Explore New York - Off Beat Places Easy to Find

City Island. Snug Harbour,Coney Island,Chelsea,Cloisters

Mar 28, 2007

For most visitors New York means downtown where the tallest skyscrapers are to be found, But there are other less trodden areas with their own charm and interest.

New York - Snug Harbour

Most people visiting New York take the ferry trip across the harbour, past the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, to Staten Island and back. Here on Staten Island is a little jewel of a place called Snug Harbour. An old-fashioned trolley bus will take you there; it’s just a short ride. The little community of Sailor’s Snug Harbour was built in 1833 as a haven for old sailors. A row of five magnificent Greek Revival temples was built to cater to the accommodation and other needs of the sailors. Eventually, they had to move to more modern quarters and today the buildings house various art organisations. There are regular exhibitions throughout the year and the beautiful grounds are a delight to stroll in. A refreshing place to visit on a hot New York day.

- The Metropolitan Museum’s collection of medieval art is housed in this group of mediaeval cloisters and a chapel imported from Europe by John D.Rockefeller in the 1930’s. It’s a rather incongruous sight - one that would look more at home in a medieval European town than in 20th-century Manhattan. It’s a beautiful, peaceful spot and a good place to rest after a busy day’s exploring. The herb garden contains more than 250 species of plants that were cultivated during the Middle Ages. It is located at 190th Street and Fort Washington Avenue.

City Island is a great place to spend a day. You won’t find it in many guidebooks but its a delightful little community located at the edge of New York city just beyond Pelham Bay Park in the Bronx and surrounded by the waters of Long Island Sound. It was first established as an English settlement in 1685 and was an important ship-building centre during the 18th and 19th centuries. It has a rich nautical history and was originally inhabited by the Siwanoy Indians who lived during the summer on the plentiful supply of oysters, clams, and fish found here. And this is what visitors come here for: to eat at the many good fish restaurants. Be sure to take a stroll around. The tree-lined streets are lined with attractive white houses and pretty gardens. A really charming spot, easily reached from the city by taking the No.6 train north to Pelham Park, which is the last stop. Transfer to City Bus BX29 towards City Island.

Unlike its London namesake, the charms of Chelsea are not at first obvious. But it is an interesting area to wander and investigate what’s on offer. Its most famous icon is the Chelsea Hotel on West 23rd Street. The number of illustrious people who have stayed here is staggering: Mark Twain, Tennessee Williams, Dylan Thomas, Arthur Miller, and many more. It is also the place where Sid Vicious stabbed Nancy Spungen to death and where Joni Mitchell was inspired to write “Chelsea Morning”. Visit the Empire Diner at the corner of 10th Avenue and West 22nd Street. A traditional American diner - it’s a beauty.

Around the turn of the century the fun fair at Coney Island was one of the hot spots of New York. People came here in their thousands to escape the summer heat. Nowadays it’s a bit run down, but the fantastic beach is still here - over three miles long - as is the Ferris wheel (here for more than 80 years) and the giant Cyclone wooden roller coaster. Nathan’s, on the corner when you get off the subway, is the home of the “famous Coney Island hot dog” - and they really are good.

The copyright of the article Explore New York - Off Beat Places Easy to Find in Historical Travel is owned by Cathy Smith. Permission to republish Explore New York - Off Beat Places Easy to Find in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.