Visitors left Governors Island last summer wanting more. Their survey comments asked that the Island be open more often and for longer hours. They wanted more benches and bathrooms, too. And food. They got them all.
The Island is open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays - versus just two days last year--and stays open later in the day. The season also runs a month longer, into early October.
The new onshore waiting room in the Battery Maritime Building has made
the wait for the ferry more comfortable, too. If you miss it, browse
the National Park Service bookshop until time for the next one. On the
Island, there are bikes for rent (free on Fridays), and more paths are
open for biking.
And more people are enjoying it. The blue shirts at the head of the ramp have counted 28,558 visitors so far, compared to 15,359 at this time last year.
The most nutritious improvement is the arrival of five food stations with menus ranging from hot dogs to knishes, tyropita and gourmet sandwiches--and coffee! George's Burgers is nearest the ferry, on the road to the right from the landing. Spiros and Get Fruity are in the vicinity of Colonel's Row. Veronica's Kitchen is on the northeastern side of the historic district. And the New York Restaurant Café is next to the pier on Buttermilk Channel. Here's what you will find:
George's Burgers, owned by Frank Apergis, offers burgers, hot dogs and chicken parmesan along with traditional Mediterranean favorites such as gyros and chicken over rice, reflecting his Greek heritage. Ethnic offerings include crisp grilled hand-stuffed knishes. Cold drinks, sodas and ice cream are also available.
Spiros is another source for authentic Greek, such as slices of
traditional spanakopita stuffed with spinach or tyropita stuffed with
feta cheese, wrapped in phyllo and baked. Kebabs and hot dogs are also
available, along with cold drinks.
Get Fruity, managed by Fred Fox, is much like the mainland store in Teaneck, New Jersey. It offers fruit smoothies, juices, water, fresh fruit salads and hand dipped ice cream cones and cups.
Veronica's Kitchen is run by three Trinidadians - Veronica Julien, her sister Ursula and nephew Ouslem. They prepare traditional, home cooked West Indian. Finalists for the 2007 Vendy Award, which matches street vendors, they serve small and large portions of meat or fish with two sides.
The New York Restaurant Café is the place for coffee--a special blend of beans from Sumatra, Brazil and Guatemala roasted in Brooklyn. Choices include hot and cold cappuccino, espresso and flavored coffees, as well as fresh fruit salad, green salads and gourmet sandwiches--such as sliced Granny Smith apples and brie on cinnamon raisin bread. Drinks include tea and four smoothie flavors.
And more people are enjoying it. The blue shirts at the head of the ramp have counted 28,558 visitors so far, compared to 15,359 at this time last year.
The most nutritious improvement is the arrival of five food stations with menus ranging from hot dogs to knishes, tyropita and gourmet sandwiches--and coffee! George's Burgers is nearest the ferry, on the road to the right from the landing. Spiros and Get Fruity are in the vicinity of Colonel's Row. Veronica's Kitchen is on the northeastern side of the historic district. And the New York Restaurant Café is next to the pier on Buttermilk Channel. Here's what you will find:
George's Burgers, owned by Frank Apergis, offers burgers, hot dogs and chicken parmesan along with traditional Mediterranean favorites such as gyros and chicken over rice, reflecting his Greek heritage. Ethnic offerings include crisp grilled hand-stuffed knishes. Cold drinks, sodas and ice cream are also available.
Get Fruity, managed by Fred Fox, is much like the mainland store in Teaneck, New Jersey. It offers fruit smoothies, juices, water, fresh fruit salads and hand dipped ice cream cones and cups.
Veronica's Kitchen is run by three Trinidadians - Veronica Julien, her sister Ursula and nephew Ouslem. They prepare traditional, home cooked West Indian. Finalists for the 2007 Vendy Award, which matches street vendors, they serve small and large portions of meat or fish with two sides.
The New York Restaurant Café is the place for coffee--a special blend of beans from Sumatra, Brazil and Guatemala roasted in Brooklyn. Choices include hot and cold cappuccino, espresso and flavored coffees, as well as fresh fruit salad, green salads and gourmet sandwiches--such as sliced Granny Smith apples and brie on cinnamon raisin bread. Drinks include tea and four smoothie flavors.