A month ago, my husband Robert and I traveled to Manhattan in order to go through the final steps needed to obtain Global Entry status.  In order to complete this process  which hopefully moves you faster through T.S.A. lines and U.S. Customs, you have to go for a final interview. The historic Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House in lower Manhattan is one of the few choices that are available in New York State so we headed down there by taking the train from Albany and then the 1 subway train all the way to the final stop.

I didn’t realize at the time that  we would also get the added bonus of discovering so many things to do in this lower portion of Manhattan, a part of this city that I’d rarely traveled to.

NYC Tourism describes part of this portion of Manhattan as the Stone Street Historic District:

 

 

Here are some interesting things that are packed into this relatively small location:

1. The historic Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House now holds the NYC branches of  Washington D.C.’s Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI) and the National Archives (www.archives.gov/nyc).

NMAI has a new exhibition that opened November 13th– Glittering World: Navajo Jewelry of the Yazzie Family – presenting 300 pieces of authentic Navajo jewelry crafted by what is said to be some of the most celebrated jewelry makers of our time, the gifted Yazzie family of Gallup, New Mexico. The family’s pieces have inspired the likes of Donna Karan and accessories from high fashion to mass market trends. This will be the first time this collection is curated and on display, just in time for Native American history month (November).

The Museum is also premiering a Gallery Store with specially-selected pieces ranging from $20-$3,000 by well-known and up-and coming Navajo artists and designers. 

2. After the interview, we ate at nearby Luke’s Lobster,  a little place on South William Street that’s decorated to resemble a lobster shack. We  ordered the Noah’s Ark which consisted of each getting half a lobster roll, half, crab roll and half a shrimp roll chips  and a drink. I saw that they also offered gluten-free rolls which was great to know for when my daughter visited. Delish!

 

 

3. After enjoying our tasty meal,  we explored the nearby area.  Across the street was the Dubliner and, after we walked through and out of this pub, we were surprised to find a side street lined with outdoor eateries. 

 

 

4. Then it was on to briefly take a look at nearby Delmonico’s on Beaver Street (www.delmonicosrestaurantgroup.com/restaurant). This famous historical restaurant has been recently refurbished to reveal its former beauty.

5. Fraunces Tavern, a restaurant and museum, famous for being the location of George Washington’s farewell speech, was also a short walk away.

6. And how better to top these experiences but to take a ride to Ellis Island (www.nps.gov/elis)?. The ferry port was a short walking distance away, and, luckily, I had received two CityPASSes for this excursion which would have permitted us to travel to the Statute of Liberty as well.  I like CityPass because, not only are the tickets discounted, but this travel deal also usually permits you to beat the crowds by taking an express line into the attraction.

Despite the use of CityPASS, we still had to wait a bit because of the need to go through security. But it was worth it!  The day was beautiful, and the ride aboard the ferry was very memorable.  And the visit to this iconic attraction was, of course, a moving experience.

Great time!