Welcome to the AA Getaway Coaches Charter Bus & Party Bus Channel. We will be posting daily articles about great places for Bus Charter and Party Bus destinations. Check back every day to see what great ideas our Bus Charter & Party Bus Travel experts have come up with next.

Friday, March 16, 2007

Located in Fair Park in an original Art Deco building, the Dallas Aquarium opened to the public in 1936. The aquarium is part of the City of Dallas Parks and Recreation Department and is managed by the Dallas Zoo. I can think of no better way to spend a day, then to spend it with your family and friends at the Dallas Aquarium. The aquarium has a great breeding program which involves some native Texas fish. It also allows "feeding time" to be viewed. And three days a week spectators can even see piranhas chow down.
The aquariums exhibits, from "Amazon Flooded Forest" to "World of Aquatic Diversity" are both educational and fun. In addition to the usual fish, the aquarium also features an alligator snapping turtle weighing 135 pounds, venomous lion fishes, a five-foot-long electric eel, a six-foot-long alligator gar and a lot more! The aquarium, which participates in a number of conservation and research projects, is a leader in the breeding of critically endangered Texas species, such as the Texas blind salamander and several desert fishes. Charter a school bus for a school trip or a coach bus for a large group. Open daily 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM

Written By: AA Getaway Coaches Bus Charter Group

Listen up, all you earth mamas and Dylan-lovin' daddies. Can you dig it? The Dallas Arboretum will flash back to the flower power era during the annual Dallas Blooms festival, which runs March 10 through April 15. In addition to 400,000 blooming bulbs, 3,000 azaleas and thousands of other annuals and perennials throughout the 66-acre gardens, special activities and shows are planned during the festival. Here are a few highlights: The center's tradition of cool bloom-based creations will continue this year with a big flower-filled butterfly, as well as two flower-topped Volkswagens (a bug and a van).

The concert lineup includes Dave Tapley and his '60s musical revue on Thursday and an Elvis tribute act on April 12. On March 21 and 24-25, the DeGolyer estate will feature a fashion exhibit with designs from the '60s. Also, catch horse-drawn carriage rides, Saturday craft activities and children's concerts (David Chicken performs March 14 at 11 a.m.). The spring tea series at the DeGolyer estate will run March 12 through May 31 (reservations are required). Charter a coach bus to bring the whole family to enjoy a day in this beautiful place.

Written By: AA Getaway Coaches Bus Charter Group

The Los Angeles Zoo is located in the heart of the nations second-largest city. Each year 1.4 million visitors pass through the gates to view a collection of more than 1,200 animals from around the world. During the 1970s, the Zoo built the Andrew Norman Education Center, launched ZooMobile, a docent program that took animals to schools, built Wolf Woods and Monkey Island, as well as new exhibits for gorillas, orangutans, flamingos, and bongos. Charter a coach bus to bring the whole family.
By 1980 the replacement value of the Zoos animal collection was valued at $4 million. The Zoo became part of the new California Condor Recovery Program and in 1982 built the extensive condorminiums, one of the finest and largest facilities in the condor program. The Ahmanson Koala House, opened in 1982, made the Los Angeles Zoo the only zoo in the world to exhibit these nocturnal animals in a darkened setting. The facility won a Significant Achievement Award from the AZA.

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For more than 100 years, Woodland Park Zoo has been a cherished community resource and a unique urban oasis. Generations of Puget Sound families have come to the zoo and marvel at the animals and are inspired by the peaceful and beautiful surroundings. Woodland Park Zoo encompasses 92 acres and features more than 1,090 individual animals representing nearly 300 species. The grounds are divided into what are known as bioclimatic zones, the unique habitats around the world, from tropical rain forests to the frigid climes of the Far North. Among its distinctions, Woodland Park Zoo is one of the oldest zoos on the West Coast. In the late 1880s, Guy Phinney, a wealthy sawmill owner, purchased a large tract of forest land about six miles north of downtown Seattle. On December 28, 1899, several years after Phinneys death, the City of Seattle purchased the estate for $100,000. For more detailed information on the zoo's history, visit the History Section of our site. Charter a school or coach bus for a school trip.
The zoo manages the largest live animal collection in Washington state, with approximately 1,098 specimens representing 300 species plus 64 groups of invertebrates, one group of fish and one group of Partula snails. The zoo provides a home for 35 endangered and five threatened animal species. The zoos botanical collection includes 7,000 trees and more than 50,000 shrubs and herbs representing more than 1,000 species.

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The Saint Louis Zoo has educated, entertained and earned a place in the hearts of St. Louisans for generations. With the Louisiana Purchase Exposition in 1904, there began a long and slow process to establish a zoological park. Sure enough, local pride in the giant elliptical bird cage led to formation of a St. Louis Zoological Society in 1910. The City of St. Louis set aside 77 acres in Forest Park for a zoo and named a Zoological Board of Control in 1913. State legislation provided that "the zoo shall be forever free," which has kept the Zoo accessible to millions of visitors ever since.
The Saint Louis Zoo WildCare Institute, focusing on twelve conservation centers around the world, was introduced in 2004. "The WildCare Institute is dedicated to creating a sustainable future for wildlife and for people around the world." It is supported by an endowment from the Saint Louis Zoo Friends Association, and is funded by grants, partnering corporations, and private donations.

Written By: AA Getaway Coaches Bus Charter Group

Thursday, March 15, 2007

The independent, non-profit Museum of Flight is one of the largest air and space museums in the world, attracting more than 400,000 visitors annually. The Museum's collection includes more than 150 historically significant air- and spacecraft, as well as the Red Barn, the original manufacturing facility of The Boeing Co. The Museum's aviation and space library and archives are the largest on the West Coast. More than 100,000 individuals are served annually by the Museum's on-site and outreach educational programs. The Museum of Flight is one of only 750 museums in the nation and nine in Washington state that are fully accredited by the American Association of Museums. Charter a large coach bus to bring the whole family.
See a piece of Seattle history in the Red Barn and experience the heroism of the Personal Courage Wing while enjoying a tasting of delectable pairings of wine, cheese and chocolate from around the globe. The general event ticket price includes live music, all sample tastes, cheese and chocolate selections, a commemorative gift bag, an educational tasting guide and access to two of the Museum's galleries. Some tickets will be available at the door, but space is limited, and advance reservations are strongly recommended.
General event tickets are $50 per person until March 28, after which tickets are $60.
Museum of Flight Member general event tickets are $50.

Written By: AA Getaway Coaches Bus Charter Group

Rising majestically at the end of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, the Philadelphia Museum of Art stands as one of the great art institutions of the world. In the over 125 years since its founding, it has grown far beyond the limits originally set for it. Today, the Museum houses over 225,000 works of art encompassing some of the greatest achievements of human creativity, and offers a wealth of exhibitions and educational programs for a public of all ages. With the much-needed influx of increased endowment, the completion of the long-hoped-for refurbishment and reinstallation of the European collections, and the continued generosity of friends and supporters, the Museum celebrated its 125th anniversary in the year 2001 with renewed vigor.
Charter a large coach bus to bring all of your family and friends. As one of the largest museums in the United States, the Philadelphia Museum of Art invites visitors from around the world to explore its renowned collections, acclaimed special exhibitions, and enriching programs, both in person and online.

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Visit one of the world’s most extensive and valuable collections of natural and cultural history. As the largest natural and historical museum in the Western United States and an active research center, NHM safeguards more than 33 million spectacular, diverse specimens and artifacts covering 4.5 billion years of history. Charter a coach bus to bring the whole family along. The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County is a crown jewel of Los Angeles' museums. A national leader in exhibitions, education and research, the Museum was L.A.'s first cultural institution to open its doors to the public in 1913. It is the largest natural and historical museum in the Western United States, safe guarding more than 33 million spectacular, diverse specimens and artifacts.
Three floors of permanent exhibits enthrall the entire family with minds-on exploration. The towering "Dueling Dinosaurs," complete skeletons of a Tyrannosaurus rex and Triceratops in battle, greet visitors in the majestic Grand Foyer. In addition to special exhibitions, the Museum boasts magnificent permanent halls that feature grand dioramas of African and American mammals, rare dinosaurs and fossils, marine animals, Pre Columbian culture, and historical artifacts from California and Southwest history, as well as early Hollywood memorabilia. The exquisite Gem & Mineral Hall features the largest collection of gold in the United States. The kid-friendly Discovery Center, set to re-open in its new home on the Ground Floor of the Museum this spring, will welcome children and families with hands-on, interactive education. Children can make fossil rubbings, dig for fossils, observe live animals such as snakes, fish and lizards and touch animal pelts. The accompanying Insect Zoo, the largest in the West, presents live insects from around the world.

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Norman Rockwell Museum houses the world's largest and most significant collection of original Rockwell art. Highlights include enduring favorites from Rockwell's Saturday Evening Post covers, the powerful Four Freedoms, and the nostalgic Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas. The Norman Rockwell Archive contains more than 100,000 photographs, letters, and other rare mementos.
A visit to the Museum is an uplifting experience. Founded in 1969 with the help of Norman and Molly Rockwell, the Museum is dedicated to the enjoyment and study of the work of America's favorite artist. The Museum's changing Norman Rockwell exhibitions present an illustrated chronicle of American life and showcase our nation's ideals of kindness, tolerance, democracy, and freedom, as interpreted through the artist's spirit, wisdom, and gentle humor. Charter a school bus for a class trip or a mini bus for your whole family.

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Charter a coach bus to bring the whole family to the Museum of Modern Art. Founded in 1929 as an educational institution, The Museum of Modern Art is dedicated to being the foremost museum of modern art in the world. Through the leadership of its trustees and staff, The Museum of Modern Art manifests this commitment by establishing, preserving, and documenting a permanent collection of the highest order that reflects the vitality, complexity, and unfolding patterns of modern and contemporary art; by presenting exhibitions and educational programs of unparalleled significance; by sustaining a library, archives, and conservation laboratory that are recognized as international centers of research; and by supporting scholarship and publications of preeminent intellectual merit.
Central to The Museum of Modern Art's mission is the encouragement of an ever deeper understanding and enjoyment of modern and contemporary art by the diverse local, national, and international audiences that it serves. In sum, The Museum of Modern Art seeks to create a dialogue between the established and the experimental, the past and the present, in an environment that is responsive to the issues of modern and contemporary art, while being accessible to a public that ranges from scholars to young children. The ultimate purpose of the Museum declared at its founding was to acquire the best modern works of art. While quality remains the primary criterion, the Museum acknowledges and pursues a broader educational purpose: to build a collection which is more than an assemblage of masterworks, which provides a uniquely comprehensive survey of the unfolding modern movement in all visual media.

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Wednesday, March 14, 2007

The Salvador Dalí Museum is the permanent home of the world's most comprehensive collection of the renowned Spanish artist's work. Compiled by the A. Reynolds Morse and Eleanor Morse over a 45 year period, it is celebrated for its 96 oil paintings. With oils spanning from 1917 through 1970, the collection provides an excellent overview of Dalí's major themes and symbols. Characterized by its diversity, it includes the Impressionist and Cubist styles of his early period, abstract work from his transition to Surrealism, the famous surrealist canvases for which he is best known, and examples of his preoccupation with religion and science during his classic period.
In addition to the 96 oil paintings, the collection includes over 100 watercolors and drawings, 1,300 graphics, photographs, sculptures and objects d'art, and an extensive archival library. Periodic rotations of the collection and special exhibitions allow museum goers to view new work on repeat visits. Sit back and relax in your own chartered coach bus or be chauffeured by a limousine on your way to this museum.

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The Museum was founded in 1869 and housed in the old Arsenal building in Central Park. Theodore Roosevelt, Sr., the father of the 26th U.S. President, was a co-founder. The founding of the Museum realized the dream of naturalist Dr. Albert S. Bickmore. In 1874, ground was broken for the present building, which occupies most of Manhattan Square The Museum boasts habitat groups of African, Asian and North American mammals, the full-size model of a Blue Whale suspended in the Milstein Family Hall of Ocean Life (reopened in 2003. Charter a school bus or mini coach to bring a large group.
The Hall of Human Biology and Evolution, originally known under the name "Hall of the Age of Man", was located on the first floor of the museum. It was the only major exhibit in the United States to present an in-depth investigation of human evolution. The displays traced the story of Homo sapiens, displayed the path of human evolution and examined the origins of human creativity. The hall featured four life size dioramas of the human predecessors Australopithecus afarensis, Homo ergaster, Neanderthal, and Cro Magnon, showing each species in its habitat and demonstrating the behaviors and capabilities that scientists believe it had. Also displayed were full-sized casts of important fossils, including the four-million-year-old "Lucy" skeleton and the 1.7 million year old "Turkana Boy," and Homo erectus specimens including a cast of "Peking Man."

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In formation since 1870, the Metropolitan Museum's collection now contains more than two million works of art from all points of the compass, ancient through modern times. About 6,500 objects highlights from each of the Museum's curatorial departments as well as the entire Department of European Paintings and the entire Department of American Paintings and Sculpture can be accessed online. Spring is the perfect time to visit The Cloisters, the branch of The Metropolitan Museum of Art devoted to the art and architecture of medieval Europe. The building and its cloistered gardens, cated in Fort Tryon Park in Upper Manhattan re treasures in themselves, effectively part of the collection housed there. In addition to offering beautiful works of art in a stunning and peaceful location, The Cloisters also schedules a variety of fun and interesting activities for the entire family, including talks, concerts, workshops for families, programs in Spanish, and more. Search the calendar for all upcoming activities at The Cloisters. Museum-trained volunteers offer daily guided tours to introduce the Metropolitan and its collection. The "Museum Highlights" tour is available in English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish. All guided tours begin in the Great Hall and are free with Museum admission. Charter a school bus for a great field trip and never worry about parking.

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PhoenixArt Museum has become a popular Valley oasis, a retreat from the desert and the traditional outdoor activities. The Museum is always 72 degrees with 50% humidity, which not only protects the art from environmental damage but also makes the Museum the perfect attraction for the entire family all year long. And, with the completion of a stunning $50 million expansion in 2006, it is a must see. PhoenixArt Museum opened in 1959. Its founding and development into the leading art museum in the American Southwest reflects the constant commitment from the community and mirrors the growth of Phoenix from a small desert town to the sixth largest city in the United States. Now, the classically progressive look of its 203,000 square foot building is a work of art in itself. Designed by New York architects Tod Williams/Billie Tsien & Associates in the mid 1990s and expanded by them in 2006, it integrates art and architecture with the southwestern landscape and provides sweeping interior spaces. PhoenixArt Museum is proud to greet visitors from all corners of the community and the world, and from all walks of life. It is a place with some­thing for everyone, where all are welcome, a place to experience the worlds greatest art, a place where imaginations and spirits soar. Charter a coach bus to bring a large group.

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When you visit the South Street Seaport Museum, the exhibits in the galleries and on our historic ships is just the beginning of a fantastic voyage back in time. The museum is located on the site of what was once this countrys leading port and is now a twelve square block historic district in lower Manhattan. South Street provides visitors with an unforgettable glimpse into a past where 18th and 19th century buildings line stone paved streets; sea laden breezes waft off the river.
Founded in 1967, the mission of the South Street Seaport Museum is to trace the history of the Port of New York, and its commercial and cultural impact on the city, the state, and the nation. The museum fulfills its mission through its galleries and exhibits, living history programs, programs and events, educational programs for children and adults, and the largest privately owned collection of historic vessels in the United States. Charter a mini bus to bring the whole family and forget about parking.

Written By: AA Getaway Coaches Bus Charter Group

Tuesday, March 13, 2007

St. Patrick's Cathedral is the largest decorated Neo-Gothic-style Catholic cathedral in North America. It is the seat of the archbishop of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New York, and a parish church, located at 50th Street and Fifth Avenue in Manhattan, just across the street from Rockefeller Center. In the 1980s, John Cardinal O'Connor undertook renovation work of his own, most notably the construction of a new stone altar in the middle of the sanctuary closer and more visible to the congregation. This was built from sections of one of the side altars that was removed to reposition the baptismal font in the north transept. Scenes from the Adam Sandler comedy films Little Nicky and Mr. Deeds were shot in the Cathedral, as was part of the climatic scene of Daredevil. St. Patrick's also appeared in the video game, Freedom Fighters, as a background in one of the levels. As the background however, it was shown to be partially on fire. In the 2002 film Spider-Man starring Tobey Maguire and Kirsten Dunst, after having rescued Mary Jane Watson from peril, Spider-Man places her on a rooftop garden across from St. Patrick's Cathedral before swinging off. Charter a coach bus to bring the whole family to this landmark.

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Striking Art Deco office building complex consisting of 19 buildings and scores of upscale shops and restaurants connected by underground corridors. Tours of the NBC studios and Radio City Music Hall are recommended, as are a stroll through the Channel Gardens. In the winter months, strap on your skates for a spin around the world's most famous ice skating rink. Go at off-peak times, since the rink can get VERY crowded. Rockefeller Center is busiest during the winter holidays, when crowds flock to see the Christmas Show at Radio City Music Hall and then to skate and admire THE Christmas tree. But we recommend a visit at other times of the year, too, since there is always plenty to do and see. I also recommend chartering a coach bus or a smaller mini bus so you dont have to worry about parking.
The Top of the Rock observation deck -- recently reopened after a 20-year closure -- offers magnificent New York City views (including the nearby spires of the Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building). Go during the day to see the splendor of the city unfold beneath you, or better yet, go at night and see the city sparkle. In nice weather, the Channel Gardens (so called because they lie in the space between La Maison Francaise and the British Empire Building) are a nice place to relax for a few moments. Join the office workers catching a few rays of sun on the benches throughout the gardens and watch the throngs of tourists and shoppers scurrying by. The area is always attractively planted -- even in the midst of winter you will find something pretty in the gardens here.

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New York's famous Empire State Building, a New York City Landmark and a National Historic Landmark, soars more than a quarter of a mile into the atmosphere above the heart of Manhattan. Located on the 86th floor, 1,050 feet above the citys bustling streets, the Observatory offers panoramic views from within a glass enclosed pavilion and from the surrounding open-air promenade. Since the Observatory opened to the public in 1931, almost 110 million visitors have thrilled to the awe-inspiring vision of the city beneath them. Each year over 3.5 million people are whisked to the 86th floor to be where Cary Grant waited in vain for Deborah Kerr in an "Affair to Remember", while Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan had their fateful meeting in the movie "Sleepless in Seattle." The observatory is handicap accessible. The building, one of New York Citys main tourist attractions, offers a variety of activities for its visitors. One can tour the Observatory 365 days per year, day and night, rain or shine for breathtaking views of Manhattan and beyond. Also, there are two restaurants, a sushi bar, three coffee shops, a drug store, a Hallmark card shop, a post office and two banks, in addition to the plethora of restaurants and nightlife activities in the surrounding area. For the family, there is the New York SKYRIDE, an independently owned and operated simulated helicopter ride and virtual-reality movie theater. There are also several art exhibits for all to view in the lobby, including the addition of items from Fay Wray's private collection of photographs, posters and "King Kong" memorabilia permanently displayed in two lobby showcase windows. All in all, the feeling and spirit of New York City is embodied in the Empire State Building. From the people who fell in love here, to the ones who have returned with their children and grandchildren, everyone recognizes the building not only as an awe-inspiring landmark which offers one of the most spectacular views on earth but an unequaled symbol of American ingenuity and Art Deco architecture. Charter a coach bus or a limo bus so you can sit back and relax instead of trying to find parking.

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In modern terms, the Upper West Side is bound by West 59th St., Central West 110th st. and the Hudson River. North lie Morningside Heights, site of Columbia University, and Harlem beyond. South lies the west side of Midtown and Hell's Angel (aka Clinton). The entire western edge alongside the river is River Sidepark. Central Park has been in the works for 150 years.
Located in Central Park is Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts which is the world's largest cultural complex. The 12 world renowned independent resident companies that make up the Lincoln Center represent the very best in the performing arts today. This site guides you through the superb offerings of the resident companies as well as the excellent programs of Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, Inc., titled "Lincoln Center Presents." Charter a large coach bus for larger groups.

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The Apollo theater is located in Harlem. Harlem is a neighborhood of Manhattan, long known as a major African American cultural and business center. Although the name is sometimes reckoned as comprising the whole of upper Manhattan, traditionally Harlem is bounded on the south by East 96th Street and west of Fifth Avenue by Central Park, on the west by Morningside Heights, then along Broadway near Riverside Church to the Hudson River, on the north by 155th Street and Coogan's Bluff, and the east by the East River and Harlem River.
Apollo theater is a place where thousands of young artists have stepped out into the spotlight and launched their careers. A place "where stars are born and legends are made." The legendary Apollo Theater is so much more than an historic landmark. It is a source of pride and a symbol of the brilliance of American artistic achievement. From 1934 when the Apollo first introduced its world famous Amateur Night which launched the careers of legendary artists like Ella Fitzgerald, James Brown, Michael Jackson, D'Angelo and Lauryn Hill, the Apollo has maintained its position as the nation's most popular arena for emerging and established black and Latino performers.

Written By: AA Getaway Coaches Bus Charter Group

Monday, March 12, 2007

Lunar New year, also known as Chinese New Year and the Spring Festival, Lunar New Year is a two week celebration that begins on the first day of the first month of the Lunar calendar (typically in late January/mid-February) and ends on the full moon 15 days later. It celebrates the family, the earth coming back to life and the start of a new beginning and possibilities. Regarded as a major holiday in Asia, Lunar New Year is celebrated internationally in China, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore and in Asian communities all around the world. Preparations for Lunar New Year start during the last few days of the last moon.
Houses are thoroughly cleaned, debts repaid, hair cut and new clothes bought. Doors are decorated with vertical scrolls of characters on red paper whose texts seek good luck and praise nature. During the two week Lunar New Year period, numerous ancient traditions are observed, ranging from flower giving to the preparation of special foods. Perhaps the most popular Lunar New Year customs in the West are lion dances and firecrackers (to ward off evil spirits) and the giving of lucky money in colorful red envelopes. I would suggest chartering a coach or limo bus because parking in Manhattan can be very expensive.

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Explore the Streets of Chinatown. Each of the streets in Chinatown possesses its own distinctive personality. Whether characterized by their stores and restaurants or their unique size and shape, the streets of China town provide a fascinating cultural experience. Finding parking in the city can be very hard so I suggest chartering a coach bus for a large group or a limo for just the two of you. Explore the History of Chinatown often overlooked, Chinatown is the site of a rich history that not only tells the story of the Chinese American experience, but also that of early Irish, Jewish and Italian immigrants. Today, remnants of the neighborhoods. European American ancestry stand side by side with more recent Asian inspired landmarks. There is nothing like Chinatown so you have to come and experience it for yourself, there are surprises around every corner.

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Walking beside the narrow, cobblestone streets beneath the fire escapes of turn-of-the-century tenements, you're tempted by the sights, sounds and smells of Italian cuisine and culture emanating from the restaurants surrounding you at every step. Here at Little Italy NYC, we're bringing it all to you! Get an idea for the restaurant that's right for you and your family and friends. And when you arrive in Little Italy, you can say you've been here before.
The annual San Gennaro Festival is held September 14th through the 24th. This Grand Procession is the oldest and best street festival, with the statue of San Gennaro carried from its permanent home in the Most Precious Blood Church through the streets of Little Italy. Remember, Little Italy isn't just the San Gennaro Festival in September, it's year round. You may not be able to win that stuffed animal, but you can still sure stuff yourself! A coal brick oven pizza, a hearty glass of Chianti, a zeppole, a cannoli, you will find it all in New York City's Little Italy.

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The Ellis Island Immigration Museum is part of the Statue of Liberty National Monument and is one of the country's most popular historic sites. In 2001, The Statue of Liberty Ellis Island Foundation, in partnership with the National Park Service, unveiled the American Family Immigration History Center. This exciting family research facility at Ellis Island provides visitors with advanced computer and multimedia technology, printed materials, and professional assistance for investigating immigration history, family documentation, and genealogical exploration. The museum is located in the Main Building of the former immigration station complex and tells the moving tales of the 12 million immigrants who entered America through the golden door of Ellis Island. Today, the descendants of those immigrants account for almost half of the American people.
A special feature of the Ellis Island museum, the Wall of Honor overlooks the Statue of Liberty and the New York skyline and is the longest wall of names in the world. This unique display contains names of more than 600,000 brave men and women who, in leaving their homeland, risked everything to come to America. Each name was placed on the Wall by individuals who donated $100 in memory of their ancestors for the restoration of Ellis Island. The Circle Line, Statue of Liberty Ferry provides transportation to Ellis Island from Battery Park in New York and Liberty State Park in New Jersey from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily, with extended hours in the summers. Charter a large coach bus for a large group. For the most up to date ticket rates and schedule information, call (212) 269-5755 or visit http://www.circlelinedowntown.com

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This is undoubtedly New York City's best free ride. The 25 minute one way trip across New York Harbor should give you ample opportunity to see such nearby sites as the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge and lower Manhattans skyscrapers. The fare for the ferry, which runs every 20 to 30 minutes, actually went down from 50 cents a few years ago. During rush hour, it is filled with Staten Island residents going to or from work in Manhattan.
The Staten Island Ferry is an excellent way to end a busy day of sightseeing in New York City. You can sit back on the ferry and enjoy spectacular views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and lower Manhattan. If your feet are aching and looking for a nice place to rest, this is the place to go! Chartering a coach bus is the way to go if you have a large group. There is ample parking on both sides. Take a ferry at sunset from Manhattan to Staten Island so that you can see the skyline at day time and then return back at night so that you can see the skyline of Manhattan at night.

Written By: AA Getaway Coaches Bus Charter Group