I love New York City history, and anything with designated landmark status, so when we found ourselves staying in Kew Gardens Hills In Queens, New York last month, I just had to take a walk on over to the Unisphere located in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park. And it turns out that the Unisphere is right next to the Queens Museum which I believe has a science museum for kids and other exhibits that look interesting. There are also peddle boats and bike rentals in the park if that interests you, though I'd recommend visiting during the week to avoid the crowds, as I'm sure this park is a popular destination for many of the city dwellers who live in the borough.
And by the way, if you're a tennis fan and make it to the US Open, well the stadium entrance is also next to the Unisphere, but of course you knew that already, right?
For those of you unfamiliar with this landmark, the Unisphere is a 12-story high, stainless steel representation of the Earth, and is one of Queen's most iconic and enduring symbols. The Unisphere was conceived and constructed as the theme symbol for the 1964–1965 New York World's Fair. The theme of the World's Fair was "Peace Through Understanding" and the Unisphere represented the theme of global interdependence. It was dedicated to "Man's Achievements on a Shrinking Globe in an Expanding Universe".
As it turns out, LaGuardia airport is not far from Flushing Meadows, which means there is a very ample supply of airplanes flying overhead, enabling one to take stunning photos with airplanes!
There is supposed to be an operating fountain at the base of the Unisphere (which is truly stunning!) that was even refurbished in 2010, but sadly it was not in operation during our visit.
And of course if you do visit the Unishere, don't forget to take some fun shots of your family members holding up the weight of the world. I hope you've enjoyed this little glimpse of New York history!
