urban-rural feel. (The soda maker used to operate a bottling plant
in the northern portion.)
Inside scoop: The park keeps growing. Recently, LIC Landing
was completed in a section to the south of Gantry. With similar
spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline, this new public
space features a promenade, children’s play area, fields, and an
upscale café, COFFEED. A ferry that goes to Manhattan and
Brooklyn stops there too.
Address: 4-09 47th Road, Long Island City,
www.nysparks.com.
Quens Center mall
With about 1 million square feet, four stories, and a 60 foot-indiameter
octagonal skylight, Queens Center is the borough’s
largest mall. And due largely to its urban location in a highdensity
neighborhood, it is one of the highest grossing malls (per
square foot) in the United States. An estimated 27 million people
visit each year, and there is parking for 2,000 automobiles.
Owned by the Macerich Company, the center hosts about 175
retailers. Anchor tenants are JC Penny and Macy’s, while major
tenants include Aeropostale, Armani, Banana Republic, Godiva
Chocolatier, Guess, H&M, Kay Jewelers, Red Mango, Shake
Shack, and Victoria’s Secret.
Inside scoop: Queens Center is located on the former site of
Fairyland Kiddiepark. At its height in the 1960s, the amusement
park had 24 rides, including a merry-go-round, a roller coaster,
and a little Ferris wheel. The mall was built in 1973.
Address: 90-15 Queens Boulevard, Elmhurst,
www.shopqueenscenter.com.
Queens Center Mall
70 QUEENS IN YOUR POCKET • www.itsinqueens.com