Urban Walkabout: long island city STORY Lizabeth Nieves JUNE 2014 | BOROMAG.COM | 23 There is a strange dichotomy between warm weather and living in a city. The nicer the weather becomes, the stronger the impulse for outdoor spaces and a closer proximity to water. One can follow the rest of the city to the Hamptons or the Rockaways—or you can seek refuge in a few unexpected places nearby. A walkabout in Long Island City brought us to these amazing venues. Anable Ba sin Sa iling Ba r and Grill (4-40 44th Dr., Long Island City) is an unexpected oasis at the end of an industrial road. The bar is next to and named after an inlet that was carved in 1868, thus named after Henry Sheldon Anable, a prominent figure in local business and politics at the time of the basin’s creation. Anable Basin Sailing bar and Grill is a simple outdoor space with stunning views facing the skyline of Manhattan, with temperatures that are at least 10 degrees cooler here on a hot summer day. Large picnic tables line the waterfront, where one can eat off the grill and drink cold beers (and freshly muddled mojitos!). This hidden gem still feels undiscovered and unpretentious. There is an ATM on site as it is cash only. Random fact: When the basin was created, a mastodon bone was found on the site. www.anabelbasin.com Take a turn along Vernon Blvd to 46th avenue and start strolling up Center Boulevard. The walk will take you alongside the waterfront to Ga ntry State Park. Constructed in 1998, the park is ever growing and changing, and expected to be 40 acres when completed. The park is truly beautiful, with plenty of greenery and benches to nap on. Check out the basketball courts, playgrounds, handball courts, and a fishing pier with its own cleaning table. Bring your camera and explore the rugged waterfront that merges a lush park with the city. During the summer, keep an ear out for live music, and with the fireworks returning to the East River this July 4th – this is the best place to view them. www. gantrypark.com Further up on 54th Avenue and 2nd Street, take the Ea st The view from the Long Island City ferry. River Ferry at the Hunters Point South stop. The ferry travels to Greenpoint, North and South Williamsburg, DUMBO/ Brooklyn Bridge Park, Wall Street, and Governors Island. $12 on the weeks takes you roundtrip up and down the waterfront. Sit up top and take in the view of all the bridges and skyscrapers while feeling the sun on your skin. It’s a great way to see the boroughs from a different perspective. More info and schedule here: http://www.eastriverferry.com/ hunterspointsouth-longislandcity/
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