Is there any urban sprawl more magical than the ‘City That Never Sleeps’?
I’ve been all over the world, but there’s only one place with a tangible buzz permeating through the city.
Yep, it’s New York, New York.
Fall is one of the best times of the year to visit as the summer crowds dwindle and the scorching heat subsides to cool, crisp air.
Well, until you hop aboard the subway, but that’s another story…
Manhattan’s Central Park is instantly recognizable all over the world, where travelers flock far and wide for epic city views and photo ops.
The famous park’s trees begin to see a rush of color from mid-October, but there’s another easy-to-reach Manhattan gem free of crowds gleaming with fall foliage.
Roosevelt Island: Manhattan’s Secret Sliver Of Autumnal Bliss
Manhattan and Brooklyn are most often the 2 boroughs New York visitors seek out, but there’s a hidden island quite literally overshadowed by the iconic towering skyline.
While not technically its own borough per se, Roosevelt Island feels like its own little oasis splintered off from the Big Apple’s nonstop hustle and bustle.
Crowd-free and boasting some of the best views imaginable, this rare sliver of untapped New York real estate is calling your name this fall.
Surely millions of tourists will step foot in Central Park at one point or another to scope out the best spots to capture fall memories, the same can’t be said for Roosevelt Island, a hush-hush place locals visit (and live) to escape their neighborhood noise.
The pretty little island has been through the wringer over the years passing through many hands from early Native American settlers, to Dutch colonists, to what it is now as a Manhattan secret.
And you thought Ellis Island was the place to take a deep dive into New York’s fascinating history?!
Take a trip away from the city’s madness and enjoy blissful days under colorful trees backdropped by one of the most renowned cityscapes in the world.
Swap Smelly Subways For The Scenic Roosevelt Island Tram
Once you hear, “stand clear of the closing doors, please!”, you’re in an underground world that defies description.
New York’s subways are inarguably the most convenient way to navigate the vast city, but man oh man, you never know what you’ll experience!
From pizza-eating rats and unsightly beggars to busking singers (some good, some a ‘little pitchy dawg), the subway ride alone can be a thrill on its own.
But there’s another method of transit far more unique, yet just as convenient and centrally located in Manhattan near 2nd and 59th.
The Roosevelt Island Tram is not a novelty ride; it’s operated by The Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (RIOC), and best of all, accepts MetroCards for just $2.75 per ride.
The ‘Tram’ is quite the opposite of the subway as you’ll be suspended in the air in a boxed cabin, but no worries, the safety record is squeaky clean, unlike what you may remember from Spider-Man.
Enjoy momentary elevated views of the East River and the surrounding skyline.
You can wave to the dozens of yellow taxis below stuck in traffic while you seemingly float across the Queensboro Bridge before departing to explore all Roosevelt Island has to offer.
What’s There To Do On Roosevelt Island?
More and more people are venturing outside the norm of New York’s top attractions these days.
For example, Jersey City, located a stone’s throw across the Hudson River, has been dubbed the unofficial ‘sixth borough‘ of the city.
Now’s your chance to enjoy Roosevelt Island while everybody else is cruising by the Statue of Liberty, standing in line for a Broadway show, or weaving through Central Park’s chaotic sidewalks.
Here, you’ll find a calm outside the storm with scenic parks and designated walking areas to absorb panoramic views of Manhattan’s architectural marvels.
The most blissful side of Roosevelt just might be Lighthouse Park, set on the very tip of the island, brimming with bundles of trees popping in color.
If you do want a taste of the “action”, Roosevelt’s Main Street is home to a variety of shops and restaurants like top-rated ME Mediterannean Eatery, but nowhere nearly as fast-paced as the rest of Manhattan.
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