• Early Birds Monument
    History,  News

    The Early Birds Monument and Governors Island Aviation Pioneers

    Governors Island played an important role in the history of aviation. Each week this month will be a historical look at one event in the island’s contribution to the history of manned flight. The Early Birds Monument is the only tribute to the island’s part in the early days of aviation. It is located outside Liggett Hall (40.687967 N, -74.018033 E). The unique bronze monument is also the first public sculpture on Governors Island. This rough-cut granite marker has a bronze propeller that was cast from a wooden one used by Wilbur Wright on the Island in 1909. The monument was dedicated on Dec. 17, 1954 to honor pioneering aviators…

  • Food trucks on Governors Island. (Credit: The Live Fast Group)
    Features

    Grab A Plate, Here’s the Food Truck Schedule for Several Vendors

    (Part of a series on Island business) Food trucks are extremely popular on Governors Island, which at this time has no permanent restaurants. The trucks have been a mainstay for more than five years, and of course, the island is home to the annual Vendy Awards, which this year will be held on September 12. Today there are more than a dozen food trucks on the island; some are under the @govislandfood Twitter handle. Other food trucks are on the island independently. Most are gathered around Liggett Hall (Building 400) nearby Liggett Terrace. We got the lowdown from Ben Goldberg, CEO of the Live Fast Group, about which trucks are…

    Comments Off on Grab A Plate, Here’s the Food Truck Schedule for Several Vendors
  • Little Eva's
    Features

    Little Eva’s Returns to Island with Brooklyn Favorites

    Third in a series. I’m really glad to know Little Eva’s is back on the island for 2015. I fell in love with it three years ago, and the charming beer garden on the island. Grilled food and cold beer? I’m there. Little Eva’s is the outpost of Kevin’s Red Hook, the seafood restaurant and catering operation run by Kevin Moore and Caroline Parker. Little Eva’s is located on Liggett Terrace and will be open 10am-6pm Thursday to Sunday, and holiday Mondays, May 23 until the end of September. Kevin answered questions about what the plans are for 2015, and what he loves about the island. How did Little Eva’s…

  • Brooklyn Soda Works
    Features

    Brooklyn Soda Works Back to Pour More on Island

    First In A Series When I first started going to Governors Island, 12 years ago, I had to bring a backpack with a bottle of water and a sandwich. Now there are actual vendors with great stuff for sale to eat and drink. To kick off my feature series about the people and places on the island, I’m starting with the Brooklyn Soda Works. Caroline Mak was good enough to answer my questions. They will be in the same spot as last season, on Liggett Terrace. How would you describe your product line? We make fresh juice sodas – we don’t use any syrups and don’t make anything from concentrate.…