Once we left Massachusetts, we headed south to New Jersey, where we stayed at a military campground in Colts Neck. The campground only had 20 sites, but it gave us exactly what we were looking for—a place close enough to visit New York City without actually having to stay in the city.

Our First Trip Into New York City

The day we headed into New York City, traffic going in the opposite direction was absolutely crazy. Thankfully, we seemed to have timed our drive just right. On our way back to the campground later that day, the heavy traffic was once again going the opposite direction. After seeing those backups, I was very thankful we weren't sitting in them for hours.

To get into New York City, we drove to Staten Island and took the Staten Island Ferry across to Manhattan. The ferry itself was free, which was a nice surprise because getting there certainly wasn't!

One thing we learned while traveling with a dually is that tolls don't always cost what you expect. My research had led me to believe we would pay around $15, but instead we ended up paying $42. That was a lot of money for a toll back in 2016! Ten years later, I'm not sure I even want to know what it would cost us to make that same drive in 2026.

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Seeing the Statue of Liberty

One of the highlights of taking the ferry was getting my first look at the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.

Although we could see both from the ferry, we didn't get the opportunity to actually visit either one. Looking back ten years later, that remains one of my biggest regrets from our trip to New York City.

If you're planning your own visit and have the opportunity to tour the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, I would highly recommend making time for them—even if it means adding another day to your trip. Sometimes you don't realize how much you'll regret skipping something until years later.

The 9/11 Memorial

The most important place on our list was the 9/11 Memorial, so that was one of the first places we headed after arriving in Manhattan.

Standing there was a somber experience. It is difficult to describe what it feels like to stand where the Twin Towers once stood and think about everything that happened there on September 11, 2001.

The two enormous reflecting pools occupy the footprints of the former Twin Towers, with the names of those who lost their lives inscribed around them. One detail that stayed with me was seeing flowers placed in some of the names. A white rose is placed at the name of a victim on what would have been that person's birthday.

It was a simple gesture, but a powerful reminder that behind every name was an individual life and a family who lost someone they loved.

Figuring Out the New York City Subway

Riding the subway was another first for both of us, and neither one of us really knew what the hell we were doing.

We eventually figured out enough to get where we wanted to go, but looking back, had we known then what we know now about navigating public transportation in a big city, I think we probably would have enjoyed our day a lot more.

One place I knew I wanted to see was Grand Central Terminal. I had seen it featured in so many movies and television shows over the years that I wanted to stand inside and see this famous New York City landmark for myself.

And I finally did.

Will We Ever Go Back?

There was so much of New York City that we didn't see on that first visit. We didn't visit Times Square, walk through Central Park, tour the Statue of Liberty or Ellis Island, or experience many of the other places people associate with a trip to New York City.

At the time, I don't think I realized just how much we were leaving unexplored.

Will we ever go back and see what we missed?

That's a good question.

Ten years have passed since our first visit, so the chances may be a little slimmer these days. But if I've learned anything from our travels, it's never to say never.

Maybe New York City will find its way back onto our route someday.

And if it does, I already know what's going at the top of my list.

This destination is just one stop from our original full-time RV adventure. Every place we visited left us with unforgettable memories, beautiful scenery, and lessons learned along the way.

Ready for another adventure?