Floating in the East River between Manhattan’s eastern edge and Queens, New York’s anomalous, planned neighborhood sits on a tiny island no wider than a football field. At the southern tip of the Island is architect Louis Kahn’s striking memorial to Franklin D Roosevelt. Zipping across the river via the four-minute aerial tram is a trip in itself and worth it for the stunning view of the East Side of Manhattan framed by the 59th St Bridge.
It was once known as Blackwell’s Island after the farming family who lived here; the city bought the island in 1828 and constructed several public hospitals and a mental hospital. In the 1970s, New York State built housing for 10,000 people along Roosevelt Island’s Main St (the only street on the island). The planned area along the cobblestone roadway resembles an Olympic village or, as some observe more cynically, cookie-cutter college housing.
With fine views and little traffic, this quiet island is conducive to lounging and cycling. Trams leave from the Roosevelt Island Tramway Station (payment is via MetroCard). Otherwise, take the F train to the Roosevelt Island stop.
