When we talk about New York it is easy to forget that this great city of infinite skyscrapers rises up in an archipelago. Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island, all boroughs except the Bronx are surrounded by water . But there is more: Roosevelt, Governors, Randalls, Rikers, Liberty, City... there are other islands, less extensive and well-known, that cross the East River and the mouth of the Hudson.
All of them have their attractions but none like those offered by the so-called Governor's Island.
Governors Island's history couldn't be more tied to New York. It was in this place used for hunting and fishing by native americans where were the first installed dutch settlers in its first days of exploration of these lands, at the beginning of the 17th century. After taking control of the city in 1664, the English offered it as a residence to their rulers and hence its name. But it was a short-lived honor because, after the War of Independence, the island became a strategic military defense point.
Two forts, Fort Jay and Castle Williams, were built, and the army patrolled the island until 1966, when passed into the hands of the US Coast Guard . Finally, the maritime security force and their families left Governors Island 30 years later and the island was abandoned almost a decade . New York regained control of the island in 2003 and it was opened to visitors two years later.
Rachel Whiteread's cabin at Governor's.
Since then, Governors Island has undergone a major redevelopment that can now be admired, for the first time, throughout the year. As of November 1, the island will open every day at 7:00 a.m. in the morning and until 6:15 p.m. . The ferry, which connects Manhattan and brooklyn with the island and costs $3, it will extend schedules and, very soon, another water line will be added to the city's boat network, NYC Ferries.
The island presents a unique opportunity to travel back in time. Most of its buildings were erected at the beginning of the 19th century. and probably, his best collection is in Nolan Park which is accessed from the ferry exit, going up the slope, on the left.
The eyes immediately stop at the old headquarters of the military high command protected by two cannons, luckily, now without fuse or ammunition. The park is surrounded by some lovely yellow wooden houses where army officers and their families lived. Here you not only have the impression of walking through the past but It feels like you are thousands of miles from New York. Interestingly, the occupants of these historic houses are now Ecological and creative art NGOs to whom the city gives the space free of charge.
The May Room, by Shantell Martin, a space for contemplation and art on Governor's Island.
The same use has the other houses of the Colonel Row which is reached by crossing the Parade Ground, a carpet of grass that surrounds the old Fort Jay. Several artists use former residences as offices and creation space, and you can see some of the works that are exhibited in the garden. The centerpiece of this beautiful street is Liggett Terrace where a large four-story structure stands that is still abandoned and marks a dividing line with the rest of the island.
Beyond this border lies a small green oasis that won over the river at the beginning of the 20th century, with the rocks and earth from the excavations of the Upper East Side subway in Manhattan. The island thus doubled its surface area and now offers visitors everything an example of sustainability and climate awareness.
The hammocks Hammock Grove and the slides Slide Hill They are the reason for authentic races at the exit of the ferry. But this great park is configured as a labyrinth of peace and nature where it is worth losing yourself for a few hours. Outlook Hill, its highest point more than 20 meters above the water level , offers 360-degree views that you will want to treat yourself to.
If one day isn't enough, Governors Island has two options to spend the night . Both luxurious. The first is Collective Governors Island and your experience glamping or glamorous camping. Nothing is missing in their tents and they even have cabins for those who prefer walls to fabric. Its restaurant is also open to day visitors.
The second option is QCNY the new spa with unparalleled views of New York , even from its outdoor pool, which opens this fall.
Governors Island deserves to be explored. you have it easy with individual bicycles and even for two and up to four people that can be rented at the entrance. The public bicycle service Citibike is also present on the island. And in summer, you can even paddle a kayak to the brooklyn shoreline.
Whatever your plans, Governors Island deserves to be on the bucket list of your next trip.