Long Island City

We have officially been in New York for one month and I cannot believe how quickly these last few weeks have flown. We are trying to take advantage of being back in this amazing city and definitely feel like we are in the “honeymoon” phase. In the past, Alex and I would hibernate and venture only so far from our apartment during winter in New York (thankfully, everything you could possibly need or want is only a short walk away or can be delivered right to your doorstop!). This time around, things are still fresh and new and we are making sure to take advantage of our free time and explore some “new-to-us” neighborhoods.

On Sunday we took the subway to Long Island City. It’s just a few short stops along the E Train and we were there. Nestled along the edge of Queens, Long Island City hugs the East River and provides some amazing views of Manhattan. It is also the future home of the new Amazon offices (it will be interesting to see how this neighborhood grows and changes with this big development).

Our first stop after exiting the subway was to MoMA PS1. MoMA PS1 is the counterpart to the famous MoMA museum in Manhattan, but this one typically flies under the radar. I didn’t even know it existed until I was reading about things to do in Long Island City. The museum is housed in an old public school building and featured artwork by Bruce Nauman. I will openly admit, I do not often understand modern art and this particular exhibition was strange. He used lots of videos, flashing lights and sound installations and I was very confused by most of it!

For lunch, Alex read about a Mexican restaurant, Casa Enrique, where we overindulged in some delicious food! I ordered the crab tostadas and Alex enjoyed a chorizo breakfast sandwich. Yum!

After our lunch, we walked over to Gantry Plaza State Park. The park curves along the river with prime views of the Manhattan skyline and the 59th Street Bridge. We spent some time strolling along the pathways enjoying the views all while trying to burn off some of those extra calories from lunch!

Before heading back home, we made one last stop to Fifth Hammer Brewing where we each ordered a beer. Alex chose the So.Much.Serenity and I tried the Much Lovender (brewed with lavender flowers!). It was a fun-filled day in Queens and a perfect way to enjoy a lovely Sunday afternoon.

Can you spot the glitter-clad MC Hammer doll behind the beers?!? As I was getting ready to take a picture, the bartender casually placed this doll down behind our glasses! Haha!