IN CELEBRATION OF SUMMER, NYC & COMPANY FEATURES MANHATTANS GOVERNORS ISLAND IN LATEST NYCGO INSIDER GUIDE

7/9/15


IN CELEBRATION OF SUMMER, NYC & COMPANY 
FEATURES MANHATTAN’S GOVERNORS ISLAND IN
LATEST NYCGO INSIDER GUIDE


—Governors Island’s History, Events and Attractions Highlighted in NYCGO Insider Guides’ Documentary-Style Short Film—


Shanghai, China (July 9, 2015) — NYC & Company, New York City’s official marketing, tourism and partnership organization, today announced Manhattan’s Governors Island as the next area featured in its NYCGO Insider Guides. Located less than half a mile from Manhattan and Brooklyn, the island offers the closest views on land to the face of the Statue of Liberty and was previously a military base for the US Army and US Coast Guard for over two centuries. It has since been transformed into a respite from urban life with its many artistic, cultural, educational and recreational offerings. It is open to the public through September 27, 2015 (it opened for the summer session on May 23).This destination spotlight was unveiled at an NYC & Company press conference today in Shanghai, China as part of NYC & Company’s global ‘new’ New York media mission.


“We encourage everyone to explore Governors Island this summer. With festive dance parties, concerts, bike paths and hammocks, this bucolic island, just a short ferry ride away from Manhattan or Brooklyn, has something for everyone,” said Fred Dixon, president and CEO of NYC & Company. “Also known as New York City’s ‘playground for the arts,’ Governors Island’s transformation from a military base to a picnic place makes for a unique addition to any traveler’s itinerary.”


Experience Governors Island Like a Local
As part of the promotion, a short documentary is available online that features locals who highlight and recommend the must-see attractions of Governors Island. To view the documentary and island highlights, visit nycgo.com/insiderguides.









  • Getting There: Governors Island is easily accessible by

    ferry

    from the Battery Maritime Building in Manhattan daily; and the Brooklyn Bridge Park and East River Ferry terminals in Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens on Saturdays and Sundays. For the ferry schedules and pricing, visit

    govisland.com/info/ferry-schedule

    and

    eastriverferry.com

    . Island Ambassadors are present on weekends to greet and acquaint visitors with the island.


     


  • History: Visitors can learn about Governors Island’s rich history at two forts dating from the early 1800’s,

    Castle Williams

    and

    Fort Jay

    . Weekend tours are offered every hour from 11:30am–3:30pm. Visitors can also stroll past historic homes and offices along

    Colonels Row

    . An interactive exhibit, open daily, in

    Soissons Landing

    highlights the island’s history and future development plans.


     


  • Arts and culture: Throughout the summer the island hosts free dance and music festivities, live performances and dynamic public art displays. Art buffs also have the opportunity to visit an annual exhibition and “Open Studios” events at the

    LMCC Arts Center

    .


     


  • Recreation: Governors Island boasts miles of car-free bike paths. On

    Colonels Row

    , visitors can rent bicycles and, on Mondays–Fridays between 10am–12pm, visitors can enjoy an hour of free bicycle rental. Hammocks and rocking chairs await those looking for ultimate relaxation, available in

    Hammock Grove

    ,

    Nolan Park

    and the

    Parade Ground

    . Perfect for playtime, the

    Parade Ground

    delights little ones with its treehouse and mini golf, in addition to a play area in

    Hammock Grove

    .


     


  • Education: For those interested in cultivating a green thumb, the island’s 8,000 square foot

    Urban Farm

    hosts weekend educational sessions from 12–4pm

    .

    Topics include composting, urban farming and green infrastructure.


     


  • Food: Summer sweets, treats and ethnic delights are available all week at the

    Liggett Terrace

    food court. Specialty food trucks can be found on Saturdays and Sundays on

    King Avenue

    , offering a tasteful mélange of American, Caribbean, Mexican, Indian, Thai, Middle Eastern and Vietnamese fare. 


Visitors looking to experience more of Governors Island for longer than a day can stay in Lower Manhattan or near Brooklyn Bridge Park, which makes for a short connection to the Governors Island ferry terminals. With a diversity of hotel rooms to choose from at every budget and style, travelers can stay longer and explore more of New York City’s insider highlights. For the best available rates, visit nycgo.com/hotels and reserve through NYC & Company’s exclusive hotel booking partner, Booking.com.


NYCGO Insider Guides: Get to know our neighborhoods
New York City is made up of five distinct boroughs: the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens and Staten Island. Formerly Neighborhood x Neighborhood, NYCGO Insider Guides, which debuted in March, spotlight a new neighborhood each month. The video documentary series and editorial content takes New Yorkers and visitors behind the scenes to introduce them to the character and characters that define some of New York City’s most fascinating neighborhoods.


To view B-roll and photos of Governors Island highlights in our media library, visit nycgo.com/press. Follow @nycgo_press on Twitter for the latest information about New York City travel and tourism.













About NYC & Company:
NYC & Company is the official marketing, tourism and partnership organization for the City of New York, dedicated to maximizing travel and tourism opportunities throughout the five boroughs, building economic prosperity and spreading the positive image of New York City worldwide. For more information, visit nycgo.com. 



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Contact: NYC & Company / Chris Heywood 212-484-1270
          NYC & Company / Caroline Peck 212-484-1270