Hi guys welcome back for a post about Roosevelt Island! Many of us have seen this obscure island that belongs to the borough of Manhattan when we are crossing over the Ed Koch Bridge or driving along FDR drive. The history behind this island is actually quite interesting, it was originally named Blackwell's island and it was a penetiantary island. Seven years later an asylum also opened up on the Island which was said to have inhumane conditions. Although all of this is now gone and replaced by greenery, the tower and entrance of the asylum is still there for you to visit, it is called the Octagon. There is a picture of it below. The actual house of the Blackwell family is still there in the middle of the island where people can visit it. When you pass by it still feels a little spooky.
Apart from this fun historical adventure that you can go on throughout the island there are also many activities to do in this haven away from the city. There are multiple parks to sit at that are swarmed with geese as the spring time approaches (they are actually quite friendly). Sitting on the hills in these parks with a friend while looking at the water and the Manhattan skyline is also quite an enlightening experience to relax. Walking along the water across the whole island or even biking is also a relaxing experience with a friend on a nice day as you feel more connected with nature.
Apart from this there is also multiple fields such as a baseball field and soccer field. There is also a community garden which is shown in the video below. The video was taken while I was taking the Q102 bus to get to the island and I explain some more about these amenities in the video below.
There is also a nice family sushi restaurant that I explain below as well as a video of the food which was quite delicious so we definitely reccomend trying it out.
Lastly, there is the thing that most people think of when they hear Roosevelt Island and that is the tram. For 2.75 or should I say for free with your student metrocard you can get a rid on the tram which can be considered the equivalent of a slow scenic rollercoaster ride. Here are some videos of it below.
Overall, Roosevelt Island is a great place to spend a whole day with your friends while experiencing all kinds of different adventures from history to nature to thrill rides for an affordable cost (practically free). It is even accessible by ferry (which I did not show here), the Q102 bus, F train, and tram so you are able to use your student metrocard all over. The island also has its own bus system for being transported around the island itself.
Thanks for reading!
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