by Steven Easley

Created on: August 21, 2008   Last Updated: December 05, 2008

Come enjoy your slice of the Big Apple, New York City. It's not hard to understand why New York is called the city that never sleeps. No matter what time of day or night there is always something exciting to see and do.

Discover Ellis Island and follow in the footsteps of over twelve million immigrates who chased their dreams to the new world. Ellis Island is part of the Statue of Liberty National Monument and is one of America's most popular historic landmarks. In 2001 the American Family Immigration History Center was unveiled through a partnership between The Statue of Liberty Ellis Island Foundation and the National Park Service. Gather as much information as you can on your families history and bring it to this interactive museum where you can research the records of more then 22 million immigrates, crewmen and other passengers who landed at the Port of New York and Ellis Island between 1892 and 1924. The Ellis Island Immigration Museum also exhibits artifacts, photos and prints and that chronicle the passage into the new world. You'll also find videos, oral histories and interactive displays as well as temporary exhibits. In addition to The American Family Immigration History Center you'll also find the American Immigrant Wall of Honor which is inscribed with over 700, 000 names. The longest lists of names in the world, the Wall of Honor overlooks the New York City skyline and the Statue of Liberty.

While at Ellis Island you can view self-guided exhibits, or watch the award-wining documentary film, "Island of Hope, Island of Tears." The museum also hosts the Ellis Island Living Theater, which is presenting, "Taking a chance on America: Bela Lugosi's Ellis Island Story." The 30 minute show is being presented seven times a day seven days a week and recounts the legendary movie star's journey into America through Ellis Island. The show is scheduled to run until mid-October. Bela Lugosi was best known for his portrayal of Count Dracula.

Ferry service is available from Battery Park in New York and from Liberty State Park in New Jersey. It's recommended that you purchase reserve ferry tickets to save time because this allows ticket holder priority entry to the security check-in. For more information and ferry schedules you can either visit www.statuecruises.com or call 1-877-LADY TIX (1-877-523-9849)

After seeing Ellis Island, you'll want to visit Liberty Enlightening the World, which is the official name of the Statue of Liberty, located in New York harbor. The

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