New in Town: Clipper City Tall Ship in South Street Seaport

Manhattan By Sail has just introduced a 160' tall ship--Clipper City --to the the South Street Seaport (downtown Manhattan), at Pier 17--and this experience of being on a genuine 19th century schooner (extensively refurbished) is not to be missed if you are even remotely adventurous. The 90 minute sail around the tip of Manhattan, with views of the Brooklyn Bridge, The Statue of Liberty, and more, is spectacular. There are places to sit-- but this is NOT a comfort-voyage, in the sense that you're not sitting on padded seats. Still, it worked for my 85 year old mother. And frankly, no one in their right mind would sit throughout the voyage when you can hang on the edge of the boat and take in the view, and feel the sheer joy of the wind and water.
A nice touch was the young and totally hip bluegrass band that played throughout the trip. They were VERY good, and it added verisimilitude to the atmosphere.
Once they raise the sails, you can imagine, if just briefly, what it was like to be on the open seas a century ago...except. of course, for the great advantage of having a 21st century lunch in one of the many outdoor cafes in the Seaport afterward!
And yes --South Street Seaport is VERY touristy. Really the only designated tourist-spot in Manhattan, with lots of shops and overpriced stuff. But it's great for families, kids love the ships as do adults, and the many restaurants are quite decent.
I will add that this is not the same type of trip as the Adirondack Schooner & Yacht Cruise Tours --I still highly recommend the Schooner Tours from Sail NYC. They are smaller schooners and have a different feel. I recommend the small schooner for those wanting a more intimate atmosphere.
Clipper City tall ship hours and costs
7 days a week- 90 minute sails-10AM 12:30PM 3PM 7PM
Tickets: $39 for adults- $17 for kids (18 and under)
Clipper City is docked on the east dock of South Street Seaport at Pier 17

Mt. Vernon Hotel Museum-charming respite

I mentioned The Mount Vernon Hotel Museum (NOTE: the museum is closed in August) at 61st between 1st Avenue and York in a prior post. Well, I returned yesterday, and had a charming visit. My mother and I were the only visitors at the time and the museum had only 2 visitors prior to us that day. We received a personal tour by an 18 year old student who was adorable and enthusiastic and smart, and it made the visit that much more special. The two other docents there were incredibly friendly. It felt more like a visit to a friend's home than a museum tour.
The house itself was built by John Adams' daughter Abigail and her husband but never used by them due to economic troubles (hmmm..sounds familiar!)--subsequently it became a hotel used by wealthy New Yorkers as a respite from the Big City (which at that time extended only up to 14th Street). Swimming in the East River was a -gasp-favorite activity. The rooms are filled with period pieces, and not particularly spectacular compared to similar period rooms in the Met. But it is the idea of this charming, 18th century home in the middle of crazy Manhattan (with a view of the Rososevelt Island tramway and Queensborough Bridge) that makes this a special, off-the-beaten-path destination.
NOTE: The museum is closed in August. Note also there are STAIRS and no elevator--hard for seniors tho doable.
Admission$8 adults, $7 students and seniors Free for Museum Members and children under 12 Museum Hours11AM- 4PM Tuesday through Sunday (please arrive no later than 3:30 to leave enough time for last tour). Closed the month of August, New Year’s Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day Directions to the Museum The Museum is located at 421 East 61st Street between First and York Avenues. Public transportation: Bus: M15, M31 or M57. Subway: N, R or 4, 5, 6 to 59th Street/Lexington Avenue Station or the F to Lexington Avenue

The New York Historical Society-little gems

(NOTE: The NYHS will be closed until Sept., due to renovations, starting July 12th...so RUN don't walk to these exhibitions if you are in NY right now!) A trip to The New-York Historical Society yielded yet another transcendent experience--which may sound a bit hyperbolic for a small museum that attracts relatively few visitors. But every time I go there I find something surprising. This time I went for the Harlem photo exhibition, which turned out to be more documentary than art. But upstairs were two lush, delightful painting exhibitions: "New York Painting Begins: 18th Century Portraits," and "Nature and the American Vision: The Hudson River School."Beautifully presented against dark blue walls (LOVE when museums think about the presentation in this way--I felt like I was in an 18th century parlor), they had 6 children's portraits that were especially unusual and vibrant. The Hudson River exhibit had some lovely paintings from lesser known painters (to me anyway) as well as Thomas Cole (him I know of!).
And there was a moving Lincoln "In His Own Words" display, with examples of Lincoln letters, notes and documents, that gave me chills. When I read the Emancipation Proclamation with his signature, it was a revelation. I suddenly understood the courage and inner strength it took to take this step. I was moved by the content--but also understood for the first time the personal weight of his decision. And a simple letter he wrote to a friend of his son who was not accepted at Harvard, filled with encouragement and exhortation to never give up, was inspiring (the friend was accepted at Yale). It revealed a kindness and positiveness I wish more politicians had.
They also have cool events here for kids (otherwise the museum is not particularly interesting for kids)--July 4th there will be an event with actors portraying Ben Franklin, etc, and Revolutionary War re-enactors.
INFO (CLOSED FROM JULY 12, 2009-Sept. 2009!!): The New-York Historical Society is located at 170 Central Park West between 76th & 77th Street.Tel. (212) 873-3400. Subway: B or C to 81st Street. 1,2, or 3 to 72nd & Broadway or 1 to 79th and B'way. Bus: M10 to 77th Street; M79 to 81st Street and Central Park West. Public parking garages are located at 203 West 77th Street, 207 76th Street and 201 West 75th Street, all between Broadway and Amsterdam Avenue.

Hours

Tuesday - Thursday:	10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday:	10:00 AM - 8:00 PM, Pay what you wish for admission between 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Saturday:	10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday:	11:00 AM - 5:45 PM
Monday:	CLOSED