BEYOND MANHATTAN: NEW YORK CITY OFF THE BEATEN PATH
BY TRACIE MICHELLE MURPHY
It’s easy to think of New York City as an island. There’s simply no place like it in the world, and furthermore, at the
heart of it is an island — Manhattan. Here, the dreams and achievements of generations have won so much fame
over the years, that few visitors set out to visit the four other boroughs that make up the city — Queens, Bronx,
Brooklyn, and Staten Island.
Cross the East River, Harlem River, and New York Harbor, and find a fresh look at the world’s capital, free from the
crowds and home to hidden gems — as impressive as anything in Manhattan, and often at a fraction of the cost.
QUEENS
When you think about art and culture in NYC, you’re probably
imagining the American Museum of Natural History or Metropolitan
Museum of Art. But it’s a resume that Queens can match, and often
with far more intimacy. The Louis Armstrong House Museum is case
in point. The astonishingly and authentically preserved former home
seems ready to welcome the great musician back from another day of
work. Rare archival materials and special events throughout the year
add more magic.
Just around the corner, at the site of the 1964–1965 World’s Fair,
the New York Hall of Science offers interactive exhibits designed to
engage all ages in the fun and mystery of scientific experimentation;
it hosts indoor and outdoor exhibits, special events, screenings, and
hands-on simulations.
To the west, in the Astoria neighborhood, the Museum of the Moving
Image has become a true local favorite, with its compelling exhibits of
film technology, history, and culture, not to mention The Jim Henson
Exhibition, featuring a broad range of objects from throughout his
remarkable career, including 47 puppets.
THE BRONX
In addition to the Bronx Zoo, this borough is home to the spectacular
New York Botanical Gardens — the largest in the U.S. and a designated
National Historic Landmark. Believe it or not, winter is one of the best
seasons to visit this sprawling, 250-acre site, as several indoor spots,
like the LuEsther T. Mertz Library, the Discovery Center, and the Enid A.
Haupt Conservatory, will forge lasting memories. The last is topped by
a beautiful glass dome and hosts the annual Holiday Train Show, with
model trains and famous landmarks sculpted from plants.
Wave Hill offers another horticultural haven. The 28-acre park along
the Hudson looks out to sweeping river views, making it a popular
place for weddings, special celebrations, and photographic shoots.
On chilly days, tour the 19th-century stone Wave Hill House (formerly
home to Theodore Roosevelt and Mark Twain), see contemporary art
at the Glyndor Gallery, and marvel at the collection within the Marco
Polo Stufano Conservatory.
BROOKLYN
This borough is a destination in its own right thanks to its avant-garde
cuisine and expansive nightlife. City Point underground entertainment
and shopping in Downtown Brooklyn is a case in point. Home to
DeKalb Market Hall — borough’s trendiest smorgasbord of eclectic
international eats. Before settling into a movie at Alamo Drafthouse
Cinema, where films are served with award winning food and craft
beers, stop by House of Wax — a cocktail bar featuring macabre wax
sculptures — just across from the entrance.
To experience edgy Brooklyn, head north to explore eclectic street art
at the Bushwick Collective, in its namesake district, along Troutman
Street. On guided tours, or wandering on your own, witness some of
the world’s top urban muralists, who have transformed the streets into
stunning splashes of color, verve, and perspective. Reserve a night to
experience the area’s exceptional performance and party venues, like
Company XIV — “the home of Baroque Burlesque” — or the equally
saucy, House of Yes.
STATEN ISLAND
Tourists often catch the Staten Island Ferry for a up-close look at Lady
Liberty. Check out one of the city’s best-kept secrets — The Greenbelt.
This massive park system spans nearly 3,000 acres, with forests,
wetlands, lakes, and other ecosystems to explore. Start at the welcome
center and set off on an independent trek, or take part in a scheduled
hike, birdwatching tour, or kayaking adventure. There’s a wildlife refuge
onsite, as well as athletics clubs for tennis, golf, archery, and more.
GETTING THERE
Flight options are plentiful when traveling from Dulles International Airport (IAD) and Reagan National Airport (DCA) to NYC-area airports. United
Airlines offers daily nonstop flights from IAD to LaGuardia Airport (LGA), and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), as well as flying daily
from DCA to EWR. Delta Air Lines offers daily nonstop flights from IAD and DCA to John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and LGA. American
Airlines offers daily nonstop flights from DCA to JFK and LGA.
WINTER 2019/20 35 FLYWASHINGTON.COM