The South Street Seaport is more than just a tourist-crowded dock with ridiculously over-priced… everything. It’s actually designated historical district aiming to capitalize on the maritime tradition that helped build New York City.
"Aerial view of South Street and Lower Manhattan. Courtesy of General Growth Properties, Originally published in Seaport Speaks."
- A project by Fordham University has some interesting background information about this once-vital hub for shipping commerce.
In its current incarnation, the South Street Seaport offers numerous family-friendly activities, shops, restaurants… and a mall.
“Our district averages 30,000 daily visitors who come by foot, bicycle, car, bus and ferry.
-Carolyn J. Feimster, Travel & Tourism Manager
But with a challenging economic climate for offseason tourism, the Seaport Museum is continuing to struggle and may soon be taken over by another museum operator.
And the commercial side of the Seaport isn’t faring much better. In 2009 the former owner filed for bankruptcy, and the present owners have been slow to commit to any improvement plans.
I decided to explore the South Street Seaport and capture some scenes as the season shifts and tourist numbers dwindle.
On the way to the South Street Seaport. At the corner of a nearly-deserted Beekman Street and Front Street on a quiet Saturday. The Fulton Market is on the left of the picture. The original market opened in 1822 and today operates on Sundays from 11am - 5pm.
An NYPD officer checks his radio as tourists get out of a taxicab on South Street. Although these visitors took a traditional taxi to the Seaport, the Water Taxi is also a popular tourist attraction. Plus it can take you to IKEA!
Some visitors choose to take a Circle Line Downtown Harbor Cruise. Among other options, the company offers 3 daily sailings around southern Manhattan aboard it's Zephyr, departing from Pier 16. Another attraction, the Seaport Museum's Peking tall ship, can be seen in the background. Guests can visit the the museum's 7 ships for $10 and the website also points out, "the Peking is available for private rental."
A vendor on South Street shows his wares to two tourists from Minnesota. There is a high likelihood that every item on the table is counterfeit. A 2003 study by the NYC Comptroller's office estimated that people spent nearly $23 billion on counterfeit goods that year alone.
Closeup of various NYC branded apparel. Hooded sweatshirts, t-shirts, and hats are all visable. The tourists from Minnesota elected to buy a "Splash Design New York City" sweatshirt. The actual hoodies retail for $40, but these are sold for $15.
A man buys some sizzling meat from a vendor next to the Seaport. A recent report highlights the growing number of multi-purpose carts and the vanishing traditional hot dog cart.
But this man grabbed a standard street snack nearby, and applies ketchup to his recently purchased hot dog. In addition to restaurants, the Seaport also has many official food stands and vendors close by.
The unseasonably warm weather brought two "Mister Softee" ice cream trucks to the Seaport. The company started in 1956 and is a staple of summers across 15 states. While restaurants and stores remain open, most of the booths in the pavillion have closed for the season.
Two brothers were each treated to a 'Mister Softee' ice cream cone by their parents. According to information provided by the company, a cone of vanilla soft serve ice cream is between 130-170 calories.
Two pigeons battle over the moldy remnants of a bagel at the South Street Seaport. Although getting an estimate on the total number of pigeons is difficult, one article says approximately 1 million pigeons call New York home. These two were able to enjoy, if they are capable of such an emotion, this fine breakfast without any disruptions from the masses of marauding tourists typical of summer at the South Street Seaport.
