December 17, 2018 - Inside Governors Island: A Green Paradise Just 800 Yards from Manhattan AND South Coast Plaza, a shoppers paradise

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Inside Governors Island: A Green Paradise Just 800 Yards from Manhattan

Well howdy!!!
Another Monday, another week and only 8 days until Christmas!!!  We are getting down to the wire!!

I am so happy I have all my shopping done, as well as my packing finalized for my trip, which is departing in only 5 days!!!

In travel news...
Both Tanya and I have written and continue to write  a great deal about New York City and its many amazing hidden gem areas.  Today, I want to share a bit of insight into another lovely enclave worth a visit.

Inside Governors Island: A Green Paradise Just 800 Yards from Manhattan

New York is synonymous with towering skyscrapers and concrete, but not a lot of people know that just a stone's throw away from the city is a lush piece of land. This is Governors Island, a 172-acre former army base neighboring lower Manhattan and Brooklyn. ​

Image credit: The Art Newspaper

In the past,The Condé Nast Traveler revealed that the area once housed a Native American fishing camp, a facility for Civil War prisoners, and even a launch point for the very first over-water airplane flight. Today, however, it stands as a haven from the hustle and bustle of the Big Apple, providing accessible adventures for tourists and New Yorkers alike. It can be reachable via ferry from Manhattan's South Street Seaport or the Brooklyn Bridge Park. 

Despite this proximity, the island is in stark contrast to the rest of New York, which is a boiling pot for millions of people on a daily basis. Governors Island is a ghost town that no one calls home, even though it can be considered a premium area for those who want to experience New York living minus the urban congestion. However, the costs of moving to this type of neighborhood are quite exorbitant. Financial advisor James McGrath writes on Yoreevo that the average New York home will set you back around $1 million. This can rise for in-demand areas that are closer to central destinations like Tribeca and the Financial District, or in exclusive neighborhoods like this island. Unfortunately, there are no plans to develop any housing projects on Governors Island just yet, but rest assured that the visiting public can enjoy trips to its historic shores any day of the week. So with that in mind, here are some attractions that are perfect for a day trip to Governors Island. 

Enjoy the art scene

Governors Island has served as a breeding ground for some of the most promising young artists, having held the Governors Island Art Fair annually since 2008. The fair puts a spotlight on amazing talents outside of the usual mainland NYC art scene. As such, the island provides a taste of truly compelling work from New York's emerging talents. 

Image credit: The Art Newspaper

Have a picnic

The many playgrounds, including NYC’s longest slide at The Hills, make the island great for kids, but even adults can get their outdoor fix by hitting up the various scenic picnic spots. If you don’t feel like packing your own food, there are ice cream and food trucks scattered around the site.

Image credit: Brooklyn-Based

Explore abandoned houses

The Coast Guard families, who left in 1966, left behind spectacular remnants of a once thriving district. Take a walk and feast your eyes on the many abandoned houses, schools, and barracks that remain preserved. Some structures look like they are straight out of a horror movie, such as the old theater and Castle Williams prison, but it’s all part of the excitement. Even the iconic Admiral’s House can still be seen on the island, serving as an ornate display of the past.

Image credit: Gothamist

Experience glamping

This year, Governors Island is opening its doors for overnight visitors who would like to experience spending a night in its green spaces. The Collective Retreat can accommodate up to 100 guests at a time in its “glampground,” which is composed of luxury tents and other facilities. Already, it is being hailed as an urban oasis retreat to experience, a world away from your typical posh city hotels. ​

Image credit: Jetsetter

Go ice-skating

Where else should you enjoy ice skating even in the summer? Only on Governor Islands' synthetic ice skating rink. Visitors can come here and rent their skates for a winter wonderland experience, no matter the season.

Image credit: Governors Island

I'll be heading out now to get my list of to-do's completed - see you back here tomorrow!

-Toodles,
Travelin' Elisa
xoxo

South Coast Plaza - a shoppers paradise

I'm finally here! It's late on Monday night here in SoCal, but I made it just in the nick of time to share with you a little bit about yesterday. 

Yesterday was mostly about getting through the shopping list, but the early part of the day was all about Cosette performing with the IPC.

The holiday performance was well received to a very welcoming audience of both young and old who were at Pretend City visiting for the day.

Once the performance had ended and after clean up, we had gone for lunch at Tacos Cancun in Costa Mesa, where we shared Nachos and got our own plates of Enchiladas and Burritos for some super tasty Mexican food and the energy that it was gonna take to go shopping at the South Coast Plaza - which was next...

South Coast Plaza here we come!!

We were fairly successful, but the kids definitely got tired, that's when Dave had summed it all up...
He said that I “Shop till you drop. The problem is you (me) don’t drop, you just shop and shop and shop and shop!”

And so the night went. I still had a few more stores to hit before making our way home. 

Of course there was more running around today and then we were off to the IPC holiday party.

Now, it's time for me to unwind. I've got another early day again tomorrow.

G'night all,
-Travelin' Tanya