NYC is starting to thaw and it’s time to head out on some spring adventures! Hop aboard our Astoria route to the Roosevelt Island or Astoria landings where we’ve curated itineraries featuring exciting ways to fill your day.
Option 1: A Day in Astoria
Socrates Sculpture Park
Socrates Sculpture Park was once an abandoned riverside landfill for decades until 1986 when a coalition of artists and community members transformed it into an open studio and exhibition space for artists. Today, Socrates is an internationally renowned outdoor museum and a designated New York City public park. Known for fostering ambitious and visionary artworks, Socrates has presented more than 1,000 artists on its five waterfront acres.
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Socrates Sculpture Park – 32-01 Vernon Blvd, Queens, NY 11106
Coffee Cloud
This Astoria coffee shop embraces the soul of Greece within the heart of NYC. The interior features a modern yet rustic decor with seating good for either hanging out or working. They also have outdoor seating available for when the weather is nice. Stop in and pick up a Greek specialty coffee or homemade pastries.
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Coffee Cloud – 2134 Broadway, Queens, NY 11106
Museum of the Moving Image
The Museum of the Moving Image is housed inside a landmark building that once belonged to Astoria Studio. It is the only museum in the United States dedicated to the art, technology and social impact of film, television and digital media. It houses the nation’s largest collection of moving image artifacts, screens hundreds of films annually and offers education programs.
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Museum of the Moving Image – 36-01 35th Ave, Queens, NY 11106
Aliada
Aliada is a Greek Cypriot Restaurant specializing in fresh imported and local seafood as well as mezedes, the heart of their culinary tradition. They maintain a casual yet classy atmosphere and if the weather allows be sure to dine in their outdoor area!
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Aliada – 2919 Broadway, Queens, NY 11106
Omonia Cafe
For those with a sweet tooth, hop over to Omonia Cafe for homemade Greek treats like sticky baklava, touloumba (fried dough balls in honey), portokalopita (sponge cake with oranges and syrup), and lots more!
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Omonia Cafe – 32-18 Broadway, Astoria, NY 11106
Option 2: Roaming Through Roosevelt Island
FDR Four Freedoms Park
FDR Four Freedoms Park, designed by architect Louis I. Kahn, is free to the public.Its name derives from a January 6, 1941 speech delivered by President Roosevelt, in which he described his vision for a world founded on four essential human freedoms: freedom of speech and expression, freedom of worship, freedom from want, and freedom from fear. The park forms a triangular shape pointing towards the southernmost tip of the island.
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FDR Four Freedoms Park – 1 FDR Four Freedoms Park, Roosevelt Island, NY 10044
Roosevelt Ruins
The Smallpox Memorial Hospital on Roosevelt Island is our country’s only landmark ruin. It is registered as a federal, state and city landmark. James Renwick Jr. designed the smallpox hospital in his Gothic Revival style. From 1856 until 1875, the hospital treated about 7,000 patients a year. In 1875, the building was converted into a nurses’ dormitory. By the 1950s, Renwick Hospital had become useless and was abandoned by the city, quickly falling into disrepair.
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The Smallpox Memorial Hospital – E Rd, New York, NY 10044
Anything At All
Nestled in the Cornell campus on Roosevelt Island is the first chef-driven dining concept to ever land on the often overlooked island. The New American restaurant focuses on seasonality, locality, sustainability and most of all, delicious food that will leave you looking forward to your next visit.
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Anything At All – 22 N Loop Rd, New York, NY 10044
Gallery RIVAA
The Roosevelt Island Visual Art Association (RIVAA) is a nonprofit arts group that works to propel the Roosevelt Island arts scene by promoting gallery exhibitions, community events and workshops. Exhibitions run continuously at Gallery RIVAA throughout the year, featuring the work of painters, sculptors, photographers, computer artists, graphic designers, ceramists and installation artists.
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Gallery RIVAA – 527 Main St, New York, NY 10044
Panorama Room
End the day with a drink at Panorama Room which boasts the best views in Roosevelt Island. Located atop on the 18th floor of Graduate Roosevelt Island, the space features breathtaking 360-degree views of New York and a diversely delicious cocktail menu.
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