Industrial Chic

Upon moving to Long Island City, Queens (LIC for short) in early 2007, I've had the opportunity to explore many interesting historic buildings, museums, parks, mom and pop shops and restaurants in this predominantly industrial neighborhood. The area has become a hotbed for artists who are taking advantage of the old warehouses and factory buildings that have been turned into studios. It's a quiet area that's slowly becoming "the next cool 'hood" as residential and commercial development increases.

A few notable places that get the White Elephant thumbs up, include:

Just Things
This small secondhand thrift store is a true treasure located on Vernon Blvd. at 47th Rd. The small two-room store is filled to the brim with dust-covered, kitschy objects, dishes and glassware, costume jewelry and an array of clothing spanning many decades. Every time I pop in, there are new relics added to the collection, so multiple visits are required for all you thrift store lovers. Open Weds-Sat from noon-5:00pm.

Brooks 1890 Restaurant
First opened in 1890 as a saloon, Brooks is one of the oldest restaurants in Queens, and still retains its original decor, including a mahogany bar. They are known mostly for their steak and seafood fare; but I actually recommend their burgers. Brooks is located next to the Court House Square F subway stop on Jackson Ave.

Socrates Sculpture Park
Before becoming a neighborhood park and a place for artists to exhibit innovative, large-scale sculptures for the public in 1986, the area was an abandoned landfill. A walk through the park is a must for anyone looking for a quick retreat from the city. And just down the way, you'll find the always inspirational Noguchi Museum, with it's wonderful outdoor sculpture garden. Socrates Sculpture Park is located along the East River at the intersection of Broadway and Vernon Blvd. and is open all year round from 10:00am to sunset.

The Pepsi Sign
Facing Manhattan along the East River in Hunter's Point (the southernmost area of LIC), the Pepsi-Cola sign has become a local icon in the community. With it's Art Deco, cursive letters, the neon sign originally stood atop the Pepsi bottling plant, which opened in 1938 and remained in operation until 1998, when it was ultimately relocated. The sign was moved to it's current location after the community encouraged local government and developers to preserve the sign as an historical landmark. (photo: www.queenswest.com)

For more information about Long Island City, visit:
Forgotten NY Neighborhoods
LIC NYC