Manhattan Family Fun

Kathy Horowitz facilitates a monthly women’s writer’s group at the Life Center in Huntington.  Her work has appeared in The Long Islander, Long Island Woman, Calyx, Blue Unicorn, and 
energyofnewlight.com.  She recently self-published her first collection of poems available at Huntington’s Book Revue.  Kathy offers freelance editing, writing, and proofreading (kahorowitz@gmail.com)
www.kathyhorowitz.com

While most people like to head out to the East End of Long Island, there are those who also like to travel west into New York City for summer adventures.  Here’s a list of three places to travel with your kids to get cool and to eat sweets.  Don’t forget your sunscreen, sunglasses, and swimwear:

• Circle Line. Take the Best of NYC Cruise-a 2 ½ hour cruise that takes guests all around Manhattan –
12 miles.  Narrated by knowledgeable and entertaining guides, you will pass all 5 boroughs of NYC including the Statue of Liberty.  While cruising down the Hudson, witness the skyscrapers as well as the WTC site.  Heading up the East River, you will see Governors Island, Brooklyn, and the Brooklyn and Williamsburg bridges.  In the final 40 minutes you pass Columbia University, the Cloisters, Grant’s Tomb and the Riverbank State Park.  If your children are under 5, take the Landmark Sightseeing Cruise for a 1 ½ hour ride.  For a pristine nighttime view of Lady Liberty, climb aboard the Harbor Lights cruise.  Visit Circleline42.com to reserve tickets.

• The Beast. You and your kids will thrill to this beastly looking, custom-built speedboat which flies 45 mph toward the Statue of Liberty.  It’s like a rollercoaster on water with a rockin’ soundtrack!  If you really want to get wet, wear your bathing suit and ask the BEAST Handlers about “The Pool” and you’ll be seated in the best spot.  This half-hour ride screeches to a halt within 100 feet of the Statue of Liberty.  Enjoy the panoramic views of midtown and lower Manhattan.

• North River Lobster Company
Located at Pier 81 on the Hudson River, come to New York to get a taste of New England!  Offering lunch and dinner, pick your fare from a variety of fresh seafood favorites including a raw bar and light fare for the children.  Parents order with the bartender (mason jar cocktails and buckets of beer) and grab your seats!  Live DJ Sundays from 3pm – 11pm and Monday through Thursdays from 5pm – 11pm. Reservations not needed to hop on board. (northriverlobsterco.com) 

• Two of the Eight Best Spots in NYC for 
Ice Cream Big Gay Ice Cream Shop extends its 
name from its frozen creations and to its window art 
of rainbows and a giant prancing unicorn.  Taste the 
soft-serve ice cream with a twist of untraditional 
toppings and dips. The Original Chinatown Ice Cream Factory is marked by a colorful dragon 
chomping on ice cream.  The Factory serves frozen treats with an Asian twist.  For a full listing, visit www.newyork.com/articles/restaurants.

Happy Manhattan Summering!