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Summer may be winding down but that doesn’t mean you have to! Don’t let the season end without taking a trip to Governors Island. Located in the shadow of the New York City skyline smack dab in the heart of New York Harbor, a short ferry ride will transport you to this 172-acre island, originally the landing place of the first settlers back in the 1600’s. In more modern times Governors Island was a military base and a U.S. Coast Guard station. Despite being shuttered for many decades, lucky for us the island reopened in recent years to become a top NYC destination spot replete with a dynamic mix of cultural programming, urban farming, bike rentals and a spectacular park. Open to the public from May 28th-September 25th, be sure and pay a visit. There’s nothing like the unique city views from this vantage point as you lazily swing in one of the many hammocks scattered throughout the grounds on a late summer’s eve!
GETTING THERE
Governors Island is easily accessible by ferry every day of the week during the open season. At only $2.00 a ticket for a quick ten minute ride, it’s one of the best bargains in town. For ferry schedule go to http://govisland.com
UPCOMING EVENTS ON THE ISLAND:
THE 7th ANNUAL NYC UNICYCLE FESTIVAL
September 1st -4th 10am – 6pm
Pedal your way over to the one-wheel celebration that is the 7th Annual NYC’s Unicycle Festival. Included among the wonderfully wackier activities are unicycle basketball, sumo, hockey, a costume contest, demonstrations and naturally, lessons on how to ride.
GOVERNORS ISLAND ART FAIR
September 3rd through the 25th Saturdays & Sundays
Touted as New York’s largest independent exhibition, this lively event features the works of over 100 artists from around the world exhibiting an eclectic, uncurated creative spectacle of artwork. Paintings, photography and sculpture sit side by side throughout the sprawling lawns and historic houses of this extraordinary setting.
VINTAGE BASEBALL
September 10th 12pm-4pm
Step back in time and come watch the game as it was originally played in all its’ innocent, pure glory. Established in 1852, the Gotham Baseball Club (which subsequently became the NY Giants in 1883) will play a double header on the Parade Grounds.
BICYCLE RENTALS
Governors Island has miles of biking paths. You can either bring your own bike on the ferry or head on over to Blazing Saddles (located just down from where you disembark from the ferry) to rent a single bike, tandem or surrey.
FOOD
Pack a picnic! While picnic tables are available throughout the grounds, there is an abundance of shaded green space perfect for sprawling picnic blankets. Cozy Adirondack-style chairs also beckon so you have the perfect setting for that last glass of Rose you’ve been saving for end of summer. There are also two food courts where you can choose from a rotating array of eclectic food trucks: Ligget Terrace is located at the center of the island and open every day while the King Avenue Food Court is in the historic district and open on weekends.
VISIT THE TEACHING GARDEN
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The 21,000 sq. ft. Governors Island Teaching Garden is dedicated to teaching NYC school children about urban agriculture and healthy eating. The farm grows a vast array of veggies, fruits and herbs utilizing sustainable elements and featuring a large solar oven as well as several rainwater harvesting systems. It’s open to the public for family visits on weekends thru September 25th.
VIEW THE NEWEST ART INSTALLATION
Cabin, is a permanent installation by British artist Rachel Whiteread. Sitting modestly on a hillside overlooking New York Harbor, the sculpture – in stark contrast to the city that beckons beyond – creates a sense of contemplative quiet and distance from the bustle of the city across the water.