We’ve discovered the coolest new open-air hangout for families this fall: the historic Pier 57 by Hudson River Park, perched above the river at 15th Street.
Once the headquarters of the Marine & Aviation Department, an MTA bus depot, and even a holding facility for rioters, the marina is undergoing a transformation into the city’s newest retail and cultural hub by 2015. In the meantime, it’s been fashioned into a fantastic warm-weather hang out for families, complete with pop-up food vendors, picnic tables, live entertainment, and ping pong games against the gorgeous backdrop of the river.
Beyond the covered entrance at Eleventh Avenue, under a dozen small retailers have set up shop in repurposed shipping containers, adding to the historic, industrial feel of the marina. These “Incuboxes” are reserved for start-ups and artisanal shops, so you can expect to see lots of local businesses here. In the mood for a weekend picnic? Fill up on Japanese-style Tacumi Tacos and Brooklyn’s famed Fletcher’s Barbecue, then wash it all down with a swig of cold-pressed juice (or coffee for adults) and a scoop or two of ice cream from Van Leeuwen.
Further into the marina, a large, open space is flexible in accommodating various events. While a playlist of smooth rock plays from speakers at all times, special live performances, yoga classes, and other music and art events cut in regularly for programmed fun. Up next: The family can dance the night away at Baby Loves Disco this Wednesday in a special reduced-price performance-slash-party. But even when there isn’t a special event scheduled, ping pong tables are set up for free use, with plenty of space to run around otherwise.
In the midst of all that fun, don’t forget to gaze up above your head and down below your feet for some cool urban art. Suspending from the ceiling is the “Magic Carpet,” an installation comprising 36 shipping containers that can be easily reconfigured as an ever-changing work of art throughout the pier’s reconstruction. And a colorful floor mural with vibrant patterns and funky typography, all created by local street artists, spans most of the main space. (New installations will be switched in regularly.)
Of course, you’ll want to make sure you head all the way over to the promenade for view of the Hudson River in all its glory. Park benches along the water are at the ready for shooting the breeze–we particularly recommend camping out here during the sunset to enjoy the rainbow skies. Don’t forget to wave to the people on all the ferry tours passing by!
