Long Island City, NY
Optimum Seasons: Summer
It has been awe inducing watching Long Island City's transformation over the past decade. What was once a sketchy area filled with old wearhouses on the Queens side of the Queensborough Bridge is now a mini skyline of its own. "Build and they will come" as the saying goes. Now all these new restaurants and supermarkets are popping up throughout the area to meet the demand of the growing population. And everything is brand new and clean. If you ask me, the views of Manhattan's skyline from Long Island City are far more impressive than that of Williamsburg's and Greenpoint's in Brooklyn. But definitely not as hip as the aforementioned neighborhoods.
This is one of my favorite spots in all of New York, either during the day or evening. My first experience was with my husband and friends on a warm summer night. We decided to go to a restaurant I came upon chance after I googled "restaurants on the East River". I also wanted Italian. I wanted good food, good decor, and good views. Maiella met all these needs. The food was solid, some dishes even great (the stuffed eggplant and Branzino were among my favorite). The service was incomparable. The decor was impressive, the crowd was upscale, and the back garden was lovely with great views of the landmarked Pepsi Cola sign and the Empire State and Chrysler building right across the river. Unfortunately, there was no outdoor seating but dining inside was just as rewarding with floor to ceiling windows all around the restaurant.
After dinner, we headed out to Gantry Plaza State Park (right next door) and walked along the brand new boardwalk. There was a playground here for children, beautiful landscaping, breathtaking views of Midtown, lounge chairs, everything one needs for pure happiness. I highly suggest experiencing Long Island City during sundown and into the night! If not for dinner, just for drinks will do!
Walking down from Gantry State Park for about half a mile on the boardwalk you will reach Hunters Point South. Both locations have MTA ferry services (a metro card you can purchase on site will give you and children access). On a couple of occasions, I have used the East River Ferry (a 40 minute spectacular ride to either DUMBO or Wall Street/South Street Seaport) with breathtaking views of Brooklyn and Manhattan. Hunters Point South has one of the most spectacular playgrounds in all the five boroughs as well as an amazing sandbox. You will find a splash pad here as well so bring bathing suits for your children along with a scooter and bike to ride along the length of the boardwalk! There are also restrooms and a restaurant called Coffeed which serves pricey American food (menu is included in the gallery). All along the boardwalk you will find Long Island City’s market with food trucks (ice cream trucks, fruit/veggie drinks trucks, crepe trucks, and much more). You will also find restaurants and bars as well as exquisite high rise residential buildings.
Click the gallery above (best viewed on a desktop for captions), the videos below and feel free to add your comments and feedback! Follow me on facebook and instagram to see my live adventures! And share this page with your friends if you appreciate.
Gantry State Park Boardwalk
Long Island City Market
Hunters Point South Playground
Long Island City Boardwalk
Gantry State Park
Hunters Point South - Dining at Coffeed