What to Eat & See When Visiting the U.S. Open
Every year millions tune in around the world to watch tennis’s greatest athletes compete for the title at the US Open. It is no wonder the US Open has become one of the premier sporting events to attend, with New York City just ten miles away as its inviting backdrop. But tennis lovers need not think they have to hop on the Long Island Expressway to get a taste of New York city life. The borough of Queens, home to Corona, NY and the US Open, has the same big city offerings at a more suburban price!
If it is an eclectic selection of ethnic food you’re after, Queens will not disappoint. Queens just so happens to be the most diverse county in the United States; and thanks to that fact you can find delicious, authentic dishes on every corner. Try Il Toscana- its Northern Italian fare that will make you feel like you went all the way to Little Italy. It’s easier on the wallet, yet not on portions. If it’s a thick juicy steak or a romantic evening you are craving, Uncle Jack’s Steakhouse is a favorite of both visitors and locals. They’re open for both lunch and dinner. If Thai food is more your flavor, try Sripraphai. The only thing missing on this menu is the Manhattan price tag! And of course, if things don’t go in favor of your favorite player on the courts, head over to Donovan’s Irish pub to drown your sorrows in a pint of Guinness; or just indulge in some Irish favorites like Sheppard’s Pie or their renowned fish & chips with homemade tartar sauce!
Manhattan isn’t the only place to get your fill of art and culture in New York. Make time to visit the Queens Museum of Art. New York is notably hot and humid in late August and early September. Skip the early match and head into the air-conditioned comfort of this lovely gem. The building was originally constructed in 1939 for the World’s Fair, and also held the UN’s General Assembly in the late 1940’s. Today it serves as one of New York major art museums. QMA’s most famous piece is the Panorama of New York. It’s a model, built to scale, of New York’s five boroughs that was created for the World’s Fair in the 1960’s. The museum is also known for its many international exhibits that represent the multi-cultural background of Queens itself.
If you can brave the heat, or get lucky enough to have a breezy day in Queens, try the Queens Zoo. The zoo is open everyday, from 10am to 5pm (5:30pm on weekends and holidays). It’s just $7 for adults, $3 for kids and $4 for seniors. Kids under 3 get in free! What better way to spend a day in Queens than hanging out with Winton the swan or Holiday the donkey? Located in the heart of the borough on a sprawling 5 acres, the Queens Zoo was also constructed for the famous World’s Fair in 1964. However, the zoo underwent a 4 year, 16 million dollar overhaul from 1988 to 1992. Today the zoo is complete with an array of American animals, a modern aviary and even a petting zoo. It is definitely not to be missed while in Queens!
So book your flight to LaGuardia Airport for the two-week tennis tournament from August 31 to September 13, but forget the rental car or even the train ticket! Queens has everything you need to truly experience New York life. This year, if you’re a baseball fan, you can also catch a Mets game in Queens. They will be playing at home on Citi Field September 4- 6 and September 8- 10. Cool off after the game with a stop at the infamous Lemon Ice King stand, just around the corner. Follow these tips and your trip to the Open will be so much more than a tennis tournament! It will be vacation you remember for years to come. For more visit: http://usopentickets.org