Must-See Flushing
Published 11/17/2016
Map out your Flushing itinerary with these neighborhood hot spots.
1
Queens Museum
1
New York City Building
The eclectic exhibitions at this institution, including the scale model of the City pictured above, are first-rate. On view now is a variety of fascinating fare, including the museum’s permanent collection of Tiffany glass—the largest in the world.
2
Queens Theatre
2
Flushing Meadows Corona Park
This stunning performing-arts center, built by Philip Johnson for the 1964 World’s Fair, hosts theater, concerts and cabaret. Rush tickets are available for $25 (instead of $42) for members; this season, see the Neil Simon comedy Last of the Red Hot Lovers, along with performances by noted dance troupes like the Paul Taylor Dance Company and Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana.
3
Flushing Town Hall
3
137-35 Northern Blvd.
This historic building, now an eclectic performing-arts space, hosts events ranging from sing-alongs to spoken-word performances. At the Hall’s Jazz Jams, held the first Wednesday of every month, amateur players can sign up to noodle alongside pro musicians for a rapt audience.
4
Queens Botanical Garden
4
43-50 Main St.
This gorgeous arboretum offers a bit of natural-world respite, with notable flora in bloom year round. They also feature a number of programs and events, like Art in the Garden, during which the Queens Botanical Garden hosts an exhibition of works, usually by local artists. Bonus: general admission to the garden is free from November through March.
5
Queens Historical Society
5
143-35 37th Ave.
Located at the landmark Kingsland Homestead—built between 1774 and 1785 and still going strong—the Queens Historical Society celebrates 300 years of the borough’s history with photographs, artworks and other items. See exhibits like the Victorian Parlor, painstakingly appointed to resemble a room from the late 19th century, and Toys & Games From the Attic and Beyond! with its display of children’s playthings from yesteryear.
6
Asian Jewels Seafood Restaurant
6
133-30 39th Ave.
The extensive menu at this dim sum gem is Cantonese-inflected and very affordable, which means it’s frequently packed, of course. Arrive as early as you can, and supplement light bites with a variety of delicacies, like the seafood combination casserole.
7
Queens Crossing
7
136-17 39th Ave.
This shopping center, just off the 7 train, houses several beauty and home decor boutiques including a BoConcept furniture outlet. When you get hungry, choose from casual options such as Young Street Poke and Ajisen Ramen; Mulan, a fine-dining restaurant; and trendy dessert choice 10 Below Ice Cream.
8
New World Mall
8
136-20 Roosevelt Ave.
Don’t let the “mall” label fool you; you’re here for the food. New World’s massive food court houses around 30 vendors with affordable and flavorful eats. Be sure to carve out some time to explore the 30,000-square-foot Asian food market too.
9
Hunan House
9
137-40 Northern Blvd.
Prepare to get heated at this house, which specializes in cuisine from China’s Hunan province. The menu is full of authentic, spicy dishes like braised beef with chili oil and steamed fish head with chopped chilies.
10
Dumpling Galaxy
10
42-35 Main St.
Make a beeline through the Arcadia Mall to this dumpling spot. Not only is there a plethora of dumplings from which to choose—duck and mushroom, pork and chive, even dessert flavors—there’s also a variety of soups and stir-fry dishes worth a taste.