Governor saves the Governor

April 2, 2:03 PMNY Underground Travel ExaminerDJ Hazard

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The Associated Press reports that  Gov. David Paterson has added $7 million to the $12 million Governors Island operating budget for the 2009 season. NY1 News also adds that “Governors Island will be open to the public for at least another year after an eleventh-hour funding boost from the state” and “Mayor Michael Bloomberg has said he wants the city to take it over.”

This is great news, especially considering the City just opened it’s beautifully revamped South Ferry MTA station, now making 1, R and W rides easier than ever to get to my beloved little chunk of recreation in the harbor. It was reported that one of the two G.I. ferries was already sold. I’ll look into this for you, okay?

With patented grumpy optimism, I damn the torpedoes and speed ahead with this guide to help you enjoy Governors Island this Spring and Summer:

Luv The Guv! New York Harbor’s Governors Island is fun, free and full of facts...

Whether you’re a tourist or a native, you’re missing out on one of the city’s best offerings if don’t treat yourself to at least one trip to Governors Island. I personally go on this mini-adventure several times each summer, either as a much needed day of fresh air or playing the role of local guide to my visiting friends.

Hop on either the downtown 1, R or W train to the new South Ferry /Whitehall Street station and you’re almost there! It couldn’t be easier unless I showed up at your door and carried you there. Trust me, that’s not an option.

When you get upstairs, look for the big STATEN ISLAND FERRY terminal. Found it? Good. Okay, that’s not where you’re going. Maybe next time, Staten Island.

Now look over to the next big building to the east. If you’re not Crocodile Dundee, east means left, and you’ll find a big, historic looking structure... and that’s the Governors Island Terminal.

The main lobby was just renovated during the 2007-2008 Winter down time. It’s very nice and staffed with exceptionally outgoing gatekeeper people. Be prepared, for security purposes, to have your backpacks and other carry on items inspected, so don’t have anything embarrassing in there.

If you’re like me, all they ever find is a half-eaten bag of Fritos, an apple, sun screen and some water, so they probably just think I’m a dork. I do, however, strongly recommend the sun screen and water among your personal effects. The Fritos are optional.

The ferry trip over is free! Save your money for Fritos and apples. If you just missed the boat, another departure is usually just a half hour away. It takes only a matter of minutes to get to Governors, but it’s just long enough for a quick and unique 360 degree view of most of the harbor’s top vistas, from the Battery to Ellis Island  to our Grand Old Lady herself, the Statue of Liberty.

The Ferry and the Island are extremely bicycle friendly, by the way. Racks are provided (and mandatory) on the main deck of the Ferry and, if you decide to hoof it when arriving, just beyond the Governors Island dock.

Once you disembark, the world is your oyster... or, in my case,  your half bag of Fritos. I heartily suggest looking for one of the Park Service Rangers that are standing nearby each time the ferry arrives. They conduct free walking tours of many of the Island’s main attractions, including the stars of the tour, the infamous Castle Williams and Fort Jay.

The tour is friendly and informative, and will entertain anybody from hard core history buffs to amateurs who just like walking around and looking at a lot of crazy old buildings.

Fancy yourself a lone wolf, do you? Then take in your own little excursion at your own pace, either on your bicycle or on foot. Are you wishing you brought your bike? Don’t fret, there’s a bike rental area just to the east (yep, that’s left) of the ferry dock.

Forgot your Fritos and apple and feeling a little hungry? Look for one of several vendor carts, offering a variety of hot and cold snacks along the route.

The Island also hosts a prolific concert series, art exhibits, dance troupes, puppet shows and films! There’s something for everybody! Come on, what are you waiting for! I’ll see you at the dock.

For more info, visit: http://www.govisland.com/Visit_the_Island/