Oh Governor’s Island, you’re the best. You’re the perfect time-crunch NYC get-away. There you are, a mere five minute boat ride from the southern tip of Manhattan. You’re so accessible and yet you’re a different world. NYC loves you- you are open space, recreation and relaxation.

I spent my Saturday on Governor’s Island. I went with my two friends, Rose and Lilly. We had no plan, no agenda. We knew we could get on a ferry, sail over, and wander until we found fun. This couldn’t have been a safer assumption. We had a fantastic day filled with hammocks, ice cream, mini golf, sculptures, tree houses, civil war reenactments. Go to this Island any day of the week and you’ll happen upon something special. I promise.

The ferry ride alone is worth the trip!

This year they’ve opened an entire new section to the public. It’s full of black-eyed susans lined paths perfect for wandering.

You’ll happen upon a baseball field and most exciting- the Hammock Grove! Some day in the future the trees will tower above and bathe the hammocks in dappled sunlight. But for now it’s a vitamin D concentration!

At one time Governor’s Island was an army base. Hundreds of military personnel and families called it home. Now no one is allowed to live there. No one! It’s full of abandoned houses that in the summer time turn into boutiques and art galleries.

It was Civil War History weekend! During the war, troupes were stationed here. Now reenactors invade for one weekend to give us a taste of history.

I’m 28 years old and until this weekend I’d never played mini golf. Can you believe it? Well all that changed thanks to Figment NYC on Governor’s Island!  Figment NYC is a free participatory art event that is 100% volunteer-powered. As part of their experience this season, Figment NYC has set up mini golf and other art sculptures in the great field of the island. Each mini golf par was hand made by an artist, featuring a NYC theme or political issue.

Mini golf is a sport, right? After such exhilarating exercise we needed ice cream. The selection of food trucks on Governor’s Island does not disappoint. Our favorite was Brooklyn Soda Works with the fanciest, most refreshing sodas you’ll ever taste made from cold-pressed juices like Watermelon- Tarragon and Apple-Ginger.

But wait, there’s more! Figment also has an amazing tree house!

An interactive giraffe (you can draw on him) sculpture!

Cloud palace similar to last year– a canopy made of cups!

Have I convinced you that you must visit Governor’s Island? You still have time! It’s only open until September 28th. It’s open 7 days a week, the ferry is 2 dollars round trip (if you go on a weekend before noon the ferry is free).
If you go this weekend, you can check out the Jazz Age Lawn Party– I went back in June and you’ll never find an event more nifty! I’m telling ya, it’s beyond the bee’s knees!

Governor’s Island is such an NYC treasure, every one should go. I hope to make one more trip before the season ends!