Long Island City was once home to many factories and bakeries, some of which are finding new uses. The former Silvercup bakery is now home to Silvercup Studios, which produces notable works such as HBO's The Sopranos. The Silvercup sign is visible from the 7 Train going into and out of Queensboro Plaza. The former Sunshine Bakery is now one of the buildings housing LaGuardia Community College.
Things to do in Long Island City
Jones Beach State Park
Jones Beach State Park, approximately 7 mi. s. on Wantagh Pkwy., covers 2,413 acres on the ocean shore of Long Island and offers supervised swimming in Zach's Bay, oceanfront beaches and two pools. Bathhouses are available; a boardwalk follows part of the shoreline. Facilities at Field 4 include a pitch-and-putt golf course and court games. Call (516) 785-1600 for more information.
King Manor Museum
King Manor Museum is at 150-03 Jamaica Ave. (S: Jamaica Center). The 18th-century Dutch-style house was home to Rufus King, a signer of the U.S. Constitution, New York statesman and anti-slavery stalwart. Exhibits in period rooms chronicle King’s life and village history. Call (718) 206-0545 for more information.
150-03 Jamaica Ave., Jamaica, NY 11101
Long Island Children's Museum
Long Island Children's Museum is at 11 Davis Ave. Through multimedia exhibits children are challenged to be creative while learning about a variety of topics including communications, music and the environment. Call (516) 224-5800 for more information.
11 Davis Ave., Garden City, NY 11101
Louis Armstrong House
The preserved two-story house of Louis “Satchmo” and Lucille Armstrong contains original furniture, fixtures and decorative pieces as well as personal memorabilia. Decorated in a 1960s contemporary style with Oriental influences, it features a high-tech kitchen with aqua appliances and an ornate bathroom with gold faucets. Call (718) 478-8274 for more information.
34-56 107th St., Corona, NY 11101
New York Botanical Garden
New York Botanical Garden was founded in 1891 and is one of the world's largest botanical gardens, covering 250 acres. The grounds have 28 specialty gardens and plant collections. The palacelike, glass-enclosed Enid A. Haupt Conservatory contains plants displayed in settings similar to their tropical, subtropical and desert habitats. Outdoor gardens feature rocks, native plants, herbs, roses and perennials as well as 50 acres of original forest that once covered the city. The 12-acre, indoor/outdoor Everett Children's Adventure Garden has 40 hands-on activities for discovering plants and nature, plus mazes and topiaries. Other features include narrated tram rides, children's activities and guided walking tours. Call (718) 817-8700 for more information.