New York City Highlights- The Big Apple
When I say New York City what is the first image that comes to mind? It’s more than likely that we both are envisioning the truly unforgettable colossal statue that the city is famously known for. Originally entitled the ‘Liberty Enlightening the World’, the Statue of Liberty is not only the world’s most iconic and widely known statue, but it is up there with the most recognisable images in human history.
Every year millions travel from all corners of the globe to experience Lady Liberty’s grandeur in person. According to the National Park Service, she receives a staggering average of 10,000 daily visitors and 3.5 million every year.
The History Of The Statute Of Liberty
The statue inspires many as it acts as a powerful symbol of freedom and hope. It was a gift to the United States from the people of France to commemorate not only their alliance but to commemorate the centennial of America’s independence and their recent abolition of slavery. French sculptor, Frédéric-Auguste Bartholdi, designed the statue with her crown representing hope with its spikes mimicking sun rays extending outward from within, her tablet noting the date of America’s independence in roman numerals and included a broken shackle and chains at the Statue’s foot to represent the end of slavery.
Before it was gifted to the US the Lady Liberty’s head was displayed at the 1878 World’s Fair in Paris. Funnily enough, the framework was designed by Gustave Eiffel, the very engineer who was made famous for designing the equally iconic Eiffel Tower. The 145 year old monument resides on her own island as she towers over guests at a whopping height of 93 metres. Visitors who are unafraid of heights will have to climb 354 stairs to reach the statue’s crown. There they can gaze out from one of the 25 windows to a stunning panoramic view of Brooklyn, lower Manhattan and Staten Island.
Visitors can see and even touch the hair of Lady Liberty herself if they look up from the windows! Coming in at an astounding 204 metric tonnes her trans-Atlantic voyage was no easy task. Lady Liberty wears a size 879 shoe and has a 35-foot waistline so Lady Liberty was cut down to 350 individual pieces and packed in 214 crates! The dedication of the Statue of Liberty then finally took place in front of thousands of eager onlookers on October 28, 1886.
Gift Experiences: Day Tours To The Statute Of Liberty
If you know family, friends or even a couple travelling to the concrete jungle that is New York City, look no further than Gifting Owl for a fantastic variety of unforgettable Statue of Liberty experiences that they’ll never forget. Alternatively, if you are travelling to the illustrious city yourself, Gifting Owl is the perfect way to find some unique ways to visit one of the world’s most beloved monuments.
A fantastic introductory option that covers all bases would have to be the Essential Statue of Liberty Tour. Travelling with a maximum group size of 20 people, an expert guide armed with an arsenal of captivating facts and little-known secrets will introduce your giftee to the jaw-dropping monument. Your giftee will return from the fascinating experience with all the knowledge of a local expert!
The very affordable 3 hour tour starts with a scenic harbor cruise filled with stunning panoramic views to Liberty Island before an unforgettable full tour of the statue itself. This tour is bound to have your giftee at a loss for words upon finally visiting one of the world’s most recognizable figures in person. The tour includes tickets to the compelling Statue of Liberty Museum.
On display are statue artifacts from its construction that tell the story of Frenchman Édouard de Laboulaye’s monumental dream and how the entire city came together to help him realize it. Alternatively, if your giftee is an early riser, you really cannot beat the Early Access Statue Of Liberty Tour. Kicking off as early as 8:30am before the swarms of tourists visit the island, this tour provides the most peaceful viewing of the Lady Liberty you can possibly experience. Not only that but the sun rising in the background makes for a truly spectacular morning filled with once in a lifetime views and hopefully some awesome souvenir photos to hang up in the house.
No matter who you are buying for, Gifting Owl has got you covered for some incredible options that will ensure their Lady Liberty experience is truly unforgettable. Avoid the horrible prospect of buying an unwanted gift this year by giving an experience that they will always cherish. Show them just how much they mean to you with a thoughtful experience tailored to them. Best of all- every Gifting Owl voucher is fully interchangeable and remains valid for 3 whole years so your gift really can't go wrong. Happy gifting!
