My first Finding NYC blog post, more than one and a half years ago, showed some of my favorite photos of the New York City skyline. (You can find that post here.) One of the best views of Manhattan is from Gantry Plaza State Park, along the East River in Long Island City, Queens. The park is a wonderful place to watch the sun set over the city, and the city lights at night can be magical.
Last night we went to a restaurant not far from the waterfront, and afterwards we walked down to the park to view the city. The clouds were coming in, and fog was descending. It certainly was a different view than usual! Still, even without being able to see the skyline, the city was beautiful. Would you have guessed that this is New York City?
This was definitely not the night to use the viewers – as demonstrated by my wife! Regardless, we had fun. And on a night like this, we had the park to ourselves.
The fog was not so thick that we didn’t spy the Queensboro Bridge in the distance. This is one bridge that looks better at night, when the bridge’s structure is less visible.
There are always the views of Long Island City and the gantry cranes – the fog had not obscured them yet.
Or how about this view of the Hunter’s Point Library construction site, with its unique architectural design by architect Steven Holl? I can’t wait to see the library once it’s finished!
Here’s another close-up view. Doesn’t it look intriguing?
Finally, a photo of the vintage Pepsi sign. Even with some of the neon tubes unlit, the sign still glows brightly in the dark.
(If you want to visit Gantry Plaza State Park yourself, the directions are found here, in my earlier Manhattan skyline post.)
Finding NYC 
Hi, Susan!
NYC is filled with the beautiful and the unexpected of both natural and artificial origins. From the natural highs and lows of upper Manhattan, to High Bridge and the nearby High Bridge Water Tower (both interior and exterior), to the New England(ish) feel of City Island, to the gates and square of Forest Hills Gardens, to the Cathedral of Saint John the Devine (which is not as well known as St. Patrick Cathedral and Trinity Church), to the ornate gates of Green-Wood Cemetery (yes, you read that correctly), there is much about NYC that largely escapes most. Enjoy this great city and please continue your excellent work.
All the best,
Keith V.
I’m glad you found my blog. You are right – New York City is home to so many treasures. By blogging, I make sure I don’t just do the same things over and over again. I’ve visited most of the places you mentioned – they are all examples of the diverse architecture and culture that makes exploring this city such an adventure. Thanks for stopping by!
Your first photograph is really lovely!
Thanks, John!
This post brought back happy memories of our evening together there just over a year ago. It’s hard to believe it’s so long ago and that we have both been blogging for 18 months. I don’t know why it took me so long to start my blog but I still love reading blogs and writing posts just as much after all this time. Since Christmas I’ve also become a Postcrosser and that is so much fun too! If you haven’t heard about it check out its website and let me know what you think. Best Wishes, Marion.
It is hard to believe it has been over a year since we met, Marion! You’ve done a lot of traveling since that time, and I’ve enjoyed it from afar. I’ve continued exploring New York City as well. Hopefully my work schedule will calm down enough at some point and I’ll get to travel again as well. I had never heard of Postcrossing before you mentioned it, but it looks like fun. It reminds me of the pen pals I had as a child. I will have to sign up and do it!
Best wishes to you as well, Susan
These are great – and, ooh, I can’t help getting excited at another library!
As soon as I realized it was going to be a library, I thought of you! I can’t wait to see what it’s like inside once it’s finished.
I’m sure you will show me!
That library is amazing! I’d have to go there asap! 🙂
The city on a smudgy foggy night is a very different creature. And I love the photo of your wife with a replaced face!
She normally hates to have her photo taken, but she didn’t protest that one!
3rd time lucky! 🙂 I tried to comment on my phone from Florence but not with much success. I like the foggy images, Susan.
Thanks, Jo! I sometimes have difficulty commenting on things from my phone as well. I look forward to reading about Florence!
We’ve had some incredibly foggy days these past few weeks and it makes for some fun pictures. Enjoyed seeing NYC in the fog.