When you land in Queens New York (the site of both major
New York City airports – LaGuardia and JFK), hit
the ground running, because this New
York City borough has more to offer than just air
travel. The largest (geographically) of the five boroughs,
Queens New York is also the most ethnically diverse county
in the entire United States. You can get a taste (literally)
of hosts of different cultures right in Queens, which
makes spending time in this neighborhood an extremely
educational choice. Keep your senses ready and you will
learn about ethnic groups you may not have even heard
of, and sample some unbelievably authentic fare.
Originally established in 1683, and named for Queen Catherine of Breganza, the wife of Charles II, Queens New York became a borough of New York City in 1898. A hotbed of the 1940’s jazz scene with Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald in residence, Queens still offers great entertainment, arts, dining, lodging, and outdoor recreation options that are unique to this borough.
The beaches in Queens New York are reason enough to venture west of Manhattan’s famous sights when during your visit to NYC. Queens provides ample opportunity to enjoy nature from inside a metropolis. Rockaway Beach is a great example. The largest urban beach in the United States, and the most famous of the beaches in Queens New York, is a great place to feel some sand beneath your toes if your feet tire of sightseeing. Another way to enjoy the beaches in Queens New York is the Gateway National Recreation Area. Well kept by the National Park Service, Gateway’s Jamaica Bay Unit, located in Queens, offers an unmatched experience of the New York coastland.
Another savvy way to stay in New York City, without a lot of hassle or cost, is to book a room in a Queens hotel. Why a hotel in Queens? One obvious factor is that a room’s price tag is often much more reasonable than the traditional room in Manhattan. Another is the proximity to the airport if you are enjoying a quick stay in New York. Cut down on your time aboard a taxi or shuttle from the airport by choosing a Queens hotel, and rely on New York’s inexpensive, efficient subway system to whisk you to any destination in the city you desire. And, of course, your chance of missing your departure flight is lessened when staying in a hotel in Queens. There are many chain hotels near the airports, but challenge yourself to find a Queens hotel that truly embodies the spirit of the borough, and you won’t be disappointed.
After you leave your hotel in Queens to explore the area, look no further than the 7 Train, which is also called the “International Express” due to the fact that it is the main artery of this diverse borough. Each stop along the way conatains different cultures, restaurants, places of worship, and beautiful people from around the world. Roughly 150 cultural groups have set up immigrant communities in Queens, and experiencing just a few by riding the International Express is really an experience you don’t want to miss in Queens New York. Other places of note include Shea Stadium (the home of the New York Mets), Flushing Meadow Park (where tennis’s US Open is played) and The American Museum of the Moving Image, a fascinating tribute to film in America.
Whether it is to view a sporting event, experience different cultural communities, or just walk along the beach, a trip to Queens New York makes a great choice for New York City travelers.
