Lilac Lighthouse Tender

If you’re looking for solace in New York and trying to avoid paying for it, come to the Lilac. On the Hudson at Pier 25, you can sit out on the river and «get away» from the hustle and bustle of the city. I would prescribe anyone with any amount of stress to lay out on the deck with a good book.
The staff are helpful, kind, welcoming. They gave me a tour and showed me how the duel engine works. I’m not sure if it is once a year in Fall that they host the Floating Library. Last year think during the month of September they put books everywhere on the boat. The deck is fashioned with makeshift bookshelves and people come to pick a book and read or even donate. That’s two things I love wrapped in one, being on the water and having a good solid book to read.

I love this boat! I once happened to come by the Pier when it was opened to the public and just loved roaming around the different parts of the ship. There are also chairs in certain rooms, so it’s a nice spot to come and read a book or relax for a moment. It’s nice to be able to just hang about on something so historic and unique. They also do special events.

So, this is magical. My friend just moved to the city, so I took her on a tour of TriBeCa and Lower Manhattan. As we crossed over to the Hudson around White Street, we saw a bunch of people on this old tender. A big sign out front said that it was open to the public for drinks and music, for a special celebration. Wha-​whaat? Amazing. «Semper Paratus» was our guide, and we hopped onboard without a second thought.
What a fantastic decision. There was no admission fee! They were selling beer and wine for five dollars only, and while you drank your beverage, you got to tour the ship at your own pace. They have restored it beautifully– it seems that not a day has passed since 1933: the bunks were made, there were posters on the walls, and I felt as if I were in a remake of «Steamboat Willie.»
All of the decks were open for people to go onto, and the top deck required climbing a ladder! (Pre-​basic training challenge: attempt to climb the ladder while holding a beer, wearing business casual, and carrying a very large purse containing a laptop and heavy school books.) There was a DJ, dancing, and really friendly people. We were there at dusk and sipped our beers from the top deck while listening to the music and allowing ourselves to be mesmerized by the New York and New Jersey skylines.
I would totally recommend checking this place out. It was extremly informative and a ton of fun. They’re normally open during the days and the early part of the evenings. From talking to the bartender, it seems as if they regularly serve the adult beverages, too– but I’m not 100% sure. Either way, definitely an awesome experience.