While the winter chill kicks in Down Under, Governors Island, New York City’s summer getaway, has opened early for its 2017 season, giving New Yorkers and travellers to the Big Apple an extra month of outdoor fun in the sun.
Just a short seven-minute ferry ride from Lower Manhattan, this is the first time the 172-acre island in New York Harbor has opened before Memorial Day Weekend.
With highlights including the first full season of the Hills, featuring four man-made grassy slopes, Island Oyster, a pop-up oyster bar and beer garden, zip lining, biking and more, NYC & Company is pleased to list some of the island’s key attractions and events this season. For a full list of everything available on Governors Island this summer visit govisland.com.
The Hills debuted last summer to much fanfare with the area featuring Slide Hill (longest slide in in NYC at 57 feet), Grassy Hill, Discovery Hill and Outlook Hill. Visitors can take in 360-degree panoramic views of the iconic New York City skyline and the Statue of Liberty.
Opening Memorial Day weekend (May 29), ‘Adventures at GI’ will be a welcoming place for kids to climb up a climbing wall, get lost in a maze, zip line and relax in nearby Hammock Grove.
There will also be a new kayak dock with free kayak rentals starting in June as part of a partnership with the Downtown Boathouse, a perfect way to spend a summer afternoon.
Since Governors Island is a car-free zone, bikers can take advantage of the island’s winding path with one hour free bike rentals through Blazing Saddles’ Free Bike Mornings program. In addition, there are Citi Bike kiosks that can be found at both Yankee Pier and Soisson’s Landing.
Governors island hosts several concerts and arts festivals throughout the season, such as the Rite of Summer Music Festival on May 27, and the Memorial Day holiday weekend will be packed with exciting things to do!
Other great event happenings on Governors Island include the 12th Annual Jazz Age Lawn Party on June 10 – 11, Governors Island Swim on July 1, Brooklyn Music Festival on August 6 and the Popup Dinner Governors island picnic on September 9.
Foodies unite! Governors Island is a dining destination unto itself.
This summer, Governors Island is introducing new dining options throughout the season, including three pop-up beer gardens, one which will be part of Island Oyster. This new pop-up from the team behind Grand Banks will bring fresh seafood and a new signature cocktail program this season. Visitors can enjoy a breathtaking sunset over the City’s skyline and stay ‘til the late hours after the parks close thanks to its own dedicated ferry service back to Manhattan.
Returning for its 6th season, Little Eva’s features locally grown dishes across several pop-ups, including an exclusively brewed beer from Alphabet City Beer Company, as well as delicious charcuterie and sausages from Edi and the Wolf. These and other culinary specialties will be available at Liggett Terrace in early summer.
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