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In the past two months, I’ve racked up four visits to Governor’s Island alone. Which is saying a lot, as my previous count stood at only one.
Of course, making the trek to Governors Island is nothing new, as over a million people a year come to the 172-acre island, finding a needed escape amongst its parks and walking paths or quietly inside the massive spa imported from the Italian motherland. But even so, several New Yorkers still have yet to take the arduous 10-minute jaunt across the water. But this summer in particular, there seems to be a hum of activity, best discovered now that the sun is out and beaming.
One of the brightest lights goes to the literal fire burning on the north side of the island courtesy of Theodora Beach Club. Taking over the Taco Vista space every Friday and Saturday from now until the end of August, chef Tomer Blechman and crew do the work of digging pits and agitating fires to power a series of domed and portico grills. There they hang scores of chickens and juice strung up oranges over whole red snappers. It's exciting to watch, even more so to eat. Fridays bring a more casual beach club vibe where guests flock—and at times, swarm—from station to station, swiping fresh made and freckled laffah through plates of labneh and eat lamb that's been lashed with bundles of rosemary, while Saturdays bring a more formal sit-down affair. With just a few more dates on the horizon, the Theodora Beach Club crew is inviting more friends to the fire, including Top Chef alum Lana Lagomarsini of Sip & Guzzle (July 10-11), Chicago's Bar Bambi (August 7-8) and downtown Brooklyn's Sunken Harbor Club (August 29).
Also off the northside of the island right off of Soisson's Landing is Six Coasts, a pan-American coastal waterfront restaurant from the same folks who brought us Smorgasbord. Scotley Innis steers the ship through the North and South American waters, and he is the most proper steward, given that his last name translates to “island by the sea." He particularly does a fine justice to oysters, dressing them with twee chilled pineapple yuzu lime granitas or grilling them with callaloo and duck bacon under a melt of smoked Parmesan. He sails around, picking up fatty duck chicharrón and aguachiles from Latin countries before making a stop in the Caribbean, nodding to his Jamaican heritage by bringing along jerk chicken. And while the grill stays hot, the cocktails, such as the cachaça and passion fruit Rio Rush Hour and the coconutt-y vodka and watermelon combo in the Coco Melo, are nice and cold.
But, more often than not, people who arrive at Governors Island seek out rest, particularly the 100,000-square-foot sprawl of wellness found at QC Spa New York. It is easy to make a full day at the Italian chateau, with its various saunas, whirlpools and relaxation rooms that span waterfalls to a corner solely filled with rows of waterbeds. And now it's even easier to make it a long-term stay, given the new Italian restaurant onsite with table-side tiramisu at its disposal. Plus, this summer brings a chill DJ sunset series in the garden, putting a soundtrack to sundown.
And if you just want to extend the island fantasy just a littttle bit longer, then all you need to do is jump in a golf cart and head to Collective Retreats on Governor's Island. The ultimate glamping experience, the campground features a mix of upscale tents down to private suites that house fireplaces and outdoor decks parked right at the edge of the waterfront. Dinner can be had at Three Peaks Lodge Restaurant, followed up with an outdoor bonfire and s'mores combo, while the mornings bring yoga and complimentary breakfast. It will make you feel like you've experienced the great outdoors, just your best friend Lady Liberty at your side.
Convinced you yet? Here's hoping you book that ferry and add a visit to Governors Island to our summer itinerary.