From its early origins as a planned community to today’s situation as a lovely escape from New York City, this city has continuing appeal.
In 1869, Alexander Turney Stewart began establishing Garden City, a planned residential community on Hempstead Plains. Visit today to see how this small city has maintained and expanded the wide streets, beautiful green spaces and welcoming atmosphere that Stewart envisioned.
Stewart’s widow built the Cathedral of the Incarnation in 1876 in her husband’s memory. View this Episcopalian cathedral along with the Bishop’s Residence and the Mercer School of Theology on a lovely grassy oasis in Garden City. Marvel at the church’s tall steeple and go inside to see beautiful stained-glass windows. Listen to the cathedral choirs, one with boys and girls singing soprano while adult men sing other alto, tenor and bass. Women participate in the separate Schola Cantorum.
One of the region’s highlights is the Cradle of Aviation Museum. Step inside this giant glass building to see 75 air and space craft and learn about Long Island’s important contributions to the development of modern air travel. Just outside the museum, ride on the restored 1912 Nunley’s Carousel.
The aviation museum is one of several museums on Nassau County’s Museum Row. Bring your young kids to enjoy a day at Long Island Children’s Museum. Watch them learn and play in the site’s 14 interactive exhibits, which might involve puppetry, finger painting or theater. The Francis X. Pendl Nassau County Firefighters Museum and Education Center also uses hands-on exhibits to provide engaging information about firefighting in the community and fire safety in your home.
Garden City Public Library has book discussions, toddler story time, music and all kinds of events for adults and children, from lectures to Lego club. Go to Roosevelt Field for shopping in its more than 250 stores, watching a movie or dining in restaurants and cafés.
Reach Garden City by car or train in about 1 hour from Manhattan. Visit some of the other towns along the shores of Long Island for famous beaches and more sites from America’s early history.