Columbia Scholastic Press Association

Attractions

These are the “best bet” choices from the CSPA staff.

Statue of Liberty National Monument
For the first time since September 11, 2001, the open to visitors. Naturally, there are many new security procedures, but the experience for a first-time visitor can be exhilirating.

The interior of the Statue is closed for renovation through at least the end of 2012. Both Liberty Island and Ellis Island will remain open, and views of the Statue of Liberty will remain unobstructed. Reserve and Flex Tickets are available. Programs and tours will continue to be offered on both Islands. At the end of October 2011 interior access to the Statue of Liberty was closed for renovation, but the grounds are still accessible for tours and picture taking. Only the interior of the Statue is closed.
 
A limited number of daily tickets to tour the monument are available at the ferry ticket offices in New York or New Jersey for walk-ins or reserved in advance by calling: 1-866-STATUE-4 (1-866-782-8834) or on-line at: www.statuereservations.com.

American Museum of Natural History
A taxidermist’s paradise and proud owner of a fantastic new wing packed with dinosaurs. The museum also houses a Hall of Human Evolution and Biology, chronicling the theoretical human development from ape to homo sapien. The museum is also home to the Rose Center for Earth and Space, a celestial research facility which includes a newly refurbished Hayden Planetarium.

The Planetarium currently hosts two space shows: “The Search for Life: Are we Alone?” narrated by Harrison Ford and “Passport to the Universe” narrated by Tom Hanks.

Admission to the Museum and the Space Center is suggested at $19 per adult and $10.50 per child (2-12 years old). Space shows, IMAX movies and special exhibits require an additional fee and advanced ticketing.

(Central Park West at 79th St., (212) 769-5100; www.amnh.org)

Dining Choices

Amsterdam Restaurant
Recommended by Ed Sullivan
Newly renovated and reopened to the public in November 2004, this New American Fusion restaurant and lounge offers an inventive and diverse menu of culinary delights influenced by Asian, Mediterranean and Latin cuisines. (1207 Amsterdam Ave at West 119th St, (212) 662-6330; www.amsterdamrestaurant.com.)

Kitchenette
Recommended by Denise Báez
This “country in the city” restaurant features a bakery and café area and boasts an extremely popular menu of comfort foods. Noted for its compact quarters and decorative coat hooks. (1272 Amsterdam Ave. at West 122nd St, (212) 531-7600; www.kitchenettenyc.com.)

Cosí Coffee & Sandwich Shops
Recommended by Rebecca Castillo
This chain’s attraction is summed up in one magic word: S’MORES. You can generously share a platter of S’mores ingredients with others (or be greedy), assembling the parts and roasting over a tabletop “campfire.” 17 locations in N.Y.C.; for more information, check www.getcosi.com.

Angelo & Maxie’s
Recommended by Antonio Rodríguez
This traditional steakhouse is a cornerstone of the Gramercy Park restaurant district. Despite having prices slightly on the high side, the cuisine (traditional American) is definitely worth it. (233 Park Ave South at East 19th St, (212) 220-9200; www.angelo-maxies.com.)

What's Hot in New York City

Madame Tussaud’s New York
Madame Tussaud’s is a world-renowned institution with a lot to celebrate. They have a fascinating and colorful history behind them - entertaining people from all over the world for over 200 years. With a heartfelt desire to enthrall and inspire, state-of-the-art interactivity and an exceptional gift for partying, they have what it takes to keep visitors smiling! (243 West 42nd St, (212) 512-9600, www.nycwax.com.)

Toys “R” Us
The Times Square Toys “R” Us, features a giant ferris wheel to ride until you’re dizzy, a life size T-Rex roaring at you and more toys than ever seen in one place. It’s no wonder it’s the prime shopping destination for Times Square visitors. This mammoth store features an E.T. shop, Magic store, LEGO shop, 4,000-ft. Barbie dollhouse and the interactive ‘R’ Zone, not to mention a Candy Land shop for refueling after all that toy gazing. (1514 Broadway, (646) 366-8800, www3.toysrus.com.)

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