A Guide to the Neighborhood Near Astoria’s New Ferry Stop

Ilana Teitel
Aug 28, 2017 · 4 min read

Where Does the Ferry Stop?

Recently, there’s been an effort to rebrand this westernmost stretch of the neighborhood as “Westoria” but locals know it as Hallets Cove or Ravenswood. Astoria Landing sits on the site of the first European settlement in the area and Native Americans were in the area long before that. Ferries began running between Astoria and Manhattan before the American Revolution and continued until the the 1930’s. Legend says that the Manhattan cocktail was invented at an Astoria tavern while ferry passengers waited out a bad storm. Fun fact : In the mid-1800’s Astoria’s ferries were powered by horses .

Art

(Photo:Welling Court Mural Project)

Just around the corner from the ferry landing is the Welling Court Mural Project. Its 140 murals are the work of graffiti artists from around the world. Socrates Sculpture Park showcases large scale sculptures in a waterfront park. The Isamu Noguchi Garden Museum is housed in the Japanese-American artist’s former studio. The tranquil courtyard is one of the most relaxing spots in the borough.

Outdoors

(Photo:Hallets Cove Beach)

Walk over to to Astoria Park –the largest green space in western Queens—to sunbathe and people watch on the lawn, play tennis, or try out the fitness equipment in NYC’s first playground for adults. Or head in the opposite direction to visit Rainey Park. This less well known spot has shady trees with great waterfront views. The playgrounds climbing wall, giant slides and sprinklers make it a favorite with local families. Hallett’s Cove Beach is a tiny strip of sand just steps away from the ferry where you can sit on the shore and watch geese and other birds swim by.

Architecture

(Photo: 30th Road in Astoria)

Astoria is rapidly changing, but there are still some blocks where you’ll find houses that date back to just after the Civil War. Some of the prettiest are 30th Road off of Vernon Boulevard and 12th Street and 14th Street off of 26th Avenue. The First Reformed Church was built in 1839. At 54,450 square feet, Astoria Pool is the city’s largest pool. Its art deco architecture views aof the East River and Triborough and Hellgate Bridges made it a favorite of Robert Moses.

(Photo: First Reformed Church)

Where to Eat

(Photo: Brother’s Pizzeria)

Newly opened Astoria Provisions is a charming spot for brunch and coffee. They’ll be expanding the menu and adding dinner in the fall. A few doors down and also new, Mary’s Grocery and Taqueria offers (take out only) tacos, tortas and shakes. Brother’s Pizzeria is a classic place where locals sit at sidewalk tables on sunny days. Or head a few blocks inland to the Bel Aire Diner, an old school Greek Diner with a tremendous menu. Looking for the cheapest eats around? Grab a giant soda and a hot dog at Costco’s food court.

(Photo: Astoria Provisions)

(Photo: Marys Grocery menu)

Bonus

Sometimes you just feel like ignoring all the unique things NYC has to offer and want to spend the day shopping like people in the rest of the country. Get off the boat and make a beeline for the nearby Costco to stock up on groceries, clothes, housewares and more. Want to see more of Queens? If you feel like you’ve explored everything along the 7 train, (or if it’s one of those weekends when the 7 train or the N train aren’t running) hop on the Q19 Bus and take the local route through borough to Jackson Heights and Flushing.

(Photo: Art from local students at the entrance to Rainey Park.)

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