Pssst. Hey, you! Yeah, I’m talking to YOU! Have any plans today? Want to take a little trip with me? Where to? Well, I was thinking maybe Coney Island. A stroll along the boardwalk, perhaps? We can take in the sites, the sounds, the sand and surf. Maybe even take a break for some suds and snacks. So, whaddya say? Come with? Great! Grab your MetroCard and let’s go! Your MetroCard will score you some cool deals at the beach this summer. [http://www.mta.info/metrocard/promos/coneyisland/index.html]
Hurry, I hear the F train coming! Whew. Made it just in time. We’ll get off at the West 8th Street station and work our way from there. I’m thinking the New York Aquarium first? Here’s our stop. Look over to your right – The World Famous Cyclone Roller Coaster. What? You want to ride on it later? Well, you go right ahead. I’ll just wait for you at ground level. And besides, I don’t meet the height requirement of 54”. Obviously I’m lying. Now c’mon! Let’s go or we’ll miss the penguin feedings. [www.nyaquarium.com]
How awesome was that Sea Lion Encounter? Definitely worth the extra $20 to interact with a sea lion up close and personal. And to even have him kiss you! Okay, are you hungry? Let’s walk along the boardwalk and get some grub. Oh, you think it’s better to ride the Cyclone on an empty stomach? Yeah, I guess you’re right. Let’s go. Me? Oh, no no no. I’ll just wait right here while you get your thrill on. My heart will be pumping just watching you make that first drop at 85 feet. Did I mention it’s 84-years old annnnnnnd made almost entirely of wood? Oooookay then. You have fun with that. See you in a minute and fifty. [www.coneyislandcyclone.com]
You want to go on it AGAIN? Maybe later. I know something that will take your thrill even higher – Deno’s Wonder Wheel. As you are perched 150 feet high on this enticing landmark, make sure you take in the amazing panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, the Jersey Shore and the NYC Skyline. Better yet, to add that extra tickle, sit in one of the 16 swinging passenger cars. Yes SWINGING! Okay, you’re going on this one by yourself too. Have fun. [www.wonderwheel.com]
Can’t get enough, huh? Well, let’s head on over to the new and improved Luna Park Amusement Park only steps away. You will be racing, soaring and swinging high in the sky on their incredible thrill rides. I’m not as daring as you, so I’ll stick to one of the family rides. Better yet, I think the kiddie rides are more my speed. Wait. While we’re here, take your camera out and snap a pic. Luna Park is holding its 1st Annual Lunapic Contest. Submit a picture or video taken at the park for a chance to win cash, prizes and even public recognition. But, hurry. You only have until August 22, 2010 to submit your work of art. [www.lunaparknyc.com]
Hungry yet? We already know that Nathan’s Famous hot dogs is a legendary staple in Coney Island [www.nathansfamous.com], but let’s try something different. What are you in the mood for? A corn dog or a sausage & pepper from Paul’s Daughter (W 10th St & Bwlk)? Perhaps a gyro or some fresh-shucked clams from the Gyro Corner Clam Bar (W 12th St & Bwlk). Or, we can walk down to Steve’s Grill House (Bwlk & W 19th St) where we can pick up some Mexican offerings such as tangy chicken or carnitas tacos followed by some funnel cake. I know what I’m in the mood for – a ¼ pollo with a side of maduros fritos and arroz y frijoles from Pio Pio Riko “The House of the Best Peruvian Rotisserie Chicken” (1023 Bwlk). Oooh and don’t forget the green sauce – and lots of it! More popular to Queens, Pio Pio Riko is a new (and welcome) addition to Coney Island. But, let’s get it all to go. I know of a great place where we can kick off our shoes and wash it all down. It’s right there, just off the boardwalk.
Welcome to Beer Island – Coney Island’s answer to the Ritz! Okay, not really, but it’s like your own private Idaho here. Pop a squat at any of the umbrella-ed tables and dig your toes in the sand. So what’ll it be – a Mermaid Pilsner? An Albino Python? How about a Coney Island Lager? $5 will get you most brews ($10 for the 24 oz.). Still hungry? A nice roast beef & mozz hero would go great with that cold beer. Walk on over there to John’s Deli [www.johnsdeli.com]. The Bensonhurst deli has opened shop this summer on Beer Island with their abbreviated menu. Now, this is the life. [www.beerislandconeyisland.com]
I know. I know. I can stay here all day too. But there is so much more to see and do! Want to catch a Brooklyn Cyclones game at MCU Park (formerly Keyspan)? Dem Baby Bums are currently in first-place and are doing much better than their parent team The NY Mets *sigh* [www.brooklyncyclones.com]. Want to take in the circus instead? Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey’s: The Coney Island Illuscination is back under the big top (W 21st St) with its one-ring circus [currently running through September 6, 2010 - http://www.ringling.com/TopLanding.aspx?id=44950]. Or, we can go catch some more drinks at Ruby’s (1213 Riegelmann Bwlk), the oldest bar & grill on the CI Boardwalk [www.rubysconeyisland.com]. I hear some live music playing over at Cha-Cha’s (1229 Riegelmann Bwlk), “Home of Wild Women and Wise Guys!” I could go for one of their (very tall) frozen pina coladas [www.chachasofconeyisland.com]. But not until we Shoot the Freak (Bwlk & Henderson Wlk).
Well, it is getting late and since it is a Friday (Pretend you’re reading this on a Friday, okay? Work with me here.), might as well hit the beach and wait for the fireworks to begin [every Friday night beginning at 9:30, concluding the Friday before Labor Day]. But wait! You can’t leave without a Coney Island souvenir. The best (and pinkest) place in town would be the Lola Star Souvenir Boutique (Bwlk bet. Stillwell & W 12th St). She has all sorts of Coney Island memorabilia to choose from. Once you start rockin’ that one-of-a-kind Lola original CI tee, you’ll be too cool for school. [She also just opened her Surf Boutique inside the Stillwell Avenue subway station with a SoHo Pop Up Boutique coming this Fall – www.lolastar.com]
The fireworks are starting. Thanks for taking this trip with me on the boardwalk today. Did you have fun? Next time, we need to explore Surf Avenue where we’ll grab some coconut-watermelon slices, try a “banana and pistachio twist”, go on some bumper cars, catch a freak show, take in the Coney Island Museum…
See you on the Boardwalk ~ Brooklyn Mama
For even MORE info check out www.coneyisland.com and www.coneyislandfunguide.com.
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