Roosevelt Island sits in the East River opposite FDR Drive, stretching from Midtown north to Gracie Mansion. The Native Americans who once fished its shores called it Minnahanonck, or "nice island." English settlers named it Blackwell's Island, after the family who farmed it. Last century it was renamed Roosevelt Island. And nowadays it's sometimes called the Big Apple's Little Apple.
A utopian plan developed during the 1960s by famed architect Philip Johnson ushered in the modern era of life on the island. Today a promenade circles its perimeter, offering spectacular views. Tram and subway stations make for easy connections to other parts of Manhattan. Johnson's plan showcased the beauty of the setting, and from Lighthouse Park at its northern tip to South Point Park with its many varieties of nesting birds, the island remains a haven for nature.
The Big Apple's Little Apple blends country and city in a unique way. There's a different feeling here, a spaciousness. Life is quieter, slower, never crowded. You might spend a Saturday afternoon tending your patch in the community garden, or enjoying a barbecue with family and friends, followed by a sunset stroll along the Esplanade. Here you'll find all the mainstays of small-town life: A library and an excellent public school. The neighborhood pizzeria and diner and post office. The weekly farmers' market. And even as new shops and eateries herald exciting changes, Roosevelt Island remains a place where neighbors greet each other by name on Main Street.
Surprised to find a life like this within such easy reach? That's the Little Apple for you. A place where you can have your Manhattan, and leave it too.
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