9. VISIT GOVERNORS ISLAND
Governors Island is such a special little place. I admittedly never even knew of it's existence until a couple of years ago, but once I got the word that there was another island located just off the southern tip of Manhattan, I was so very curious.
First, a little history lesson...
Governor's Island is a 172-acre island that sits only 800 yards from lower Manhattan. Until 2003, it was closed to the public and served as a military base - home to the U.S. Army and then later the Coast Guard. In 2003, the Federal Government sold 150 acres of the island to the people of New York, leaving the remaining 22 acres to be declared the Governors Island National Monument.
The Trust for Governors Island which is run by the City of New York is now transforming the island into a destination with a ton of great public open space. Recently, the island has undergone a massive $260 million make-over and 30 new acres of park and public spaces have been added. With the new addition of several play areas and mini-parks and 1500 new trees along with a wide variety of activities to enjoy, the island re-opened to the public on Memorial Day Weekend, 2014.
Somewhat spontaneously, a group of friends and I got together and headed over to the island on Memorial Day this year. The only way to get to the island is by Ferry, so we took an early afternoon ride over from the 34th Street dock. (TIP: if you make it to the Manhattan or the Brooklyn Ferry before noon on the weekends, your ride is FREE -- otherwise tickets range $2-6 depending on where you depart from.)
The ride over was an experience in itself because first of all, we were on a boat on a day with absolutely perfect weather. But also, we got to see the skyline and ride under the Brooklyn Bridge on our way over too, which was kind of cool.
When we finally arrived, I felt instantly relaxed. The majority of the island is covered with freshly cut grass, trees, and all kinds of nature. There are so many activities and things for people of all ages to enjoy. A lot of them are free, too!
Things To Do:
Biking - visitors are welcome to bring their own, or you can rent them on the island from Blazing Saddles starting at $15 per 2 hours. FREE rentals on the weekends for one hour, before 12 pm.
Kayaking - Saturdays only, June through August. Pier 101. FREE to all, 10:30am - 4pm.
Hammock Napping - inside of Hammock Grove, a ten-acre space loaded with 50 brand new hammocks that overlook Lady Liberty.
The Play Lawn - 14 acres meant for play and relaxation that includes two natural turf ball fields sized for adult softball and Little League baseball.
Explore Castle Williams - tours of the roof (amazing views) are offered every half hour between 11am and 5pm, daily. FREE tickets required.
Mini Golf - put on by FIGMENT, this Mini Golf course is surrounded with a ton of art instillations and interactive sculptures as well as a giant tree house to explore. FREE to all.
There is also a rotating door of Art Festivals and Educational Programs that take place on the island along with Civil War Reenactments, Cannon Firing demonstrations, and Beer and Wine Picnicking.
Things to Eat:
There are two outdoor "food courts" that collectively have twenty food and drink vendors.
Kings Ave. Food Court - Open Saturdays and Sundays only. A collection of pop-up restaurants and food trucks that includes Blue Marble Ice Cream, Brooklyn Soda Works, Carl's Steaks, Drive Change, El Paso Taco, The Dog House, Mayhem & Stout, Mike N' Willies, Momo & Buns, Moldova, Pyramid Cafe, Sweet Chili's, and Wafels & Dinges.
Liggett Terrace Food Court - Open Everyday. Overlooking Hammock Grove, this area includes Alchemy Creamery, Fauzia's Heavenly Delight, Mr. Softee, Little Eva's, Perfect Picnic, and Veronica's Kitchen.
If you don't feel like spending money or just want to have a picnic all your own, you can bring your own food too. You just are not allowed to bring your own drinks. (Unfortunately!) Which brings me to my next topic...
Where to Drink:
Governors Beach Club - Open Friday 10am - 5pm, Saturday and Sunday 10am - 7pm. Sand, palm trees, amazing views of the city, great music, beer and bar food.
The Beach Club is actually the only place on the island that is a consistent source for alcoholic drinks (well, beer only). However, over the summer there are a ton of events that take place all over the island and they usually come equip with drinks available to those 21 and over. Get the full list of events HERE.
Governors Island is a gem and I already can't wait to go back.
:)
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