Fall & Winter Parks
TOP 10 THINGS TO DO
Stonewall
Here's 10 things to see and do while visiting the first national park site dedicated to LGBTQ+ history, Stonewall National Monument!
Where To Stay
The Jane Hotel
Designed by William A. Boring (the architect responsible for the immigration station at Ellis Island), this hotel is anything but boring! Originally built as a hotel for sailors in 1908, the rooms are designed to look like ship cabins. In nautical history, survivors of the Titanic shipwreck stayed at the Jane when they first arrived in America. During the ‘80s and ‘90s, the hotel quickly became part of New York’s bohemian culture and was used as a premiere venue for Hedwig and the Angry Inch and tick, tick…BOOM! It has also hosted notable guests such as RuPaul Charles.
Where to Catch the Sunset
Hudson River Park
Running four miles along Manhattan’s west side, Hudson River Park is a great place to take a stroll along the river and watch the sunset over the horizon. While you’re walking, or waiting for the sun to set, you can visit the LGBT Memorial and the AIDS Memorial (between Pier 46 and Pier 51). Along the park, there are lots of green spaces and even some places to grab a bite.
Must see landmark
Stonewall National Monument
This is the first U.S. National Monument dedicated to LGBTQ+ rights and history, designated by former president Barack Obama in June 2016. The site is also a U.S. National Historic Landmark, declared in 2000. The National Monument includes 7.7 acres of land, including the Stonewall Inn, Christopher Park, and the surrounding streets where the Stonewall Uprising occurred in 1969. The Monument also serves as a gathering place for the LGBTQ+ community to celebrate all kinds of events, like Marriage Equality and the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising.
Where to have a picnic
Christopher Street Pier
A gathering place for LGBTQ+ people since World War I, Christopher Street Pier is a gorgeous NYC spot where history and present day intersect. The Pier served as a popular spot for gay cruising up until the 1980s. By the mid-80s, the Pier became known as a safe place for LGBTQ youth of color, who can be seen on the Pier in the documentary Paris is Burning. Today, Christopher Street Pier offers gorgeous views of the Hudson River and ample green space to bring a blanket and packed lunch for a picnic.
Secret spot
Gay Street
Tucked away in the side streets of Manhattan’s Greenwich Village, you’ll find Gay Street, an unassuming little street with all the charm of a small European province. Stepping onto Gay Street is like stepping back in time, preserved in history and Greek Revival architecture. Gay Street is also the site of many photo shoots and well-known film sets, including Cyndi Lauper’s video for “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” and Sheryl Crow’s “A Change Would Do You Good.”
Where to refuel
Rosecrans
If you’re looking for a cafe with an endearing ambiance and a great cup of coffee to refuel, look no further than Rosecrans. Grabbing a drink or a small bite to eat at this local woman-owned cafe and floral shop makes you feel like you are in a secret garden with plants and flowers cascading around you while you enjoy your morning or afternoon pick-me-up.
Where to enjoy a cold one
Stonewall Inn
Known as “the birthplace of the modern Gay Rights Movement,” the Stonewall Inn is a must-see location. In June 1969, a large group of LGBTQ+ people protested the constant police raids that were occurring in gay bars, particularly at Stonewall. The Uprising was a significant turning point for LGBTQ+ activism and advocacy. The bar itself hosts events throughout the week and even has their own Stonewall Inn IPA! If you look next door (51 Christopher Street - the former half of the original Stonewall Inn), you will see the future site of the Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center, the very first LGBTQ+ Visitor Center within the National Parks Service.
Selfie spot
Gay Liberation Monument
This is the first public piece of artwork dedicated to the LGBTQ+ Rights Movement! Created by artist George Segal, this bronze white-painted monument shows the public comfort and freedom exhibited by the LGBTQ+ community during the Gay Liberation Movement and beyond. The monument was commissioned 10 years after the Stonewall Uprising to honor this history. Tourists and locals alike come to this park to enjoy the greenery and to spend time among the four posed statues.
Where to catch a drag show
Playhouse NYC
Conveniently located in the Village, Playhouse NYC has multiple events throughout the week, hosted by iconic queens with legendary performances. You’ll catch the best drag shows here by some of the best local queens. Playhouse has been described as a “buzzing” gay bar with happy-hour drink specials and a fun spot to dance
Where to find community
LGBT Community Center
Lovingly referred to as “The Center,” this hub of activity is the place to go if you are looking for ways to get involved and find community, whether you are a full-time New Yorker or just visiting for a short trip. With over 300 organizations that meet here on a weekly basis, and dozens of events per week, there is always something to do at the Center. There is also an original Keith Haring mural on the second floor as well as the Bureau of General Services—Queer Division, an LGBTQ+ bookstore and event space.
Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center
@stonewallvisctr
Location:
New York City, NY
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