Manhattan, NYC
Read moreRoosevelt Island, NYC
by Melissa and Richard TerrisAre you looking for an island getaway? Are you imagining white sand, pristine beaches and clear blue waters? well look no further because that’s….. NOT the type of island getaway I’m offering! However, if you’re looking for a place that’s off the beaten path, quiet, with beautiful views in the borough of Manhattan, then take a tram ride over to Roosevelt Island.
As a New Yorker, driving along the FDR drive, I would always notice red tram cars hovering over the city and wondered, where does that tram take you to? Well now I know - to Roosevelt Island!. On a sunny yet cold Sunday afternoon, Richard and I hopped on the aerial tramway (entrance is on 2nd Ave and 60th street) and headed over to Roosevelt Island. This 4 minute ride provided spectacular views of the East River, Manhattan, and Queens. Honestly, no matter where you stand on the tram you’re able to catch great views.
Historically the island was inhabited by native Americans, Dutch and English settlers. However, during the most recent years it housed several hospitals and prisons. The island was known by many names but later called Roosevelt Island in honor of Franklin D. Roosevelt.
Roosevelt Island offers many historic sites and new contemporary buildings as well. Richard and I started our visit at the Graduate Hotel for lunch at the Panorama Room. The restaurant is located on the 18th floor and provides unobstructed views of New York City. The food, service, and ambiance were nice. I would highly recommend it for a day or evening night out with friends or a date. Remember to bring your cameras because the opportunities for selfies and photos are endless.
After lunch we headed to Southpoint Park. This park houses the Renwick ruins which was formerly the smallpox hospital. The hospital opened in 1856 and closed its doors in the 1950’s. A few feet ahead of the Renwick ruins is the Strecker laboratory, built in 1892 unlike the old smallpox hospital, it is structurally in great shape, but is no longer in use today.
If you walk further along just beyond the gates of the Renwick Ruins, you are taken to the Four Freedoms Park Conservatory. You climb a granite paved staircase and on the other side you’ll find a tree lined courtyard. In the park is a six-foot bronze bust of FDR and quotes from his Four Freedoms Speech.
Having reached the southernmost tip of the island, we next headed towards the center of the island, to Main Street, using the waterfront path. The island has the wildlife freedom foundation that houses feral cats, geese and ducks, and the riverside paths have plenty of squirrels and seagulls.
On Main St. you’ll find the Blackwell House, built in 1796. The Blackwell family owned the island for many generations; this cottage is the sixth oldest farmhouse in New York City. The home now contains treasures, records, and archives. Tours and visits are available. A short distance away you’ll find the Chapel of Good Shepherd built in 1888, restored in 2003, and now used for episcopal worship. As you continue down Main Street, you’ll notice the Octagon tower, opened in 1841 formerly known as the New York City Lunatic Asylum, however it now is a residential apartment community.
As you continue towards the northern tip of the island you will notice the Blackwell Island lighthouse. This structure was built by inmates of the island penitentiary in 1872. The lighthouse was previously used by sailors navigating the East River, but now it is a historical landmark.
The island offers amazing food, history, and views, and even though Roosevelt Island is considered to be a neighborhood of Manhattan, it definitely doesn’t feel that way. You feel like you’ve traveled to another country surrounded by concrete structures, which don’t look much like the buildings in Manhattan. I would highly recommend anyone to visit whether you are a New Yorker or a visitor.
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