In Italian
If you are going to spend a part of your Summer in New York – or maybe you are already there – and would like to go a bit away from the chaos, the stifling heat and the tourist crowd in Manhattan, I cannot help to recommend you to take a half day of break to visit Governors Island , a small garden-island at the mouth of the East River with an amazing view of Nyc and Lady Liberty!
A treasure that still few people know, literally few minutes far from Brooklyn and Manhattan (at ridiculous amounts), with a charming history – land of the Native Americans until the arrival of Dutch people in 1637, small town fortified during the British hegemony and prison of confederates during the Civil War, today National Monument and New York’s people property – and a definitely interesting tourist offer.
So, to help you planning your experience on the island at its best I’ve decided to ask my trusty Local Guide – Kiara (Nyc4All) – for further practical info. She knows Governors Island very well and organizes personalized tours also here, besides in the whole Nyc.
Governors Island is not very big, 70hectars of land located in the East River, between Manhattan and Brooklyn, not far from Liberty Island. In fact, from here it is possible to enjoy wonderful views of the Statue of Liberty.
It is opened to tourists from May 1st until October 31st and it offers several activities and events for all age: everything in pink, tours on foot, relax on hammocks. And, of course, the tour to Castle Williams, to GrowNYC’s Teaching Garden and even much more.
Find here the complete calendar with all events to take part into, month by month.
To visit Governors island it would be enough even only a half day: to test the new Glamping – a downright luxury camping with all comforts – you will have to reckon the possibility to spend at least a night on the island.
It is advisable to wear comfortable and informal cloths, above all if you’ll decide to rent bicycles and climbing hills to reach the most beautiful viewpoints.
Governors Island is a safe destination without any doubt. For everyone: children, families, couples.
In the last few years I took part into the Jazz Age Lawn Party in Governors Island.
A very beautiful and involving 1920s style festival: cloths, vintage cars, music, décor and everything the stalls offers.
The schedule to reach the island provides for a ferry every hour: find here the timetable link with the leaving from both Battery Marine Building in Manhattan and from Brooklyn, precisely from Pier 6 of Brooklyn Bridge Park.
You need only to purchase the one way ticket ($3), unless you have got the IDNY card.
Remember that on Saturdays and Sundays the first three routes from Manhattan and the first two ones from Brooklyn are free.
As regards meals, it is possible to use culinary stands where to find ice-creams, tacos, fast-foods – Governors Island Beer Co, Liggett Terrace Food Court, Little Eva’s Beer Garden and Grill, et cetera… However, I’d recommend to take water and snacks or even food for picnics if you are going to spend there a full day.
Remember that on the island there are no supermarkets or stores.
You can reckon visiting Governors Island alone, plan in time and selecting the activities to do on the island or – to optimize times – refer directly to Kiara in order to book a personalized tour allowing you to enjoy the tour at its best without worrying about other else.
Find down here her contacts and the social networks where to follow her:
Email – kiara@newyorkcity4all.com
Instagram – @newyorkcity4all e @Kiariladyboss
Facebook – New York City 4 All
You Tube – Kiara di Paola (New York City 4 All)