Sunday, August 18, 2013
Ferry Dock Approaching Governors Island
Governors Island has been open to the public since 2010 but this was my first visit to the famous island in New York Harbor. The visit was long overdue! The island is a 172 acre small-town oasis in the middle of The Big Apple. Governors Island had a long military history under the administration of the U.S Army. From 1966 through 1996, the island was a United States Coast Guard base. Governors island had been closed to the general public for two centuries. Today, the island is being developed into a park and ‘public space’ for everyone to enjoy.
Watching the Boats in NY Harbor
The Staten Island Ferry and A Water Taxi
The views of the Manhattan and New Jersey skyline were spectacular even on a gray day. Twice a year, Governors Island hosts the Jazz Age Lawn Party and we were lucky to pick this weekend to be a small part of it. The Lawn Party is a 1920s dance party and everyone attends in 1920s costumes. There is live music, Charleston dance instruction, dancing to ‘Jazz Age’ music, food, and even a speakeasy.
In another section of the island we found The Fete Paradiso. This was a special interactive exhibit which showcased a rare collection of vintage French carnival rides and attractions. The rides date from the late 1800s to early 1900s and were open to the public to enjoy. We had a blast!!
That is the new Freedom Tower poking up into the clouds on the left. It is almost finished and waiting for new tenants. We had a great day on Governors Island!