This weekend's next stop? We're headed north to Queens. Long Island City is just a quick ride from Williamsburg and the perfect way to feel active for a day trip (while actually just conquering one small bridge and an otherwise easy ride). Check out a Citibike from your nearest station (our trip cost us just $4) and head north.
Don't know much about Long Island City?! We didn't either so let's learn:
Long Island City started off not just as a neighborhood but its own stand alone city in 1870. It was formed by merging what is now Astoria, Ravenswood, Hunters Point Sunnyside and more into the town of Newtown. With all that land, Long Island City only had between 12,000 and 15,000 residents but its own mayor and ten member board.
Fun fact, the first elected mayor of LIC ran as both a Democrat and Republican. Political divide? Not in 1870!
Want another quick fact? In the 1880s, Mayor De Bevoise almost bankrupted the Long Island City government by stealing all its money! The residences were so unhappy, the neighborhood of Astoria even tried to secede. They were however denied.
A few years later in 1898, Queens became part of the larger New York City metropolitan and the government of Long Island City was no more.
Now that you're prepped for Queens Trivia Night - back to our day trip at hand. You've just checked out your Citibike, your legs are feeling fresh and the day is young. Park at Center Blvd & 51 Ave (or wherever you can find) and headed towards the river.
Walk north making your way along the river in the Gantry Plaza State Park, stopping to admire the Manhattan skyline as you like. You'll also pass the iconic Pepsi sign!
A state park in the middle of the city seems like an odd thing so you may be surprised to know that Gantry Plaza State Park is a 12 whole acres directly next to the river. It has some of the best views of midtown Manhattan's skyline and the Empire State Building. The park is set along four piers which were once used to load and unload rail car floats and barges. Still visible today they provide eye catching reminders of how our city once looked. Want to do more than just lounge along the water? The park also has basketball courts, playgrounds, handball courts, and a fishing pier.
After an hour or so in the sun, we were ready for some lunch. A couple blocks away from the park we found a new favorite, The Baroness. They claim to be Queen’s #1 Burger & Craft Beer Bar.
Located at 47-18 Vernon Blvd, Queens, NY 11101
We got a couple beers ($9/$10) and some burgers.
I had THE TINA - peanut butter & black pepper bacon
"brisket-short rib blend patty, smoked bacon, sharp Vermont cheddar cheese, smokey peanut butter sauce, sea salted pretzel bun"
I think that says it all.
Next we headed to Fifth Hammer, a brewery we've been wanting to check out for a while.
Located at: 10-28 46th Ave, Long Island City, NY 11101
They have a great selection and its a super cool, casual vibe. Plus its dog friendly!
After our burgers and beer, we were feeling a bit sluggish and opted to take the NYC Ferry home. We walked to Hunters Point South where we paid $2.75 (actually a steal) for a scenic 20 min ride back home to Brooklyn! Staycation complete
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