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 304 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
"Queens Bakehouse" in NYC was an instant hit with me. Their inventive twists on classics are what really stole my heart - the croissant loaf, for example.
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When you step into "Rainey Park" in New York City, it feels like you have been welcomed into the shared backyard of Astoria residents. Compact & sunny!
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"Malachy's Donegal Inn" is an Irish bar in New York city that's a survivor. There's an ingrained (or ingrown) sense of comfort, 'cares abandoned'...
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"Utopia" is my neighborhood go-to breakfast joint. It's a real old-school kind of place; I go with my newspaper and am always served well and fast.
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"Central Park Benches" in NYC (apart from their comfort) are known for their commemorative plaques. One of them is dedicated by the citizens of Liverpool...
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You can find "BANKSY in New York" in the Upper West Side. 'Boy With a Hammer' is the only one of his pieces that hasn't been 'repurposed'...
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"Silvana" is a large cafe, boutique, shawarma and falafel bar in NYC that also offers live music performances on their downstairs stage. Great acts!
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The menu is simple: hamburgers, French fries & toppings. No over-the-top ingredients, no superfluous adjectives, and high-value food at rock-bottom prices.
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"Elizabeth Street Garden" New York: formerly the site of a large, important school house, it was reclaimed in the '90s and turned into a sculpture garden.
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One block away from a 21st century LinkNYC WiFi tower on Broadway sits one of three West End Avenue working telephone 'booths', the last in NYC...
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After, "Anthony & Son" Panini Shoppe's Italian-style super-sandwiches, no regular New York sandwich will ever taste as good again...
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"Dutch Kills" in New York isn't hiding it's one of the best bars in the city, but it isn't publicizing the fact, either. No password to enter, however!
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304 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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