Destination: Queens, NY

let's get up, get outside and let’s go urban island hopping for fresh air, fitness and camaraderie friends with new friends

The entire day will have an "island" theme: We will start the day on Manhattan island at 59th Street and Second Avenue. We'll take the tram over to Roosevelt Island. we'll do a loop walk on Roosevelt Island. Then pick up the bridge on Roosevelt Island that will take us over to Queens and Gantry Plaza State Park in Long Island City, Queens. Ok so Queens technically is not an island by itself but once upon a time it was part of Long Island before we seceded and became a part of New York City 😂

About Roosevelt Island: Set in the East River with sweeping views of Manhattan's East Side, this residential community that once was the location for prisons, poor houses and hospitals now offers a mix of parks and several landmarks. The Tram, the main transportation to the island and the only commuter cable car in North America, glides over the East River with the Manhattan skyline as a backdrop. The Western Promenade provides a peaceful setting to view maritime traffic. Blackwell House, a 1796 farmhouse, serves as a visitors’ center. At the southern tip is Southpoint Park, site of Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms Park, while nearby is the Renwick Ruin, what’s left of an 1854 smallpox hospital, as well as the Strecker Laboratory (1892). The Octagon Tower (1843) was once part of a lunatic asylum chronicled by Nellie Bly and Charles Dickens, and the Chapel of the Good Shepherd (1888) is now the island’s community center. In a park at the northern end of the island stands the Roosevelt Island Lighthouse (1872).

ABOUT GANTRY PLAZA STATE PARK: Gantry Plaza State Park is a 12-acre riverside oasis that boasts spectacular views of the midtown Manhattan skyline, including the Empire State Building and the United Nations. Enjoy a relaxing stroll along the park's four piers or through the park's manicured gardens and unique mist fountain. Along the way take a moment to admire the rugged beauty of the park's centerpieces - restored gantries. These industrial monuments were once used to load and unload rail car floats and barges; today they are striking reminders of our waterfront's past. With the city skyline as a backdrop and the gantries as a stage, the park's plaza is a wonderful place to enjoy a spring or summer concert. Park is open sunrise to sunset.

GETTING THERE; we'll meet at the Roosevelt Island Tramway in Manhattan at E60th Street and Second Avenue, at 9AM SHARP. We'll then take the tram over to Roosevelt Island.

Our day will end at Gantry State Park Plaza, about a 5-min walk to the Vernon Blvd-Jackson Ave station on the 7 train line.

INTENSITY: Easy breezy

PACE: Leisurely with plenty of zigs and plenty of zags for photo ops along the way, and no one will be left behind. NO SPEED DEMONS!!!

TOTAL MILEAGE: 14 TO 15 MILES ALL FLAT; there are early drop-out points along the way if you wish to bail early. We won't judge. Much.

THE IMPORTANT STUFF:

• Dress for the weather
• Wear appropriate shoes suitable for walking.
• Bring at least 3 liters of liquid to stay hydrated.
• Bring lunch and snacks for yourself.
• Bring a sense of adventure and a positive attitude. A smile also goes a long way. Please leave the drama and crankiness at home.

DURATION: we will be out for the entire day. I cannot guarantee finishing time but you can leave on your own at any time. We won't judge. Much.

WEATHER: Rain, snow, polar vortex cancels!

LIABILITY WAIVER: come prepared. Participate at your own risks. Hold no one liable, etc. etc.

Let's celebrate Lunar New Year with a 10-COURSE banquet-style dinner at Asian Jewels in Flushing, Queens.

Tentative menu:

• Assorted appetizers
• Peking duck
• Lobster Sashimi
• Lobster Cantonese Style
• Lobster w/ Fried Sticky Rice
• Garlic Steamed King Crab
• Steamed Pork Patty w/ Salted Fish & Dry Squid
• Dry Squid w/ Chives & Fried Tofu Squares
• Sautéed Snow Pea Leaves w/ Dry Scallop
• Desserts

PLEASE NOTE: The above menu is tentative and remains subject to final changes closer to the date.

rsvps limited to one table of 12

PLEASE NOTE THIS DINNER IS NOT FOR THE PICKY EATERS.

Address:
Asian Jewels
133-30 39th Ave
Flushing, NY 11374