Where I Found the Perfect Escape from the City without Really Escaping

The forgotten island — Roosevelt Island

Love living in the city but you need a day to escape — but don’t really have the time? I have the perfect place for you: Roosevelt Island. A little forgotten island right outside the city. And the best part? You can get there on the F train. Yes ladies and gentlemen, you don’t even need to get on NJ Transit to get there. However, the F train is the boring way to get there. The best part about Roosevelt Island is HOW to get there.

The Tram

Get yourself to 59th St. and 2nd Avenue and take an air tram over to the island. YES — I SAID AIR TRAM.

While only a 5 minute ride over to the island, it’s one of the most unique views I’ve seen of the city since I’ve moved here. The tram and the F train let you off right in the middle of the island. Once there, I admit, there isn’t a ton to do. But that’s kind of the point, right? You can choose between two beautiful parks on opposite ends of the island — one at the northern tip and one at the southern.

(If you don’t want to take the 10–15 minute walk in either direction, there is an ok restaurant (one of two) where you can get a beer and food).

Southern Side of the Island

But, seriously, don’t be lame — explore! I checked out the Southern part (The Northern part has a lighthouse and also a nice park). I suggest taking a blanket and having a picnic. Afterwards though, just stroll around. Despite being a small island, there is plenty to see.

FDR Park

Definitely go see Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms Park — FDR worked to revive the island as part of his New Deal Plan (hence it being called Roosevelt Island).

Prior to that, it used to house hospitals and insane asylums (INSANE, RIGHT?). In all seriousness though, there is a beautiful, old, broken down building there that was actually the first smallpox hospital in the country dating all the way back to the 1800s. Plus, the island is skinny enough that you can literally see the Hudson River from both sides when standing in the middle. That means tons of great views, smells and overall peacefulness (at least compared to being in Manhattan). My favorite part though is the simple fact that there just aren’t that many people there. It’s a nice, surprising little find tucked away in this crazy, wonderful, busy, big city where we live — it’s truly the best escape out without really escaping.

What to do

The Tram
So much fun!

Southpoint Park
A 10-minute walk South from the Tram Station

Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms Park
Located in Southpoint Park

Riverwalk Bar & Grill
Beer, wings and outdoor seating

Tennyson Blackwood used to live in Hong Kong and she has LOTS of Hong Kong recommendations for you.