Roosevelt Island NY: Is it worth visiting?
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New York Info
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5655 CD Eindhoven
info@newyorkinfo.nl
Roosevelt Island NY: Is it worth visiting?
Roosevelt Island NY is an island located in the East River between the boroughs of Manhattan and Queens. And it is best known for the iconic Roosevelt Island Tram, but there is much more to see and do on this beautiful island, including a visit to the Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms Park and a walk in the lighthouse park.
Roosevelt Island NY
Roosevelt Island NY used to be called Blackwell Island and it is located in the East River between the boroughs of Manhattan and Queens. The island is about 3 km long and 240 meters wide and it has an area of 56 hectares. In addition, the island largely consists of two residential communities: Northtown and Southtown. Once closed to the public, the island is now home to a residential neighborhood and a number of parks and attractions.
Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms Park
Despite Roosevelt Island’s relatively small size, there are a few places worth checking out, such as the Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms Park. Located on the southern part of the island, the Park is a public memorial to former President Franklin D. Roosevelt, whose term of office lasted from March 4, 1933 to April 12, 1945. The park consists of a large lawn, enclosed by walls and tiles of white granite. And the highlight of the park is a large statue of former President Franklin D. Roosevelt and the fantastic views of the Manhattan skyline.
Smallpox memorial hospital
Today, the Smallpox memorial hospital on Roosevelt Island NY looks more like a haunted house from a horror movie than a former hospital. Indeed, in 1856, when the area was still known as Blackwell’s Island, it was the first hospital in America to treat patients during a devastating smallpox pandemic and served as a nursing school for the front lines after the pandemic. In the past, the ruin was fenced off and could only be viewed from the outside. The building has since been stabilized and the Gothic hospital is surrounded by a new park called “Wild Gardens, Green Rooms.” Another way to admire the ruins from the outside is on a Circle Line Sightseeing boat tour, which sails past the island.
Manhattan Healing Forest
One of the newest attractions on Roosevelt Island NY, is the Manhattan Healing Forest. This small forest is no bigger than a tennis court, and it was specially designed as a living barrier against flooding and erosion and improving air quality. The mini-forest, consisting of a diverse array of flora and fauna will be planted by volunteers on the south side of Roosevelt Island, between Manhattan and Queens, starting April 6, 2024. In addition, it should become a habitat for migratory birds, butterflies and a variety of urban wildlife, such as squirrels and peregrine falcons and red-tailed buzzards.
Roosevelt Island Lighthouse Park
On the northern part of Roosevelt Island you will find the Lighthouse Park. The park is 3.5 acres and it features an iconic lighthouse designed in 1872 by architect James Renwick Jr. who also designed St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Grace Church. The lighthouse was built by inmates of the prison with stones taken from the island. The lighthouse was initially built to show the way to the New York City Insane Asylum, a mental hospital on the island, but it was decommissioned in 1940. Today it is a favorite spot for barbecues and picnics, and you have a great view of the Manhattan skyline.
Eleanor's Pier
Eleanor’s Pier on Roosevelt Island NY is a perfect place to take a break and enjoy the view. In fact, from Eleanor’s Pier you have a great view of Midtown Manhattan, the Upper East Side and the Roosevelt Island Tram.
Roosevelt Island Tram New York
The Roosevelt Island Tram is a cable car connecting Roosevelt Island to Manhattan’s Upper East Side. And the streetcar has been one of the most unique forms of public transportation in New York City since 1976. A ride on the Roosevelt Island Tram is a must do when in New York. Within 4 minutes, these red gondolas make the crossing from East River to Roosevelt Island. During the ride you float 76 feet above the ground and have breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline, Midtown, Long Island City the East River and Roosevelt Island.
Eating and drinking on Roosevelt Island
On Roosevelt Island in New York, you have some great places to eat and drink.
1. The Panorama Room
On the 18th floor of The Graduate Hotel sits an amazing rooftop bar, The Panorama Room. Here you can go for a drink or a great cocktail or mocktails while enjoying panoramic views of Manhattan.
2. Granny Annie’s Bar & Kitchen
This is a great restaurant serving great food and drinks. They have an extensive menu from Classic Caesar Salad to a delicious Grilled Angus Beef Burger with fries, but the Southern Fried Chicken Sandwich is also very tasty and highly recommended.
3. ME Mediteranian Eatery.
ME Mediteranian Eatery is perhaps the best-known eatery on Roosevelt Island. You can order and pick up delicious meals here and eat them, for example, in one of the parks or at Eleanor’s Pier, while enjoying the scenery and views of the New York City skyline.
4. Piccolo Trattoria
Pizza lovers can visit Piccolo Trattoria on Roosevelt Island. This quintessential Italian restaurant offers old-fashioned Brooklyn style baked pizza or traditional homemade pasta.
Is Roosevelt Island in New York worth a visit?
Roosevelt Island NY is a beautiful island where you can stroll in peace and enjoy the beautiful views of Manhattan. It is also one of the few places where you can take great photos of the New York skyline. And the dining scene is also highly recommended. And of course a ride on the Roosevelt Island Tram is a must do! In short, a visit to Roosevelt Island is really worthwhile.
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