Many years ago I would go to the Seaport area for the many small shops and stalls in the 2 large buildings at the edge of the West Side Highway. The Financial District sits just south of the Seaport and I always admired the classic 19th Century buildings in the area. The old Fulton Fish Market moved to the Bronx in 2005. There was a terrace where people could watch the sunset and the ships on the East River. Then Hurricane Sandy hit in 2012 and almost destroyed the Seaport. The shops started closing and fewer people came by. When I went back I found a deserted area with little open. I had not been back until this weekend when the South Street Seaport Museum invited me to experience an afternoon inside and outside.
It helped that it was a glorious day with sunshine and low humidity. The #2 train stops at Fulton Street and it is a 10-minute walk to the Seaport Museum that was my first stop. They offer tickets that cover a visit to the museum exhibits as well as access to the Wavertree (1885 cargo sailing ship) and lightship Ambrose both docked nearby. Another combination has museum admission and a 45-minute Lower Manhattan skyline tugboat ride. The ecology sail includes a 3-hour marine life sailboat ride that is great for families. I choose the schooner Pioneer sailboat 2-hour ride in NY Harbor with views of the Statue of Liberty (I was the guest of the Seaport Museum). Around the corner are Browne & Co., Stationers and Printing office, a museum gallery and print shop with live printing demonstrations. One suggestion- There was no commentary during the cruise. As one of the few New Yorkers aboard I was telling the other guests about landmarks around the harbor.
In 2018 the new Pier 17 opened with summer concerts on the rooftop as well as outdoor movies. On Sundays there is an outdoor market on Pier 17 with local foods, farmers and producers. The indoor food market is permanent.
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