Summer in the City- bike, walk, eat: 2 neighborhood tours

Summer weather is finally here and there are so many things to do when the sun is shining. Take advantage of the longer days in and around Queens with these summer outings.

Bike or walk from LIC to Greenpoint and explore what two fantastic neighborhoods have to offer- just minutes away from eachother:

1.) LIC QUEENS WALKING JOURNEY– (Map)

First Stop- Get yourself a nice cool drink at  LIC bar or Dominie’s Hoek- both on Vernon Blvd just steps away- enjoy the large outdoor patio area and sip some refreshing beers on tap. The neighborhood crowd is usually easy-going at these two local bars and the service is friendly.

Second Stop- Now that you’ve cooled off enjoy some culture at Dean Project Art Gallery ( 45-43 21st Street Long Island City, NY 11101 718-706- 1462) .  This month’s exhibition- Cringe- features live performance works like Asshole that will make you…well, cringe. Some audience participation required!

2.) WALK OR BIKE JOURNEY–LIC to Greenpoint via the Pulaski Bridge–(Map)

First Stop- LIC The Creek and the Cave  (10-93 Jackson Ave 718-706-8783) This is more than just a bar- they have an outdoor patio and entertainment like music, comedy and theater.  Get a drink here and sit outside- then head over to Brooklyn for an American Nuveau dinner…

Continue by foot or wheels over the Pulaski Bridge. There is a pedestrian friendly walkway and it takes about 15-20 minutes (walking) to cross the bridge into our neighboring boro- Greenpoint- once you’re off of the bridge- go three blocks until you hit Eagle Street. This is a quiet- unscathed by the hipsters- tree-lined street. Continue on Eagle Street then take a left on West Street- keep going until you hit Greenpoint Avenue- between West and Franklin there is a little jem of an eatery called Paloma.

Second Stop- Hungry? Paloma (60 Greenpoint Ave) is a sure bet for tasty inventive American entrees- at half the price you will pay in Manhattan ($7-$14). Camille Becerra- a former contestant on Top Chef- is Paloma’s executive chef. Take advantage of the outdoor sidewalk seating or come inside to enjoy the ultra modern decor. The food menu and extensive cocktail list at this restaurant are creative but not overly ambitious. Some of our favorites are Parmesean Encrusted Pollock dish with cous cous and herbs and the Stuffed Poblano Pepper with pumpkin and chedder entree . Cool off with one of the many delicious cocktails like a Pink Lemonade or La Paloma- refreshing and manly enough for the guys to drink. Be sure to check out the cool bathrooms and get dessert- even if you are full.If you are too tired to walk back to Queens you can always take the bus B61

Second Stop #2- Don’t you like those alternative ending storybooks? If you’re not hungry, or on a budget you can always bypass Greenpoint Ave and keep going down West St until you hit the mega furniture warehouse- From The Source (69 West St) . This giant showroom houses custom made indonesian furniture and it doesn’t cost a cent to peruse the warehouse. There are tons of uniquely made wooden furniture pieces to gander just for the sake of it.