To the LIC Waterfront

Did you see the fireworks from Long Island City this July 4? The crowds were big; there's no secret to the spots any more. Unfortunately, the fireworks barges were farther away this year, hindering views from our favorite LIC park. Please accept my apologies if you had a disappointing view.

People are still discovering the Long Island City waterfront that's between Newtown Creek and the Queensboro Bridge (a.k.a. Hunters Point or, more recently, Queens West).

Here are three more reasons to visit Long Island City's waterfront:

• Gantry Plaza State Park. I always get a smile at this well-designed, small, waterfront park. In just a couple acres of grass, cement, and piers, Gantry Park has more character and more to explore than many parks of much larger acreage. And the view of Midtown is a treat. You might recognize it from a scene filmed at the park for the movie The Interpreter. This summer (2008) there's a free concert series -- Live at the Gantries -- on Tuesday evenings in Gantry Plaza State Park.

• Water Taxi Beach. The initial hype of its first couple seasons has simmered away, but the Water Taxi Beach is still a fantastic location to chill out with a cold beer on a hot Sunday afternoon in the un-Hamptons. The burgers are exceptional, and won the 2008 crown at the first Burger Battle of the Boroughs.

• Restaurant Week at Water's Edge Restaurant. A big, sometimes hit-or-miss restaurant, with a big, you-can't-miss-it, hit of a view, Water's Edge Restaurant is at its best when you're paying less. It's the only restaurant in Queens to join the July's NYC Summer Restaurant Week (and the Winter Restaurant Week). The complimentary shuttle boat across from Midtown makes it an evening for couples.

What's your favorite place on the Long Island City waterfront?

More Long Island City

• Long Island City - Neighborhoods
• Photos of Long Island City
• Hunters Point

Photo (c) John Roleke - at Water Taxi Beach