Five Things to Do in Queens, New York

September 2, 2015
thecatchmeifyoucan
Catch Us If You Can, Culture/Sites, Destinations
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A few years ago, I was obsessed with Etsy and I stumbled upon a blog called Addicted 2 Etsy, a site dedicated to highlighting all of the amazing stores on Etsy. Not only was the content of the site awesome and helpful, but the blogger, Cynthia, was African, fashionable and beautiful. I was hooked.

Since then I have followed her blog and her Instagram and back in 2013 while in Brooklyn I spotted her at the BAM Africa festival. I had never approached anyone that I recognize from the internet and not in real life but this was my blogger crush. When I walked up to her and she turned around she said “What are you doing here?” My face, I am sure, told of my surprise – she knew who I was from the internets as well. It was a wonderful chance meeting.

I was lucky enough to catch up with Cyn recently to find out some tips from her about Queens, New York. Most people do not visit Queens when they visit NYC. I lived in Queens for three years and I don’t even visit, but after reading through Cyn’s tips, Queens is on my list for my next trip to the Big Apple.

What do you do and why?

I am an attorney and a blogger. I am an attorney because that’s what I went to school for, just kidding, there are many aspects to the law that I enjoy. And I’m a blogger because I get to express and share parts of me that I don’t often get to at my 9-5.

Where are you from?

I’m from Cameroon. I’m from NYC. It depends on who’s asking as I feel fully connected to both.

Where do you live?

Currently, I live in Queens, NY. Queens doesn’t get much love, but I love Queens- I think its the most authentic borough

How long have you been living there?

Eight years, prior to the Long Island

Five Things to Do in Queens

Just this summer, the Queens International Night Market launched. If you love to travel and enjoy experiencing true diversity (in culture and food), then the night market is a must. It used to be at Flushing Meadows park, but it just moved to Jamaica, Queens.
Visit Gantry Park in Long Island City, Queens. You’ve probably heard this before, the best views of the manhattan skyline are not in Manhattan. This park not only has some of the best views, which are completely unobstructed, but there’s also a ton of open space to lounge or play. It’s never as crowded as some other parks you might have heard of and it never disappoints.
Eat Authentic Asian: From Thai and Tibetan in Woodside to Indian in Jackson Heights to Chinese in Flushing, there’s just so much great food made by and for people from those parts of the world. It’s never adjusted to suit an American palate, served completely unedited and better yet, at a much better price-point than you’d find in Manhattan or Brooklyn.
Louis Armstrong House Museum: Little known fact, I was a tour guide at this museum some years back. It was one of the best work experiences I have ever had. Being able to stand in the space of jazz great Louis Armstrong, to see clothes owned by his wife, pots in their kitchen, to walk into his study and listen in on conversations between him and friends like Tony Bennett, felt like a dream. I’m still surprised when I meet someone who doesn’t know this exists. You’ll leave feeling like you actually got to spend some real time with Louis and you’ll love him even more.You don’t have to be a jazz fan to appreciate this.
No Queens list will be complete without MOMA PS1– the Museum of Modern Afrom art shows to summer pop up parties, bookmark this now.