by Erin DeGregorio
For many, August is the final month to celebrate summer with last-minute plans, when school is right around the corner again.
But you don’t need to travel far or long to have fun. The new South Brooklyn route of NYC Ferry, operated by Hornblower, provides new ideas for local day trips — all for the price equivalent to a Metrocard swipe. The Red Hook Star-Revue took the ferry to different destinations along the South Brooklyn line and here are the coolest things to do on your next adventure.
Bay Ridge
Landing right on the American Veterans Memorial Pier (Bay Ridge Avenue and Shore Road), you can have picnics and take in the great views on either side (the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge to the left and the Manhattan skyline to the right, when facing toward the direction of Staten Island). Early birds can watch the sun rise, and run/jog/walk or bike on Shore Parkway Greenway that spans seven miles. The greenway, with scenic waterfront views of the New York Bay, starts at the pier and ends at Bensonhurst Park at the intersection of Bay Parkway, the Belt Parkway’s Shore Parkway off-ramp and the Shore Parkway South Service Road (Shore Road South).
Health/Outdoors: The Narrows Botanical Garden (entrances on Shore Road between Bay Ridge Avenue and 72nd Street) has multiple gardens with a variety of flowers, trees and cacti. It is also home to many animals including east coast native turtles, bees and native birds, as per its official website. It will be hosting a free outdoor movie series located inside NBG on the center lawn. “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” (2002) will be shown on Friday, August 10, and “The Day The Earth Stood Still” (1951) will be shown on Friday, August 24 – both starting at sundown (though the Narrows Botanical Garden recommends attendees to come early and see the sun set). Bring a comfy blanket or chair, and invite your friends and family. Call 718-748-4810 after 3 pm for a recording in case of inclement or possible inclement weather – no rain dates unless announced.
Owl’s Head Park (entrances along Colonial Road at 67th and 68th Streets) has wide-open fields, playgrounds, basketball courts and the Millennium Skate Park for kids and teens to play. Free City Parks Puppetmobile will present “The Big Good Wolf” in front of the children’s playground at Owl’s Head Park. This modern-day fairy tale, starring classic characters from “The Three Bears,” finds Baby Bear and his friend Goldilocks, whose mission is to help change the Big Bad Wolf into good. Performance will take place at 11 am on Thursday, August 23. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and light refreshments.
Adults can let their summer stress melt away with yoga sessions inside Owl’s Head Park. Evening Yoga with Erica Ginger will take place across from basketball court on Wednesdays, August 1, 8, 15 and 22, 6:30-8 pm weather permitting. Bring your own yoga mat and props/supplies you might need. There is a suggested donation of $5. Yoga in the Park – with instruction provided by Bobby Boles (Yoga in Bay Ridge), Nancy Cummings (Bikram Bay Ridge Yoga) and Irina Volkov (Lucille Roberts Yoga Bay Ridge) – will be held on Saturday, August 11, at 9 am and Monday, August 20, at 7 pm Sessions will take place across from basketball court.
Leif Ericson Park (located between 66th and 67th Streets, from 4th Avenue to Fort Hamilton Parkway) has playgrounds, dog-friendly areas and the Vahalla basketball courts on 5th Avenue. The park design depicts a Norse theme in honor of explorer Leif Ericson and the local Scandinavian-American community.
Arts & Culture: One of the neighborhood’s most anticipated summer events is the Summer Stroll on Third Avenue. Designated streets along Third Avenue are closed off for pedestrians to stroll along and enjoy Bay Ridge’s infamous restaurant row. Kids and adults alike can play games, win prizes, have an outdoor dinner, listen to live music, and support the local businesses. It will take place on Friday, August 3 (68th-80th Streets) and Friday, August 10 (80th-90th Streets), 6-10:30 pm
The Family Arts Culinary Event (FACE) of Fifth Avenue offers live music, children’s entertainment, delicious dining, and original artwork along Bay Ridge’s other most popular avenue. It will take place on Friday, August 17, 5-10 pm on 5th Avenue from 73rd to 83rd Streets.
The SWB Parks Task Force Concerts in the Park 2018 series will take part on 79th Street and Shore Road. On Tuesday, August 14, Back To The Fillmore Sounds from the Fillmore East will perform. On Tuesday, August 21 the Bay Ridge St. Patrick’s Parade presents “Irish Night on Shore Road” featuring the Canny Brothers. All concerts are free, open to the public and begin at 7 pm In case of inclement weather or for more information, call Senator Golden’s office at 718-238-0644. Don’t forget to bring a blanket and chair.
Family Fun: Stop by the Bay Ridge home that’s famously known as the “Gingerbread House” (8200 Narrows Avenue) because – yep, you guessed it – it looks like it came right out of a fairy tale story you heard as a child. James Sarsfield Kennedy, a Brooklyn architect, designed and built it in 1917 for shipping merchant Howard E. Jones. The house is made from large, natural rocks and boulders, and has stained glass panels and hand-carved stone fireplaces. It was designated a landmark in March 1988 by the Landmarks Preservation Commission because it was an “important and rare example of the Arts and Crafts style of architecture in New York City.” The 1988 Landmark Designation Report also states that there was a “conscious reference to the rural cottage and an attempt to project its ‘homey’ environment.” Though you can’t go inside, the Gingerbread House is magical to see in person and could be worthy to post on your Instagram.
Be on the look out for Bay Ridge Rocks hidden throughout the neighborhood. Bay Ridge Rocks are homemade, painted rocks, which are often decorated with colorful animated characters and imagery or uplifting messages by both kids and adults. The rocks are placed in public places (like on lampposts, nearby tree stumps and inside potted plants outside businesses), rediscovered and posted onto the official Bay Ridge Rocks Facebook page by strangers, locals and members of the Facebook group – which now has more than 3,300 members since its inception 18 months ago. You can be a part of the fun in person at their monthly painting party – this month on Friday, August 3, 6-10pm, in front of coffee shop Cocoa Grinder on the corner of 3rd and Bay Ridge Avenues.
Sweets & Eats: Mike’s Donut Shop (6822 5th Avenue) is the ultimate mom-and-pop eatery that has been in the neighborhood for the last 42 years. Thirty-five different types of donuts are baked on the premises twice a day, including favorites like Boston Creme, French Crullers and powder jelly. The shop also sells a variety of muffins, breads and coffee, of course.
Skinflints (7902 5th Avenue) is a bar and restaurant that hits the spot with its burgers served on English muffins, BBQ baby back ribs and chicken picatta. Fun fact: Before Skinflints opened in 1975, the Meyer & Blohm Ice Cream Parlor used to serve Bay Ridge residents in the very same space.
Leske’s Bakery (7612 5th Avenue) has always been the go-to spot for Nordic-style pastries since 1961. The bakery is known for its black-and-white cookies, kringles and bear claws. It closed in 2011 but was reopened in May 2012 by two Bay Ridge residents.
Schnitzel Haus (7319 5th Avenue) has been in Bay Ridge since 2007, serving authentic German/Austrian cuisine from two generations’ worth of family recipes. The restaurant has 10 German draft lines and an extensive variety of bottled German and Belgian beers. Plus they offer live music every weekend.
Sunset Park
Landing right at the Brooklyn Army Terminal (140 58th Street), ferry riders can explore the sights and stories of a century of work at the terminal. The Brooklyn Army Terminal was a supply base for the American military for nearly 50 years, employing more than 20,000 people during World War II. Two-hour-long guided, walking tours are offered on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month at 11 am The tour discusses what made the Port of New York the envy of the world in the mid-20th century; why it went into decline; and how Brooklyn’s working waterfront is being revitalized today. Attendees will also enjoy views of the New York Harbor, examine the architecture and infrastructure and step inside the Terminal’s atrium, where military cargo trains once rumbled through to be unloaded. Advance ticket purchase is required – tickets can be purchased online through Turnstile Tours. General am ssion is $22 per person, with discounted rates available for seniors, children and veterans. Plus, Sunset Park – the actual park (41st-44th Streets between 5th and 7th Avenues) – provides amazing views, especially at dawn and dusk, of the Manhattan skyline and the rest of the neighborhood at its highest peak.
Health/Outdoors: Jump in and cool off at the Sunset Park Pool (7th Avenue between 41st and 44th Streets) this summer. Outdoor pool hours are 11:00 am -7:00 pm daily, with a break for pool cleaning between 3 and 4 pm Sunset Park (41st-44th Streets, between 5th and 7th Avenues) also has wide-open fields, playgrounds, basketball courts and a soccer field for kids and teens to play.
Families can help beautify Sunset Park this summer before the trees’ leaves fall in a few months. Volunteer to clean up the park with Parent Child Relationship on Sunday, August 5, 9 am –12 pm, at the Sunset Park Recreation Center (43rd Street at 7th Avenue).
Dance your day away at Salsa Sunday, presented by Willie Villegas. Live salsa music, dancing and drink specials will be offered to attendees. This free-admission event will take place on Sunday, August 19, 1-6 pm , at 237 36th Street.
Need some time to stretch out your body after a long day (or week) of work? Sunset Yoga with Jes Allen sessions – with live sound tracks – are available for all-levels. They will be held in the Industry City Courtyard 3/4 (237 36th Street) on Friday evenings (August 3, 10, 17, 24, 31), 7-8:30 pm There will be a limited supply of yoga mats, so please bring your own in case.
Buy fresh locally grown vegetables, fruits and more at the 6th Avenue Sunset Park Greenmarket (6th Avenue and 44th Street). It is held every Saturday, 8 am -3 pm , until November 17. Farmers Market Kids Nutrition Workshops are also held there every Saturday, 9 am -2 pm , until October 20. For every $5 you spend using SNAP/EBT, you get a $2 Health Buck for fresh fruits and veggies. Greenmarket is a program of GrownNYC.
Bush Terminal Park (Marginal Street between 44th and 50th Streets) is a waterfront park with views of the area’s tidal pools and the Bay Ridge Channel. This site, which was once a port complex, was cleaned up and opened as a public park four years ago. There are also two multi-purpose soccer and baseball fields and a nature preserve. Visitors can enter at 43rd Street, when the park is open daily, 8 am -8 pm
Arts & Culture: Dutch graphic artist Maurits Cornelis Escher, who was famous for his mathematically-inspired woodcuts, lithographs and mezzotints, once said, “My work is a game, a very serious game.” Individuals can now see “Escher: The Exhibition and Experience” until February 2019. In addition to the 200+ Escher works on display, the exhibition includes scientific experiments, play areas and educational resources that help visitors of all ages to understand the impossible perspectives, disquieting images and seemingly irreconcilable universes which Escher combined to create a unique artistic dimension. It’s on view at Building 6 in Industry City (34th Street between 2nd and 3rd Avenues), seven days a week, 10 am to 7 pm on Fridays through Wednesdays and 10 am to 9 pm on Thursdays.
Sunset Park Library (4201 4th Avenue) invites you to join the adult book discussion about “Carnegie’s Maid,” written by Marie Benedict and published in January 2018. The book club will meet on Thursday, August 16, 6:30-8 pm
Are you a big fan of indie rock? Come to “A Night With Guided By Voices” with indie band Guided By Voices and special guest Park Doing on Thursday, August 16. Spin and Pitchfork have called Bee Thousand one of the best records of the ’90s, and Amazon picked it as #1 on their list of “100 Greatest Indie Rock Albums Of All Time” Doors open at 7 pm and show starts at 8 pm at Industry City Courtyard 1/2 (274 36th Street). Alternative rock singer/songwriter Kevin Devine will be playing alone, with The Goddamn Band and as a member of Bad Books on Thursday, August 23. Special guests Remember Sports will also perform. Doors open at 7 pm and show starts at 8 pm at Industry City Courtyard 1/2 (274 36th Street). La Luna, the New York-based quartet, and special guests Acid Dad will be playing on Friday, August 24. Industry City Courtyard 1/2 (274 36th Street).
Every year Rooftop closes out the summer with a festive night of short films about late summer, life lessons and things coming to an end. Rooftop Films will present “Closing Night” on Saturday, August 25, 8:30-11:30 pm , at Industry City Courtyard 1/2 (274 36th Street). Tickets cost $16 online and at the door.
Rock and Roll Playhouse is hosting free family concerts with live bands and face painting with The Cheeky Chipmunk. Be sure to stop by with your children every Wednesday (August 1, 8, 15, 22, 29), 5:30-7:30 pm , in Industry City Courtyard 1/2 (274 36th Street).
Have some extra time to spare this month? Melody Lanes (461 37th Street) offers Family Night every night, 5-7 pm , with am nimum of one adult and one child 16 and under. Family Night costs $16 per person, which includes 2 games of bowling and shoe rental, and popcorn and a small soda for each child. Glow Bowling is also available, starting at 7 pm every Friday and Saturday. It is open Sundays through Thursdays, 9 am -12 am , and Fridays and Saturdays 9 am -3 am
Sweets & Eats: Johnny’s Pizzeria (5806 5th Avenue), which is within walking distance of the ferry, is celebrating its 50th Anniversary this year. Though a Papa John’s chain store opened right next door 11 years ago, the family owned and operated establishment didn’t falter – Johnny’s continues to have a loyal customer-base and a reputation for great Italian food that’s made fresh-to-order. We recommend their squares, calzones and meatball parmigiana heroes.
Can’t get enough of Baked in Brooklyn’s flatbread crisps, pita chips and sticks? The Baked in Brooklyn store (755 5th Avenue) is attached to the bakery, which takes up half a city block. You can see the bakery’s huge mixers, ovens and rolling racks through the store’s floor-to-ceiling windows. The store also sells fresh artisanal bread, gourmet sandwiches, bagels, fancy cheeses, meats, spreads and more. It is open Mondays through Saturdays, 7 am – 7 pm , and Sundays, 8 am -4 pm
Bay Market Kitchen (850 3rd Avenue) serves waffles, Williamsburg-based Toby’s Estate Coffee and casual American cuisine, including hamburgers, homemade veggie burgers and chicken sandwiches. It also has six beers and one hard cider on tap from local brewmasters. It is open Mondays through Saturdays, 9 am -8 pm , and Sundays, 10 am -6 pm
Blue Marble Ice Cream (220 36th Street) sells Brooklyn-made, organic ice cream, shakes, floats and coffee. Flavors at your choosing include peanut butter confetti, strawberry sorbet, midnight mint cookie and more. It is open Mondays through Fridays, 8 am -4 pm , and Saturdays and Sundays, 12-5 pm
Food Network Magazine declared Tacos El Bronco (4324 4th Avenue) to have the tastiest taco in New York in their “50 States, 50 Tacos” search. The Mexican restaurant serves tacos, tostados, burritos, burgers and more.
The most recognizable restaurant in the neighborhood is George’s Restaurant (5701 5th Avenue) – with its aqua exterior and peach borders. It serves everything your taste buds could desire from morning ’til night, including spinach and feta cheese omelettes, triple-decker sandwiches and meatloaf. We recommend their grilled roast beef and mozzarella cheese sandwich with a side of fries.
Shopping: The Brooklyn Flea is moving outdoors where you can find some of Brooklyn’s best vintage and antique items, crafts and select Smorgasburg vendors. Stop by Industry City Courtyard 1/2 (274 36th Street) every Saturday (August 4, 11, 18, 25), 10 am -5 pm
Shoppers can check out and spend the day at Bed Bath & Beyond, buybuy BABY, Cost Plus World Market and Face Values at the Liberty View Industrial Plaza (850 3rd Avenue, between 30th and 31st Streets).
Have you ever wanted to make jam from scratch, but never knew how? Learn how to make homemade jam that you can use for your bookmarked recipes with Larissa Raphael. The cooking demonstration will take place on August 10, 6-7 pm , and on August 12, 3-4 pm , at 71 at BEYOND (inside the Liberty View Industrial Plaza, 850 3rd Avenue, between 30th and 31st Streets).
Learn the art of canning with strawberry preserves and zucchini pickles with Dana Jacobi. The demonstration will take place on Saturday, August 11, 3-4 pm , at 71 at BEYOND (inside the Liberty View Industrial Plaza, 850 3rd Avenue, between 30th and 31st Streets).
Green-Wood (Sunset Park entrance at 35th Street and 4th Avenue) offers historic trolley tours every Sunday and Wednesday, 1-3 pm , this month. Visitors can hear stories about Green-Wood’s permanent residents, see views of Manhattan and learn about the Battle of Brooklyn in 1776. Visit their official website for more information and to purchase tickets.
The Rockaways
If you feel like you need to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and would rather have warm sand between your toes, look no further than the Rockaways in Queens. Though the Rockaways aren’t a stop along the NYC Ferry’s South Brooklyn line, you can take the ferry to Sunset Park and transfer onto a Rockaways-bound boat. When you land at Beach 108th Street and Beach Channel Drive, the beach and boardwalk are within walking distance – just a few blocks away on the other side of the peninsula. Don’t forget your towels, beach blankets, sunscreen, coolers and anything else you made need for your day at the beach!
Health/Outdoors: Explore what the peninsula has to offer by biking on the brand new boardwalk (along Shorefront Parkway), which has designated pedestrian and bicyclist pathways. Enjoy the warm weather and cool breezes by picking a nice spot on the beach, and settling into your chair with your favorite book and sunscreen by your side.
Get ready to dance and work out all at the same time this summer at Zumba Under The Stars with Lisa G. Classes take place every Thursday (August 2, 9, 16, 23, 30), 7:30-9 pm , at the Beach 108th Street Roller Rink.
Lace up your running shoes for the End of Summer Half Marathon & 5K, starting and finishing on the boardwalk by Beach 102nd Street. The races will take place on Saturday, August 25, 7:30 am and 10:30 am respectively. Visit rockapulcorun.com for more information and to register.
Arts & Culture: Rockaway’s The Castle – better known as “The Wedding Cake House” – is hosting “Lightning Whelk,” a group exhibition that draws inspiration from the Lightning Whelk mollusk, a sea dwelling snail. Materials from the historical landfill at nearby Dead Horse Bay are also used for the show. Its last weekend on display will be the weekend of 8/3-5, from 1-7 pm , at Beach 117th Street and Newport Avenue.
Celebrate West Indian culture with a day of music and dancing at the Rockaway Caribbean Carnival. This free event will take place on Saturday, August 25, 11 am -9 pm , at Beach 94th Street, off Shorefront Parkway.
Family Fun: What’s more fun than playing games and winning a prize on the boardwalk? Kids’ Boardwalk Games are held Wednesdays through Saturdays, 2-7 pm , at the Beach 94th Street Plaza. Kids’ Programs are also held on Tuesdays, 11 am -12 pm , at the Beach 94th Street Plaza.
Weekends are filled with lots of options for families who want to make the most out of their trip to the beach. Summer Fun at Rockaway Beach, held on Beach 98th Street and Shorefront Parkway, offers free lawn games, kids activities, a book share program and more. The event takes place 10 am to 4 pm on weekends.
Come watch the 75th Golden Globe Awards winner “Coco” (2017) through the Movies Under the Stars series. It will be shown for free on Saturday, August 11, 8-10 pm , at Beach 94th Street, off Shorefront Parkway.
Sweets & Eats: The Wharf Bar and Restaurant (416 Beach 116th Street, behind the Gulf gas station) has the best sunset view on the peninsula. It offers breakfast, lunch and dinner on the bay everyday and is cash only. There is also live music and an outdoor bar for those who want to plan a weekend dinner or evening out.
Chef Whitney Aycock’s Whit’s End (97-02 Rockaway Beach Boulevard) serves pizzas, fish, burgers and more to Rockaway locals and visitors. Menu items include arugula salad, sausage & peppers and their ‘Effin’ Good Burger’ (hamburger with cheddar, hot pepper jelly and arugula).
Rockaway Beach Barbeque – also known as RBQ’s (97-20 Rockaway Beach Boulevard) – is the best place to visit when you’re in the mood for some smoked barbequed meats and an American grill menu. The restaurant has at least 24 different draft beers on tap, and a market where hungry customers can pick up their favorite dishes to go.
After a long day at the beach, stop by Caracas Rockaway (Beach 106th Street on the boardwalk) for a cold, refreshing drink. The establishment serves Venezuelan arepas, empanadas, and frozen sangrias. Outdoor music is provided every Friday and Saturday night.
Ice cream is a summertime staple that can always put a smile on your face. Uncle Louie G (92-10 Rockaway Beach Boulevard) serves a variety of Italian ices, soft-serve ice cream, vegan ice cream and smoothies. Plus this location also has an outdoor space to enjoy your frozen treats.
Just a block from the ferry and the beach is Board Walk Bagels & Delicatessen (108-01 Beach 108th Street). Its famous bagels are hand-rolled and baked fresh on the premises, and lunch and dinner specials are available. This deli is the perfect place to pick up a freshly sliced, cold-cut sandwich and side snack before you venture off to the beach.
Shopping: Rockaway Beach Surf Shop (177 Beach 116th Street) is NYC’s largest and oldest surf shop, being family owned and operated for more than 46 years. The store sells bathing suits, sandals, and Rockaway Beach t-shirts and apparel. For those who want to be a little adventurous, surfboards (ranging from beginner to advanced) and stand-up paddleboards are also sold there.
Boarders Surf Shop (192 Beach 92nd Street) has been serving surfers and the Rockaway community since 2004. Bicycle, surfboard, bodyboard and surfboard locker rentals are available at their Beach 97th Street boardwalk location. The shop also has a full line of surf accessories and any last-minute beach essentials that you may have forgotten at home.
Neighborhood boutique Lana’s Loft (114-04 Beach Channel Drive) sells women’s clothing, accessories and gifts. Their clothing aesthetic is casual, trendy and suited for the Rockaway beachside lifestyle, but they also sell party dresses for special occasions.
Memorial Parks: On November 12, 2001, American Airlines Flight 587 crashed into Belle Harbor after taking off from JFK International Airport, killing all 260 passengers and crew on board and five people on the ground. Flight 587 Memorial Park (200 Beach 116th Street) was built and opened in November 2006 All 265 victims’ names are inscribed on the wall, in addition to a poem by Dominican poet Pedro Mir that reads, “Despues no quiero mas que paz” or “Afterwards I want only peace.”
9/11 Tribute Park (Beach Channel Drive between Beach 116th and Beach 117th Streets) serves as a tribute to those in the neighborhood who died during September 11. The waterfront park is scenic and quiet, and provides visitors and community members with the chance to reflect. Tribute Park was initially an empty lot during the attacks, and the Twin Towers were visible from the spot. The park, which opened in November 2005, includes a mosaic centerpiece, a gazebo that honors the memories of 70 local residents killed, and a granite rock engraved with the names of all 343 firefighters who died.
NYC Ferry News and Fun Facts
The latest introduction of larger vessels to the NYC Ferry fleet is in response to the unexpected ridership demand and popularity the system experienced during its inaugural year, according to New York City Economic Development Corporation. Ocean Queen Rockstar, the first 350-passenger capacity vessel to be part of the ferry fleet, is just one example.
The NYC Ferry has served five million passengers since the service launched in May 2017. As of June 13, 2018, NYC Ferry has served approximately:
2,635,492 riders on the East River Route, which launched May 1, 2017
842,300 riders on the Rockaway Route, which launched May 1, 2017
744,218 riders on the South Brooklyn Route, which launched June 1, 2017
738,864 riders on the Astoria Route, which launched August 29, 2017
11,821 riders served through its Governor’s Island summer weekend service
