A Weekend in the Islands

Memorial Day weekend fun continued Sunday as Prospect, Laura and I headed down to Coney Island. While Coney Island certainly hasn't lost its luster we were very excited that we were going to see the grand opening of the all new Luna Park. We saw a cool new (maybe temporary?) exhibit about Coney Island by the entrance to Luna which we loved and then headed over to The Cyclone. After the Cyclone we took a walk through Luna Park, which was very hot and very very crowded. Its lots of shiny new rides including a super tall swing and an old-fashioned swing. There were a couple rides not yet running and a roller coaster type thing called The Tickler that looked crazy. Once we reached the boardwalk we decided to get some lunch. The crowds were unreal everywhere at Coney but we persevered and made it to Nathan's. We opted for seating on a shady patch of sidewalk rather than a table out in the hot sun and enjoyed what has to be the world's best people watching while we ate.

At the new Coney Island history exhibit

Next it was time for another ride on the Wonder Wheel. This time it our car was extra swingy and made me nervous. It was wonderful as always and there were excellent views of Luna Park and the throngs on the beach. Afterward we rode Spook-a-rama for the first time. It was twisty and dark and we probably wouldn't ride it again.

On the Wonder Wheel

View of the crowded beach from above

We did some more people watching and had a couple beers before leaving that night. I also took a walk through Deno's Wonder Wheel Park and Luna Park to photograph the rides after dark. Then it was time to get on home.

New swings at Luna Park

Entrance to Luna Park

Yesterday we got up early (well, as early as we could bear) and headed to Battery Park to stand in line for the Statue of Liberty. Tickets for the Ferry Ride to the National Park are $12 which is affordable but the wait is two hours. We were determined to stick it out and it wasn't so bad in the end. The line moved relatively quickly and there were vendors and some street performers along the way. Finally we got on the boat and headed to Liberty Island. The weather was beautiful and the scenery was excellent. We got lunch at the cafe and floaty pens from the gift shop and then met a ranger for a free tour. We were really disappointed we couldn't go into the statue, the pedestal or even the museum without special buy in advance tickets. I would have loved to at least see the museum! After our tour we took some pictures and then headed back to the boat to go on to Ellis Island.

Ellis Island was really interesting. We got there in the late afternoon and ended up staying until closing time and running for the last boat back, but we all agreed we could have stayed there hours longer and not seen everything. I really want to go back and I really want to bring my mom there. I know she'd really get a lot out of it. My favorite part were some of the quotes from immigrants telling how they outsmarted the officials when they were almost denied entry. I also loved the photo exhibit about when the buildings and the island were abandoned for years during the mid 20th century and photographs of different people who came though.

After being kicked out for closing time we took the boat back to Manhattan and decided to head for Little Italy for dinner. The streets were closed and the neighborhood looked like a lot of fun but we were all so tired we just kind of ate and headed home, dragging the whole way. I hope they keep it closed like that at other times over the summer. I'd love to explore more when my feet aren't killing me.

I love when we have visitors that want to do touristy things! This weekend was right up there with Amy and Jason's visit for being packed full and amazing.