Governors Island is a small piece of land in New York Harbor situated close to the southern tip of Manhattan. Historically, Governor's Island was the exclusive province of the British colony's royal governors. It was an isolated piece of land off-limits to commoners and reserved for those of privilege. Soon after American Independence in the late 18th Century the site became home to a U.S. Army base and later a Coast Guard installation. In 2003, control of the island was transferred back to the City of New York and the Governors Island National Monument was established. The island is a free five-minute ferry ride from downtown New York, a seasonal retreat that offers visitors a wealth of unique activities, art installations, beautiful vistas and fascinating history. The island is also ideal for bike riding. The site boasts over five miles of car-free bike trails winding past mansions, spectacular views of the New York Harbor such as those captured above, and quiet green spaces sparsely populated with visitors. Bike rental shops are available on the island including Bike Rentals that used one of my photos of the New York harbor in their advertisements. Governors Island is open every Saturday, Sunday and Holiday Monday (Memorial Day and Labor Day) through September 29 (from 10 AM to 7 PM).
