In her 2019 book Divine Dimes, Bethpage Best of the
Boro winner Lynn Van Praagh-Gratton predicted the
COVID-19 pandemic. Through these times of great
uncertainty and fear, Lynn continues to use her gifts as a
psychic medium to help bring closure, peace and love to
people all over the United States.
2021
WINNER
BEST PSYCHIC
BESTOF.QNS.COM • WINNERS GUIDE • BETHPAGE BEST OF THE BORO 2021 75
SPORTS & ACTIVITIES
BEST MARTIAL ARTS
CHAMPIONS MARTIAL ARTS
141-20 Northern Blvd, Flushing
(718) 886-5425–www.championstkd.com
Learning martial arts can not only improve
your body, but also improve your mind.
Champion Martial Arts understands that
anyone can learn martial arts. With over 30
years of teaching experience, there’s nothing
that Champion Martial Arts can’t handle.
No matter your age or skill level, there’s a
program at Champion Martial Arts for you. It
offers classes for children as young as three
years old as well as family classes, plus classes
for adult students. Every student that walks
through the doors of the studio has different
goals, and the experienced teachers at
Champion Martial Arts will work with you to
achieve those goals no matter what.
BEST PARK
FORT TOTTEN PARK
Totten Ave & 15 Rd, Bayside
(718) 352-4793–www.nycgovparks.org
At first glance, Fort Totten Park seems like one
of New York City’s more overlooked parks due
to its location along the Cross Island Parkway
and Long Island Sound. But locals know it
to be a place for relaxation, recreation and
special events (does the “Iron Throne” from
Game of Thrones ring a bell?) Fort Totten is
a go-to destination for swimmers, athletes,
sunbathers and bird enthusiasts who gather in
the winter to watch migrating waterfowl rest
before their long journey south. The park is
also situated along a pristine Civil War fortress
where visitors can spend hours getting a
glimpse into the past by exploring the fortress
and its surrounding buildings.
BEST POOL HALL
CUE BAR
45-18 Bell Blvd, Bayside
(718) 631-2646–www.cuebarbayside.com
There’s really no pool hall quite like Cue
Bar, based in Bayside. The sleek and elegant
space is the perfect place to have fun with
friends and family while engaging in some
light competition. The modern pool hall is
equipped with 21 tables and two ping pong
tables. It also features a laid-back lounge vibe
with couches and a fire pit. Cue Bar’s menu
has the classic specials to compliment its full
bar, including its world famous wings that
you must try at least once. If the space wasn’t
enough, the service and attention from staff
make it impossible not to return. Thanks to
its one-of-a-kind vibe, the bar has developed a
loyal customer base, many of whom believe it
to be the best spot in the borough.
BEST SOCCER CLUB
SOCCER KIDS NYC
62-19 69th Pl, Middle Village
(917) 655-5437–www.soccerkidsnyc.com
Soccer Kids NYC was created with the
intention of teaching children ages 2-10 more
than the fundamentals of soccer. Children
come first, and their success is dependent on
acquiring preacademic skills such as: taking
turns, sharing, respecting others, being
humble and never giving up while having fun
on the field. Soccer Kids’ trained, professional
coaches are able to engage, develop trust,
and modify each unique drill to each child’s
specific needs as they develop a style of play,
build endurance and become leaders. Your kid
will surely get a “kick” out of this wonderful
program!
BEST SPORTING GOODS
STORE
CROSSBAY BAIT & TACKLE
164-30 Cross Bay Blvd, Howard Beach
(718) 835-1018–www.crossbayfishing.com
It’s no secret why Crossbay Bait & Tackle has
won the Best of Boro for three years in a row:
its the best in the biz. The bait shop is home to
the biggest selection of rods in Queens, along
with local anglers with a variety of fishing
tackle and fresh bait on a daily basis. The shop
was originally founded in the 1950s by two
teenagers in a garage, and later evolved into
its own location as the Jamaica Bay fishing
grounds grew. The shop is now run by a new
family, but not much has changed from the
old days. Crossbay Bait & Tackle’s ultimate
goal is to continue to provide customers with
everything they need to have the best fishing
experience by serving them with a smile and
provide helpful tips to reel in that keeper!
BEST SURF SHOP
SKUDIN SURF ROCKAWAY BEACH
Beach 67th St & Beach Front Rd Arverne
(516) 318-3993–www.skudinsurf.com
Surf’s up, everyone! Skudin Surf has brought
the sport of surfing to Queens residents of
all ages and abilities in a fun, positive and
safe environment. The surf shop carries the
necessary equipment for easy and smooth
surfing on the beach. It also offers a range
of private instruction, group lessons, camps,
stand up paddle, corporate events, and
birthday parties for children and adults.
Surfing lessons are available for surfers of
all levels. Its experienced instructors are
committed to providing the best surfing
experience possible to its clients!
BEST TENNIS FACILITY
USTA BILLIE JEAN KING NATIONAL
TENNIS CENTER
Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Flushing
(718) 760-6200–www.ntc.usta.com
Game, set, match! Whether you’re a tennis
newbie or are looking to sharpen your skills on
the court, the USTA Billie Jean King National
Tennis Center is the place to be. Named for
the tennis phenom Billie Jean King herself,
this tennis center has been the borough’s go-to
place for all things tennis since 1978. With 22
courts inside and 12 more nearby, it is one of
the largest tennis facilities in the world. They
have programs for kids and adults alike, plus
they host a number of tennis-related events
year round. Looking for some personalized
training? The USTA Billie Jean King National
Tennis Center has private lessons available for
players of all skill levels.
BEST YOUTH LEAGUE*
DWARF GIRAFFE ATHLETIC
LEAGUE
149-50 15th Rd, Whitestone
(718) 746-1539–www.dwarfgiraffe.com
Keeping your kids active is not only good for
their health, but also tons of fun for them!
Dwarf Giraffe Athletic League has challenging
and exciting programs that are not only
fun, but also provide a foundation for kids
to become a more well-rounded individual.
For over 50 years, Dwarf Giraffe has offered
programs for basketball, baseball and roller
hockey, all of which give kids the chance to
learn teamwork and good sportsmanship
while playing a fun game with their friends.
The coaches and staff at Dwarf Giraffe go the
extra mile to make sure your child is having
fun and solidifying their skills while learning
more about themselves and working well with
their teammates.
Queens Psychic Predicted Pandemic
WINNER 2 YEARS IN A ROW!
LYNN VAN PRAAGH-GRATTON
/BESTOF.QNS.COM