On a very hot June day, what better way to explore a relatively obscure place in New York City with cool ocean breezes and spectacular views? Despite this small island being right there--between the southernmost tip of Manhattan and Brooklyn--it has not been a popular destination. Partly because of its history of a military installation (old fort-like stuff, not modern), and its later use by the Coast Guard, Governor's Island [click the link for more info] remained seclusive. Now there's an effort to revitalize it and already there are interesting events taking place!
Scenes from the New York harbor. The ferry takes less than 10 minutes to cross.
At one time, 3,500 people lived on Gov's island, mostly military personel and their families. The US Coast Guard vacated the island in 1996. Since, it had remained closed to the public, only to open recently, from May to early October, Fri.-Sun.
Most of the buildings have character, even those that are in bad shape, like the one above and the abandoned theater below.
Above, parts of an old "castle." Below, the financial district; the ferries to Staten Island, Gov's island, and the Statue of Liberty leave from the piers to the right. This is the view from Gov's island looking north.
Above, the Staten Island ferry between Manhattan and Gov's Island. Below, an old chapel that's not being used.
Some of the pictures show the surroundings in the New York harbor. The one above, shows the Goldman Sachs tower in Jersey City, NJ. The one below, the financial district at the tip of Manhattan.
The theme, this past weekend, was the "roaring 20s" (probably the 30s too). So, there were many people dressed in period clothing, merchants selling old stuff (ie, hats, records, etc), and the highlight was this band that played period music--and people danced to it.
They had style...
Most of the buildings are closed because they're dilapidated, but a few have been restored and used as galleries.
Scenes from the New York harbor. The ferry takes less than 10 minutes to cross.
At one time, 3,500 people lived on Gov's island, mostly military personel and their families. The US Coast Guard vacated the island in 1996. Since, it had remained closed to the public, only to open recently, from May to early October, Fri.-Sun.
Most of the buildings have character, even those that are in bad shape, like the one above and the abandoned theater below.
Above, parts of an old "castle." Below, the financial district; the ferries to Staten Island, Gov's island, and the Statue of Liberty leave from the piers to the right. This is the view from Gov's island looking north.
Above, the Staten Island ferry between Manhattan and Gov's Island. Below, an old chapel that's not being used.
Some of the pictures show the surroundings in the New York harbor. The one above, shows the Goldman Sachs tower in Jersey City, NJ. The one below, the financial district at the tip of Manhattan.
The theme, this past weekend, was the "roaring 20s" (probably the 30s too). So, there were many people dressed in period clothing, merchants selling old stuff (ie, hats, records, etc), and the highlight was this band that played period music--and people danced to it.
They had style...
Most of the buildings are closed because they're dilapidated, but a few have been restored and used as galleries.
The Sculptors Guild will be exhibiting on the grounds and in designated houses until the island closes for the winter
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9 comments:
I've heard about this island. Call me old, but wasn't the same island where president Reagan and Soviet leader Gorbachev had a summit back in the 1980s?
Yes, wow, you remember! I do too. It was in 1988.
Building #14, also called the Commandant's (when the Army was on the island) or Admiral's House (Coast Guard) hosted the two leaders. It's a beautiful bldg, and open to the public! Needs some work, but still, it's grand!
Yes, this is a great destination where you can spend a day leisurly, in the shade (if you like) and enjoy several activities there.
Bring your bike. It's easy on the ferry.
Here's a list of events.
Indeed, I wish I had brought my bike on my visit. It's not a big island to walk throughout, but the "new" addition (dirt from excavating Manhattan) added some 100 acres to the south part of the island. I didn't go there, but next time I'll bring my bike and venture out.
Oh, by the way, the ferry to the island is FREE! Service every half an hour or so, with the last one leaving Gov's island at 7 pm.
oooooooh, what a gem. i hope it doesn't get too crowded with all the publicity....
Andros said...
Oh, by the way, the ferry to the island is FREE!
Monday, June 09
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Free? This is very strange. Is it usual for USA?
doc
Welcome Doc,
Surprisingly, there are many places that are FREE or cost very little to enjoy, even in the NY metro area.
The ferries to Staten Island and Gov's Island are both free! Then we have some great museums: The Metropolitan, the Modern Art, etc, that can be enjoyed for free (certain days/times), or for $1.
For example, the famous and huge Met Museum on 5th Av in Manhattan and the American M. of Natural History have suggested admission fees. We don't like to tell the tourists (including some of the NYorkers about this), but since you're a friend....
Suggested admission means that you pay whatever you want. I found this out when I was in college and had to go to the Met for an art class. I'd pay 25cents!
I think the sugg. price is $20--and it's not bad if you going to pay this once as a tourist-- but if you live in the city and want to go many times a year and you're on a limited budget, it helps to pay whatever you can afford!
I'm thinking of going to MOMA (modern art) on a Friday (free admission). Of course, I'll take pictures and post them here.
How much would it cost me to visit the Acropolis nowadays?
And, did you know that the river can also be enjoyed for free? Not just ..looking at it, but paddling on it!
NYC Boathouse
Summer Entertainment for NYC metro area.
Time Out NY
TONY is a great source for events around the city. Heck, I even have a free subscription to it.... but, its online version has everything.
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