Governors Island is in Manhattan???

Travel Back In Time

A trip to Governors Island will require you to travel back in time, in the sense that old architecture and falling-apart structures will be the them of the day. Do you have your 18th century outfit all picked out? Colonial weapon of choice? (Kidding)

In all seriousness, Manhattan is scattered with leftovers from a couple of centuries, sure, but they aren’t quite as ubiquitous for obvious reasons. A trip to Governors Island will make you forget you’re in modern city territory.

Prep for Getting to the Gov'nor!

You’ve got a date with the Governor, but how ever will you get there? EASY PEASY. A free ferry runs every half hour from the Maritime Building near Battery Park! Since it’s not the big, established ferry terminal in the sense that South Ferry is, it’s low on amenities and you feel herded like cattle just as you do waiting next door for the Staten Island Ferry.

It’s all good, though, because in 7 minutes flat you will be standing on an island that resembles a quaint New England college campus. I. kid. you. not.

A Sampling for the rest of the Summer

Not sure when or why to go to Governors Island? Here are a few reasons to plan a trip there. Most events are free, and the ferry and “admission” to the island always are.

• African Film Festival (Aug. 9-10)
• Civil War Weekend (also this weekend…interesting pair of events if you think about it)
• Battery Dance Company (Aug. 16-17)
• Twelfth Night performances (Aug. 29-31)
• Free Bike Fridays (you can always bike on Governors Island, but Fridays there is FREE bike rental; bringing your own bike is always permitted on the ferry)
• Sculpture Exhibition (till October)
• Walking Tours every Wednesday and Thursday if you’re interested in the island’s history

Avoiding Starvation on the Island

You don’t want to feel like you’re in an episode of Lost, so plan ahead: there are a few food kiosks if there are events happening on G. Island, but don’t count on it. Buy edibles ahead of time at one of these fine establishments. Picnicking is encouraged on the island; killing small animals and frying  them over a hot flame is not.

In Transit...are those manmade WATERFALLS?

Ugh, yes. Waterfalls to boost the economy…or something. So, you spend $15 million dollars to attract tourists? Um, okay. Anyway, your 7-minute ferry ride to the Island will give you a peak at each of Olafur Eliasson’s four waterfalls, one of which (pictured) is on Governors Island. They are far niftier at night when lit up, but when you are coming into dock on the ferry, you can get up pretty close to see its “backside.”

We're Here! Now What?

Governors Island was a U.S. Army post from 1783-1966 and then up until 1996 was claimed by the Coast Guard. So, not exactly party central or restaurant row over here. It’s a lot of buildings…that you can’t go inside of, BUT cultural festivals, family days, concerts, and bike events now dot the summer calendar.

Greening up the Joint

Green space is a prized amenity in New York, and while it may not be rare (we have tons of parks), finding OPEN green space IS rare. Think about the Great Lawn in Central Park? Crowded! Even parks in the other boroughs tend to fill up on the weekends, turning into more noise factories under the sun.

Governors Island will see crowds, but nothing like Central Park. There are huge swatches of grass that are asking for a picnic blanket and your bottom to plop down! Do it. The old buildings remind me of my Massachusetts college campus and the views of Manhattan, Brooklyn and the Statue of Liberty are stunning.

Jazz-Age Lawn Party, anyone?

I wish I could have taken part in the Jazz-Age Lawn Party!!!  Waaaaah. I’m pretty certain few of the buildings were constructed in the 1920’s (maybe the recently-demolished motel?), but the clothing style still fits in well with all the red brick and pillared grandeur.

Click through to the map at left for some highlights, including open buildings and bathrooms.