Looking for activities while in Forest Hills, New York? Read on to find out about the top things to do there!
A suburban setting not far from Manhattan, Forest Hills is a perfect escape from city life for New Yorkers without leaving it too far behind. Known for its ideal location and proximity to things, the arcadian NYC neighborhood offers a great deal for food lovers and travel enthusiasts. Bordered to the northeast by Flushing Meadows and Willow Lake, to the south by Forest Park, and on the west by St. John Cemetery, Forest Hills is divided down the middle by two main thoroughfares: the bustling Queens Boulevard and the more pedestrian-friendly Austin Street. The latter is lined with small restaurants, shops and bars. So for those who are planning to spend a weekend getaway from their busy life, check these unforgettable tourist spots and food niches you will surely love.
1. Rock n' party in Forest Hills Stadium
Known as Home of the US Open until 1978, the recently-renovated stadium is now used as a 14,000-seat venue for an annual summer concert series. During its heyday back in 1970s and 60s, the stadium hosted The Beatles, Barbra Streisand, The Rolling Stones and Simon and Garfunkel. If you decide to drop by and be entertained by musical artists performing on stage, then treat yourself with drinks from local bars nearby to fuel up.
Forest Hills Stadium
Address: 1 Tennis Pl, Forest Hills, NY 11375, USA
Website: Forest Hills Stadium
2. Chow down at Nick's Pizza
Don’t forget to lunge forward to this vintage pizza parlor before breaking your wallet on a shopping spree on Austin Street. Located at 108-26 Ascan Ave., Nick’s Pizza has been a staple in Forest Hills for the past 22 years. Its signature dish, the slightly charred thin-crust pies will definitely spoil your taste buds and crush your “beware carbs” diet.
Nick's Pizza
Address: 108-26 Ascan Ave, Forest Hills, NY 11375, USA
Facebook: Nick’s Pizza
3. Feast on at Cheese of the World
Indulge yourself like a mouse trapped in a sinful pleasure of a worldly-cheesy food trip. This shop sells more than 250 cheeses from France, Switzerland, Italy and beyond; serving the dairy-loving New Yorkers at 71-48 Austin St. for nearly 60 years. Its most popular cheese is Aged Gouda, a Dutch cheese named after the city of Gouda in the Netherlands. Don’t miss a bite, cheese lovers!
Cheese of the World
Address: 7148 Austin St, Forest Hills, NY 11375, USA
Website: Cheese of the World
4. Shop 'til you drop in Austin Street
Don’t forget to relish the moment of buying along the main shopping strips and boutiques on Union Turnpike, Austin Street and Metropolitan Avenue. Invite a certified shopaholic with you and prepare to storm in every boutique from one corner to another. Just make sure you’re not empty handed.
Oz Boutique
Address: 70-09 Austin St, Forest Hills, NY 11375, USA
Website: Oz Boutique
5. Fine dine at Alberto's Restaurant
Have a meal on this excellent restaurant that offers delightful Italian cuisine located at 98-31 Metropolitan Ave. Try their Penne Alla Vodka and you will end up craving for more from their menu. Family-friendly atmosphere, outstanding staff and management and delicious pastas are only few of its best features.
Alberto's Restaurant
Address: 98-31 Metropolitan Ave, Forest Hills, NY 11375, USA
Website: Alberto’s Restaurant
6. Get a copy at Royal Collectibles
This “Friendly Neighborhood Comic Shop”, located at 96-01 Metropolitan Ave, has been opened since 1992 in Spider-Man’s hometown. On the shop’s shelves, you will find anything from vintage collectibles to locally made crafts. No doubt, this is a must-stop spot in Forest Hills.
Royal Collectibles
Address: 9601 Metropolitan Ave # 1, Flushing, NY 11375, USA
Website: Royal Collectibles
7. Grab a midnight snack at Martha's Country Bakery
Be sure to experience melting your heart out on their amazing sweets and desserts. Try the golden bestseller, jumbo Very Berry Napoleon even after midnight strikes since the bakery stays open until 1 am on Fridays and Saturdays. Shout out to you, sweet-tooth people! Crave no more for warm baked goodies!
Martha's Country Bakery
Address: 70-28 Austin St, Forest Hills, NY 11375, USA
Website: Martha’s Country Bakery
8. Marvel at the panoramic view of NY in Queens Museum
Tagged as New York City’s “Most Famous Model”, the Panorama of the City of New York at the Queens Museum is massive and amazingly awesome to be true. It is considered as the jewel in the crown of the collection of the museum and a center of attraction for visitors from all over the globe. Built in the years before the 1964 World’s Fair, the Panorama was conceived through its mastermind and World’s Fair President, Robert Moses, together with a team of more than 100 people working for the architectural model makers Raymond Lester & Associates. As a repository of artifacts and memorial, Queens Museum offers an experience of overseeing New York City on its omniscient view. Dying to see the marvelous Panorama? Then go and drag yourself to see the wonders of this aesthetic miniature city.
Queens Museum
Address: Flushing Meadows Corona Park, New York City Building, Corona, NY 11368, USA
Website: Queens Museum
9. Unlock the fun in Unravel Escape Rooms
Love puzzles and challenges? Try to accept this mission to solve a series of puzzles with your team in order to escape. The two rooms; the Photoshop Panic and Wicked Workshop will surely provide the best adrenaline experiences to fire you up! You only have 60 minutes to break out of either the “easier” room or “trickier” room. Unravel Escape Rooms are nerve-racking, exhilarating and undoubtedly satisfying for thrill-seekers.
Unravel Escape Rooms
Address: 108-14 72nd Avenue, 2nd Floor, Forest Hills, NY 11375, USA
Website: Unravel Escape Rooms
10. Breathe a fresh air in Forest Park
Bordering the neighborhoods of Richmond Hill, Woodhaven, Kew Gardens, Forest Hills and Glendale, Forest Park is a blend of natural treasure and man-made haven. It is the third largest park in Queens with trees and fields designed by the landscape architect, Frederick Law Olmsted. Park goers who are engaged in the park’s natural setting often explore through hiking trails and curb tracks. If you want to experience the best of Forest Park, you may attend an Urban Park Rangers event for an orientation to the park’s animals, geology or forestry; or stroll around the park to your heart’s content.
Forest Park
Address: Forest Park, Queens, NY, USA
Website: Forest Park
Break away from your busy life!
Don’t wait for a lifetime to enjoy a holiday season, weekend or day off. You, if you’re a New Yorker, can take a bus from the city and head to this rural neighborhood to experience these exciting activities. Grab your pack now and get a charge out of what Forest Hills has to offer. Remember, life is not all about work; it is how you live with happiness and fulfillment.