STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — On a slightly overcast day, Ken Gwinner and Jean Savitsky lie lazily in a hammock and view the Manhattan skyline in the distance.
No, they are not in a rooftop garden or someone's porch.
They are on Governors Island, the next destination in our periodic series on intriguing NYC day-trip destinations Staten Islanders can reach by public transit.
So far, we've traveled to The New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx and Van Courtlandt Manor, and this journey ends at a place some might consider New York City's backyard.
SOME HISTORY: You may recall a story about New York being acquired from the Indians by the Dutch by way of trade, which included beads. It happened with Governors Island, then known as Nut Island, and the trade/purchase from the Native Americans of "Manahatas" was for two ax heads, a string of beads, and a handful of nails.
The island had been a military base for two centuries and most recently a Coast Guard base.
AT A GLANCE: The island consists of 172 acres. Twenty-two are designated as the Governors Island National Monument and is overseen by the National Park Service. The remaining 150 acres belong to us, the people of New York.
Much of the island is being transformed into parkland and, for this season, has 30 acres of new park and public spaces. Hammock Grove is part of that with its 50 red hammocks and 1,500 newly planted trees.
AMENITIES, EVENTS: Nolan Park includes the Victorian houses that were the officers residences and now house many art exhibits.
For the kids, there's the Figment Tree House and Figment Miniature Golf on the Parade Ground and a children's museum in Nolan Park.
The Promenade, which circles the entire island, is not yet completed, but has at least a mile available for biking or strolling and offers great views of Ellis Island, the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Jersey City, and on a clear day Staten Island.
If you build up an appetite after a trip along the promenade, there is a food court featuring some of the City's most notable food trucks. Relax and enjoy!
There are also many concerts and special events throughout the season. Such as the recent viewing of the World Cup Finals on a jumbotron set up near the food court.
GETTING THERE: Take the Staten Island Ferry to Whitehall and walk over to the Battery Maritime Building next to the ferry terminal. Two dollars will get you there and back unless you arrive by 11:30 a.m. -- then it's free. It is about an eight-minute ride each way and ferries leave every half hour.
NOTE: The Staten Island Ferry also is on the half hour, so you will probably have about 30 minutes to kill when you get to Manhattan.
If you want to take your own bike, it's free, but it's best to get one of the first two boats. They have more room than the later ones. You can also rent a bike to get around from Blazing Saddles on the island.
Hours: Monday-Friday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays, Sundays, Memorial Day and Labor Day: 10 a.m to 7 p.m. through September 28.