By Blake Guthrie
Non-Touristy Things to Do in New York
One of the first things some tourists like to do as soon as they get to
New York City is blend in and not seem like a tourist. Doing what the locals do is the best way to really get the feel for a place, after all. Plus, visiting sites that most tourists have never heard of also allows for bragging rights among like-minded travelers. The Big Apple has a plethora of non-touristy opportunities for those so inclined.
City Island
City Island feels more like New England than New York. A small island in Long Island Sound connected to the mainland by one bridge, City Island is part of the Bronx. The island historic maritime community with old houses and marinas. It's a good place to go for seafood and to get a feel for an older New York, back when it was more a port town than a cosmopolitan destination. If you're using public transportation, take the number 6 subway line to the last stop (Pelham Bay Park). Then transfer to the City Island bus line (Bx29).
Rockaway Beach
Tourists go to Coney Island to see its legendary boardwalk, amusement park and other sites. But for a more authentic beach experience the locals head for Rockaway Beach. It's essentially a working class neighborhood located at the shore, but without all the frills (and tourists) of Coney Island. The beach is public and maintained by the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation. It accessible by a subway train from Manhattan, which turns into an elevated train before it reaches Rockaway (take the A line and transfer to the S line at Broad Channel).
Staten Island Ferry
Well known by New York commuters but often overlooked by tourists, the Staten Island Ferry offers great views of the harbor, including the Statue of Liberty and the New York skyline. A ride on the ferry used to cost money, but the city no longer charges a fare. This free boat ride is one of the best kept tourists secrets in NYC. It departs from the southern tip of Manhattan at the Whitehall Terminal building next to Battery Park. Stay on the ferry when it gets to Staten Island for the return trip to Manhattan.
ABC No Rio
A counter-cultural arts and activism collective on the Lower East Side, ABC No Rio hosts many artistic events open to the public. You could be a spectator or--if the need arises to read some of your poetry or sing one of your songs while in the city--a participant at one of their weekly showcases. Keep in mind that this is a non-corporate, not-for-profit venue. A homeless person who wants to read a poem is given just as much credence as a visiting scholar who wants to read an allegorical magnum opus on the decline of Western Civilization.
ABC No Rio
156 Rivington Street
New York, NY 10002
(212) 254-3697
abcnorio.org
About the Author:
Blake Guthrie has been a professional journalist since 1996. His articles have been featured in the "Atlanta Journal-Constitution," "Creative Loafing" and on Travels.com. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in mass communications from Auburn University.
Photo Credits:
Cantara
