5 Reasons You Need to Explore Northeastern Queens
Astoria beer gardens, Citi Field and Rockaway Beach are great, but odds are—unless you grew up there—there’s an entire section of Queens you’re missing out on. To be fair, most of Northeastern Queens is a no-man’s-land for subway lines, but with historic architecture, sprawling green spaces and otherworldly bagels, this pocket of NYC is definitely worth hopping on the LIRR to visit.
Scope Out Stunning Architecture
Head to the Douglaston Historic District, which features over 600 Arts and Crafts, Tudor and Mediterranean Revival houses. You’ll also find the Cornelius Van Wyck House, a charming 18th-century home that’s one of the last remnants of Dutch Colonial architecture in NYC. (It also sold last year for a cool $3 mil.)
Picnic By The Water
Stroll through Little Bay Park to see where the Long Island Sound meets the East River, then settle down for a picnic. While there, be sure to snap a ’Gram of the Throgs Neck Bridge. And if you need another history fix, next door is Fort Totten Park, which features a preserved Civil War fortress.
Eat, Eat and Eat Some More
Don’t miss Whitestone’s Utopia Bagels (which Grub Street named the best in the city). Stay in the nabe for monster sandwiches at Cherry Valley Deli & Grill, pop over to College Point for home-cooked Sichuan at Little Pepper, or head the other way to Bayside’s Bell Boulevard and get matcha from Nippon Cha, a knish panini from Press 195 and a happy hour drink from Aperitif Bistro. In Little Neck? The move is a vodka slice at Centre Pizza and Sammy’s Surprise (a custard-filled puff pastry) at TJK Cafe. As for frozen treats year round, it’s the Italian ices at Pesso’s, without question.
Spend The Day At Alley Pond
The second-largest park in Queens sits on the site of a glacier-formed valley, nestled between Bayside, Douglaston and Little Neck. Perfect your swing at the Alley Pond Golf Center, where you'll find a driving range, mini golf, a PGA simulator and more. Nearby is the Alley Pond Environmental Center, where kids (and adults) can learn about the 80-plus animals housed both inside and in Alley Pond Park. After checking out the wildlife, hike the park’s trails, which span a few Northeastern Queens nabes. During your trek, make sure to stop by the Alley Pond Giant, a 400-year-old tulip tree that may be the tallest and oldest living organism in NYC.
Master Your Tree Pose
Before you make the journey home, take a moment to stretch and reflect at Vitality Yoga & Tai Chi in Bayside. This affordable studio offers classes like Healing Yoga and Warm Vinyasa. With a pristine space and a serene atmosphere, you’ll be in the right headspace before the class even begins.
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