No matter where you go in New York City, there’s sure to be a park nearby. It’s one of the best things about the city. They’re our little ways to escape the hustle and bustle of the buildings, people, and cars around us. There are a ton that aren’t frequented by tourists, which is surprising, because some of them are absolutely beautiful.
One of my favorite parks is located on the other side of the East River and provides an unparalleled view of the skyline. Gantry Plaza State Park is accessible by the ferries as it is one of the stops, or just off the 7 train in Long Island City. It used to be the railyard and docks where rail cars were loaded and unloaded onto barges to cross the river. The gantries still stand on the water's edge, above ends of tracks left in place to remind visitors of its history. This park is beautiful during the summer with tons of places to lay out in the sun and see the city from a new and beautiful angle.
Find your way with 301 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Games of Professional Baseball in New York doesn't just mean watching the Yankees play and paying 100s of dollars: watch a Class A game for much cheaper!
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"Rubenstein Atrium" in New York's Lincoln Center has a free performance every Thursday night. I recommend you try to arrive around 18:30 to catch a seat.
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"Revson Fountain" at the Lincoln Center in NYC is one of the results of the renovation that started in 2006. It's spectacular and a must-see!
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"Gray's Papaya" in New York equals classic hot dogs. This place has been here at least 45 years, and it's easy to see why. Great people-watching spot too.
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"Paris Cinema", est. 1948, is the last single screen cinema in NYC today; what irony that it was saved from closing by Netflix itself...
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The White Clam Sauce linguine is classic. So much is served that what can’t be eaten on the spot can be taken home and easily reheated the next day,
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At the "American Legion Post 398" in New York City I get to hear jazz played the old fashioned way, Harlem in the '30s, '40s and '50s...
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"A Great Day in Harlem" is an important photo of 58 jazz greats taken in 1958 in NYC. The building on 126th Street where it was taken is still there...
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The 13-mile Hudson River Greenway in NYC, which begins at the George Washington Bridge, is the most heavily used bike trail in the USA...
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"New Plaza Cinema" in NYC has one mission: to show independent, foreign and classic films. It is run by a grassroots group; how long will it survive?
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"Manny's Bistro" is a French bistro in my neighborhood in New York. Susan & I prefer to sit at the bar, which makes us belong & contribute to the scene...
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"The Elevated Acre" is in the middle of the Financial District in NYC, but you would never see it when passing by - this park is hidden above street level!
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301 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
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