3 – New York for Piccolas and Piccolos: South Street Seaport Museum
Workshops and classic ships help tell the story of the days when this area was a bustling port, its piers crowded with ships from around the world, bringing trade that helped build a thriving New York and the growing United States.
classic ships help tell the story of the days when this area was a bustling port, its piers crowded with ships from around the world, bringing trade that helped build a thriving New York and the growing United States. Photo: @lucascompan
Start at the museum for interpretive displays and the ongoing exhibition Millions: Migrants and Millionaires aboard the Great Liners, 1900-1914. Then head to Pier 16 at John Street where several vintage vessels are docked. Take the tour of these two: the 1907 lighthouse ship Ambrose and the 1886 Wavertree, the cargo ship that is the flagship of the fleet, fresh from a 13-million-dollar restoration.
Pier 16 at John Street where several vintage vessels are docked. this one is the 1907 lighthouse ship Ambrose. Photo: @lucascompan
the 1886 Wavertree, the cargo ship that is the flagship of the fleet, fresh from a 13-million-dollar restoration. Photo: @lucascompan
From May through October, visitors can actually go for a sail on the Pioneer, an 1885 four-masted schooner, and help hoist the sails. The Bowne Print Shop at 207-211 Water Street is the chance to see how the early letterpress printing was used and examples of 19th-century crafts such as woodcarving. It’s a fun way to learn about 500 years of printing in one hour – for ages 12 and up.
printing types from the 19th century at the bowne print shop. Photo: @lucascompan
printing process of the 19th century and woodcarving at the workshop. image: yelp
The rest of the Seaport area is a collection of shops and restaurants with wonderful water views. Much of the action is at recently renovated pier 17, which features musical entertainment on the rooftop. There’s also a very upscale multi-screen cinema serving food and drinks to moviegoers.
shops and restaurants at the south street seaport. photo: @lucascompan
shops and restaurants at the south street seaport. photo: @lucascompan
