By Piccola New Yorker

Workshops and classic ships help tell the story of the days when this area was a bustling port, its piers crowded with ships from around the world, bringing trade that helped build a thriving New York and the growing United States.

Start at the museum for interpretive displays and the ongoing exhibition Millions: Migrants and Millionaires aboard the Great Liners, 1900-1914. Then head to Pier 16 at John Street where several vintage vessels are docked. Take the tour of these two: the 1907 lighthouse ship Ambrose and the 1886 Wavertree, the cargo ship that is the flagship of the fleet, fresh from a 13-million-dollar restoration.

From May through October, visitors can actually go for a sail on the Pioneer, an 1885 four-masted schooner, and help hoist the sails. The Bowne Print Shop at 207-211 Water Street is the chance to see how the early letterpress printing was used and examples of 19th-century crafts such as woodcarving. It’s a fun way to learn about 500 years of printing in one hour – for ages 12 and up.

The rest of the Seaport area is a collection of shops and restaurants with wonderful water views. Much of the action is at recently renovated pier 17, which features musical entertainment on the rooftop. There’s also a very upscale multi-screen cinema serving food and drinks to moviegoers.

Take 3, 4, 5, A, C, J, or Z trains to Fulton Street. Then, walk east towards the river for about 10 minutes. The M15 bus stops right at the Seaport on Fulton Street. Hurricane Sandy caused extensive damage to the South Street Seaport Museum, but the newly reopened venue is a good stop for kiddos interested in ships, boating, and maritime history. Highlights include exploring six historic ships, learning to use a letterpress, and sailing around the New York Harbor in an excursion vessel.

More things to do in New York with piccolas & piccolos

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