When James was scheduled for a four-day business trip to attend a conference in Manhattan following a holiday weekend, we decided to turn the visit into two distinct trips. The first was to lower Manhattan the weekend before the conference, where we stayed at the Casa Cipriani overlooking New York Harbor. The hotel is located within easy reach of many lower Manhattan attractions, including the Statue of Liberty, Wall Street, Trinity Church, and the 9/11 memorial.

We then moved midtown for the second trip, staying at the 1Hotel with a view to Central Park and nearer to the James’ conference. We enjoyed the diversity of the restaurant scene during the week, and the weekend after the conference took in the highlights of the area, including the Rockefeller Center, the Empire Sate Building, Times Square, the Broadway Theater District and Central Park.

Staying in two different hotels added a bit of overhead to the trip, but it worked out well. We very much enjoy experiencing new places on foot, and the two-hotel approach allowed us to walk everywhere we wanted to go. The only time we took a cab was to transfer to and from our hotels.

Below are highlights from May 25th through 31st, 2025. Click any image for a larger view, or click the position to view the location on a map. And a map with our most recent log entries always is available at mvdirona.com/maps.

5/24/2025

Casa Cipriani Position: 40°42.08’N, -74°0.74’W At the Casa Cipriani hotel in lower Manhattan for the weekend before James attends a business meeting. The hotel is built inside the historic Battery Maritime Building, initially a ferry terminal, with sweeping views over New York Harbor. It also includes a private members-only club that hotel guests have temporary access to.

Hallway Position: 40°42.06’N, -74°0.72’W The Casa Cipriani is designed with a nautical theme and the hallways resemble that of a luxury cruise liner of old.

5/25/2025

Governers Island Ferry Position: 40°42.05’N, -74°0.73’W The Governers Island Ferry arriving onto the dock, viewed from our room at the Casa Cipriani. We thought for sure the ship was going to hit the pier given the angle of approach, but that was just the captain successfully fighting the current before a perfect landing.

Staten Island Ferry Position: 40°42.04’N, -74°0.72’W The famous Staten Island ferry departing from lower Manhattan. We loved the room at the Casa Cipriani, and their private club and restaurant, but a major downside was the 24×7 hourly departure of the Staten Island ferry accompanied by a very loud horn blast. The room included ear plugs, but they didn’t help that much.

Sunset Position: 40°42.06’N, -74°0.67’W Sunset over New York, viewed from the Casa Cipriani hotel.

5/26/2025

Casa Cipriani Gym Position: 40°42.06’N, -74°0.72’W We really liked how the architects of the Casa Cipriani hotel kept much of the original ferry terminal infrastructure. This is their gym, with exposed century-old riveted steel supports.

Staten Island Ferry Terminal Position: 40°42.09’N, -74°0.79’W Passing the Staten Island Ferry terminal on our way to take a harbor cruise to Liberty and Ellis islands in New York Harbor.

Statue City Cruises Position: 40°42.09’N, -74°0.94’W A boatload of passengers about to depart Lower Manhattan for Liberty and Ellis islands. Ships leave about every thirty minutes and typically are full to capacity.

Lower Manhattan Position: 40°42.06’N, -74°1.04’W View to Lower Manhattan as we depart for Liberty Island.

Statue of Liberty Position: 40°41.38’N, -74°2.33’W Approaching the iconic Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor. This is a bit of a “filling in the gaps” moment for us, as we would have loved to bring Dirona past the statue and into New York. We did boat past New York three times, but didn’t have time to stop on those trips.

Liberty Island Position: 40°41.32’N, -74°2.68’W Jennifer with the Statue of Liberty on Liberty Island.

Statue of Liberty mold Position: 40°41.46’N, -74°2.79’W A full-sized copper replica of the Statue of Liberty’s foot as part of an exhibit showing how the statue was built. The statue was not cast, but instead was formed of individual copper sheets, pounded into shape against negative wood molds that were created from positive plaster molds.

Ellis Island, Jersey City and New York Position: 40°41.46’N, -74°2.76’W View from Liberty Island to Ellis Island, foreground, Jersey City, at left, and New York.

The Registry Room Position: 40°41.95’N, -74°2.38’W The Registry Room on Ellis Island, restored to its appearance in the early 20th century. Arrivals to the US, often more than 5,000 per day, waited here to be inspected and processed by Immigration Service Officers and hopefully granted permission to enter the country.

Wall of Honor Position: 40°41.95’N, -74°2.28’W The American Immigration Wall of Honor at Ellis Island lists the names of nearly one million people who have immigrated to the US. The wall is a fundraising mechanism for Ellis Island restoration projects, whereby people can purchase an inscription to honor an American immigrant. The wall initially was restricted to those who were processed at Ellis Island, but later was expanded to include any immigrant.

Lunch Position: 40°41.93’N, -74°2.34’W Lunch from the Ellis Island cafeteria, surprisingly good for fast food, enjoyed on a shady terrace with New York Harbor views.

East Coast Memorial Position: 40°42.13’N, -74°0.95’W 18-ft bronze eagle, symbolically placing a wreath upon the waters of the Atlantic, as part of the East Coast Memorial. The memorial, not visible in the photo, lists the names of 4,600 American servicemen considered missing in action or lost at sea during World War II off the east coasts of North and South America.

Charging Bull Position: 40°42.33’N, -74°0.80’W The iconic Charging Bull statue in Manhattan’s financial district is an exceedingly popular tourist attraction and was mobbed with people when we walked past. Italian artist Arturo Di Modica created the self-funded sculpture to thank the nation that had allowed him to become a successful artist after arriving penniless in 1970. He conceived the idea after the 1987 stock market crash to inspire people to be strong and carry on, and illegally installed it outside the New York Stock Exchange building late one evening in 1989. The police seized the statue and removed it, but it had already become such a hit that the public outcry convinced the city to bring it back. The statue was subsequently installed in Bowling Green park, where it remains to this day.

Broadway Position: 40°42.39’N, -74°0.76’W Looking north along Broadway in Manhattan’s financial district.

Fearless Girl Position: 40°42.40’N, -74°0.66’W The Fearless Girl statue originally was installed facing the Charging Bull the day before the 2017 International Women’s Day to promote a gender-diverse mutual fund. The statue was originally intended to be in place for a week, but was so popular that the timeframe was extended several times and the statue eventually was moved to its current, permanent location opposite the New York Stock Exchange.

Trinity Church Position: 40°42.43’N, -74°0.65’W View west along Wall Street to historic Trinity Church. Constructed between 1839 and 1846, this is the third church to stand on the site.

Nassau St. Position: 40°42.46’N, -74°0.62’W Wedge barrier on Nassau St., one of several mechanisms used to bar unauthorized vehicles into the central core of Manhattan’s financial district.

Church St. Position: 40°42.58’N, -74°0.70’W Office towers soaring above Church St. in Manhattan’s financial district.

Greenwich St. Position: 40°42.60’N, -74°0.75’W A double row of security bollards to limit vehicle access into the central core of Manhattan’s financial district

Reflecting Absence Position: 40°42.71’N, -74°0.80’W One of the two pools in Reflecting Absence, a 9/11 memorial installed in the footprints of the twin World Trade Center towers. The names of the 2,983 people who were killed in the terrorist attacks are inscribed on low walls ringing the pools. The memorial is quite effective in evoking a sense of loss and sorrow.

Tympanum Position: 40°42.47’N, -74°0.70’W Tympanum above the Trinity Church Astor Memorial Doors, depicting Christ rising above his twelve apostles.

Altar Position: 40°42.48’N, -74°0.72’W Trinity Church’s intricate high alter was first used on Christmas Eve 1877. The intricately carved Caen marble Astor Reredos, below the stained glass window, depicts the history of the Episcopal Church.

Organ Pipes Position: 40°42.48’N, -74°0.72’W Some of the 8,041 hand-crafted pipes in Trinity Church’s new organ. These pipes were installed in a cabinet dating from 1846, making it the oldest existing piece of furniture in the church.

Avi Stein Position: 40°42.48’N, -74°0.73’W We spent ages speaking with Trinity Church lead organist Avi Stein, who was on site for the some final tuning and adjustments of the new organ. Avi was driving force behind the new organ, that will be completed this year afer a decade-long project.

Organ Position: 40°42.48’N, -74°0.75’W A behind-the-stops view of the new Trinity Church organ, showing the electronics that control Trinity Church’s new organ.

Graveyard Position: 40°42.49’N, -74°0.70’W Several prominent people are buried in the Trinity Church graveyard, including Alexander Hamilton, a Founding Father and the first Secretary of the Treasury. The gravestone at center is the oldest in the cemetery, that of Richard Churcher, who died in 1681.

Wall St. Position: 40°42.47’N, -74°0.71’W Walking along the famous Wall Street. We’ve both visited New York several times, but have never been in the financial district.

New York Stock Exchange Position: 40°42.46’N, -74°0.68’W The entrance at New and Wall St to the New York Stock Exchange building, completed in 1903. Modern day workers must pass through the security booth at lower right before entering the building.

George Washington Position: 40°42.43’N, -74°0.63’W Bronze statue of George Washington by American artist John Quincy Adams Ward. The statue was unveiled in 1893 to commemorate Washington’s first inauguration in 1789. The statue stands approximately where Washington took the oath of office, in Federal Hall, which back then served as the nation’s capitol building.

20 Exchange Place Position: 40°42.33’N, -74°0.53’W When completed in 1931, 20 Exchange Place was one of the tallest in the city with 57 usable stories.

Fraunces Tavern Position: 40°42.20’N, -74°0.67’W A great lunch at historic Fraunces Tavern, established in 1762 and the oldest bar in the city. The building itself is among the oldest in Manhattan, dating from 1719.

Downtown Skyport Position: 40°42.10’N, -74°0.60’W The New York Port Authority built the Downtown Skyport in 1960, the first heliport in the country FAA-certified for scheduled flights. The busy heliport mostly serves Wall Street and the lower Manhattan financial district, transporting executives and time-sensitive documents, and is the only New York City heliport to support sightseeing flights. The heliport also is where Marine One lands when the carrying the US President to New York City.

Stone St. Position: 40°42.27’N, -74°0.64’W Stone Street, dating from the 17th century, is one of the oldest streets in New York. The street was split in two in 1980 when the Goldman Sachs building was built, with the western section carrying traffic and the eastern section, pictured, open only to pedestrians.

Delmonico’s New York Position: 40°42.31’N, -74°0.62’W The original Delmonico’s Restaurant opened in 1837 at 56 Beaver Street in New York as the first fine dining restaurant in the country. The internationally-famous establishment has maintained that tradition to this day. We had an excellent meal with exceptional service.

5/27/2025

Milos Midtown Position: 40°45.80’N, -73°58.76’W A delicious seafood meal at Milos Midtown. Today we moved hotels from Casa Cipriani in Lower Manhattan to the 1Hotel in midtown where James will attend some business meetings.

5/28/2025

Rick Welts Position: 40°45.94’N, -73°59.80’W Rick Welts, CEO of the Dallas Mavericks NBA team, on stage with Ben Cohen of the Wall Street Journal at the newspaper’s Future of Everything conference that James is attending this week. The event brings together leaders from wide-ranging industries to debate and discuss their vision for the future. Represented industries include technology, public service, transportation, farming, personal care, sports, entertainment and financing.

USS Intrepid Position: 40°45.93’N, -73°59.84’W View to the USS Intrepid, one of 24 Essex class US Navy aircraft carriers built during World War II, from the Glasshouse in midtown Manhattan where the Future of Everything conference is being held. Decommissioned in 1974, the ship became the centerpiece of the Intrepid Museum that opened in 1982.

Brooke Shields Position: 40°45.95’N, -73°59.81’W Actress, author and entrepreneur Brooke Shields discussing the future of aging at the Future of Everything conference. In 2024, Shields launched Commence, a haircare line for women over 40.

Ron Howard & Ben Grazer Position: 40°45.94’N, -73°59.81’W Filmmaker Ron Howard and producer Ben Grazer on stage at the Future of Everything Conference to discuss the future of storytelling. The famous Oscar-winning duo, who have collaborated closely for 40 years, have many hit movies including Apollo 11 and A Beautiful Mind.

6 1/2 Ave. Position: 40°45.90’N, -73°58.73’W 6 1/2 Avenue in New York is a pedestrian-only walkway created in 2011 to connect several public spaces. Fractionally numbered streets are a novelty in New York.

Saar Indian Bistro Position: 40°45.75’N, -73°59.09’W Dinner at Saar Indian Bistro in midtown Manhattan following James’ meetings. The restaurant is in the Broadway Theater district, opposite the area’s largest theater, Gershwin Theater. From our table we could see patrons lining up there to watch the musical Wicked.

The Great Gatsby Position: 40°45.79’N, -73°58.99’W The Great Gatsby stage musical, based on the F. Scott Fitzgerald’s 1925 novel of the same name, has been playing at the Broadway Theater since opening in March of 2024.

The Late Show Position: 40°45.81’N, -73°58.97’W The Ed Sullivan Theater where The Late Show with Steven Colbert is taped. Originally created and hosted by Dave Letterman in 1993, Colbert took over in 2014. CBS recently announced it would cancel the top-rated show in May of 2026 when Colbert’s contract expires.

Carnegie Hall Position: 40°45.93’N, -73°58.85’W The famous Carnegie Hall concert venue in New York opened in 1891. The concert hall has hosted notable musicians ranging from Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald to the Beatles, David Bowie, and the Rolling Stones. and We really enjoyed walking past all these venues we’re familiar with, but have never seen in person.

5/29/2025

Brian Kemp Position: 40°45.94’N, -73°59.81’W Governer of Georgia Brian Kemp and educational equity advocate Russlynn Ali, on stage at the Future of Everything conference with Joshua Jamerson of the Wall Street Journal, to debate the future of high school

Jennifer Garner Position: 40°45.94’N, -73°59.81’W Jennifer Garner, actress and co-founder of Once Upon a Farm organic baby-food, discussing how kids will eat in the future at the the Future of Everything conference.

USS Growler Position: 40°45.93’N, -73°59.84’W The USS Growler, launched in 1958 was one of only two Grayback class submarines built during the cold war to deliver nuclear cruise missiles. The Grayback class vessels were unusual in carrying nuclear armament in a diesel-powered submarine. The vessel was decommissioned in 1964 and added to the Intrepid Museum in 1988.

Giardino 54 Position: 40°45.96’N, -73°59.26’W A delicious meal on the light-filled enclosed back garden at Giardino 54 Italian restaurant. We’ve been sampling restaurants of differing ethnicities while we are in New York and every meal has been delicious.

5/30/2025

Judge Roy Bean Public House Position: 40°45.78’N, -73°58.59’W A fun lunch at Judge Roy Bean Public House in midtown Manhattan before a walking tour of the area.

Delivery Basement Position: 40°45.78’N, -73°58.59’W As we were having lunch at Judge Roy Bean Public House, a delivery was lowered into this basement access that looked to be at least a century old.

Radio City Music Hall Position: 40°45.68’N, -73°58.80’W The famous Radio City Music Hall, in the Rockefeller Center, was the largest auditorium in the world when it opened in 1932. Designed in an art deco style, the theater initially was intended to host live stage shows, but due to low interest was converted to a movie palace soon after opening and has since been the site of many premieres.

Rockefeller Center Position: 40°45.60’N, -73°58.76’W A scale model of the Rockefeller Center, that spans an entire block in mid-town Manhattan. At center is 30 Rockefeller Plaza, where NBC Studios are located and the comedy sketch show Saturday Night Live (SNL) is produced. Comedian Tina Fey created the show 30 Rock based on her experiences as an SNL head writer.

View south Position: 40°45.53’N, -73°58.74’W The view south towards lower Manhattan from the “Top of the Rock”, the 70th-story open-air observation deck atop 30 Rockefeller Plaza. Slightly left of center in the distance is the 86-story Empire State Building, that we’ll be visiting later this afternoon.

View east Position: 40°45.53’N, -73°58.74’W Looking east from the “Top of the Rock”. The 1,388 feet (423 m) black building at left is 270 Park Avenue, that will become the new headquarters for JPMorgan Chase when completed later this year. At far right is 1,301 feet (397 m) One Vanderbilt, completed in 2020 at a cost of $3.31 billion.

Central Park Position: 40°45.55’N, -73°58.77’W Central Park, viewed from the “Top of the Rock”. The tall building at left is 98-floor Central Park Tower, the tallest residential skyscraper in the world. Slightly right of center is 84-story Steinway Tower with a maximum of one apartment per floor, and some spanning several floors. It is one of the most expensive residential buildings in the world, with unit prices ranging from $66 million, to $110 million for the 4-floor penthouse.

Prometheus Position: 40°45.52’N, -73°58.70’W Statue of the Greek god Prometheus in the lower plaza at Rockefeller Center, where the skating rink is installed in the winter.

Grand Central Station Position: 40°45.18’N, -73°58.67’W The cavernous main concourse of New York’s Grand Central Station is one of the ten-most visited tourist attractions in the world. Serving some 67 million passengers a year, it is the third-busiest train station in North America, after Penn Station, also in New York, and Union Station in Toronto.

New York Public Library Position: 40°45.18’N, -73°58.89’W The New York Public Library Main Branch opened in 1911 and contains an estimated 2.5 million books.

Empire State Building Position: 40°44.90’N, -73°59.11’W At the Empire State Building to take in the sweeping views from the 86th-floor observation deck. Completed in 1931 and standing a total of 1,454 feet (443.2 m), it was the tallest building in the world until the World Trade Center superseded it in 1970.

Empire State Building View Position: 40°44.91’N, -73°59.16’W The view south towards lower Manhattan from the Empire State Building.

Macy’s New York Position: 40°45.01’N, -73°59.27’W Elaborate flower decoration on the side of the Macy’s building in mid-town Manhattan.

Times Square Position: 40°45.52’N, -73°59.12’W Always-active Times Square in New York sees 330,000 visitors a day and 50 million annually, making it one of the most visited tourist attractions in the world. The center of the Broadway Theater District, it is also where the annual New Year’s Eve ball drops takes place, attracting a million people in person and a worldwide audience of over a billion.

Good Night and Good Luck Position: 40°45.69’N, -73°59.05’W George Clooney made his Broadway debut in Good Night and Good Luck, based on the 2005 film of the same name.

La Grande Boucherie Position: 40°45.77’N, -73°58.82’W A delicious meal at the beautifully-decorated French restaurant La Grande Boucherie in midtown Manhattan.

5/31/2025

Central Park Position: 40°46.01’N, -73°58.43’W We spent the afternoon walking through New York’s massive 843 acres (341 ha) Central park. It is such an amazing space right in the center of New York. Over roughly four hours, we walked all the way to the north end and back.

Bourbon Steak Position: 40°45.99’N, -73°58.68’W Another excellent New York steakhouse meal at Bourbon Steak overlooking Central Park for our final dinner in the city. The food was delicious and the service exceptional.

Click the travel log icon on the left to see these locations on a map. And a map of our most recent log entries always is available at mvdirona.com/maps.