A FERRY GOOD RIDE TO RED HOOK

NYC Ferry has become the most ingenious way to travel around the city.  Okay…they need more boats, etc.  Can you blame them?  For the same amount to ride a bus or subway, you get to relax on a boat that has enough seating for each person.  Snacks and liquid refreshments…many have or are getting WiFi.  

Most popular is the trip from Rockaway to Wall St. and probably the opposite as it has been giving Manhattanites the opportunity and indulgence of the beach, which I will get into at another time.  For now I’m concentrating on a stop in between:  Sunset Park.   No, that is not the place I explored but where there is the connection to Red Hook.  

I boarded the Rockaway landing locale at 108^th Street at 3:15pm to arrive in Sunset Park at 3:58pm     The ferry system allows me to transfer from here at Pier 11 to Red Hook, picking it up at 4:07pm, arriving in Red Hook at 4:22pm.  Atlantic Basin is the station…a rather bare looking ship yard. 

Red Hook is now getting to be one of the built up neighborhoods with a lot of places to see and restaurants to eat at, all of which are in walking distance from the ferry landing.   Of course what one’s walking distance may be different from another.   I explored only a few blocks beginning with the Mary A. Whalen tanker. 

According to the website, “She is an artifact of Ira S. Bushey & Sons, a Red Hook business that ran an innovative shipyard, a fuel terminal, and a fleet of vessels moving fuel (tugs, tankers and barges). The fact that ‘Bushey's’ combined what are usually three separate endeavors makes the firm particularly remarkable - and they excelled in all three.”  Originally, the Mary went ground in the Rockaways. She officially became the bases of operations for PortSide New York in 2006 opening to the public in 2007.  

During Tanker Time you can go on the main deck set up with sorts of furniture.  Here is what they say. “Lounge in a hammock, lunch at a picnic table, meet over a cafe table, read books from our maritime library while you are stretched out in a lounge chair, bring the kids here instead of the same old playground! M-F 10am to 6pm as long as the weather is warm enough. Second Sundays, 5pm to midnight, May through September. At 9 pm, the musicians jam ‘WaterStories of the Wine Dark Sea’ starts and runs until midnight. Our Second Sundays are May 14, June 11, July 9, Aug. 13, Sept. 10.” This is all part of Portside New York located at Pier 11.   On the website you can hear short segments of their audio tour.   Keep the ferry schedule in mind.  

You will find Pioneer Works just past the gate at 159 Pioneer St.  I entered through their garden, a place of serenity with a picnic area, trees, grass and sculptures.  There is a tunnel through a hill giving access to stone paths.  Alongside is a three-story building.  Here we have a conglomeration of the arts and science. Visual and performing artists, along with designers, musicians, writers, and scientists are here to share their ideas in a public presentation of their work produced over the course of a residency.   

I did not see much on the main floor so far as exhibitions as the walls were vast and most of what one could view was on the two floors above.   The best way to enjoy your visit is to check their website, www.pioneerworks.org for all of the events.  

I am sorry to say…for me, that is…I was not able to get to Dolce Brooklyn at 305 Van Brunt St., the first main road that crosses Pioneer St.  I am a gelato fanatic and love it more than ice cream…both for less fat and more taste.  I spoke with the co-owner, Pierre.   It is made the old-fashion Italian way, totally from scratch without powders, etc.  Fresh fruit and no flavorings.  Co-owner, Chef Kristina took a trip to Bologna.  I will go back as I want to visit Waterfront Museum and Shorefront Barge, Erie Basin, Red Hook Winery, Steve’s Authentic Key Lime Pie and some art galleries.  

Where did I dine?  Red Hook Lobster Pound at 284 Van Brunt St.  That’s another full story.  

I would highly recommend taking on this adventure with an early start just after the morning rush hour(s).  For the extra dollar, you can bring your bike. If you don’t have one you will find that many of the ferry stops have Citibike, one of which is on Pioneer St., a few blocks from the gate.  Cost seems to be $12 for unlimited 30-minute rides in a period of 24 hours.   There are a number of docks in the area.   Advantage of bringing your own is that you can simply lock it up in front of each destination that you visit. 

 

Starting August 29, 2017, a route beginning in Astoria will connect to Roosevelt Island, Long Island City, East 34^th St. in Manhattan, then on down to Wall St. at Pier 11.  The entire route takes approximately 45 minutes.  At East 34^th St. you then have the opportunity to take a free shuttle bus going as far west as 6^th Avenue, and as far north as 48^th St.  One stop brings you to 47^th and 6^th, right in the heart of the theatre district.  Keep in mind that it is a “flag down” service and does not operate all day.  

Each ride costs $2.75 and gets you one transfer.  However, you can purchase a 30-day pass for $121.00; best if you are commuting to work.   If you are disabled or a senior citizen the 30-day pass is $60.  You will have to fill out a form and send proof in order to get it.  Check it all out on www.ferry.nyc