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Girl Gone Travel

North America, Travel
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June 1, 2009

Governor’s Island, NY

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NYCity Mama loves Saturdays.  Normally her weekends are full of things to do, places to go, people to see. And this Saturday was no exception.  But it was exceptional in how slow everything was going.  She couldn’t manage to wake up earlier than she did, nor could she manage to get moving as fast as she wanted to, which meant no one else was moving faster either.  By the time she looked at the time it was almost 12:00PM.

And it was then that they managed to leave the apartment minus the 11 year old who was feeling under the weather.  They were making their way downtown towards the ferry terminal at the end of Battery Park. Today was the day Governor’s Island was opening for the season and there were a lot of things in store to celebrate.  However, by the time they arrived, the lines were unbelievably long.  So long in fact that her always-up-for-anything husband began to try to convince her to leave this adventure for another day, but she wouldn’t give in to the notion.  So they made their way down the block and around the corner, to the end of the very long line.

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img_6589They accepted the idea of being on line forever.  This is one of the things that you have to learn to deal with when either living or visiting NYC.  The lines.  For everything and anything, it seems, there are lines. Sometimes they move fast (like the one they were on today) other times, not so much.  But the good thing about most New Yorkers, including tourist, is that they don’t wake up early.  Thus the secret to avoiding the most insane line is too always plan ahead and be there earlier than most others would be.

As they waited they were approached by security and instructed to follow.  Not knowing exactly what was going on, but seeing other parents with strollers behind them, they followed.  Turns out that they were guided past the incredibly long lines, and right onto an awaiting ferry for departure to the Island. Amazing how having small children can be such a convenience!  It wasn’t long before the ferry set off and the boys were out on the bow taking in the nice breeze, warm sun, and amazing views.

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img_6600It wasn’t too long before they arrived to the shores of Governor’s Island.  They were greeted by friendly staff and directed towards the various things to do, once of which included bike rentals.  Mama and her husband wanted to rent some bikes and ride around the 2.2 miles of island shores, but the kids were in a more active, adventurous mood so they decided instead to leave that on their to do list for next time. They instead decided to stroll while the boys ran around (in whatever opposite direction their parents were going) and stalled for long minutes picking up twigs and pebbles and throwing them into the water.

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The walk along the shore was peaceful.  One would consider the island small in comparison to its neighboring NYC, but despite its size and everything going on nearby, it was also incredibly quiet.  They came upon the Castle Williams, an impressive structure from the 1800s which has gone from a fort created with the purpose of defending New York from potential British invaders, to a preschool, to possible history and monument center. Though there isn’t much to see right now, the surroundings hold such history that it’s difficult to walk away and not sense the intensity of it.

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After “exploring” the Castle, they made their way to the polo match taking place a short walk away.  This was all the rage that day since Prince Harry from England was playing.  They came up to where the crowd had gathered to watch the match, sitting on the lawn, drinking champagne and enjoying their picnic. Mama caught some of the match, but truthfully, aside from the horses, the kids weren’t very interested.  So they moved on.

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They made their way to the center of the island and after purchasing some thing to eat and drink (from the one food vendor on the island), they grabbed a picnic table and listened to the music being played by The Mad Tea Party.  The boys moved to the beats as they ate their hot dogs, and some how, just like that, the threat of a tantrum that had been looming since they got there disappeared and everyone seemed happier. It seems that for Mama’s kids all it takes is some good music and grilled food to get them in the best mood possible.

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Hanging out on this part of the island was the most best part of their visit.  It was relaxing, and the weather was comfortable.  They joined other families having picnics on the lawn and the boys played and freely ran around.  It wasn’t crowded, or noisy.  This is where the Island’s concerts normally take place, and it is a wonderful spot for it without a doubt. There are beautiful, tall trees all around to provide shade as well.  Mama and her husband walked around the area, looking at the buildings and really enjoying their time there.

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They started making their way back to the ferry.  There was definitely a sense of peace to them, the kind you get after being away from the busy hustle and bustle of everyday life for awhile, except this time it was only 10 minutes out of the city and for only a few hours.  They had their list of things to do next time the came back.  Governor’s Island has activities going on all Summer and Fall (can you imagine how beautiful it must be here in the Fall?) and Mama and her family can’t wait to return.  The line back home was long, but Mama suspects that this won’t be the norm (the day of their visit coincided with a majoy event featuring celebrity royalty, so it’s to be expected), and the lines moved fairly quickly.

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As they made their way home, everyone happy and quiet, they expected to be over with the day’s Adventures.  But, this is New York City, and when in NYC unexpected Adventures can be found at every corner.

The ferry ride and access to Governor’s Island are free of charge. Packing a lunch and drinks is highly recommended. The park’s vendors are cash only, and bike rentals are per hour charge.  They provide rentals for families with small children as well, though this go fast.  Check out the official site for listing of upcoming events.

To Be Continued:  South Street Seaport: The Adventure Home


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Carol Cain

Brooklyn native Carol is happiest when on an adventure, whether close to home or farther away. She is a small business owner and travel writer. In addition to creating Girl Gone Travel, she is the Founder and Principal of Brave World Media, a social media marketing, communications, and branding agency. She's mom to three wonderful sons and wife to a handsome Irish/Scot. She lives, works, and plays in the beautiful Finger Lakes region of NY.

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1 Comment
  • Isolated Existence
    June 1, 2009

    Great post! Love the pictures, like NewYorkChica said makes you want to go! Looks like a nice place to hang around all day to get away from everything. The kiddies looked so happy, he, he. You were lucky you didn't have to wait in that long line! Thanks for sharing your adventure 😉

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Hi! I'm Carol! I am an award-winning travel blogger, a keynote speaker, and the Principal and owner of Brave World Media, a social media marketing, communications, and branding agency. I a wife to a handsome Irish/Scot and a mom to 3 sons. Welcome to my blog where I share stories of my travels and professional public relations insights and advice. Thank you for reading and for your support!

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A message about yesterday’s event: Happy Monday A message about yesterday’s event:

Happy Monday, y’all. Woke up in time to enjoy the soft glow of sunlight that shines its way around our house in the morning, and sipped on a cafecito without being rushed for anything. So already today is a win. 

Yesterday we worked our longest day yet for our little coffee cart that could (7 hours!!!) at the Heritage Fiesta in Ithaca, NY. 

Though we were ready for a crowd, the reception was also unexpected because there was a popular coffee shop just steps away. 

But we had Cómodo Fam stop by, family (who also fed us 🙏🏾), and soooo many members of the Latinx and BIPOC community who were just excited to see a small business like ours representing. 

I want to share that we were ALL worried about potential harassment and assault by 🧊and fliers were handed out to prepare us. And you would think that it would’ve intimidated the community enough to not come out…BUT WE DID. In numbers. 

And for hours that little parking lot next to Press Bay Alley was packed with all sorts of Latinx and non-Latinx community members, eating, laughing, dancing, singing, and drinking all the cafecitos and refreshers we had to offer. Literally. We went home cleaned out!

All this to say that we are all aware of the threats but we also understand the power and importance of coming together as a community and a people. By no means are we all the same, and Lord knows a lot of Latinos have a lot of self-reflecting to do based on the choices they made, but yesterday was a testament to the best of us, and I thank @yenospina and @lcatompkins for putting together such a wonderful event, for inviting @cafecomodony to be a part of it, and to all the friends, old and new, who came out to support us and la cultura. 

#fingerlakes #newyork #cafecomodo #coffeelover
Finally taking a break to enjoy one of my favorite Finally taking a break to enjoy one of my favorite lazy day pastimes of the season: market shopping for fall goodies - which in the Finger Lakes is especially bountiful. 

📍Joseph’s Wayside Markey, Naples, NY

#fingerlakes #newyork #octobermood #fallday
Our neighbors are harvesting the grapes. The proce Our neighbors are harvesting the grapes. The process is busy and noisy but also exciting and fun to watch. 

This cloudy morning seems to have calmed things down a bit, but not for long I am sure. These families work hard!

Bonus: they set up roadside stands so we can purchase and taste them 🍇 I highly recommend picking some up if you see some in your drive. 

#fingerlakes #lifeinthecountry #newyork
The rain has been so good. More, please. ❤️ The rain has been so good. More, please. ❤️
I want to take moment to send out love to my fello I want to take moment to send out love to my fellow Latinx and immigrant community. 

To send strength to my community of glorious misfits who are out in the world making good trouble and emboldening us to not give up hope on our dreams, our livelihoods, our future, our country, our people. 

The country our parents worked so hard to get to so that we could fly. A country they helped build and bring to prosper. A country our communities help to feed and house and care for. 

I am my immigrant parents dream come true, and my children are a continuation of that dream. 

I just want to remind all of us who represent the targeted, of our worth. Of the value of our contributions. In our languages, our culture, our insights, our work ethic and skills and knowledge. Of the things we bring to the table.

I don’t know what will happen tomorrow, or to us. But, as someone whose family lived through a dictatorship, I have an idea of how this story will end. And all I can advise is that we remain on the right side of it, our convictions unaltered, our core values untethered. Our spirits unbroken. In these stories, the monsters might scare us, and even harm some of us, but they never, ever win in the end. 

I am living proof of that. ❤️ And every time you succeed and feel joy, you are too. Pa’lante, mi gente.
Signs of autumn 🍂 in the Finger Lakes. Signs of autumn 🍂 in the Finger Lakes.

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