We asked, you answered: Here’s what Queens loves about Queens
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A picturesque day at Rockaway Beach before. File photo by Zach Hoffman
Curated by Victoria Merlino
What’s your favorite place in Queens?
Is it a park, a beach, a certain restaurant?
Is it the bar where you met the love of your life? What about your favorite museum, or even just your living room?
The Eagle asked community leaders, friends and strangers on the internet to share their special places in Queens, a project that celebrates what makes the World’s Borough the greatest place in the city.
Here are some of our favorite responses:
The Louis Armstrong House Museum in Corona. Photo via Google Maps
“The Louis Armstrong House Museum — great tour and such a lovely story of how Queens fulfilled dreams for Louis Armstrong. Touching on his connection to his neighborhood. And then it's nice to walk around Corona and appreciate the ongoing neighborhood vibe and good food.” — Katie Uva, historian and adjunct professor
"Of course my first instinct is to say the Queens Night Market, but that runs the risk of appearing biased. So, I'll say the ‘International Express’ 7 train... *when* it's running well, that is. I'm endlessly amazed by the diversity of faces and languages that you see and hear without ever stepping foot off the train. Riding the length of the line is just a small preview of the lives and cultures that make up this borough, but even that tiny glimpse is compelling and awe-inspiring — try imagining the entire mosaic of Queens! Each stop seems like a portal to a unique and faraway community that we actually have the privilege of calling our neighbors." — John Wang, founder of the Queens Night Market
“Have a huge list, but gotta give props to the hidden beaches: there's one in Bayside along the Cross Island path if you climb down, and Hallets Cove beach in Astoria. So much fun exploring places you don't normally find in NYC!” — Tara Klein, urban policy analyst
“The Flushing Chinatown! Food, Asian grocery, K-beauty stores, late night coffee shops. I love hanging out there.” — Alicia McCauley, governmental press secretary
Jamaica Bay. Eagle photo by Victoria Merlino
“One of my favorite places in Queens is the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge. The refuge is part of the Gateway National Recreation Area. You can observe migrating species while walking along the open bay.” — Felicia Singh, Queens advocate for women in politics and City Council candidate
“One of my favorite places is Flushing Meadows Corona Park, because I think Flushing is so important for our community. I really miss going to Flushing, walking there with my two dogs.” — Bianey Garcia, Queens transgender rights and immigrant rights activist
“Prince Tea House in Astoria and Flushing. Fantastic place to drink tea and hang out with friends. Best crepe cake in the city too!” — Juan Restrepo, Queens public transit, biking and street safety advocate
The World’s Fair site in Flushing Meadows Corona Park. AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews
“My favorite place in Queens is the dinosaur-themed playground in Flushing Meadows Corona Park. It brings back a lot of memories of my childhood and it draws people from all neighborhoods.” — Yelena Dzhanova, journalist
“Astoria Pool … I guess I was expecting all NYC public pools to be closed for summer, but it was still devastating to see de Blasio actually announce it in the budget. It's clean & huge & Astoria residents have an unspoken understanding of the ‘kids end’ and ‘adults only end’” — Erin Dennis, public relations agent
“Austin Street in Forest Hills because of the restaurants, shopping and the diversity of the area. Just an all around great vibe.” — Sharon Scott Brooking, attorney
“In no order:
1. My apartment
2. Museum of the Moving Image
3. Hall of Science
4. Lemon Ice King
5. Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
6. The Lowery in Sunnyside
7. That alcove in Kew Gardens dedicated to the women of Queens
8. Lewis Latimer House”
— Jonathan Sperling, former Eagle digital editor
“The Hunter's Point QNS library!! Those floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the East River are to die for; it's always peaceful, flooded with natural light, and just next to that wonderful park for a stroll after a day's work. I'm freelance & prefer it to any coworking space!” — Sam Corbin, writer and comedian
*Some responses have been lightly edited for style and clarity.
