Ben's Bagel Tours

07/03/2026

Most people know the Statue of Liberty as a New York City icon.

But did you know she was actually meant to celebrate America’s 100th birthday on July 4, 1876… and arrived 10 years late?

Or that the date July IV, MDCCLXXVI is carved into the tablet she holds, commemorating the signing of the Declaration of Independence?

The more you learn about Lady Liberty, the more you realize she’s far more than a beautiful landmark: she’s one of America’s greatest history lessons.

With the Fourth of July almost here, I thought I’d share some of my favorite stories about the statue’s origins, its remarkable engineering, and the fascinating details that most visitors never notice.

Take a few minutes to read the full story, you may never look at the Statue of Liberty the same way again.

Take a few minutes to read the full story; you may never look at the Statue of Liberty the same way again.

Learn why the Statue of Liberty has a special connection to the Fourth of July and why Independence Day is the perfect time to visit Liberty Island.

05/01/2026

Here is Ben Bagel with Trevor, my favorite Airbnb photographer taking pictures in Greenwich Village for my new Airbnb Greenwich Village Tour soon to be published (Stay tuned)

04/20/2026

There’s a short window each year when New York feels just right.

Spring is that moment.

The cold is behind us, the summer crowds haven’t fully arrived, and the city becomes much easier to explore on foot. You’re not rushing to get inside or escape the heat. You can actually slow down and take it in.

From my perspective, this is one of the best times to walk neighborhoods like the Lower East Side, Greenwich Village, or even just spend time in the parks. The pace is different, and that changes the experience.

I shared a few of my favorite spring ideas, along with a bit of classic New York culture, here: https://bensbageltours.com/spring-touring-has-sprung/

04/20/2026

The Beastie Boys still live on the Lower East Side!

03/12/2026

An amazing mural on Grahman Ave. in East Williamsburg Brooklyn showing how the neighborhood has evolved into a mixture of Italian, Gen Z and Hispanic. Could this signal a new tour for Ben’s Bagel Tours? Stay tuned!

03/10/2026

There really is a School of Rock in East Williamsburg in Brooklyn!

03/09/2026

Spring is one of the best times to experience New York on foot. When the weather warms up, the city opens up in a whole new way. Walking lets you discover the neighborhoods, cafés, parks, and views that most visitors miss when they rush from one landmark to the next.

Beyond Manhattan, you can explore places like Woodside in Queens, stroll along the Brooklyn Heights Promenade, visit the gardens at Wave Hill in the Bronx, or take the Staten Island Ferry for one of the best views of the harbor and the Statue of Liberty.

02/17/2026

Ben Bagel with his new friend celebrating Chinese New Year in the heart of Chinatown!
Let Ben Bagel take you on a tour of Chinatown and Little Italy.
Just go to bensbageltours.com and sign up!

02/17/2026

Only in New York is Chinese New Year celebrated like this in Times Square. Take a look.

02/11/2026

The Lunar New Year celebration continues 🧨🐉

Don’t miss the Firecracker Ceremony & Cultural Festival on Tuesday, February 17, 2026 (Lunar New Year Day) at Sara D. Roosevelt Park, just north of Chinatown.

Lion dances, cultural performances, and the traditional firecracker ceremony — free and open to the public. A great way to experience Lunar New Year in NYC.

Learn more about the full celebration and its history here:
👉 https://bensbageltours.com/chinese-new-year-celebration-in-nyc-chinatown-2026/

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