Free Evening in Long Island

[onewhippedpuppy]

I have an afternoon meeting in Long Island in a few weeks, but I will have a free evening. I'm staying near LGA. I've never been to NYC and would like to experience just a little bit before I fly home the next morning. Is there anything cool to see or great places to eat semi-nearby? Sadly the Mets are out of town, I already checked on that.

[stomachmonkey]

First one is not IN Long Island but rather ON the island.

LGA is in Queens so while geographically on the island its one of the 5 Burroughs that make up New York City.

Heading into the city, Manhattan, for one evening may be a bit much.

If you do that just head into the village for a while. It'll have the most density for interesting things to see.

If you are interested in local culture and good food head to Forest Hills in Queens. It's close to LGA.

Hit Austin Street area. Eat at 5 Burros, awesome Tex Mex, the best Margaritas for miles and a killer Jukebox. Disclaimer, owned by friends of mine.

Forest Hills in that area is pretty hip.

[biosurfer1]

Ice Tea?

[Mike80911]

If you are staying by LGA then your best bet to eat or just hang out would be Astoria. It is 5 minutes from where you are staying and it is quickly becoming the in spot to be. It is close to the City and has many great restaurants and clubs. But you can also take a quick ride into the city from there the Q or N train is very close to the airport and puts you into the city in about 20 minutes.

[jwasbury]

What's the date? Assuming I am free that evening, I can buy your frosty beverages as an incentive for you to make the journey from LGA. If you're not up for navigating public transport, you could grab a taxi. Will cost a few bucks, of course. I work in midtown, a block from times square and tourist central...come here and you know you're in NYC.

[onewhippedpuppy]

Originally Posted by jwasbury

What's the date? Assuming I am free that evening, I can buy your frosty beverages as an incentive for you to make the journey from LGA. If you're not up for navigating public transport, you could grab a taxi. Will cost a few bucks, of course. I work in midtown, a block from times square and tourist central...come here and you know you're in NYC.

If you're available I'm totally game. I have no issue grabbing a cab, so long as it's not hours to get there.

[stomachmonkey]

Originally Posted by onewhippedpuppy

If you're available I'm totally game. I have no issue grabbing a cab, so long as it's not hours to get there.

It's only ~10 miles from LGA to TS. Depending on time of day it could take 20 minutes to an hour by car. Figure 30 minutes.

If you go by car there are a couple of different routes.

LIE to Queens Midtown Tunnel is the most direct and should be the quickest.

Try to plan it so you hit the tunnel just before sunset.

There is a section of the LIE where you drop into a low spot and can't see the skyline, as you come out of it you end up on an elevated section and in one spectacular instant the entirety of Manhattan Island from the Battery all the way up to Harlem is revealed in a stunning panorama.

Right before sunset is the most dramatic time to see it.

It's absolutely stunning.

I've seen it that way a hundred times and it never gets old or less impactful.

[jwasbury]

Originally Posted by stomachmonkey

There is a section of the LIE where you drop into a low spot and can't see the skyline, as you come out of it you end up on an elevated section and in one spectacular instant the entirety of Manhattan Island from the Battery all the way up to Harlem is revealed in a stunning panorama.

Right before sunset is the most dramatic time to see it.

It's absolutely stunning.

I've seen it that way a hundred times and it never gets old or less impactful.

you get a somewhat similar perspective of Manhattan when you take the NJ turnpike approach to the Holland Tunnel. I drive it often when I return from places abroad to my home in Jersey City...the view never fails to captivate.

I am game and chances are I will be here in my office any evening over the next few weeks, but until I know an exact date I cannot commit.

[onewhippedpuppy]

Sent you a PM.