Gourmet Tea for tea tastings. Or catch the bubble tea wave at
branches of international powerhouses such as CoCo, Kung Fu,
and Happy Lemon.
Flushing, beyond the well-known Main Street, is truly a wonder
to explore. Take an afternoon to walk around the neighborhood,
making stops in Murray Hill to try an array of authentic Korean
BBQ dishes at Hahm Ji Bach, or the Hindu Temple Society of
North America, whose Temple Canteen is a well-kept secret
for delicious dosas. In fact, Flushing has a rich history of
multicultural diversity. As the birthplace of religious freedom, it
is home to many houses of worship representing almost every
faith. When you emerge from the Main Street station, marvel
at the iconic St. George’s Episcopal Church with more than
300 years of history. Close by is the Quaker Meeting House –
the oldest house of worship in New York City and a National
Historic Landmark. Break the other direction and explore the
magnificent Free Synagogue of Flushing with its beautiful dome
and stained glass windows. Across the street from the Meeting
House is Flushing Town Hall, once the center of government for
an independent town, now an important center for the diversity
and interweaving of immigrant arts.
History buffs will be pleased to discover seven historic
houses, many of which are within walking distance from one
another. Stop by the Bowne House, Kingsland Homestead
(the headquarters for the Queens Historical Society) and the
Voelker Orth Museum, which has a beautiful Victorian garden
and bird sanctuary. Another beloved landmark, the Lewis H.
Latimer House Museum, celebrates the legacy of the African-
American inventor who worked with Alexander Graham Bell
on the telephone and Thomas A. Edison on the lightbulb. Come
December, celebrate the festive season with an annual holiday
historic house tour where each historic house offers tours,
activities, crafts, seasonal displays and decorations.
Apart from fascinating historic architecture and cultural
programming, visitors come from around the region to shop for
unique products and services. Roosevelt Avenue is well-known
for beauty shops lining the streets. Flushing is a one-of-a-kind
destination that brings people from all walks of life together to
create a truly international vibe.
For more recommendations and hidden gems, check out www.
flushingfantastic.nyc.
Editor’s note: The neighborhood’s fantastic restaurants, hotels,
performance arts venues, and historic houses are in other
sections.
64 QUEENS IN YOUR POCKET • www.itsinqueens.com
/www.itsinqueens.com
/www.flushingfantastic.nyc
/www.flushingfantastic.nyc
/www.itsinqueens.com
