Touring the Big Apple in dry clothes!
Daddy V took some time off last week to visit family in NJ and to re-visit several sites visited by the Patriot Band during our visit to the Big Apple this past April. Daddy V was joined on his journey east by his lovely daughter Laura and Patriot Band alumnus and rookie Patriot Band staff member, the equally as lovely Samantha Freeman.
Following a 12 hour + road trip on Tuesday, we settled in at Mom V's home in Toms River, NJ for the night, arising early the following morning for a rush hour train trip into the heart of mid-town Manhattan. Following a breakfast of bagels and cream cheese, we secured tickets to the "Les Miserables" matinee and then the girls headed for Sach's Fifth Avenue while Daddy V explored some local music stores. For lunch, we ate at the "Hello Deli" of "Late Night w/ David Letterman" fame and yes, the owner, Rupert Jee, took our order: Daddy V - a triple decker of ham, turkey, bacon, tomatoe, lettuce and cheese and MAYONAISE - Girls - grilled cheese - BORING! Then on to the Broadhurst Theatre for an emotional performance of "Les Miserables". A stop at the "Belly Deli" for cheesecake, Napoleans, and Oreo cake and then on to Penn Station for the trip home.
Thursday's activities included a trip up the NJ Turnpike to Liberty State Park and a ferry trip to the Statue of Liberty. Unfortunately, due to security concerns, admission to the museum under the statue is allowed only be reservation. After spending time walking around the the statue and taking advantage of several photo ops, it was back to the ferry and on to our next destination - Atlantic City. On the way to AC, we stopped at a NJ Turnpike rest area for a quick bite and were just in time to witness a NJ State Trooper drug bust with handcuffs and car searches - what fun! AC included visits to the famous Boardwalk (of Monopoly fame - Monopoly was invented in AC), the infamous casinos (Daddy V lost $1.55) and a trip through an incredibly high-priced shopping pier that included the likes of Coach, Gucci, Tiffany's, et. al. Honestly, I counted 8 stores in a row that were selling nothing but women's shoes and purses! Geesh!
Friday was beach day for the girls and Revolutionary War day for Daddy V. I took a couple of hours to tour the Monmouth Battle field museum and grounds. The Battle of Monmouth was perhaps the largest artillery battle fought during the revolution and as recently as the 1990s they were still digging up cannon balls in the area. B of M was also where "Molly Pitcher" was made famous when a "Molly Pitcher" (women who carried water to cool cannons and slake thirst) by the name of Mary Hays McCauley took her husband's place at the cannon when he fainted from the heat. After parting company for a while, I met up with the girls again and we headed to the Seaside Heights Boardwalk where we played boardwalk games, won prizes, ate pizza and frozen custard and then left for home. Saturday morning saw an early rise and another 12 hour trip back to the Hoosier State.
A good time was had by all!
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