Despite reports to the contrary, people still believe in liberty, and the lovely lady above knows it. She hasn’t taken a day off since her makeover (When was that? I’m guessing longer ago than I think.). She also did some backpacking around France.

The Statue of Liberty is a neoclassical sculpture on Liberty Island in New York Harbor outside of New York City. She represents Libertas, who was the Roman goddess of freedom. The statue was a gift from France upon America’s independence from England.

She’s pretty big, but don’t worry, you can buy pocket-sized versions anywhere within a 20 mile radius.

This post is part of the UpTake Monday Museums, Monuments and Memorials Series.

Photo: tyger_lyllie

We love freebies, but sometimes you have to spend a little money to have a great time – emphasis on a little. Once you’ve made the rounds of New York City’s finest freebies, pull out the piggy bank and pamper yourself with these cheap treats.

1. Get a massage in Chinatown.

Don’t expect scented candles and aromatherapy, but you can get an hour-long massage for $30 at places like the Relax Foot Spa. I recommend waiting until your feet have swollen to twice their normal size from all the urban hiking to really get your money’s worth.

2. Eat dumplings in Chinatown.

OK, it doesn’t have to be dumplings, but if you’re local Chinese takeout joint doesn’t offer these deliciously inappropriate-looking yummies, take this opportunity to try them out. Anything you eat in Chinatown is going to be cheap and (most likely) the best Chinese food you’ve ever tasted. Joe’s Shanghai is a tasty experience and a great place to try dumplings for the first time.  Read More »

Lady Liberty was a gift from the French. It’s probably the coolest gift we’ve ever received. By “it” I mean the statue, and by “we” I mean the United States of America, but you probably knew that.

This weekend America celebrates a little something we like to call freedom. Maybe you’ve heard of it. As such, there will be a lot of people being a bit too free with their drinking and their bad decisions. Don’t be one of them. Holidays are supposed to be fun, not dangerous. Don’t drink and drive, people.

Have a great Fourth of July weekend!

This post is part of the UpTake Friday Family Series. Now in caps!

Photo: bets.i.jacobson via Flickr

Staten Island Ferry

Any list of “things to do in New York City” will include a mention of the Statue of Liberty.  And how could it not?  Lady Liberty is the very definition of iconic and it’s difficult to imagine leaving NYC without at least a glimpse.  But how much time and money should you devote to our gift from the French?

Most New York City locals will advise you to skip the official tours to Liberty Island while more sentimental tourists will insist that a trip to the statue’s base is a must.  Personally, I come down on the side of seeing the Statue of Liberty from the Staten Island Ferry – and here’s why.

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