A Day On Governors Island

We took the NYC ferry from 34th Street, transferred at Wall Street, and got off at Governors Island. The ferry itself is so much fun-just being on the water as we fly along on the East River (the ferry goes pretty fast!) We always sit on top and really enjoy the views. 

We got off at Governors Island and  started walking around the island, passing abandoned buildings and enjoying the views of the city. We stopped for lunch at Island Oyster, during which we were able to enjoy a nice lunch and a beautiful view of lower Manhattan. We continued our walk and came upon Castle Williams, one of three forts on the island. Next we stopped in to QC NY Spa. While we just looked around the spa on this visit, it did look interesting and I’m hoping to spend time there next time! 

As we continued our walk around the perimeter of Governors Island I found myself closer to The Statue of Liberty than I’ve ever been. Yes, I lived in New York for 39 years and have never been to Ellis Island or The Statue of Liberty. I’m hoping now that we’re back in NYC I will get there! 😂

Next we came upon Collective Retreats. They offer overnight lodging along with a restaurant and bar, lawn games, and beautiful views. The concierge was kind enough to give us a tour and my husband and I can’t wait to schedule a visit to stay there. The tents are beyond beautiful and welcoming. Some have shared bathrooms, while others have a private en suite, as well as electricity and front porches to watch the beautiful sunset.  

As we continued our walk we came upon a beautiful set up including a few tables and a grill with some really good smells! We were so excited to meet Missy Robbins, the chef and owner of Misi and Lilia, two extraordinary restaurants in Brooklyn. During the summer, Missy has a pop up dinner experience for guests, MP Governors Island. Guests meet in lower Manhattan where they board a boat to Governors Island. Once they arrive they enjoy cocktails and appetizers on the lawn with low chairs and outdoor floor cushions and rugs facing the water. The grill is set up away from the table, but guests are invited to walk over and speak with the chefs as they are cooking. I’m hoping I have the opportunity to experience this as it looked beautiful and Missy was very entertaining!

When we go back to stay overnight and eat dinner with Missy, we also would like to rent bicycles so we can cover more ground. We only walked the perimeter of the island and there were so many more street to discover. If you’re in NYC and looking for something to do I absolutely recommend a visit to Governors Island.

Fun fact: Governors Island is shaped like an ice cream cone. The ice cream is what was the original Governors Island. In the early 20th century, when the Lexington Avenue subway line was being dug out, the dirt from this excavation was added to Governors Island, the cone part! This added 103 flat acres increasing the size of the island to 172 acres.