Battery Park

By Dominique Ritter

If you agree that Manhattan is the center of the universe, you may consider Battery Park City to be the end of the world. But after the melee of midtown, a little respite is in order. Here are five reasons to visit the southwestern tip of LoMa (that's Lower Manhattan):

1. Cityscape

Where better to bone up on high-rise buildings than the world's most vertical city? Through March 2007, The Skyscraper Museum features a truly New York story – GIANTS: The Twin Towers and the Twentieth Century, a commemorative exhibit on the original World Trade Center.

39 Battery Place, 212-968-1961

2. Legroom

NYC can leave you feeling a little personal-space deprived, ya know what I'm sayin'? Luckily, with over 30 acres of parkland, Battery Park City has some of the most scenic open space in the city, including a dozen parks, a one-mile esplanade and even a dog run. No wonder they call Battery Park New York's front lawn.

2 South End Ave., 212-267-9700

3. Green trends

Home to the country's first green high-rise residential building – The Solaire (2003) – BPC has become a national leader in sustainable living. Its Green Guidelines, which have implemented technologies like photovoltaic panels and grey water recycling, have made this neighborhood a model in eco-friendly living. And if you can get above street level, check out all the rooftop gardens.

20 River Terrace, 212-748-6100

4. Habor view

BPC is one of nine sites comprising the newly minted harbor district. Battery Park has long served as a gateway to Staten Island, Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. But now, thanks to an impressive urban revival, it is a destination unto itself. It is also one of the best places in the city to enjoy the waterfront.

5. Room with a harbor view

the ritz-carlton

The Ritz-Carlton New York, Battery Park is the only AAA Five Diamond luxury waterfront hotel in New York, and it's hard to top a view of the Statue of Liberty. Oh, and another thing: Unlike other New York hotels (read: shoeboxes), the Ritz BP rooms are spacious. So stretch out.

Two West St., 212-344-0800

(Dominique Ritter is the editor-in-chief of onAir. She wrote about Chicago in the September issue.)

Getting There

We have the most non-stop service between Canada and New York, with over 200 flights a week. Book now. And don't miss our super savings on hotels (nightly rates starting as low as $69 USD) and car rentals.

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