Governors Island
A few weeks ago, in between apartment hunting and sunscreen re-application, I made it to Governors Island for the first time. I had been aware of the island for some time, but it's not open in the winter so it was one thing on my list I literally could not do when I was in the city earlier this year.
The weather forecast for Sunday was promising — sunny, high in the 80s — so I headed downtown in the morning to catch the 11 am ferry. I stopped at a Dunkin' Donuts to get an iced coffee on the way (so necessary), and I ended up on the 11:30, but luckily I only had to wait about 20 minutes before boarding.
The ferry to Governors Island is right next to the Staten Island Ferry station, and there is a separate line for people with bikes and strollers. I accidentally got in that line before I realized my mistake — if you don't have either, make sure to go
inside the building labeled "Governors Island Ferry Waiting Room," where you can join the "people only" line.
FYI: When I returned to Manhattan on the ferry around 3pm the line to go to the island was insane. I have no idea how long the wait was, but the line was at least ten times as long as the one I had waited on. I've noticed that New Yorkers tend to get moving a little slower in the mornings, especially on weekends (the only time Governors Island is open to the public), so I would recommend going as early as possible. The island also "closes" at 7pm, so factor that into your trip times.
The ferry ride is short (and free!), but just like the Ikea ferry you are rewarded with amazing views of lower Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty. New York is known for being insanely expensive, which it is, but there's no reason why you couldn't spend an entire day exploring Governors Island without spending a dime — just another reason why I love this city.
I spent the day exploring the island — for two centuries Governors Island was a functioning military base, and has the structures to prove it. There are tons of amazing old, brick buildings, hospitals, barracks and forts to explore, all in various stages of decay or repair.
I recommend taking the (free!) National Parks tour of Castle Williams, even if you're not an eighty-year-old super nerd like me. The views from the top of the former fort (and jail, and haunted house, etc.) are pretty stunning, and the interior just went through a extensive renovation — open to the public for the first time in its 200-year history.
Governors Island is pretty much the perfect place to take a picnic, but if all you brought was your iced coffee (like me) there are a bunch of food trucks and places to grab a snack. I'm the worst person in the world to talk about food, but just trust me when I say you won't be disappointed or hungry.
There is also an island-wide art festival of sorts going on all summer long. I don't have the best grasp on it as a whole, but everywhere you look there are art installations or performances. Some of them were cool — like a huge hut made of plastic milk jugs, but most of the "performance" art is kind of beyond me. As I was walking to the ferry dock, a grown woman in a fairy costume walked by me blowing bubbles — totally cool I guess if you're into that.
Like most things I've done in New York (and my life, now), I went to Governors Island by myself. I never felt lonely or bored, and I love going at my own pace. I took a million pictures and just tried to enjoy the amazing weather and atmosphere. Like Roosevelt Island (and I'm assuming Randall's Island, I haven't been yet), Governors Island is an amazing way to "escape" the city without going very far or spending very much.
It's a little weird, a little decayed and a lot of fun. I can't wait to go back when they open other parts of the island — right now only about half is developed but the plans for the future spaces are totally exciting. Next time I'll bring more substantial supplies — who wants to join me for a picnic?