I always say that it is much better to visit New York during the spring/summer season than during autumn/winter season. And the reason number for this is: the city offers much more activities during the warmer seasons. One of them is Governors Island, an island that is located 800 meters south of Manhattan and served as a military base for almost 200 years. Currently, Governors Island opens only during a period – and this year, take note, the season 2016 begins this weekend, May 28 and will continue until September 25.
After all, what is so special about Governors Island? All you need for a perfect summer day: a huge green area, a lot of nice parks, with plenty of space for running, cycling, have a picnic. In addition, there are fields for sports, hammocks to relax, area for children, outdoor food court, cultural center … The bonus is the privileged view. From Governors Island, you can see the skyline of Manhattan, New Jersey, Hudson River, Brooklyn Bridge and even the Statue of Liberty.
And there are some news for this year: The Hills opens on July 19, 2016. The Hills are the culmination of the award-winning Governors Island Park and Public Space Master Plan, designed by acclaimed landscape architects West 8. Rising 25 to 70 feet above the Harbor, the Hills will offer lush rolling landscapes, grassy overlooks, exhilarating slides, unforgettable views, and a permanent installation by British artist Rachel Whiteread. The tallest Hill, Outlook Hill, provides visitors an extraordinary 360-degree panoramic experience of the Harbor.
And there’s more! There is a lot of upcoming events on the island. On June 3th and 4th, Figment takes place in the island. It’s a free, annual celebration of participatory art and culture where everything is possible. For one weekend each summer, it transforms Governors Island into a large-scale collaborative artwork – and then it’s gone. You can check more information and photos of the latest editions here.
On June 11th and 12th, and August 13th and 14th, Governor’s Island will be the stage of The 11th Annual Jazz Age Lawn Party. This beloved summer event attracts thousands of fans each weekend, who come together to discover authentic music from the 1920s and 1930s, learn the hottest dance steps of the time, frolic in their flapper dresses and glad rags and enjoy sophisticated bites and vintage-inspired cocktails in a romantic yet playful setting. More information here.
Pinknic, the largest rosé-themed picnic and music festival in New York City, comes to Governor’s Island on July 9th and 10th. Take a short ferry ride from the tip of Manhattan and set up shop on one of 4,000 rosé-hued blankets dotting the sprawling grounds. From here, delight in spirited sounds, satisfying snacks, and ice-cold bottles of rosé. A variety of refreshing rosés will be available for purchase. You’re invited to bring your own picnic or pre-order our special Pinknic Baskets crafted by acclaimed chef Chris Santos. For tickets or more information visit the Pinknic website.
A One Wheel Celebration: The 7th Annual NYC’s Unicycle Festival rolls onto Governors Island on September 3th and 4th. One wheel activities include basketball, sumo, hockey, a costume contest, workshops, shows, a learn-to-ride area, and much more. The NYC Unicycle Festival is a Bindlestiff Family Cirkus production. More information here.
These are not the only events scheduled on Governors Island. You can check out all the events here.
For 2017 a spa should be opened on the island and, with so many improvements in the local infrastructure, the expectation is that the Governors Island starts to open all year round in the very near future. New Yorkers and tourists say thanks!
How to get there? Governors Island is accessible by ferry every day of the week during the public season. The round trip ticket is just $2 and ferry departs from Battery Maritime Building (10 South St). The ticket is free on weekends until noon. Ferries depart starting 10 am from Manhattan and the last one departs from Governor’s Island at 6pm on weekdays and 7pm on weekends. There is also a ferry departing from Pier 6, Brooklyn Bridge Park, on weekends.
Laura Peruchi is a Brazilian blogger, author, and entrepreneur. She has lived in Manhattan with her husband since 2014. Since then, she has shared on her blog varied content about the Big Apple. From travel tips, including unusual things to do, shopping tips, etiquette, restaurants, and a lot more, her blog has become a reference in Portuguese (also available in English) for anyone planning a trip to New York City.
