Liberty Call

LEAVE AND LIBERTY + GREAT NECK + LONG ISLAND + MANHATTAN + LOWER MANHATTAN + SPORTS

Leave and Liberty

As you might expect, leave and liberty provide midshipmen with welcome respite from the rigors of the Academy's academic, regimental, and athletic programs.  Liberty gives midshipmen a chance to explore the vast opportunities available in New York City and the Tri-State Area (New York, New Jersey, Connecticut). There are so many experiences in the metropolitan area that seeing them all during your four years as a midshipman will be a challenging task.

Weekend liberty is available for all four classes. The extent of this liberty is dependent on class, academic and regimental performance, and Academy obligations. Plebes are the only class not usually granted overnight liberty.  In addition to weekend liberty, upperclass midshipmen are provided the opportunity to leave the Academy grounds during the weekday on dinner liberty a number of times each term, again depending on class, academic and regimental performance, and academy obligations.

The Commandant may grant special liberty on a case-by-case basis to allow participation in a special activity that falls outside routine liberty allocations. Official travel (team movements, academic programs, sea year travel, etc.) is issued regardless of class, though it may be subject to academic and regimental standing. 

Leave is a form of extended liberty and is generally granted to all classes simultaneously.  Midshipmen have a week's leave in November (fall break, following first term), Thanksgiving, during the Christmas/New Year period, March (spring break, following second term), and during the summer.  Finally, sick or emergency leave is granted to midshipmen when circumstances warrant.

Great Neck

Although navigating the area is easier for Midshipmen with vehicles, we are fortunate to have an outstanding public transportation system. The Long Island Bus (N58) runs from the Academy gate to downtown Great Neck, where a plethora of dining and entertainment choices reside.

A few Kings Point Favorites are Gino's, Poncho's, and Bruce's. Gino's has locations in both Great Neck (Middle Neck Road) and Port Washington (near the train station) and serves great Italian food. Poncho's is a Mexican/Western restaurant and is located on Grace Avenue between Bond Street and Middle Neck Road. Bruce's is also on Middle Neck Road around the corner from the station. It serves good food and decadent desserts.

There is one theater in Great Neck. Squire Cinemas is within walking distance of the train station and is near the bus line. Be sure to check out show times online before you leave!

Long Island

Although there is a well planned bus network and several rail lines, making connections is a time consuming and sometimes complicated process. In short, to explore Long Island one must either have patience or an automobile.

Garden City is a hot destination for Midshipmen. There is a mall, two movie theaters, and more shopping and restaurants than can be sampled in a lifetime. Long Island is home to many top quality wineries. First Classmen often make a day trip to the far reaches of the north fork to sample their wares.

Jones Beach is a popular summertime destination for obvious reasons. As the sun goes down, many concerts light up the night at the amphitheater located there. For the adventurous, Montauk awaits. The easternmost tip of the Island, Montauk boasts a lighthouse and national park in addition to several quaint cafes and some shopping.

Manhattan

Midshipmen can also catch the Long Island Railroad from Great Neck. The Port Washington branch runs directly into Penn Station in the heart of Manhattan. Two major subway lines stop at Penn, with connections to many other lines, both subway and light rail. All five boroughs and parts of upstate New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut are connected by this extensive rail network.

There are two important facts to know about NYC navigation. First, trains run uptown (North or to the Bronx) and downtown (South or to Brooklyn/Queens). Second, Avenues run north/south and streets run east/west. Keep these two facts close at hand along with a map and it is next to impossible to get lost in New York.

Lower Manhattan

A great map is available here.

Visiting the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island can occupy most of one day. Don't forget to include meals and travel time! With careful planning, however, some smaller sights can be visited as well. While waiting for the ferry to Liberty or Ellis Islands, take a few moments to explore Battery Park. Its beautiful gardens and stunning view are not to be missed! Be sure to stop by the American Merchant Mariner's Memorial, located at pier A. Battery Park is most easily reached from the 1 or 9 trains (South Ferry), but may be reached (with a slightly longer walk) from the N or R lines (Whitehall Street).

For those interested in shopping, South Street Seaport and Fulton Street Market are available to accommodate. Located at the intersection of South and Fulton Streets, these renovated historic landmarks now house a variety of shops, restaurants, and cafes. There are also museums, both in buildings and afloat! This area truly is a must-see. It is most easily reached by the A or C trains (Broadway-Nassau Street) or 2, 3, 4, 5, J, M, or Z trains (Fulton Street). Once you exit the station, walk east to the water and you can't miss it.

There is a second, lesser known TKTS booth at the Fulton Street Market. TKTS provides tickets to Broadway and off-Broadway shows at significant savings off of box office prices. The main location in Times Square is usually pretty busy, but this location has yet to be widely discovered.

One area that must be visited is the World Trade Center memorial site. There are two viewing areas, one along Church Street and the other on Liberty Street, which allow visitors to peer into the site as reconstruction progresses. To get to the site, follow the directions above except walk west.

The Brooklyn Bridge is a symbol that many instantaneously associate with New York. Take either the 4, 5, or 6 train to the Brooklyn Bridge/City Hall stop and walk east. The J, M, or Z Chamber Street Stop also is in the same vicinity. Be careful to follow the signs for the bridge, as the approach begins far inland.

New York City's Chinatown is the largest Chinatown in the United States as well as the site of the largest concentration of Chinese in the western hemisphere. With a population estimated between 70,000 and 150,000, Chinatown is the favored destination point for Chinese immigrants and tourists alike. Taking the 6, J, M, or Z trains to the Canal Street station puts you in easy walking distance of Chinatown. Walk downtown and it will soon surround you.

Little Italy is located above Chinatown. Catering to tourists and locals alike, it serves up fresh pasta and pizza daily, making every day feel like a festival. Little Italy is centered around Mulberry Street, so take the 6 train to the Spring Street Station and walk a couple of blocks east to Mulberry. The N or the R trains also come close to Little Italy, get off at the Prince Street Station and walk east.

Sports (whether you're a New York fan or not!)

New York is ideal for the sports fan.  Whether you root for one of the Metro-area teams, or when your own home team comes to play, you are sure to raise your adrenaline.  Some sports venues admit midshipmen at no charge; wearing your uniform helps, and be sure to bring your military ID. The closest team is the New York Mets, with Shea Stadium just a 25 minute train ride away in Queens.  Their arch-rival Bronx Bombers, a.k.a. New York Yankees, are easily accessible in Yankee Stadium by subway. 

For football fans, both the Giants and the Jets play at the Meadowlands Sports Complex, which is also home to the New Jersey Nets (basketball), the New Jersey Devils (hockey), and the Metrostars (soccer).  You can get there via NJ Transit busses operating from the Port Authority Bus Station at Eighth Avenue and 41st Street.

Back in New York City, the Knicks (basketball) and the Rangers (hockey) share Madison Square Garden, which is conveniently located adjacent to Penn Station.  Long Island's only professional sports team, the New York Islanders hockey franchise, play at the Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, a short drive from the Academy.

More on Manhattan and other areas soon!