for that person.  Only the driver and vehicle are included in the ticket.  Also, check the tables for that ferry.  Many times, if you have a trailer or a larger vehicle than a regular passenger car; you will need a higher priced ticket.  Face it, if you take up too much room; you need to pay more money. 

 The ferry that I have been experimenting with this summer is the Port Jefferson Long Island to Bridgeport, Connecticut Ferry.  This is a one hour and fifteen minute each way or so ferry.  It's just long enough to give you the idea of how it feels to take your car on a boat ride, but not too long to drive you completely insane and make you never want to go on a ferry again.  The question is; what is the perk to taking a ferry?

 For starters, there's the view.  There is something terribly calming about water, and if you can't find enjoyment in that on a ferry, then I can't help you and maybe you should just stay home.  Everything you see from a boat looks different than when you see it from land.  It's that way in a kayak and it's that way in or on any boat.  The ferry is unique in that it is not designed for your entertainment although the ones that cross Long Island Sound have snack bars and cocktail lounges in them.  But, a ferry is there to get you and your things from one shore to the other.  That brings about one of the best things about ferries.  They are not as expensive as other kinds of boats.  You get to take your car on a vacation instead of going on a cruise and being stuck close to port.  There are a chain of ferries that run all the way from Maine to Newfoundland up the Atlantic Coast and another that runs up the shores of British Columbia into Alaska.  You can really travel on ferries.  They are all over the world.  As a matter of fact, you can nearly circle the globe with your car because of them.  That's food for thought.

While there are several pleasing scenes to look at while traveling on a ferry, keep in mind that these boats are used for transportation.  They go in and out of industrial harbors all over the world.  There are ferries running around most areas that have several islands, all of the great lakes, from one country to another, and even across the Atlantic Ocean.  That's right; there's a ferry that goes all the way from Iceland to Denmark.  If you look into it, there are far more ferries than you would imagine.  There are two ferries that frequently pass from Connecticut to Long Island.  There are ferries all over Long Island that go to the area's smaller islands like Fire Island and Shelter Island.  There are ferries that go to the outlying islands around New England, like Block Island, Martha's Vineyard, and Nantucket.  There's a ferry from Boston to Provincetown.  They are all over and do many things.  There are ferry companies that also run tours to see lighthouses.  There are dinner cruises.  You never know.  Some of them, like one in Norway make full coastline tours.  There's one in Norway that goes all the way to Svarlbard.

Some ferries take off and sail into absolutely nowhere, like the New London Connecticut to Orient Point Long Island Ferry.  There's not much at Orient Point, but there is a bus that will take you into eastern Long Island.  It's all set up for you.  Some ferries have overnight staterooms, like the ones up the coasts and the ones that cross major bodies of water.  If you have to be on it overnight, there are probably overnight accommodations available.  You will have to book that in advance just like taking the car with you. 

Here's one thing to learn.  Ferries are big boats, but they are not ocean liners.  When the weather kicks up, you can have a bumpy ride.  This happened on my last trip.  I'm insane and loved the feeling of adventure.  The ferry staff wasn't concerned, so neither was I.  I was afraid that my car parked precariously on the back opened edge of the ferry would pitch into Long Island Sound, but other than that, I still had a good time. 

So, my goal is to make a trip around the world by using ferries, buses, trains and the like.  I've spent the last couple of months getting a taste of ferry travel.  I have other ferry trips planned in the near future and I think I will enjoy them.  It's a whole new world, but it can take you around the world so it's worth a try.  The journey is part of the trip.  Make the journey stand out and take a ferry.  Enjoy!

https://www.aferry.com/?msclkid=c30a7c3d945110cf4b1d279caaa8d72c&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=COM%20-%20AFerry%20-%20General%20-%20Desktop&utm_term=ferry&utm_content=General%20-%20SKAG%20-%20Ferry%20-%20Exact
http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries/
https://sanfranciscobayferry.com/
http://www.nywaterway.com/ferryroutesschedules.aspx
https://www.siferry.com/
https://88844ferry.com/default.aspx
https://www.ferry.nyc/
https://www.bcferries.com/
http://www.alaska.org/transportation/ferry
https://www.galveston.com/galvestonferry/
http://ferries.com/
https://www.steamshipauthority.com/
https://www.phuketferry.com/
https://www.blockislandferry.com/
https://toryferry.com/
https://www.cmlf.com/
https://transportnsw.info/travel-info/ways-to-get-around/ferry
https://www.catalinaexpress.com/?utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Catalina%20Express&utm_term=Transportation%20to%20Catalina&utm_content=Southern%2FCalifornia
http://www.poferries.com/en/portal
https://www.ferries.ca/
https://ferries.greeka.com/
http://roatanferry.com/schedule-fares/
https://trip.experienceandamans.com/ferry/government-ferry.html
https://www.bostonharborcruises.com/provincetown-ferry/
http://go-lanai.com/
https://www.dfdsseaways.com/
http://italiantourism.com/ferries.html
https://www.stenaline.co.uk/ferry-to-holland
https://www.millerferry.com/
https://www.manxferries.com/
https://www.jadrolinija.hr/en/ferry-croatia
http://www.smyrilline.com/
https://www.directferries.co.uk/asia.htm
https://www.longisland.com/ferry-schedules.html
http://www.ctvisit.com/listings/new-london-orient-point-long-island-ny-ferry
http://liferries.com/
https://www.inkitt.com/ninakindred/settings
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/721980
https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B06Y1C2MS7
https://www.fictionpress.com/u/530752/Nina-Kindred
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1545104298/ref=cm_sw_su_dp
https://www.cafepress.com/artisticcreationsbyninakindred1
https://www.zazzle.com/imagings
https://terri-dixon.pixels.com/
https://www.facebook.com/adventuresforanyone?fref=ts

Tips for New York City 2018!

 Ah, New York City.  This is one of my favorite spots, and this year it was time to take my son and his girlfriend to the city for their graduation trip.  My son wanted me to play tour guide for them, and there's nothing else that I love to do more.  So, while on that trip, I picked up some current tips and new discoveries.  Here they are.

First, I always stay on Wall Street.  On the weekends it slows down, and only the tourists remain.  Fun fact, most of them go away after 5 pm.  Makes it a quiet neighborhood with all the conveniences that you need.  My favorite hotel will always be Club Quarters on Wall Street.  This place is the best spot in town, particularly on the weekends.  The staff there will put up with any of a plethora of situations, which I unfortunately tested this time.  They will be unbelievably polite, helpful, and expedient.  They will let you check in as soon as your room is ready for the day.  They will hang onto your bags before and after you check out so you can roam the city.  They will find the stuff you left behind and get it to you.  They are, in a word, wonderful. 

But, there's more to staying on Wall Street than just the hotel I love.  In less than one block from the hotel is a lovely open plaza to hang out in.  There is a building with an open public space to hang out in when it's cold or it rains or both.  There are at least five coffee places including a Starbucks and a Dunkin.  There is a Duane Reade for all your pharmacy and convenience store needs.  There are three subway stations.  There are food trucks with great food and an amazing deli.  There is a bar and restaurant.  This is all within a block.  Not joking.  You are also in the neighborhood with Trinity Church, Federal Hall, the original Tiffany's, and the New York Stock Exchange.  You are walking distance from all that goes on around One WTC.  You are a few blocks from the waterfront at pier 11 where you can catch all kinds of ferries and water taxis to just about anywhere.  You can also take a helicopter ride.  It's really an amazing neighborhood and a great place to stay.

 Things to remember.  Citibike is a great way to get around, but make sure you stop in and park the bike at a station every 30 minutes or so.  You will get charged extra if you don't do that.  Also, if you love IKEA or the food trucks at the Red Hook Ball Fields on the weekends, take the shuttle provided by the NY Water Taxi.  The shuttle costs $5.00, but it's a cheap ride to Brooklyn.  The Water Taxi also provides it's hop on hop off service to all the major sights in south Manhattan from the Brooklyn Bridge to the Intrepid Museum.

 Speaking of the Intrepid Museum.  We went for a visit and had a great time.  For those of you who haven't been there in a while, there are some changes.  They have a pop up planetarium at the moment with fascinating shows.  It's in the Exploratorium, but it's great for adults too.  Also, there is a virtual reality ride that is worth a try.  As always there are great things to see and do for kids of all ages, even mine. 

 One of my favorite Intrepid surprises on this visit was to find that viewing the space shuttle is now part of the regular admission price.  Last time I was there it was extra.  So, finally, we can just take a look.

 Always remember when visiting waterfront attractions that you are getting an added bonus. The view.  I love the Hudson River and the Intrepid is a great place to get a great view of the river.  It's part of the trip.

Here's one thing.  The subway is my choice of travel in the city, but there are no subway stations particularly close to the Intrepid.  Did you know that there is a shuttle bus service for the NY Ferry which is right next door?  It's a thought.  Just saying.

 In other news this season.  There are many things going on in Times Square.  There are several art displays worth looking at.  Unusual and interesting stuff.  The Hershey Store is gone, but the M & M's Store remains.  Kinky Boots is still playing on Broadway, but not for long.  Anastasia is coming back to Broadway soon for all you Romanov fans like me. 

In other news, there's a lot of work going on at the World Trade Center site.  The Westfield Shops are now opening in that thing that looks like a whale skeleton.  There are a couple of other buildings that they are working on too.

O'Hara's is still going strong, but I think the secret is out.  So many of us have discovered the magic of learning about 9/11 at this amazing location that it has become seriously popular.  We could barely find a place to sit this time and the noise was unbelievable.  My advice; go there during the week if you can.  It has to be more intimate and quiet then.

There are a lot of subway lines being worked on, so make sure you check the work and delay schedules at most stations. 

Little Italy has not changed one little bit and Casa Bella is still my favorite spot.

So, when in town, notice the differences.  I visit NYC at least once a year; normally more often.  I will always provide the little tidbits that I pick up on my visits.
Enjoy!

https://www.intrepidmuseum.org/
http://nywaterway.com/
http://www.mta.info/
https://www.timessquarenyc.org/
https://www.iloveny.com/
https://official.nyc.com/broadway_tickets/?msclkid=1379045359281aee888a5fca6df229c1
https://www.nycgo.com/
https://www.onewtc.com/
https://oneworldobservatory.com/en-US
https://www.911memorial.org/
https://www.westfield.com/westfieldworldtradecenter
https://www.citibikenyc.com/
https://southstreetseaportmuseum.org/
https://www.seaportdistrict.nyc/
https://www.nywatertaxi.com/
https://www.nytimes.com/2015/11/01/nyregion/oharas-ground-zero-pub-where-memories-are-a-badge-of-honor.html
https://www.facebook.com/OharasPubNYC/
https://www.getyourguide.com/-l3414/?cmp=bing&campaign_id=326239222&adgroup_id=1258941012759903&target_id=kwd-78683941385290:loc-190&loc_physical_ms=44738&match_type=p&ad_id={creative}&keyword=tour%20wall%20street&ad_position={adposition}&feed_item_id=&placement={placement}&partner_id=CD951&msclkid=b36d14db9f2a160314e24f42a9997465&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=united%20states%3A8%7Ccore%7Cen%7Cus&utm_term=tour%20wall%20street&utm_content=new%20york%3A59%7Cf5%7Cwall%20street%20ny%3A3414%7Ctour%3A942%7C%7Btd22%7D%7C%7Byr16%7D
https://www.thewallstreetexperience.com/
https://www.hotels.com/
https://www.booking.com/
https://www.airbnb.com/
https://www.expedia.com/
https://www.amtrak.com/home
https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B06Y1C2MS7
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/721980
https://www.inkitt.com/ninakindred
https://www.cafepress.com/artisticcreationsbyninakindred1
https://www.zazzle.com/imagings
https://terri-dixon.pixels.com/
https://www.facebook.com/adventuresforanyone?fref=ts
http://ninakindred.wixsite.com/ninakindredgroup/connections