Ellis Island?

[Nicole.Denn]

So I'm thinking way far ahead, but it gets me through, so I'm gonna do it!

For when my SO gets here in December, he will most likely arrive in NY at JFK. I have the greatest idea to take him to Ellis Island...either by boat or drive, anybody from NY know how I could make this happen? Is it a long trip/ difficult from the airport?

I think it would be amazing...considering why he's coming to the US and "the kissing post"...

Also any hotels nearby to stay?

[squiddie]

I went to junior high and high school in New Jersey, and have been to Ellis Island a few times. Definitely fun. First off, JFK is in Queens, not New York City proper, but you can definitely take the train into Manhattan (elevated in Queens, becomes subway once you hit the island).

At the moment, part of the Museum is closed because it's undergoing necessary renovations, but you can still see most of it.

I would suggest buying ferry tickets in advance, and trying to get into a cheap hotel near where the ferry departs. I've always taken it from Liberty Park in New Jersey, and I'm not sure if there's one that leaves from Manhattan. So look into it now.

EDIT: You can get a ferry from Battery Park, which is at the southern tip of NYC. Definitely get a Metro Card to use in the subways, because you're going to have to change trains. Look for cheap hotels or hostels in that part of Manhattan, so you can drop off your stuff before you go anywhere. Since you're taking the ferry anyway, it might also be fun to look into seeing the Statue of Liberty--the ferries go there as well.