New York City is great for visiting iconic places, such as Times Square, Chinatown and Brooklyn. But a well-traveled visitor knows there is so much more to see. Here are a few ideas for things to do in NYC to get the most out of a vacation:
With the summer not quite over yet, take a train or a newly operating ferry service to Rockaway Beach in Queens. The area has rebounded since being hit by Hurricane Sandy in 2012 with a new boardwalk, but feel free to take off the flip-flops and walk through the sand. The beach is great for the outdoorsy types, with biking paths and morning yoga. Surfers frequent the area on days when the waves are larger, and there a plenty of surf schools that teach beginner lessons.
There is live most almost every night between performers on the boardwalk and in local bars. Art fans should check out the “14 Sculptors Inc. on the Rock” exhibition on Front Shore Parkway. The 1 ½-mile exhibit includes whale and chain-link heart sculptures. Of course, Rockaway Beach is also known for its food scene. Start the morning with a pastry at Rockaway Street Bakery. Then try Caribbean cuisine for lunch at Dred Surfer during the week or the Edgemere Food Fair & Market during the weekend. Finally, end the evening at the Liquid Bread beer garden.
While City Island is technically a part of the Bronx, it really has the feel of a New England fishing village. Traveling there takes about an hour and a half on the subway or close to an hour’s drive from Manhattan. The area was known as a popular vacation spot among the old New York City business tycoons such as J.P. Morgan and William Randolph Hearst. Now, the island is where New Yorkers head to get their fill of fresh seafood. Some restaurants that stand out include Johnny’s Reef, The Lobster Box and Original Crab Shanty. The Black Whale is known for their desserts, such as the homemade key lime pie or the crème brulee.
Head to Jack’s Bait & Tackle for water activities. The store offers both fiberglass boats for rent and bait for fishing. The City Island Nautical Museum is an ideal option for history buffs to learn more about shipbuilding, and the best part is the museum is free. Those with free time on their hands should head to Early Ruth Art & Antiques. This store has hundreds of items both large and small to add to the home. It only takes patience and a careful eye to find a standout piece.
On the edge of Brooklyn is a little known nature area called Floyd Bennett Field. The field used to be a busy New York City airport used by aviators such as Amelia Earhart and John Glenn. Now, it is a place where people in the city visit to experience the great outdoors. Traveling there takes about two hours from the city with a connection from the subway to the Q35 bus.
The field has several outdoors programs such as kayaking, rock climbing and horseback riding. On-site rangers often lead hikes through the area where bird lovers can spot rare species. Those interested in their year-round archery program can also obtain permits. The Historic Aircraft Registration Project restored a number of vintage aircraft from the airport’s heyday that are available for viewing in Hangar B. The field hosts astronomy events, so visitors interested in staying later can experience a great view of the stars.
Head to the slopes in the winter through a Thunder Ski Trip package. The travel package makes getting to the mountain easy. Take the Metro-North train to Paterson, NY and there will be a shuttle going the rest of the way. Thunder Ridge has 22 trails, 3 chairlifts and 4 magic carpets to suit the needs of a beginner to a more advanced skier or snowboarder. The mountain also has a new and improved terrain park with rails and jumps.
After a few hours on the slopes, head inside the lodge for a panoramic view of the mountain from a glass atrium. Thunder Ridge has night skiing or snowboarding options, and college discounts Monday through Saturday evenings. Those who aren’t interested in winter sports can check out the mountain’s year-round paintball. The 350-acre paintball terrain includes an indoor heated area and air ball and speedball courses.
For an alternative to a Hampton vacation head to Fire Island. Drive, catch a ride on the LIRR or ride the ferry from Long Island for a day or weekend escape. Take a walk through the Sunken Forest in between the sand dunes, which is one of only six of those types of forest in the world. Not too far away is the Fire Island Lighthouse where people can take tower tours. There are also several beaches for swimming and surfing. CJ’s is a popular beachside bar known for its great ocean views.
