By Kailey Thomas
Quarantine getting to you, need to get out of the house? Well, guess what, you’re not the only one. What if I told you there are places to go in New York City that follow covid procedures and are safe?
~ The New York City HighLine
The High Line is a 1.45-mile-long elevated linear park, greenway, and rail trail created on a former New York Central Railroad spur on the west side of Manhattan in New York City. It starts at Gansevoort St. running up towards 34th St. This is free, but you must reserve tickets online for the time you want to go. There are several little shops on the actual high line when you get up there. Afterwards if you want to grab a bite there are even several cafes where you can eat.
~ Roosevelt Island tram and parks
The Roosevelt island tram is an aerial tram that takes passengers 250 feet above the city. The incredible views make it a one-of-a-kind New York experience. The Manhattan station of the Roosevelt Island Tram is located on 2nd Ave between 59th and 60th Streets. The closest New York City subway stations are 59th Street (4,5,6 trains), and Lexington Ave/59th Street (N, Q, R trains). The cost of this tram is $2.75 and New York City metro cards are accepted. When you get off at Roosevelt Island there are a few cafes and supermarkets so you could even grab groceries and have a picnic while there.
~Woodbury
If you’re looking for a little distance, if your local mall is too crowded, if stores are closed, or if you just want to try something new, go to the upstate Woodbury shopping outlets which have 220 stores. The outlets are located in Central Valley, New York. All the stores are outdoor outlets, and it’s never crowded especially in the morning or late afternoon. Make sure to stop at the Disney store!!!
~ Ride the NYC or Staten Island Ferry round trip
The NYC ferry in the Bronx has terminals starting at Soundview (Clason Point) then, at east 90th street, east 34th street, Stuyvesant Cove, and lastly Wall Street/ Pier 11. They also have locations in all other boroughs and New Jersey. The cost is $2.75, and you can purchase a paper ticket at the stations or online. The Staten Island ferry is free. The Staten Island Ferry travels between the St. George Ferry Terminal in Staten Island and the Whitehall Ferry Terminal. It’s a nice break from the city and all that’s going on. The view is also spectacular at night!
~ The Edge, NewYork City
Believe it or not Edge New York City features the highest outdoor sky deck in the Western Hemisphere. It’s located in Hudson Yards. It is a building with very unique architecture. It’s 100 stories above the city with a very exciting glass floor. The tickets are $34 for New York City residents. As for the features your general admission ticket comes with: you get a 360 degree New York view from an indoor observation deck on Level 100. Access to the highest outdoor sky deck. Access to the glass floor, angled glass walls, the skyline steps and the eastern point, and a free digital souvenir photo. This is for those who want a greater adrenaline rush.
~ The Vessel
The Vessel is a spiral staircase that you can climb, also located in Hudson Yards. It gives you a great view of the city from different elevations and angles. The Vessel has exactly 80 landings and 154 flights of stairs. Same day tickets are free. All of the FREE tickets are issued on a first come, first served, basis. Tickets are distributed for the next available time slot and allow for a one-time entrance during your assigned time. You can also reserve for the future depending on how far ahead you want to pay.
~Walking the Brooklyn Bridge
If you’re looking for something chill, you can walk, run, or bike across the Brooklyn Bridge. It’s a great source of exercise and fun. Go with a group of people or even by yourself. There’s also a number of things to do in Brooklyn once you get there. You can bike and just explore the borough, you can get pizza and see art in Dumbo, or go to the Brooklyn botanic garden. The natural surroundings are beautiful. The tickets are $12 for students with ID.
I hope you guys try some of these places and try to have fun during these difficult times. Be sure to maintain social distancing rules, but most importantly have fun!