Happy Birthday, Statue of Liberty!

On June 17, 1885, the Statue of Liberty arrived in the New York Harbor. It was a gift from the people of France, designed by Frederic Auguste Bartholdi. Because she is 151-feet tall, Lady Liberty was shipped to the United States in more than 200 pieces. Assembly was completed on October 18, 1886 at a dedication by President Grover Cleveland. When Ellis Island opened in 1892, the statue became a symbol of hope for many newly arrived immigrants. Below the fold, we've put together some suggestions for how to celebrate this historic day.

1. Eat Some Ethnic Cuisine
Celebrate all those who came through Ellis Island by eating something delicious and foreign today. We recommend Katz's or Veselka. You could also get some French food to show your appreciation for their gift to us.

2. Celebrate the Fourth of July Early
We don't know about you, but for us, one Fourth of July just isn't enough. Celebrate America today by breaking out that barbeque and a cooler full of beers and kicking back.

3. Visit Ellis Island or Liberty Island
This might sound like the worst idea of all time, but if you're up for it, you could brave the crowds and heat and go see lady liberty first hand.

We're willing to bet that there are a ton of New Yorkers who have never made the trip.