Broad Channel, Queens

Photographs: Caroline Voagen Nelson

LOCATION
60 minutes from midtown. Take the A to Broad Channel. The islet is about a mile long and walkable.

Sunday 24 Escape Manhattan for the mellow pleasures of Broad Channel, Queens. For a throwback to the days of Andy Griffith, stop by Broad Channel’s classic Memorial Day parade. Members of the American Legion, along with other veterans and cowboys on horses will march down Cross Bay Boulevard to the VFW memorial rock at 6th Road and Cross Bay. Meet at the Veterans Memorial Bridge on the southern end of the island (718-634-5106). 2pm, free.

Starts Wednesday 27 If you’d rather do the paddling yourself, the Sebago Canoe Club will lead introductory kayaking tours through Labor Day weekend. The kayaks and lockers are provided, but you should bring a lock, a hat, sunblock and a bathing suit. “When you get out there, New York City is like a mirage in the distance,” says club commodore John Wright. 1400 Paerdegat Ave North, Canarsie, Brooklyn (718-241-3683). Wed 5:30–8pm, Sat 9:30am–12:30pm; $10, ages 16–18 must be accompanied by a parent (no one under 16 is allowed).

May 30 and June 20 Let the wind take liberties with your hair during a three-hour sunset cruise around the backwaters of the 13,000-acre Jamaica Bay. JFK Airport isn’t far away, so you can watch planes and birds take off simultaneously. Cruise departs from Pier No. 2 at Emmons Ave and Bedford Ave, Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn (718-318-9344). 5–8pm, $45.

July 26 July is peak time for butterflies in New York, so score a close-up of the monarchs and American ladies during a guided bird and butterfly walk. There are more than 70 species in the refuge, and you’ll likely see about 25 of them. Meet at the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Visitors Center, Cross Bay Blvd at Broad Channel (718-318-9344). 10am–1pm, free.

Anytime Speaking of the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, it’s the No. 1 attraction in Broad Channel. You’ll spot a variety of rare birds like glossy ibises and snowy egrets while taking a turn around the pond. Of course, there are no guarantees. “It’s not a zoo,” says Barbara Toborg, office manager of Broad Channel’s American Littoral Society. “They’re there. Whether you see all of them is another thing.” Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, Cross Bay Blvd at Broad Channel (718-318-4340). 8:30am–5pm, free.

EAT, SHOP, SLEEP
Chow down on fried calamari ($8.95–$16.95) and order a Bayview Bomb Pop frozen vodka drink ($7; on Memorial Day only) at the Bayview Restaurant & Lounge. 25 Van Brunt Rd at 21st Rd (718-634-4555)

The majestic tan building that’s outfitted with castlelike towers is Wharton’s Apothecary, a pharmacy owned and erected by Charles W. Howard, who made his fortune on Call-a-Head portable toilets. 9-01 Cross Bay Blvd at 9th Rd (718-634-3733)

Grab an everything slice ($3.50) at Tommy’s Pizzeria. 9-15 Cross Bay Blvd at 9th Rd (718-945-6054)

Among the old gas pumps, soda machines and tin beer signs at The New Grassy Point Hotel, there’s a wall lined with 1920s and ’30s photos of Broad Channel buildings.“My wife wouldn’t let me take my antiques home, so I just brought them all here,” says owner John McCambridge. 18-02 Cross Bay Blvd at 18th Rd (718-474-1688)

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