The Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart, the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Newark, is an impressive French gothic cathedral with intricate sculptures, bronze doors, and over 200 stained glass windows.  It’s about the size of London’s Westminster Abbey – only in Newark, New Jersey.

Following nearly 95 of planning, building, planning some more, and changing plans, the cathedral was finished in 1954.  The Cathedral was elevated to the status of a Basilica by Pope John Paul II when he visited in 1995.

Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart is located at 89 Ridge Street, in Newark, New Jersey.  In addition to the Mass schedule, the cathedral is open to the public Monday – Saturday, 9 am – 7 pm, and Sunday 1-3 pm.  Concerts and other musical performances are offered throughout the year.

Sacred Heart is the fifth largest cathedral in the United States, and holds the largest pipe organ ever built.  To fully appreciate the power and magnificence of a pipe organ, you really must hear it in person.  But until you can, here’s a wonderful taste of what’s to come.

Photo credit: flickr

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Post from: The New York City Traveler

1. Rockaway Beach, Queens   Watch the longboarders catch some of New York’s best waves at this surfers delight.  Close to the city, Rockaway Beach Park offers a quick get-away.  Free admission.  A to Broad Channel then S to Rockaway Park-Beach 116th St. 
2. Jones Beach State Park, NY   If you don’t want to wade in the surf of this 6.5 mile beach, try the calmer bay beach or one of the two pools.  Summer concerts in the outdoor amphitheater.  $8/day, LIRR to Freeport then JB62 to Jones Beach.   
3. Long Beach, NY   A few years ago, on my first trip to Long Beach, I exclaimed “I feel like I’m in California!”  Located on the Atlantic Ocean, the town of Long Beach has a great laid back beach vibe and  enough white sand that will make you feel like you’re in Hermosa Beach, California.  $6/day, LIRR to Long Beach 
4. Brighton Beach and Coney Island, Brooklyn   The neighboring communities of multi-ethnic Brighton Beach and all-American Coney Island have a little something for everybody.   Russian and Ukraine eateries line the boardwalk of Brighton Beach while you can get a Nathan’s Hot Dog in Coney Island.  B, Q to Brighton Beach. 
5. Spring Lake, NJ   So quaint, this town deserved its own post earlier in the month.  Located just two hours south of New York on the Jersey shore, this idyllic stretch of white beach is the longest non-commercial Boardwalk in New Jersey.  Private beach, but hotels and B&Bs have passes for guests.  Jersey Transit to Spring Lake.  
6. Atlantic City, NJ   The classic South Jersey getaway, A.C. has undergone a transformation, of sorts.  You can’t help but think of the glorydays of Atlantic City when you walk wooden boardwalk.  Frequent bus departures from Port Authority on Academy Bus Lines and Greyhound Bus Line.
7. Great Kills Park, Staten Island   A great swimming beach, nature trails, fishing, and a marina with a public boat launch comprise this Staten Island recreation getaway.  S78 from Staten Island Ferry Terminal. 
8. Ocean Beach, NY   One of the most happening towns on Fire Island, Ocean Park is one step below the Hamptons.  LIRR to Bayshore then water taxi to Ocean Beach.  
9. Orchard Beach, Bronx   This man-made beach neighbors the forest and marshland of Pelham Bay.  Walk the promenade or catch one of the free concerts that take place throughout the summer.   Bus: Bx12, Bx29, Bx5, Bx52
10. Hampton Main Beach, NY  Located in East Hampton and nestled between other notable beaches, Main Beach has long had the reputation for being the best of the bunch.  Click here for transportation option to the Hamptons.

Photo credit (top to bottom): Rockaway Beach, flickr; surfer at Long Beach, flickr; Spring Lake boardwalk, personal collection; Atlantic City boardwalk, flickr; Main Beach, flickr

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Post from: The New York City Traveler

Governors Island

As a former military post, Governors Island had roles in the Revolutionary War, and virtually every other major U.S. military engagement including the War of 1812, Civil War, World War I, World War II, and the Gulf War.  Sixty-four of the island’s 225 buildings have been designated as historic. 

Since the sale back to the people of New York, visiting the 172-acre Governors Island has never been easier. Free ferries cross the harbor between Manhattan and Governors Island at least hourly.  Once on the island visitors may partake in the scheduled events, biking, or tours.  In a bid to become a summertime destination for New Yorkers, Governors Island is hosting weekend events ranging from art exhibits to music.  For a full list of scheduled activities, click here. 

Though just a few years ago the future of Governors Island seemed uncertain, this year will mark the groundbreaking of a newly redesigned 40-acre park which will feature a 2.2 mile waterfront promenade, and restoration of 33 acres of historic landscape, ultimately creating over 100-acres of public green space.

Getting There:  Ferries depart from Manhattan at the Battery Maritime Building located on the corner of South Street and Whitehall Street (map).  Click here for a ferry schedule. 

Days and Hours: Friday 10am-5pm; Saturday and Sunday 10am-7pm.  Open seasonally May 31st until October 5th.

Cost:  Ferry and park are both Free

Photo credit (top to bottom): flickr, flickr;

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Post from: The New York City Traveler

the Irish Hunger Memorial, located on Vesey Street and North End Avenue, near Battery Park, pays homage to those that died in the Great Irish Famine of 1845-1852 and those that die from famines that continue to plague the world.  All of the soil, vegetation, and stones used were brought from Ireland to create the memorial.    

Photo Credit:  DavidShankBone at Wikimedia

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Post from: The New York City Traveler

Designed by architect John Duncan, the granite and marble structure was completed in 1897. Located in a prominent place in Riverside Park, overlooking the Hudson River, the monument fell into disarray and in the 1980s it was threatened to be closed to the public. It has since been restored to its original beauty and is a great place in the city to spend a quiet afternoon.

Click here to see the correct answer to the question “Who is buried in Grant’s Tomb?”

Location: 122nd & Riverside Drive (map)

Getting There: Take the 1 train to 116th Street-Colombia University. Walk north on Broadway to 122nd, then west (left) to Riverside Drive.

Days and Times: Daily 9am-5pm

Cost: Free

Photo credit: Grant’s Tomb exterior photos: coolgate (flickr); interior rotunda U.S. Government

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The correct answer to “Who is buried in Grant’s Tomb” is…

Nobody.

Yes, it is the final resting place of Ulysses S. Grant and his wife, Julia. But, the two are not actually buried, but rather they are entombed.

The question of Who is buried in Grant’s Tomb originated from the show You Bet Your Life. Though show host Groucho Marx would accept the erroneous answer of “Grant,” he would ask the question to ensure the contestants would not not go home empty-handed.

Post from: The New York City Traveler