During the summer weekends, 92 acres of Governor's Island are completely open to the public for picnicing, biking, walking, sight-seeing and there are a host of events scheduled for the summer that include art exhibits, concerts, activities and festivals. Admission to the park and the ferry ride are free. The Governor's Island website has more information about visiting plus a schedule of events. You can also find the ferry schedule there - most Saturdays & Sundays ferries depart every 30 minutes.
The ferry departs from the restored and totally awesome Battery Maritime Building just East of the Staten Island Ferry. If you have time to kill, check out David Byrne's Playing the Building
We went for the Jazz-Age Picnic w/Michael Arenella and his Dreamland Orchestra Michael Arenella and his Dreamland Orchestra so our ferry ride was full of people in their '20s best despite the 100+ degree heat (seriously - people really dressed up).
At the ferry terminal, be sure to step into the waiting room to your right - that's the only public bathroom we found that was not a Pot-A-John.
There are a few food vendors scattered through the park but mostly of the "truck on the street" variety. Plan to bring a picnic lunch or organize a group to bring dishes to share - don't forget to bring water or you'll have to buy it on the Island. We shared a lunch and had fruit smooties and cookies from the Treats Truck!
Since the island is usually non-residential and only the ferry can get you there, it's one of the last remaining uncrowded spots in NYC. You can wander around the abandonded buildings and military barracks in almost suburban quiet and isolation. Dotted around the island are open buildings with art exhibits and history lessons. Peek into the windows of the shuttered buildings - eerie. Why isn't someone shooting a TV show here? This place is one of those unique spaces that lets you forget you live in NYC - plus, you get a free boat ride!
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11 years ago
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