Top 10 - Tourist Destinations in NYC

     To finish off our New York/New England trip series, I've decided to do another Top Ten - tourist destinations in New York City. Even though we were only there three days, we did almost a week's worth of things; yet there are so many things we would love to go back and do "some day." Naturally, I might have to modify this list after a future visit. Here is my current list of Top Ten tourist destinations in NYC:

10. Coney Island - The best thing about Coney Island is that it is very affordable. There is no entrance fee, so you don't have to feel like you have to spend all day there to get your money's worth. On the flip side, since you pay for each ride individually, you have to debate whether each individual ride is worth it.

9. Rockefeller Center - The thing I liked best about the Rockefeller Center was the view from the Top of the Rock. My biggest regret is that we couldn't be there during the Christmas season to see the famous tree, or try the ice skating rink.

8. American Museum of Natural History - Since we enjoyed the Movie Night at the Museum, the best part of the museum was searching for the items that were used in the movie. Unfortunately, several of the main exhibits/characters in the movie aren't in the museum.

7. Central Park - The best thing about Central Park is that it has something for everyone. It is so big, that no two visits will be the same. I only wish I had more time to explore it, because we only saw a small slice of the park.

Statue of Daniel Webster

6. The Empire State Building - The Empire State Building offers two spectacular views of New York City - the classic view from the observation deck, and the virtual reality view via the New York Skyride. The down side is the price; but that can be mitigated through various combo deals.

5. Clipper City - The nice thing about the Clipper City tour is that you get awesome views of the Statue of Liberty and the NYC skyline without the long lines. The downside of seeing the Statue of Liberty this way is that you don't have the option of going inside the monument or visiting the displays.

4. The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum - The Intrepid lets you explore an aircraft carrier and a submarine, as well as admire a wide variety of 20th Century aircraft including a space shuttle - all in one place. The downside is that you can only admire the fighter planes from a distance.

3. Times Square - The great thing about Times Square is the easy access to a wide range of famous stores and restaurants; and it doesn't cost anything to browse. On the downside, if you do purchase something, it's going to cost more than if you buy it elsewhere.

Rocky & Pop at Planet Hollywood

2. Broadway - Broadway plays host to the most famous dramas from around the world. They are performed in some of the most famous venues in the nation, by some of the most talented actors. That being said, I'm sure you've heard the expression "You get what you pay for." In other words, those high demand tickets are going to cost you a bundle.

1. Liberty Island - The Statue of Liberty is probably the most famous statue in the world. It symbolizes all the values our nation was built on. Climbing to the crown of the statue is one of the most enduring memories I have of my youth. The only downside of visiting Liberty Island is the long line to get on the ferry.

Waiting in line to get on the ferry

Spotlight: NYC - The Empire State Building

Spotlight: The Empire State Building is quite possibly the most famous skyscraper in the world. With a height of 102 stories, and 1,454 feet (including its antenna spire), it held the record as the tallest building in the world from 1931 until the completion of the original World Trade Center's North Tower in 1972. Nearly 85 years after it's completion, it remains one of the 25 tallest buildings in the world, and one of the top 5 in the U.S. Named for New York's nickname as the Empire State, the Empire State Building has been named one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World by the American Society of Civil Engineers. It was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1986. Built in the Art Deco style, and designed by William F. Lamb, it was ranked #1 on the AIA's List of America's Favorite Architecture (2007). The limestone used to build it came from the Empire Mill in Sanders, Indiana.
     On Saturday, July 28, 1945, a B-25 Mitchell bomber crashed into the north side of the building, between the 79th and 80th floors. One engine shot through the opposite side of the building and landed on a rooftop a block away, causing a fire that burned down a penthouse. The other engine fell down the elevator shaft starting a different fire that took 40 minutes to put out. Fourteen people were killed in the disaster, but elevator operator Betty Lou Oliver survived a 75-story plunge in an elevator - making the Guinness Book of World Records.
     The Empire State Building was the world's first building with more than 100 floors. It has 6,500 windows, 73 elevators, 1,860 steps (from street level to the 102nd floor), 71 miles of pipe, 2,500,000 feet of electrical wire, 9,000 faucets, 2,768,591 sq. feet of floor space, and houses 1,000 businesses with more than 21,000 workers. Original building costs totaled $40,948,900. In 1964, floodlights were added to illuminate the top of the building at night. The color of the lights often reflects seasonal holidays, sporting events, or commemorate the deaths of significant celebrities. The 203-foot pinnacle on top is covered with broadcast antennas and is capped by a lightning rod. The ESB is so big, it has its own zip code.

     The Empire State Building has been featured numerous times in Hollywood movies or TV shows, including: An Affair to Remember, On the Town, Love Affair, Sleepless in Seattle, King Kong, Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief, Fail-Safe, The Producers, Independence Day, The Time Machine, Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow, Enchanted, Dr. Who, Fringe, MythBusters and I Love Lucy.

Location: The Empire State Building is located at 350 5th Avenue in Manhattan.

Cost: Observation Deck (86th floor): $32/adult, $29/senior (62+), $26/ child (6-12), kids (under 6) are free; add on the 102nd floor observation deck for an additional $20/ticket
- New York Skyride: $42/adult, $32/child (12 and under), $37/senior (62+)
- NY Skyride & Observation Deck combo: $64/adult, $49/child (12 and under), $56/senior (62+)
- The Observation Deck (86th floor) is included in several other combo packages including the New York Pass and the New York CityPASS

Time: open from 8:00 am - 2:00 am daily; allow 2-3 hours for both observation deck and NY Sky ride

Description: The main indoor/outdoor observation deck is located on the 86th floor and offers a fabulous 360-degree view of the city. Multi-media handheld devices (included in ticket price) teach visitors about the various places you can see in every direction. High-powered binoculars offer a close up view of the sights. A second, smaller, indoor observation deck is located on the 102nd floor.
     The New York Sky ride is a motion simulator attraction located on the 2nd floor. It is a simulated air tour of the city and lasts about 30 minutes. The original ride, hosted by James Doohan (Star Trek), was redone in 2002 following the World Trade Center tragedy of 9/11. The new host is Kevin Bacon, and the ride has more patriotic overtones. My initial reaction was Sourin' Over California (New York style) meets Star Tours.

NYC at night

NYC - The city that never sleeps

Rating: 4 1/2 stars (out of 5)

Things You Should Know: - The observation deck has been visited by more than 110 million visitors. The building makes more annually from observation deck ticket sales than it does from renting its office space.
- If you plan to visit the observation decks of both the Empire State Building and the Top of the Rock, I suggest that you visit one during the day, and the other at night to get two distinct views of the city.
- Be prepared to wait in line. The typical visitor to the observation deck has to wait in five lines before finally reaching the top. The least crowded times are between 8:00-11:00 am. Or you can buy express passes ($65) online and skip the lines altogether.
- The last elevator up leaves at 1:15 am.
- Guests may only climb the stairs as part of the annual Empire State Building Run-Up in February.
- We thoroughly enjoyed both the observation deck and the Sky ride, but I don't think that the Sky ride is worth the price unless you can get major discounts in some sort of combo package. When we went, it was included in the New York Pass, but it doesn't look like it is included any longer.

The Chrysler Building

Nearby: Madison Square Garden, The Morgan Library & Museum, Macy's Herald Square, Penn Station, the Chrysler Building

Spotlight - NYC - The Rockefeller Center

Spotlight: The Rockefeller Center is one of the most iconic landmarks in New York City. The Center is made up of 19 buildings, covering 22 acres between 48th and 51st Streets. It was named after John D. Rockefeller Jr., who leased the land from Columbia University and began developing it in 1930. Rockefeller personally financed the construction of 14 buildings in the Center, using the Art Deco style, providing employment for over 40,000 individuals during the decade of the 1930's, at the height of the Great Depression. International Building North was originally slated to house German commercial interests in the U.S., but Rockefeller nixed the idea in response to the Nazi's aggressive movements leading up to WWII. Instead, it became the headquarters of British Intelligence during the War, with Room 3603 becoming the principal operations center of Allied Intelligence. Additions to the Center include the Lehman Brothers Building, and four International style towers built during the 1960's & 1970's.

looking up

     The Rockefeller Center is one of the last public building projects to focus on the artistic design of its buildings. A huge statue of Atlas faces 5th Avenue, creating a symbol for the Center itself. Other works of art are found throughout the complex including friezes on the buildings themselves.

Hanging art display

Location: The Rockefeller Center is located just east of Times Square, in between 48th & 51st Streets, and between 5th & 6th Avenues. The centerpiece of the Center is the Comcast Building at 30 Rockefeller Plaza,

Cost: Free to walk around; tours and other activities cost extra.
"Top of the Rock" Observation Deck - $30/adult; $28/senior; $24/child (6-12)

Time: Open from 8:00 am - midnight. Plan on 1-2 hours for the Top of the Rock Tour.

Description: The Rockefeller Center is a collection of 19 buildings. Most of these buildings are office buildings of internationally recognized companies such as Time-Life, NBC, and McGraw-Hill. One of the more famous buildings is Radio City Music Hall, which became the premiere showcase for films from the RKO-Radio Studio. The format for these shows included both a feature film with an accompanying stage show. These popular performances helped Radio City become the most popular attraction in NYC for many years until changes in film distribution made it difficult for Radio City to obtain exclusive bookings. The Music Hall has presented performances of many top rock and pop performers over the past 30 years, and has hosted celebrated TV events such as the Grammy Awards, the Tony Awards, and the NFL Draft.

     The centerpiece of the Center is the Comcast Building (AKA - 30 Rock) - currently the home of NBC studios. This 70-floor, 872-foot tall skyscraper is the setting for one of the most famous photos of all time - Lunchtime atop a Skyscraper taken by Charles C. Ebbets. The Observation Deck on top of the skyscraper is known as Top of the Rock, and offers visitors a 360-degree panoramic view of the city. The famous Rainbow Room club restaurant is located on the 65th floor.

View of the Empire State Building

View of Central Park

     In front of 30 Rock is the Lower Plaza, which is reached from 5th Avenue via the Channel Gardens and Promenade. The Gardens change from season to season, with a different theme each time. Each winter, the Lower Plaza hosts the famous Rockefeller Ice Skating Rink and the iconic Rockefeller Christmas Tree.
     A series of underground shops and restaurants are located underneath the Plaza and can be accessed from stairways located in the lobbies of the six landmark buildings.
     About 200 flagpoles line the Plaza at street level. The flags often display the member nations of the United Nations. Occasionally, they display various holiday motifs, and on U.S. holidays they each display a U.S. flag.

Rating: 4 stars (out of 5); 5 stars during the Christmas season

Things You Should Know: - The Top of the Rock tour is included with the New York Pass.
- The last elevator to the observation deck leaves at 11:00 pm.
- The public entrance for the Top of the Rock Tour is on 50th Street.
- The Rock Pass is good for the Rockefeller Center Tour and the Observation Deck.
- Various other tours are available at the official Rockefeller website.
- There is a subway station entrance below 6th Avenue for Trains B, D, F & M.

Nearby: St. Patrick's Cathedral, Times Square, Carnegie Hall, MoMA, Central Park

Spotlight: NYC - Central Park

Spotlight: "Central Park is the 843-acre masterpiece of landscape architecture designed in the 19th century by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux and designated New York City's first scenic landmark in 1974. As one of America's greatest works of art and the nation's first public park, Central Park has become the most famous and beloved urban park in the world." (Official Website of New York's Central Park)
    During the early 20th Century, many of Central Park's major features began to erode due to overuse or neglect. Robert Moses, Park Commissioner from 1934-1960, received federal funding to restore many of the damaged landscapes and structures. Unfortunately, the restorations were temporary since no permanent structure for maintaining the Park had been established. During the mid to late 1900's Central Park developed a negative image due to unchecked garbage, graffiti, vandalism, and other illegal activities. In an effort to remedy the situation, Elizabeth "Betsy" Barlow Rogers was named Central Park Administrator. Using both public and private funds provided by agencies such as the Central Park Conservancy, she launched a series of campaigns designed to revitalize the Park. More important, the Conservancy set up an endowment to ensure the continued maintenance of the Park's natural features and facilities. Today, Central Park has been restored to its place as a national treasure, as evidenced by its 42 million visitors a year. 

View of Central Park from the Top of the Rock

Location: Central Park is located in the middle of Manhattan, between 5th and 8th Avenues and between W. 59th Street and 110th Street. For an interactive map of the Park, click here.

Cost: Free to enter, but some activities cost extra: tours ($15), Central Park Zoo ($13-$18), Carousel ($3/ride), rowboat rentals ($12 for first hour)

Central Park Carousel

Time: Open daily from 6 am - 1 am. You could spend anywhere the entire day just wandering around - and you still might not see everything.

Description: Central Park has a wide variety of activities and facilities for people of all ages. Since we were only there for a short time on our way to the American Museum of Natural History, we only visited a few areas of the Park. Our girls (then 6 & 11) had a blast playing at the Adventure Playground, which had a variety of different activities for them to do. They also had fun riding the Carousel with its brightly painted horses. We also enjoyed looking at the turtles at Wagner Cove.

Adventure Playground

Wagner Cove

     It would be almost impossible to list all the possible recreational activities available in Central Park, so here is just a summary of some of the more popular ones. The Park provides facilities (such as the North Meadows Recreation Center) for a variety of sports including: football, soccer, baseball, basketball, volleyball, tennis, handball, swimming, boating, cycling, ice skating, rollerblading, cross-country skiing, and jogging. Some of the popular tourist sites include: Belvedere Castle, the Charles A. Dana Discovery Center, the Dairy Visitor Center, the Central Park Police Precinct, the Delacorte Theater, the Lasker Rink & Pool, Wollman Rink, the Loeb Boathouse, the Rumsey Playfield, the Conservatory Garden, the Central Park Zoo, Vista Rock and the Chess & Checkers House. There are dozens of other interesting gardens, fountains, water falls, lakes, ponds, statues, bridges, arches, playgrounds and trails throughout the park. Other popular recreational activities include: concerts, horse-drawn carriages, bird-watching, kite flying, hiking and fishing.

Rating: 4+ stars (out of 5) - we only saw a small portion of the Park; but looking at others' pictures, I'm sure I would give it 5 stars on a second visit

Things You Should Know: - Information kiosks are located throughout the Park.
- Concession carts are scattered throughout the Park. In addition, Central Park has 3 full service restaurants, and a 6 permanent concession stands.
- There are 7 restroom facilities that are open from about 7 am - dusk.
- Central Park offers tours to those who would like to gain an in-depth understanding of the Park's history and activities. Some tours are free, others cost about $15/person.
- Cars are only permitted on four drives within the Park, and only during posted hours.
- Dogs are permitted in many areas of the Park, but must be under the control of their owners at all times. Dogs are prohibited on all ballfields, recreational courts, playgrounds, water bodies, streams, ornamental fountains, elm islands at the Mall and the Great Lawn Oval, Lilac Walk, and the Reservoir running track.
- Alcohol is prohibited in the Park.
- Urban Park Rangers are available to help with any questions or problems (212-360-2774).

Nearby: American Museum of Natural History, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Museum of Modern Art, the Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine

Spotlight: NYC - The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum

Spotlight: The USS Intrepid is a U.S. aircraft carrier which fought in World War II, surviving 5 kamikaze attacks and a torpedo strike. It also served during the Cold War and Vietnam. In the 1960's, it served as a NASA recovery vehicle. In 1974, the Intrepid was decommissioned, and now serves as the centerpiece of the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, which first opened in 1982. The carrier was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1986. It later served as FBI headquarters during the 9/11 investigations. Today it displays a wide variety of aircraft from a variety of countries and eras, a space shuttle, and a full size submarine.

Location: The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum is located at Pier 86 on the Hudson River, at the intersection of W. 46th Street and 12th Ave. in New York City.

Cost: adults - $24; seniors and U.S. college students - $20;  youth (7-17) - $19; children (3-6) - $12; active/retired U.S. military - free; several city pass deals include free admittance to the museum

Time: 2-3 hours; open daily from 10:00 am - 5:00 pm. The museum stays open until 6:00 pm on weekends and holidays from April 1-October 31.

Description: The Explorium Hall is a fully interactive exhibit that allows visitors to climb aboard a helicopter, steer the wings of an airplane, or participate in a variety of other interactive displays. Various simulators allows visitors to experience the g-forces of flying a supersonic jet plane, or the adrenaline rush of flying through a war zone.

     The Space Shuttle Pavilion showcases the Enterprise - the prototype NASA used to launch its space shuttle program. There are 17 exhibit zones which feature original artifacts, photographs, and films to teach visitors scientific and historical aspects of the U.S. space program.
     The USS Growler is the only U.S. guided missile submarine open to the public. Visitors can get a feel for submarine life while inspecting the once top secret missile command center.
     The Concorde Alpha Delta G-BOAD made the fastest recorded flight across the Atlantic (2 hours, 52 minutes, 59 seconds) on February 7, 1996. That same plane is on display at the Intrepid. Other aircraft on display include a Tomcat (1974), a Sea Cobra (1971), an A-12 Blackbird (1967) and many more.

     Other collections include diaries, log books, letters, uniforms, patches, flight suits, medals, photographs, certificates, newspapers, posters, cartoons, and a wide variety of other WWII memorabilia.

Rating: 4 1/2 stars (out of 5)

Things You Should Know: - Admittance to the Space Shuttle Pavilion costs extra.
- The Intrepid currently offers 6 different guided tours are available for an additional cost. Audio tours are also available with your paid admission.
- The Intrepid hosts a variety of temporary exhibits. For example, they are currently hosting an exhibit on the Hubble Telescope. View their website for a full listing of current exhibits and special events.
- There are height requirements of either 38 inches (or 48 inches) to ride the 3 simulators.
- All guests under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Nearby: Central Park, Radio City Music Hall, Times Square, the Rockefeller Center

SpotLight: New York State - Niagara Falls

Spotlight: Moving up the Erie Canal, you eventually get to the Niagara River. If you turn south, you arrive at Buffalo. If you turn north, you arrive at Niagara Falls - the largest waterfall in North America. Niagara Falls actually consists of 3 waterfalls: Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls. About 90% of the water goes over Horseshoe Falls. During the 1800's business and industry controlled the Falls for commercial pursuits. Tourism was limited to a privileged few due to accessibility and cost. Through the efforts of the Hudson River School, Frederic Church, Frederick Olmsted, and Henry Richardson, a conservation movement known as Free Niagara eventually led to purchase of the area by the State of New York. The Niagara Reservation State Park became New York's first State Park, providing access to this international treasure. A similar movement in Canada created the Niagara Parks commission to govern usage on that side of the border.

Location: Niagara Falls is located along the Niagara River, which not only forms the international border between Canada and the United States, but also connects Lake Erie with Lake Ontario: Map

Time: You should plan on spending a full day (or more) here, enjoying the beautiful scenery and activities.

Cost: - Vehicle parking fee - $10/vehicle
- Maid of the Mist cruises - $17/adult and $9.90/child (6-12)
- Cave of the Winds tour - $14/adult and $11/child (6-12)
- The Niagara Falls USA Discovery Pass - $38/adult and $31/child (6-12)
- Rainbow Bridge is a toll bridge: 50 cents/pedestrian or cyclist (each way); $3.50/car (round trip)

Description: Among all the fun and exciting things we did on our New York/New England trip, Niagara Falls was voted the most fun activity by a majority of the participants.

     There are multiple ways to see the Falls. The oldest and best known tourist attraction is the Maid of the Mist boat tours. Since 1846, these cruise boats take passengers through the rapids to the base of the Falls for spectacular views of all three waterfalls. The boats can be accessed from boat docks on both sides of the border.

     The least expensive way to see the Falls is along the various walkways along Prospect Point Park and Goat Island. Or you can see the view from the Prospect Point Observation Tower or Rainbow Bridge.
     If you prefer to ride, the Niagara Scenic Trolley offers guided trips along the American Falls and Goat Island. You can also purchase aerial tours via the Flight of Angels helium balloon ride or helicopter.
     Perhaps the most unique and fun view of the Falls is by taking the Cave of the Winds Tour. After purchasing tickets, you can take the elevator down from Goat Island, then hike along the boardwalks to the base of Bridal Veil Falls. The boardwalk leads you to the Hurricane Deck, where visitors are sprayed by the Falls as they ricochet off the giant boulders at their base.

     On the Canadian side, you can enjoy the beautiful manicured gardens and viewing platforms of Queen Victoria Park. Underground walkways lead to observation rooms that provide the illusion of being among the Falls. The Skylon Tower's observation deck provides the highest view of the Falls.
     The Whirlpool Aero Car is a cable car that takes passengers over the Niagara Whirlpool on the Canadian side. The Journey Behind the Falls is a tour that takes visitors down an elevator to an observation platform and a series of tunnels at the base of Horseshoe Falls.
     It is spectacular to see the Falls by day, but it is just as fascinating to see them by night. During the summer months, giant floodlights illuminate the Falls until midnight.

     The Niagara Gorge Discovery Center allows visitors to learn about the geology and history of the Falls and Gorge through film and interactive displays. It is also home to the Niagara Gorge Trailhead Center - gateway to a variety of spectacular hiking and biking trails.

     The Aquarium of Niagara has a variety of interesting animals to view. They also post penguin and shark feeding times, and present a couple of shows featuring sea lions.

Rating: 5 stars (out of 5)

Things You Should Know: The Niagara Falls USA Discovery Pass allows you to see five popular attractions on the US side of the border at a discounted price. It includes: the Niagara Adventure Theater, the Aquarium of Niagara, the Cave of the Winds tour, the Niagara Gorge Discovery Center, and a Maid of the Mist boat ride. It also allows one day unlimited trips on the Niagara Scenic Trolley. Maid of the Mist and Cave of the Winds are musts. If you only wish to do those, then the pass isn't worth it. Since we also wanted to see the film, it was cheaper to buy the pass which also allowed us to go to the Discovery Center and the Aquarium for no extra cost. We thought it was worth it. Tourists to the Canadian side have a similar deal if they purchase the Niagara Falls Adventure Pass.
- Tourists for the Cave of the Winds tour receive rain slickers and cheap water sandals to wear while they explore the views from below the Falls. You still get wet, especially if you go on the Hurricane Deck, but at least you don't have to worry about your shoes. The Maid of the Mist tours also provide rain slickers.

- Much of the water that flows from Lake Erie is diverted to hydroelectric facilities by employing a weir with movable gates upstream from the Falls. To appease the tourist industry, the amount of water going over the Falls is increased during the summer tourist season (100,000 cubic feet/second), but halved at night and during the winter months (50,000 cubic feet/second). So if someone says, "They turn off the Falls at night," they are only partly joking.
- The Falls have historically eroded at a rate of 3 feet/year. By diverting much of the water, that rate has been slowed to 1 foot/year. At the current rate, it is estimated that the Falls will disappear in approximately 50,000 years.
- Although it rarely happens, one or more of the 3 falls have frozen over, or been reduced to a trickle due to ice blockage upstream. The last time this phenomenon occurred was in 2015.
- Niagara Falls is part of the international border between the United States and Canada. To get a more complete view of the Falls (particularly American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls), you might want to cross over to the Canadian side via Rainbow Bridge. However, to do so, a passport is now required.
- Goat Island divides Horseshoe Falls from the other two. Visitors may walk across bridges to Goat Island and the accompanying 3 Sisters Islands.
- In 1901, Annie Edson Taylor (a 63-year old school teacher from Michigan) went over the Falls in a barrel as a publicity stunt. She came out bleeding but alive. Since then, 14 people have intentionally gone over the Falls. Some have survived, others have drowned or been severely injured. Since it is now illegal to intentionally go over the Falls, survivors face stiff charges and fines.
- The Falls have been featured in several movies and TV shows including: Niagara, Superman II, and Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End.

Nearby: Buffalo, Lake Erie, Lake Ontario, the Erie Canal

Spotlight: New York State - Erie Canal (Lockport)

Spotlight: The Erie Canal was built during the early 1800's with the goal to connect New York City Harbor to the Great Lakes with a navigable water route. Construction of the canal commenced in 1817 and continued until it opened on Oct. 26, 1825. The canal needed 36 locks to allow ships to smoothly drop 565 feet over the course of its 363 mile route from Buffalo, New York (on the shores of Lake Erie) to Albany, New York on the shores of the Hudson River. Since water routes were the most cost effective means of transportation during this time period, the canal dropped shipping costs by approximately 95%. Completion of the canal provided a lot more commerce to pass through New York City, helping it surpass Philadelphia as the largest city in the U.S. In the year 2000, Congress designated the canal system as the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor to commemorate its importance as the most influential human-built waterway in North America.

Location: The Erie Canal runs from Buffalo, New York to Albany, New York, with 36 locks along the way. Several cities along the way offer canal boat rides, but we went to Lockport - a city that was built up as a result of its key location along the canal. The Lockport Locks and Erie Canal Cruises company is located at 210 Market Street, Lockport, NY.

Time: Cruises are approximately 2 hours long. There are usually 2 cruises a day (12:30 & 2:00); but Saturdays a third cruise is available at 10:00 am.

Cost: Different cruise lines will have different rates, but the Lockport Locks and Erie Canal Cruises cost: $17.50/adult, $9.00/children (4-10), free/children under four

Description: Boat rides are always fun, but if you've never been on a canal boat, you are in for a unique experience. Since canals are man-made, the ride tends to be smoother since you don't have to worry about waves, tides, or bends in the river. Instead, you get to travel through locks. Locks allow canals to rise up or drop in elevation to stay even with the lay of the land. They work kind of like an elevator, but with water. Each lock has two sets of gates. You enter through one gate, which then closes behind the boat. If you are going up, then water is released into the lock until the boat rises (49 feet at the Lockport locks) to be even with the level of the water on the other side of the gate. At that point, the second gate opens, and you continue your cruise. If you are going down, then water is drained from the lock until you are once again even with the water level in the canal. It is fascinating to watch the process from start to finish.

water pouring in through lock gates

     Another unique aspect of traveling by canal are the bridges. As you approach a bridge, it often appears that the boat is going to crash into the bridge - until the bridge starts to rise to let the boat through.

Bridge going back down

     The coast guard licensed boat captains are well informed, telling you about the impressive history of the Erie Canal, the unique architecture, and many folk tales about canal life as you leisurely float along admiring the beautiful scenery.

Canal Cruise

     Before or after your cruise, you can explore the Erie Canal Heritage Museum at 228 Market Street. Admission is free. The building was built in the 1840's, and used to be a flour mill. The spillway accompanying the building was used by escaped slaves as they made their way along the Underground Railroad.

Rating: 4 1/2 stars (out of 5)

Things You Should Know: Cruises depart daily from May to October.
- The Lockport Canalside building has free parking for its clients.
- Lockport is home to the only double set of locks on the Erie Canal.
- The double locks (Locks 34 & 35) replaced the famous "Flight of Five" (5 locks that boats used to pass through). Cruisers can still see the remnants of these famous locks.

Flight of Five

- Lockport canal boats pass under what used to be the "widest bridge in the U.S." until it was surpassed in 2013.
- The canal boats can be reserved for special events and parties at discount rates for groups of 25 or more.
- AAA members can get a discount.
- For more information, or to book a trip, visit http://lockportlocks.com/ or call 1-800-378-0352.

Nearby: Niagara Falls, Lockport Cave and Underground Boat Ride, Erie Canal Discovery Center, Lake Ontario, Palmyra

Spotlight: New York State - Cooperstown (Baseball Hall of Fame)

Spotlight: Cooperstown is famous as the birthplace of baseball. That is why the Baseball Hall of Fame was built here - a shrine to the greatest baseball players of all-time. This tiny village of about 2,000 inhabitants has embraced this endowment, catering to the hundreds of thousands of baseball fans who make the pilgrimage here every year. According to legend, Abner Doubleday invented the game of baseball in a cow pasture within the town limits in 1839. Based purely on the merits of this account, the National Baseball Hall of Fame was opened here in 1939 in an effort to increase tourism to the area. It worked. Cooperstown and the Hall of Fame have become synonymous with each other despite the fact that most baseball historians strongly dispute the veracity of the story. Regardless of whether or not it is true, the town is a beautiful jewel located along the path less trodden.

Location: Cooperstown is located at the southern end of Otsega Lake. Despite being located somewhere near the geographical center of New York State, it has the feel of a small town smack dab in the middle of nowhere. The Hall of Fame is easy to find since it is located on Main St. in the middle of town: 25 Main St.; Cooperstown, New York

Time: Some people spend a few hours, others can spend all day; depending on how big of a baseball fan you are. Normal operating hours are from 9am - 5 pm. Summer hours are from 9am - 9pm.

Cost: Adults (13-64) - $23.00; Seniors (65+) - $15; children (7-12) - $12; veterans - $12; active/career retired military - free; children under seven - free

Description: The Baseball Hall of Fame is a museum dedicated to promoting and preserving the history of baseball, while honoring its greatest heroes. The Hall features exhibits that show how the game has evolved over the years, from its disputed beginnings as an offshoot of Town Ball or Rounders to its current form.

     Other exhibits honor pioneers from different races and nationalities around the world, as well as women players (remember the movie A League of Their Own). The Hall displays a plethora of jerseys, hats, bats, and balls used by baseball's greatest heroes (as well as its relatively unknown journeymen) to accomplish the game's greatest feats. Memorabilia from previous eras, old stadiums, no-hitters, milestones, record breakers, and World Series championships are prominently displayed throughout the Hall with plaques explaining the significance of each item. One of our favorite exhibits was "The Ultimate Collection" - a baseball card collection including a copy of the ultra-rare T206 Honus Wagner card (considered the most valuable baseball card ever made, often selling for hundreds of thousands of dollars).

No-hitter balls from the 1970's

Bats and balls used by Hank Aaron to break Babe Ruth's record

Honus Wagner

     In addition to the display cases, the Hall has a wide selection of photographs, videos and audio recordings of many of its historic moments. There are also many hands-on interactive computer displays that allow fans to experience various aspects of the game, as well as test their skills or knowledge of the game.

     The most prominent exhibit at the Hall of Fame is the Hall of Fame Plaque Gallery, featuring plaques listing the accomplishments, career highlights, and stats of every inductee into the Baseball Hall of Fame. You can look for your favorite stars among baseball's legends, or try to choose your all-time Dream Team from among baseball's greatest stars.

Rating: 5 stars (out of 5)

Things You Should Know: Cooperstown hosts its annual Hall of Fame Weekend the final weekend of July. The ceremonies attract baseball fans from around the country, including most living Hall of Famers, as it inducts that year's crop of Hall of Famers. The Parade of Legends, featuring MLB's living Hall of Famers, takes place on Saturday. The Induction Ceremony takes place on the Sunday, wrapping up the weekend's events.
- Fans are encouraged to start their tour of the museum on the second floor (which highlights baseball's chronological development), move on to the third floor, and finish in the Hall of Fame Plaque Gallery on the first floor.
- You can leave the museum and return the same day at no additional cost.
- Flash photography and video recordings are encouraged throughout the museum.
- Strollers are permitted, and free wheelchairs are provided for visitors who need them.
- The museum is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Day.
- Up and down Main Street you can browse shops with memorabilia that you can buy - including hats, jerseys, baseball cards, bats, magazines, books and autographed balls.
- For additional information, check out the official Baseball Hall of Fame website.
- Cooperstown hosts the Glimmerglass Opera every July and August.

Nearby: The Farmers Museum; Fenimore Art Museum; Glimmerglass Opera; Palmyra; Erie Canal

Spotlight: New York State - Palmyra

Spotlight: From New York City, we travel upstate to the city of Palmyra in the Finger Lakes region. Palmyra appears to be your typical little country town along the Erie Canal - until thousands of tourists descend upon the city every July. The reason? Palmyra is where the Mormon prophet Joseph Smith grew up. Not only are there many historical sites here depicting the origins of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; there is also a major pageant held here every year at the Hill Cumorah.

Location: Palmyra is located about 15 miles east of Rochester: google map
The Hill Cumorah Visitor's Center is located at 603 State Rt. 21, Palmyra, NY.
The Joseph Smith Farm Welcome Center is located at 843 Stafford Rd., Palmyra, NY.

Time: You can spend a couple of hours, a day, or a couple of days here; depending on your interest in the historical sites.

Cost: The historical sites and pageant are free.

Description: Palmyra is a typical small New York town, with an atypical history. Joseph Smith, the first prophet of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, was raised here. As a result, many historical sites surrounding the establishment of the Mormon church are here. Most are currently owned and operated by the LDS Church and are free to the public. Most of these sites give free tours that explain the history of the site and its importance to members of the Mormon faith. These sites include:
- The Smith family homestead. The Smith family plot includes the frame house and the log cabin, as well as auxiliary buildings. All the buildings are displayed as they would have been during the early 1800's when the Smith family lived here.

- The Sacred Grove. The copse of trees near the homestead is where Joseph went to pray about which church to join. In his personal history, he describes how during his prayer he was visited by God the father and his son, Jesus Christ. He was told not to join any church, but rather was called to restore the Church of Jesus Christ to the earth once again.

- The Palmyra temple was constructed on the grounds. It was dedicated in April, 2000 - the 100th temple built by the LDS Church.

- The Hill Cumorah is the site of the annual Hill Cumorah Pageant. The pageant recreates scenes from the Book of Mormon - a book of scripture that works as a companion to the Bible for members of the Mormon faith. According to Joseph Smith's history, he received a set of gold plates here from the Angel Moroni (the angel placed on the top of most LDS temples). The plates contained a history of the inhabitants of the American continent, and Joseph was given the charge to translate them into English.

- The Grandin Building. This is the location of the printing press that was used to publish the Book of Mormon. It has been restored to appear as it did when the Book of Mormon was published. Volunteers show visitors the process that was used to publish books at this time, and have facsimiles of the manuscript and the final copy of the book.

- The Martin Harris Farm. Martin Harris was one of the 3 witnesses of the Book of Mormon. In addition to handling the gold plates, Martin originally worked as a scribe for the translation. He also mortgaged his farm to pay for its publication.
- The Peter Whitmer Farm in nearby Fayette, New York. David Whitmer was another of the 3 witnesses of the Book of Mormon. His father, Peter, allowed Joseph and Oliver Cowdery (the third witness and primary scribe) to stay here while they transcribed the majority of the Book of Mormon. Later, the home was the location of the first official meeting of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It was here that the LDS Church was organized on April 6, 1830.

Rating: 5 stars (particularly if you are able to see the pageant)

Things You Should Know: There are Visitor's Centers located at the Smith Farm and the Hill Cumorah with guides who offer free tours and can answer any questions you may have.
- The Hill Cumorah Pageant is presented for seven nights every July. The pageant and parking are both free. A cast of more than 650 performs the pageant on the giant 10-level stage with state-of-the-art sound system, lighting and special effects. For information and dates, go to http://hillcumorah.org/index.php
- Several of the original structures at these sites no longer exist, but the buildings on display have been recreated to appear as they would have in the early 1800's.
- The Martin Harris Farm is privately owned. No tours are given at this site.
- The Museums of Historic Palmyra is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the history and architecture of Historic Palmyra "The Queen of Erie Canal Towns." They primarily care for four museums that preserve these Victorian Era homes.
- You can take a cruise on the Erie Canal at Canal Lock 29 near Palmyra. For more info, call 1-800-4CANAL4 ext. 300.

Nearby: Erie Canal, the Finger Lakes, Lake Ontario, Niagara Falls