Is it the skyline, the larger-than-life atmosphere, or just an undefined energy? No matter how you describe it, it's hard not to be in a New York State Of Mind, with eye-enticing scenery and adventures waiting around every turn. Let's explore the southern tip of Manhattan. Climb aboard the Staten Island Ferry just east of Battery Park and let's head out into Hudson Bay for a closer look at the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.
Step out onto the back deck of the ferry boat for a breath-taking view of lower Manhattan. That's Brooklyn just to the right. And look just to left - to the southwest - and you'll glimpse Lady Liberty herself.
Cruising the Hudson headed toward Staten Island.
After a journey to Staten Island, we stepped back onto Lower Manhattan and explored the narrow streets of where the city was born. The New York Stock Exchange rises proudly above Wall Street and is at the center of the world economy.
Look north across Wall Street and you'll see Federal Hall where George Washington was inagurated as the first U.S. President in 1789.
Although we had not initially planned it, our path lead us to the site of Ground Zero. We were all overwhelmed with emotion as we experienced much more than a site of tragedy, but the realization of lives unfulfilled, husbands who will never return to their families, daughters who will be forever missed. The simple, yet powerful, sign memoralizing the people who lost their lives on September 11th made this event all too real. This isn't just a horror of immense proportions, these were real people, just like you and me who never expected the fateful day to come as they left their homes that morning. May God bless them, and may they rest in peace.
Like America itself, the city of New York and the people within it don't seem to dwell with a defeated heart. Even at the Ground Zero site, there is a spirit of remembrance, yet energetic optimism as construction workers work feverishly to prepare the site for the new Freedom Tower to be completed in 2012. It will be the tallest building in city and is designed to pay tribute to the past. More importantly, like New York City, it will rise from the ashes toward its destiny of becoming a towering symbol of hope, perseverance, and freedom to the world.
The day is still young. Let's walk out onto the world-famous Brooklyn Bridge for beautiful views toward Brooklyn and Lower Manhattan.
You feel the refreshing breeze of the East River over a hundred feet beneath you as you admire the beauty of this bridge, completed in 1885 and featuring over 14,000 miles of steel cable.
A stunning view of Lower Manhattan from the bridge.
Catch a cab just north and you're in the heart of Little Italy which also borders Chinatown.
It's lunchtime so join Murph, Aubs, Jackie and me for authentic Italian cuisine in a cozy cafe.
Welcome to SoHo, just a few blocks northwest of Little Italy. A mecca for high-end shops and dining, SoHo is also home to celebs such as actress/model Molly Sims and many others.
Let's take a break in Washington Square Park, a place in the edge of Greenwich Village known as a gathering spot for musicians, artists and writers. Next to the Upper West Side and Midtown, this is one of my favorite spots in the city.
The Washington Square Park Arch, designed to mimic the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, pays tribute to George Washington and also marks the starting point of 5th Avenue at its southernmost point.
Okay, I know this photo is tilted on its side, but I really wanted to include it - so strain your neck and humor me! So how do you end the perfect day? With an excursion to the top of New York City's crown jewel, the Empire State Building. Murph shot this photo of us in the picturesque lobby before our ascent. I have to add that Jackie really stepped up this night - and throughout our trip - taking on her fear of crowds and enclosed spaces to make this all possible!
At the top of the Empire State Building, Murph captured what I think are some of the most incredible images of our NYC adventure. I won't clutter them with words.
The perfect - and picturesque - ending to the perfect day. Coming this Friday, a last look at the NYC, including the Upper West Side (we even found the site of Shop Around The Corner from the movie, "You've Got Mail") and some final skyscraper and Times Square shots from Murph. Plus, don't miss exclusive photos from BlogCam™ (I kept a box camera with me as I ran the New York City Marathon), and exclusive photos and video from the Lance Armstrong press conference at Macy's. Watch for it all right here, only on Roberts On The Run™.
Talk to you soon. Until then, pick up the pace and run your own race.
- Jeff
Is it the skyline, the larger-than-life atmosphere, or just an undefined energy? No matter how you describe it, it's hard not to be in a New York State Of Mind, with eye-enticing scenery and adventures waiting around every turn. Let's explore the southern tip of Manhattan. Climb aboard the Staten Island Ferry just east of Battery Park and let's head out into Hudson Bay for a closer look at the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.
Like America itself, the city of New York and the people within it don't seem to dwell with a defeated heart. Even at the Ground Zero site, there is a spirit of remembrance, yet energetic optimism as construction workers work feverishly to prepare the site for the new Freedom Tower to be completed in 2012. It will be the tallest building in city and is designed to pay tribute to the past. More importantly, like New York City, it will rise from the ashes toward its destiny of becoming a towering symbol of hope, perseverance, and freedom to the world. 
Big adventures in the Big Apple. When we ventured to the Capital of the World, we went in search of a great vacation and get-away. We left with that and much more - and we're still in a New York state of mind. Murph, pictured above shooting the Empire State Building from a rooftop, gave the perfect description of Manhattan as a "movie set that's too big and endless to be real." With its fast-pace, diversity, and relentless energy and spirit, you quickly discover that you just don't get into New York, New York gets into you.
Our home base for our five-day stay was in Midtown on 7th Avenue at 53rd, just south of Central Park and just north of Times Square, a surprisingly clean, vibrant and glitzy center of the city. All the energy of New York and the surrounding area seems to converge in this triangular area where Broadway meets 7th Avenue and legendary 42nd Street.
Larger-than-life images surround you at every turn.
The day was windy and brisk - perfect for lacing up the skates.
Jackie and I cozy up for a photo opportunity. (It's great having a pro-caliber photographer in the family!)
Head with a couple blocks west of "The Rock" and you enter one of the most infamous shopping districts in the world - 5th Avenue. You'll find renowned boutiques and stores, plus . . . 
the towering steeples of St. Patrick's Cathedral.
Light a candle, have a seat in a pew and show a little reverence.
Like Aubrey and Jackie, every girl dreams of breakfast - or least a closer look – at Tiffany's.
Jackie and I pose in Central Park with the Plaza Hotel as a backdrop. We are now in the edge of the Upper East Side.
The city skyline forms a poetic border around the park.
Murph turns his Nikon around for a group portrait in the park.
Bethesda Fountain, featuring "The Angel Of The Waters", is one of the crowning jewels of Central Park.
After five days of adventures in The City, the Roberts family has plenty of great blogging material to share. Murph shot over a thousand incredible photos (including the one above), Jackie served as an expert tour guide and navigator, and Aubs did her part by acting as the perfect travel companion. I even took along a box camera (a.k.a., Roberts On The Run Cam™) with me through all five boroughs during the marathon. Watch for the first NYC segment, including photos and video clips, coming Friday, only on Roberts On The Run™!
As we dressed Aubs in her duck costume for her first Halloween, she was a bit hesitant to embrace the evening. But as the night went on, she began to absolutely love the attention she received behind every door that we knocked on, and greatly enjoyed watching all the other children dressed in their Halloween finest.
