Shari Goldhagen

Lady Liberty is the quintessential representation of the American spirit, and locals and tourists can agree that a visit to the historic grounds is worthwhile. You’ll definitely want to put the monument on your list of places to visit this spring. The newly renovated Statue of Liberty Museum is set to make its grand debut in May, and there’s a lot for patrons to look forward to: an immersive theater that provides a glimpse into Lady Liberty's history and ideals, an engagement gallery where visitors can get a behind-the-scenes of Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi’s creative process the inspirational gallery that provides an up-close-and-personal look at the monument’s original torch. You can learn more about the project here. (nps.gov)

Everything you need to know about visiting the Statue of Liberty (Liberty Island, New York, 10004). Since 1886, the Statue of Liberty has held her torch high in New York Harbor as the quintessential symbol of American liberty, and no trip to NYC (perhaps no trip the United States), is complete without a visit to the Mother of Exiles at Liberty Island. The statue’s massive pedestal houses an observation deck as well as exhibits detailing the fascinating history of the 305-foot copper statue designed by Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi and gifted to the U.S. from France to celebrate the friendship of the two nations. Check out the original torch and read the bronze plaque with Emma Lazarus’s poem “A New Colossus” (you know, the tired, poor, huddled masses yearning to be free). The National Park Service offers daily tours of Liberty Island as well as neighboring Ellis Island, which served as the first stop for more than 12 million immigrants between 1852 and 1954. While admission to both parks is technically free, visitors must buy ferry tickets to get there. Be sure to book online well in advance, as day-of tickets tend to sell out quickly—especially in the summer months. RECOMMENDED: 101 best things do in NYC Visit the crowning achievement Access to Lady Liberty’s crown was closed to the public after 9/11, but beginning in 2009, a limited number of daily visitors are allowed to climb the 354 steps and enjoy the stunning view. But the trek—which can take three or more hours and is ro

Everything you need to know about visiting the Chrysler Building (405 Lexington Ave, New York, 10174). With its steel sunburst crown, the Chrysler Building is the pinnacle of the art deco era and one of the world’s most recognizable skyscrapers. Designed by William Van Alen for Chrysler founder Walter F. Chrysler, the 925-foot, 77-story tower boasts car-themed flourishes and was the first man-made structure with a height of more than 1,000 feet. Despite its historic significance, no public tours are offered of the tower. But during business hours, visitors can explore the elegant lobby with Moroccan marble walls and embellished Sienna marble floors. Check out the world’s first digital clock by the reception area and look up at Transport and Human Endeavor, artist Edward Trumbull’s ceiling mural depicting innovative buildings, airplanes and Chrysler’s automotive line. And the building is most stunning from the outside anyway, especially after the sun sets and thousands of lights in the triangular windows set the crown aglow. Get a crown in the crownSince the public observation deck closed in 1945, there has been no official way for tourists to admire the view from the triangular windows of the Chrysler Building’s iconic crown…but there is a dental office located on the 69th floor. So the best way to enjoy a breathtaking view of the NYC skyline is by getting a root canal. Spot the car-goylesTo pay homage to the building’s namesake car company, no ordinary gargoyles would do. In