Ridgewood Reservoir use to be a freshwater wetland on the border between Brooklyn and Queens. What…read moreis now the upper area of Highland Park. I either go for a walk or run along the trailway all the time. Just recently after doing some research the 3rd basin used to be Ridgewood Reservoir until 1989 when the reservoir was drained out. One of the many fascinating history of this once Reservoir. There use to be a waterfall. At a certain distance while walking on the trail way you get to see portions of the abandoned and once waterfall. At first you would assume it was used as stairs to get to somewhere down, but nothing like it. I could only image the view. Another fascinating history behind the Ridgewood Reservoir, there used to be a keepers house and guest house. Only a small part of that house remains while the other part is long gone. Not sure if people while out running or just taking a stroll notices these tiny historical fragments distance away. Ridgewood Reservoir is very peaceful, quiet, and very well preserved naturally. If you are the walker type it can take you about 20 minutes to walk Ridgewood Reservoir. For those bike or running enthusiasts less.

One of my good friends who lives in East New York recently told me about this magical place just a…read morefew months ago. While visiting my folks the other day in Fresh Meadows, I decided to bike to the Reservoir and see what all the hype was about. I have friends who live nearby and they are always telling me to visit. While visiting my parents the other day, I borrowed my dads old 79s Italian road bike and went for it. It was about about 8 miles but it was worth it. The reservoir is not to be confused with Highland Park though they are right near each other. If you've ever have noticed a bike path on the right hand side of the Jackie Robinson highway going east bound (nearby exit 2 or 3 perhaps), this it where that leads to. If you're biking like I was, there's a pretty decent amount of bike rack space on both sides of the water. The bike racks are also pretty publicly facing so seemed decently safe to me, as long as you have a decent or good lock. With by bike secured, I was able to walk around and take in the spectacular views of the water while enjoying the sounds of hundreds of singing birds, who too decided to spend the day relaxing by the reservoir. I couldn't help but forgot that I was still technically in New York City. Seriously, it felt like I was somewhere here on Long Island. The best part about this park, is that if you're adventurous, it turns out there are some really cool hidden paths all around. I found one that gave took to this unobstructed and extremely private view of the water. I had the entire one half of the park to myself. It was just me, my thoughts and nature. Bring some binoculars if you have any and go bird watching. I spotted some beautiful Red Robin's and blue jays. If you're ever out this way, I HIGHLY suggest you check this place out.

I always check out this spot when visiting New York! Parking is incredibly easy and the area is…read morevery open and perfect for picnics or just relaxing with friends or family. There's also a very cool museum nearby!

It's the Eiffel Tower of Queens! Like the Eiffel Tower it was constructed for a World's Fair…read more(1964). If you are ever in Corona Park or Citi Field, it's worth stopping by to snap a selfie. In the middle of the day in the middle of the week, there was almost no one around.

On our random visit, entrances to the Lambert Castle and Tower were closed, but the road was open…read more We were able to admire this lovely structure from outside. Our intention anyway was to go hiking. That was accomplished. From the area of the tower, which sits higher than the castle, some panoramic views can be seen ofthe surrounding cityscape. You can also find other hiking trails that lead you further along the hilltop. A perfectly beautiful day also makes this spot... - lovely for a picnic - picturesque for a photoshoot - ideal for a background in your vlog - an escape from the noise of a busy week - nice for a nap or daydream - sweet for something romantic - zen for meditation

I took a tour of Lambert Castle a couple days prior and felt the need to explore the tower up the…read morehill. It was beautiful! Elegant stone work. A trellis covered in vines. Views of nature all the way to NYC that would've been glorious many decades ago. The valley is a bit over developed now, but still impressive. This tower would've been an extension of the extravagant home below. Just walking around it gives you a sense of power and incorporation into nature on this unique mountain in the middle of a densely populated city. Garret mountain, holds this gem, and many others. Well worth a visit!

a great little public green space somewhat oddly located on the busy Woodhaven Boulevard. I've…read morealways been fascinated by how this city's neighborhoods, streets, and transit developed; this park is an excellent reminder of days gone by. it's a simple park (just grass, trees, and a few benches), but named after a complex and interesting man. a New York City local boy who was, at various points in his life, a media mogul, a magician, a World War One artillery sergeant, a politician, and an important member of Queens' American Legion community. when I walked by last week, saw a few people sitting there, drinking coffee, reading the paper, just relaxing. it seems well maintained, though that could also be due to its location. a nice break from - and yet right in the middle of - the hustle and bustle of city life. posts with horse-heads on top, clutching rings in their mouths, appear all around the perimeter of this Triangle. Trotting Course Lane, as it turns out, dates back to the days of horse and carriage; it was eventually straightened and made into Woodhaven Boulevard for those magnificent men in their driving machines, but a remnant of the original Lane itself is still there as a residential street intersecting Woodhaven. sidenote: I spent a good ten minutes hunting down the information necessary for this review, methodically going through Google Maps, Forgotten NY, the NYC Parks Department, and FourSquare. technology is wonderful, ainnit?

The ability to uncover any new historical information regarding Nat Schneider Park is all for not…read moreas Mike B touched on all the key points. This park served us, the wild but respectful teenagers of the area quite well for many years. My friend lived in the corner house off the Woodhaven side and many a hot summer night we would spill out onto the Triangle for a reprieve from the indoors. As I drive by now and peer over for a quick glance its great to see the upkeep continuing and improvments being made for the next group to enjoy. Although not a park for young children nor dogs as there is too many cars in constant motion on two sides, it sure is a nice late evening and/or early morning destination before the traffic brings the noise pollution.

King Manor was the summer house of Rufus King a founding father, politician and anti slavery…read moreactivist. The house once a farm is now a ten acre park. You can reserve a tour online or walk in during business hours. Tours are free. Donations are accepted and they have a small gift shop area too. The tour guide was very knowledgeable and welcoming. He spoke of the family, their kids, famous guests and life in the time period. Some of the house has items from the time period and the other areas are for current exhibits. I stopped in on lunch break, but I'd like to go on again with more time to really capture the history. It was interesting to see artifacts they would've used in their daily lives in the 1800s like the space heater and the rotisserie chicken cooking contraption.

More of a historical home and less of a traditional museum, King Manor is the home of one of…read moreAmerica's founding fathers, Rufus King. Sitting in what is now known as Rufus King Park (#1), it faces Jamaica Ave sitting between 150th / 153rd Street. Built in the 1700s, it is one of the true relics of New York City and a landmark of the borough. This house museum is run by the King Manor Association, which has been in operation since 1900. (#2) Despite being recognized as a national historic landmark half a century ago, I find that many folks, even people who live in Jamaica, are generally unaware of the museum. It's undergone a lot of change over the centuries, which included a couple of fires that sustained enough damage to do a whole renovation of the home several times. Aside from tours, the house and the surrounding park have become destinations for community events. School tours and activities ranging from art and literacy are done here. Open from Monday-Saturday (but closed on Wednesdays and Sundays), the admission is free to enter. Walk-ins are a no-go but reservations can be made for small groups online. Donations are accepted and encouraged. ____________ (#1) https://www.yelp.com/biz/rufus-king-park-jamaica (#2) It's only been 120+ years, NBD

Fantastic little Park memorializing firefighters from September 11th 2001. From here you have an…read moreunfettered view of the entire Skyline on the island of Manhattan. One can only imagine what it looked like from this location. The firefighters from Rockaway must have seen what looked like Armageddon in the distance, yet they went toward it. There's a sign at the entrance to the park looking for volunteers. The memorial Park definitely needs some landscaping work.

This park is small, but it really is quite pretty. You have wonderful views of the city far off in…read morethe background with nicely decorated and manicured landscaping and structures.

This place is a hidden gem in Brooklyn! Although I don't live in the area, I know a handful of…read morepeople that do. Came here recently with my boyfriend for about an hour. There's parking available upon arrival. There's seating alongside the body of water. There's various activities available to do here including walking, taking a seat to overlook the water or people-watch, picnic, BBQ or grill, fishing, and running or jogging. The area is definitely kept clean. There's plenty of trash cans available here as well. I'm looking forward to returning here for some more relaxation.

Very relaxing walking destination one half mile from my house. Lots of regular folk fishing,…read moresitting around, talking and just enjoying the day. Plenty of benches and shade. Nice place to hang out. Bathrooms available.

It was nice to see the grand neo-Renaissance style of fountain in NYC especially in Bronx. Founded…read morein 1891 and located within Bronx Park. Close to the Railroad station Botanical Garden.

Visited back in April -- the Vander Ende-Onderdonk House Museum is a true hidden gem. Nestled right…read moreon the Queens-Brooklyn county line, in the far northwest corner of Ridgewood and well off the typical tourist path, this historic house museum offers a quiet, intimate escape with a fascinating story to tell. The collection inside is thoughtfully curated, showcasing artifacts that illuminate both the house's past and the surrounding neighborhood's rich history. The staff is warm and welcoming, and one guide in full period attire was not only gracious but impressively knowledgeable a wonderful touch that really brings the space to life. This is a must-visit for history buffs, preservation professionals, Ridgewood locals, or anyone exploring NYC who's craving an "out-of-the-way" spot to slow down, reflect, and soak in some Queens-centric history. Don't miss the "Arbitration Rock" on the grounds tucked inside a picket-fenced enclosure, it's an intriguing remnant of the historic boundary dispute that once defined the Ridgewood (Queens)-Bushwick (Brooklyn) border. A peaceful, educational, and surprisingly charming experience.

We were so happy to have our daughter's wedding at the Onderdonk house and gardens at the end of…read moreMay. The staff there could not have been better stewards for the space or kinder shepherds to us as we worked out way through the planning, execution, and enjoyment of a wonderful event with friends and family. We are big DIYers and the gracious guidance of Virginia and others at Vander Ende-Onderdonk took exceptional care of us. A joyous event (and huge success for us) and cannot sing my praises enough for this gem of a location.