Visiting Roosevelt Island was an experience. By far, one of the most random, yet interesting places in Manhattan. Roosevelt Island is located across the East River, nestled between Manhattan and Queens (however, it’s considered part of the Manhattan borough) and spans over 2 miles long.
One of the highlights was commuting over the East River to Roosevelt Island in the Sky Tram! Great views of the East River, Manhattan and Queens- plus you can use your Metro Card for the ride over!
Once you arrive in Roosevelt Island, you quickly forget the metropolis of New York City is just across the river. It’s quiet here. Sometimes eerily quiet…like when you’re walking by the abandoned gothic-style smallpox hospital. Kinda creepy, folks!
The island seems to be separated in completely unrelated areas. Historical FDR memorial, creepers smallpox hospital, beautiful boardwalk along the water, new skyscraper apartment buildings, green parks, old Blackwell House, and a handful of restaurants plus one Starbucks store. A jumbled grouping of old, new and spooky! Perfect location to film a movie? Indeed, many famous movies were filmed on Roosevelt Island, including For Love or Money, Conspiracy Theory, Gangs of New York, Spider-Man and The Brave One.
The skyline views made the visit worth it! From Roosevelt Island, you can see the tall towers of Empire State, Chrysler Building, and Freedom Tower! Also, you can see the famous Pepsi sign in Queens!
Smallpox Hospital
Strecker Memorial Laboratory
Empire State & Chrysler Building
Queens
Historical Blackwell House
Chapel of the Good Shepherd
If you want a day of off the beaten path exploring or consider yourself a history buff–definitely visit Roosevelt Island. However, I would rank it in my “been there done that” category. Glad I had the opportunity to see it but I’m not necessarily itching to go back. Until Halloween, maybe 🙂
