• News

    Big Changes for 2012 on Island

    I’m back to writing about Governors Island as the new season is upon us. The 2012 season will feature drastic cuts in programs and access to the island, which is only open on Saturdays and Sundays (plus Memorial Day and Labor Day) beginning May 26. Visitors must make do with 30 days this season to see the island. The National Park Service provides limited access to the island on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays (June-Sept.), but a ranger accompanies visitors at all times. No Friday afternoon solo bike rides to Picnic Point this year. A limited amount of construction work on the island took place in the off-season, however, no old…

  • News

    Free Walking Tour July 4

    On Monday, July 4, I’m going to lead a free walking tour on Governors Island: The Secrets of Governors Island. My friend Janice Garingo and I launched the Governors Island Explorer’s Guide in May for iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch. We will meet at 1:15 on the hill above where the free Manhattan ferry docks (it’s called Soissons Dock, for the World War I engagement where the island’s 16th Infantry Regiment lost more than 1,700 men). The walk will be about two hours and we’ll end up at Water Taxi Beach for some Independence Day cold ones. The walk: free. The beer: not. I’ve been leading tours of the island…