'''Flushing''' is in Queens, a borough of New York City. Flushing is the biggest Chinatown in New York City, and more diverse than Manhattan's Chinatown. It also contains a large Korean and a large Indian neighborhood, with various other ethnic groups represented. Consider taking a trip there if you are visiting New York for more than a week, or if you would like a delicious meal before or/and after watching a game at Citi Field or matches at the U.S. Open.

Get in

Subway

Take the 7 train to the last stop, Flushing - Main St.

Long Island Railroad

The Flushing-Main St. stop on the Port Washington Line of the Long Island Railroad [http://mta.info/lirr/html/ttn/flushing.htm] arguably marks the exact center of Flushing. The train stop is about two blocks south of the Flushing - Main St. stop on the 7 train. On weekends, one-way LIRR fare within the city limits (including Manhattan's Penn Station) is $3.25 - still pricier and less scenic than the subway, but faster, and the best way to reach points east of the 7 train's terminus.

Bus

There are many Metropolitan Transit Authority buses that serve Flushing. Go to the MTA website [http://www.mta.info/] to download a Queens bus map. While waiting for the bus, make sure you are on the right side of the street for the direction you want to travel. From LaGuardia Airport, you can take the Q48 bus.

Car

The center of Flushing, Main St. between Roosevelt Av. and where it forks with Kissena Blvd., is accessible from exits from major highways like the Grand Central Parkway and the Long Island Expressway.

Airplane

Flushing is close to LaGuardia Airport (LGA). For those arriving at or departing from LaGuardia, the MTA bus route Q48 stops on Roosevelt Av. at the corner of Main St., and taxis are also available.

See

  • Watch a '''New York Mets''' game at '''Citi Field''' [http://newyork.mets.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/index.jsp?c_id=nym]. ''(Subway: 7 Train to Shea Stadium-Willets Point; LIRR: Port Washington Line to Shea Stadium-Willets Point).'' Citi Field is brand new for the 2009 season. The Jackie Robinson Rotunda is a unique architectural entrance to the stadium which pays homage to the first black player in baseball. Jackie played for the Brooklyn Dodgers at Ebbets Field. Since the Met's new ballpark is the closest one to the old Ebbets Field site, it both honors the great Jackie Robinson and mimics the old architecture of Ebbets Field with its arched facade.
  • Do

  • '''Flushing Meadows-Corona Park''', ''(Subway: 7 Train to Shea Stadium-Willets Point; LIRR: Port Washington Line to Shea Stadium-Willets Point).'' The site of the 1939 and 1964 World's Fairs. The area around the park still includes some architectural and artistic relics of the events (including the '''Unisphere''', a 300 ton spherical grid of steel, the world's largest globe, as featured in "Men In Black"). The park is very expansive, so be prepared to walk, or rent a bike near the Passarelle Building at the north entrance. The park also includes:
  • *'''New York Hall of Science''', ''(North-West corner of park, across Grand Central PKWY),'' +1 718 699-0005, [http://www.nyscience.org/]. Originally a pavilion for the 1964 World's Fair, this science center is now full of hands-on exhibits for the public. Highlights include Sports Challenge, Rocket Park (featuring full sized Atlas and Titan tickets), and a science playground. Admission is $11 Adults, $8 Children and Seniors; free F 2-5PM, Su 10-11AM.
  • *'''Queens Botanical Gardens''', 43-50 Main Street ''(East end of park),'' +1 718 886-3800 [http://www.queensbotanical.org/]. Large garden and arboretum featuring a variety of plants, and also a Victorian-style wedding garden. Free.
  • *'''Queens Museum of Art''', New York City Building ''(West end of park, behind the Unisphere),'' +1 718 592-9700, [http://www.queensmuseum.org/index.htm]. A visual arts center featuring the ''Panorama of New York City;'' a large architectural scale model NYC. Admission is by suggested donation; $5 Adults,#2.50 Children and Seniors.
  • *'''Queens Wildlife Center''', 53-51 111th St ''(West end of park, across Grand Central PKWY),'' +1 718 271-1500, [http://www.queenszoo.org/]. An 11-acre zoo featuring over 40 wildlife species inlcuding bison, mountain lions, and bears. Admission is $7 Adults, $3 Children, $4 Seniors.
  • *'''USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center''', ''(Take a right after entering the north entrance from the Subway or LIRR)'', +1 718 760-6200, [http://www.usta.com/]. Home of the '''U.S. Open''' and also the largest public tennis facility in the world. It features 3 stadium courts, 9 indoor courts, and 14 outdoor courts which are available to the public year-round.
  • Buy

    '''A & C Supermarket''', 4141 Kissena Blvd. across from the Flushing branch of the Queens Borough Public Library, (718) 359-3399, is positively the biggest Chinese supermarket in New York. There are several other large Chinese supermarkets in the neighborhood, but A & C is by far the best for most purposes. You want it, they've got it. A & C is patronized extensively by members of the Chinese community, but also by Indians and Anglos, because it has high-quality fresh produce, all sorts of condiments, fish and seafood, prepared goods, etc., etc.

    Eat

    '''Spicy and Tasty''', 39-07 Prince St., 1H (just north of Roosevelt Av.), (718) 359-1601, serves what's arguably the best Sichuan-style food in New York. Their menu is extensive and full of specialties and nothing but. Just their selection of cold dishes, which are visible in the window, is larger than in any other Sichuan-style restaurant in the Five Boroughs. The restaurant extends to a second floor, which can accommodate larger parties. Expect to pay roughly $15-22/person for lunch or dinner.

    '''Woo Chon''', 4119 Kissena Boulevard (across from the Flushing branch of the Queens Borough Public Library), (718) 463-0803, is a really fine Korean restaurant, and a good place to get barbecue (Galbi or Bulgogi) over charcoal. Their menu is very extensive, and they always serve a good Banchan (set of side dishes that comes with the meal). In keeping with the character of this part of Flushing, most of the waiters can speak Chinese, in addition to Korean and some English. Open late.

    '''Lu's Seafood''', 38-18 Prince St. (corner of 39th Av., one block north of Roosevelt Av.), is a popular Taiwanese restaurant. It serves thick and thin soups which are big enough for a meal with or without a cold dish. For those who want it, there is offal available, notably including pig intestine dishes.

    '''Silver Pond''', 5650 Main St. (corner of Booth Memorial Av.), (718) 463-2888, is a well-known Cantonese banquet restaurant, somewhat upscale, with good parking. They also serve dim sum for breakfast/lunch. The location is close to the Long Island Expressway exit and about 1 mile from the 7 stop at Flushing - Main St., but accessible by bus.

    '''Chao Zhou''', 40-52 Main St. (across from the Flushing branch of the Queens Borough Public Library), (718) 353-7683, is a popular place for good, inexpensive Chao Zhou style noodle soups, dishes on rice, and excellent barbecued dishes (Chinese style), such as Soy Sauce Chicken. Open late.

    '''East Manor''', 4645 Kissena Blvd (corner of Laburnum Ave) (718) 888-8998, is a Zagat Survey rated restaurant that serves some of the best Chinese, Korean, and Japanese food in New York City. This restaurant is often packed during the weekdays, and serves many lunch and diner specials. A buffet room is located on the top floor. It can be on the pricey side for weekends, but much cheaper than Manhattan.

    '''Sunway''', Prince Street and 38th Avenue.

    '''AA Plaza''', 40-66 Main St. (directly under the LIRR overpass), serves fast and inexpensive take-out food for commuters. The scallion pancakes ($1) are particularly good. No seating - eat on your feet, or if the weather permits, sit on the steps of the public library across the street.

    '''Joe's BestBurger''' 39-11 Main Street at the intersection of Roosevelt and Main Street. When you're tired of the chain burger places try Joe's. Hamburgers come in single and double sized. They also offer fried chicken, salads, breakfast items, cheese fries and shakes/sundaes. Joe's also boasts an extensive fountain soda selection: Grape, Orange, Black Cherry, Chocolate, etc.

    Drink

    Flushing is full of bubble tea places. One of the best is '''Sago''', 39-02 Main St. (corner of 39th Av.), (718) 353-2899, which does a lot of business to stay and to go. For great tapioca, milk tea beverages, other flavored tea, ice desserts, slush and many kinds of fancy drinks, you can also visit '''Quickly''', located at 41-40 Kissena Blvd.

    Sleep

    There are a number of hotels in Flushing, including:

    '''Sheraton LaGuardia East Hotel'''[http://www.sheratonlaguardia.com], 135-20 39th Av. (between Main and Prince Sts.), (718) 460-6666

    '''Comfort Inn'''[http://www.comfortinn.com], 133-43 37th Av. (between Prince St. and College Point Boulevard), (718) 939-5000

    '''Best Western Queens Court Hotel'''[http://www.qchotel.com], 133-51 39th Av. (between Prince St. and College Point Boulevard),(718) 888-1900, toll free (888) 390-3900, fax (718) 888-1141

    There is also the '''Flushing YMCA'''[http://www.ymcanyc.org/index.php?id=1095] at 138-46 Northern Boulevard (corner of Bowne St., two blocks east of Main), (718) 961-6884. For room reservations, click on "Book a Guest Room."

    Stay safe

    Walking on Roosevelt Av. between Shea Stadium and Main St. is not a good idea. The route is very unpleasant, going past automobile body shops and across bridges spanning the polluted Flushing River, with broken glass on the walkways. This naturally means that few pedestrians will be found on the streets and maximizes the chance of meeting weirdos. The walkways are primarily used as a bicycle route for local workers. Shea Stadium to Flushing - Main St. is one stop on the 7 Train. Take the train.