Last summer a friend phoned and said that he was riding his bike in my neighborhood and suggested that we meet for what was suppose to just be breakfast. However, the morning began to unfold into an idyllic and brilliantly wonderful day and while in DUMBO, we saw a large group of people lined up, some with bikes to get on a ferry. We discovered that they were taking a free ride to Governors Island and being true adventurists, we went and grabbed our bikes and joined.
It was at this moment that I discovered what a treasure this island is for New Yorkers who are craving a quick and easy escape to a beautifully scenic and relaxing environment. One where the noise and traffic of the city escapes us as there are no cars allowed on the island and the sound of the glistening water is instantly calming. This past Sunday I went again with another group of friends, who had not been and needless to say, they too were immediately awestruck by the beauty and magic of this place. But, what a difference a year makes! The lines of people waiting to get on the ferry from both Brooklyn and Manhattan were unbearably long, yet so well worth the short ferry ride once we arrived! My friend Cami, who unlike me rarely publicly emotes, declared excitedly while riding her bike, "this is fantastic" - I think I also heard a "Praise the Lord" too! (just kidding Cami).
There are many activities on the island, biking, skateboarding, rollerblading or walking and there are plenty of places to stretch out on a hammock, adirondack chairs or picnic benches and take in the scenery. There's a bandshell where many artists have performed including some of my favorites, Corinne Bailey Rae and Lauryn Hill. The one thing that they do not have yet however is great food. I hope that the State/City, will refurbish the old island that was once owned and "sold" by Native Americans to a Hollander, then taken by the Dutch, then by the British for their governors - hence the eventual naming of Governors Island. Because of its location, it then became a military base for over 200 years for both the British and American military. After the war, New York State gained full ownership but made the island inactive for many years and then active again until the 1960's and it changed its course yet again and became home to Coast Guards until the 90's. For a more detailed history click here. I would love to see the planners combine some of the architecture reflecting it's rich history, with the charm of a quaint New England water town. One with a few good restaurants, food vendors and shops for local designers and art galleries. 
As for art, there was a wonderful art exhibit this weekend with works from artists in various mediums. Here are a few of our favorites:
Sequoyah Aono - loved him! Absolutely brilliant and the self portrait bore an eerie likeness. Thanks Christian for organizing the day! The free ferries from Manhattan and Brooklyn will run until mid October - for more info, click here.
There are many activities on the island, biking, skateboarding, rollerblading or walking and there are plenty of places to stretch out on a hammock, adirondack chairs or picnic benches and take in the scenery. There's a bandshell where many artists have performed including some of my favorites, Corinne Bailey Rae and Lauryn Hill. The one thing that they do not have yet however is great food. I hope that the State/City, will refurbish the old island that was once owned and "sold" by Native Americans to a Hollander, then taken by the Dutch, then by the British for their governors - hence the eventual naming of Governors Island. Because of its location, it then became a military base for over 200 years for both the British and American military. After the war, New York State gained full ownership but made the island inactive for many years and then active again until the 1960's and it changed its course yet again and became home to Coast Guards until the 90's. For a more detailed history click here. I would love to see the planners combine some of the architecture reflecting it's rich history, with the charm of a quaint New England water town. One with a few good restaurants, food vendors and shops for local designers and art galleries. 
Speaking of architecture, the Victorian homes on the Island, including the most grand one that once belonged to an Admiral are enviably gorgeous - and empty. As one New Yorker humorously stated as she exited the Admirals house, for most New Yorkers, an empty home is like real estate porn. At one point they were considering turning the island into residential property - thankfully, the direction has changed and the continued development as a home to recreation and arts thrives. 
