Most people consider Manhattan the jewel of NYC. While this may be true, there are 4 outer boroughs that deserve some attention too. Most people think of The Bronx Zoo, Coney Island, and the Staten Island Ferry. Queens is often overlooked. It can be an inexpensive, tourist free, summer time destination. No hotel reservations (sleep in your own bed), no airport hassles (limousine service courtesy of the TA), no car rentals, no travel agents. Fact is, there are lots of fun and interesting things in Queens. And, unlike Manhattan, there is no master development plan underway to destroy the neighborhoods and transform the borough into one giant "plan-o-grammed" pedestrian mall. Queens is still a borough of neighborhoods, each with it's own character, flair, ethnicity, and style.
Here are only a few of the unknown treasures: there is the Art Museum at PS 1, in Long Island City. An internationally renowned art museum of contemporary works. You can hop over to Flushing Meadows Park and watch the Dragon Boat Festival on August 7 & 8. After the races, you can quench your thirst at the Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden in Astoria. And, to put a relaxing finish on your outing, you can head over to Forest Park, in Forest Hills, where you'll find a golf course, band shell, carousel, hiking and biking trails, horseback riding, and a host of other activities. And, of course, you don't want to miss the Ice King of Corona! Check the website athttp://queens.about.com/ for more and more cool things to do.
I have lived in New York for my entire life and in Queens for the past 25 years. I am always amazed at the variety of interesting things to do and I find myself discovering something almost every day. Most of Queens is accessible via public transportation so even the most ardent Manhattanite would find it difficult to make excuses for not visiting. Where else can you take a trip to exotic lands for a mere $2.25 in subway fare? Who would have thought that you can find all of this, for so little, right in the heart of New York City?
Marc Zazeela
Queens, New York resident for the past 25 years. I enjoy all things NYC. I love having out of town guests so I can show off our wonderful city. I love playing "tour guide" because it gets me to places in our great town that I've never been(when was the last time you visited the Empire State Building observatory...it's pretty cool!). Having traveled the United States extensively, for business and for pleasure, I can state with much confidence that there is no place I would rather live. I'm a big city boy. Sure we have our issues, but does Paradise really exist? There is no other place in our country that can offer the diversity of people, attractions, culture, cuisine, architecture, etc., etc., etc. You get the picture. I am aware of the problems we have and I don't make light of any of them. However, my personality is such that I look for the silver lining in every dark cloud (you'd be surprised at how easy it is to find). I've learned that negative attitudes are too easy and generally cause stress, depression, and real physical problems. I'm a happy guy!
Queens, New York resident for the past 25 years. I enjoy all things NYC. I love having out of town guests so I can show off our wonderful city. I love playing "tour guide" because it gets me to places in our great town that I've never been(when was the last time you visited the Empire State Building observatory...it's pretty cool!). Having traveled the United States extensively, for business and for pleasure, I can state with much confidence that there is no place I would rather live. I'm a big city boy. Sure we have our issues, but does Paradise really exist? There is no other place in our country that can offer the diversity of people, attractions, culture, cuisine, architecture, etc., etc., etc. You get the picture. I am aware of the problems we have and I don't make light of any of them. However, my personality is such that I look for the silver lining in every dark cloud (you'd be surprised at how easy it is to find). I've learned that negative attitudes are too easy and generally cause stress, depression, and real physical problems. I'm a happy guy!
I love the Liz Smith quote on Suzannah's blog. I was in a pretty serious car accident 2 weeks ago and, after looking at my car, I realize how lucky I am to have been able to walk away in one piece. Thankfully, my hair did not ignite! I feel as if I've been given a second chance and I do not intend to waste it!
From Suzannah,
Thanks Mark for your interest in my blog and sharing your love of New York City and in particular Queens. Sorry to hear about the car accident. Heal well. Liz Smith quoted my favorite Zen saying, which is, "Live each moment as if your hair is on fire!". Translation: give each moment all your passion.
