Walking around parks (Rainey Park, Socrates Sculpture Park, Astoria Park)

Survey says: “Not too many other activity options! These were kept (for the most part) clean and safe-feeling.”

Running in Astoria Park

14th Pl and Astoria Park South, (718) 626-8620, nycgovparks.org

The track is newly done with astroturf, and great for running around.

A guided tour through The Noguchi Museum & a post-museum stroll through Socrates Sculpture Park, followed by a self tour of the Wellington Court Mural Arts Project!

The Noguchi Museum: 9-01 33rd Rd, Long Island City, (718) 204-7088, noguchi.org
Socrates Sculpture Park: 32-01 Vernon Blvd, Long Island City, (718) 956-1819, socratessculpturepark.org

Survey says: “I did this by myself one day and it was fabulous!”

Lockwood

32-15 33rd St, (718) 626-6030, lockwoodshop.com

Survey says: “They have everything you could ever need and more.”

The Brass Owl

36-19 Ditmars Blvd, (347) 848-0905, thebrassowl.com

Survey says: “So many adorable gift ideas!”

Astoria Bookshop

31-29 31st St, (718) 278-2665, astoriabookshop.com

Google says: “Great bookstore. Excellent customer service. They will order any books you want. Their creative/inspire section is fantastic.”

Massage Spa Astoria NYC | Lucky Spa | Asian Massage

30-78 Steinway St F2, (917) 388-0958, business.site

Survey says: “Terrific massages & great deals.”

Sonia Maksimovich LMT

30-97 Steinway St #303, (347) 460-3619, sonialmt.com

Google says: “Covid era review: I was finally able to book with Sonia and boy, did she not disappoint. She had precautions in place that made the environment feel safe, clean and comfortable! She took time to discuss how Id like the massage and gave me time to settle in and relax. Sonia is honestly incredible!”

Astoria Nails

25-20 21st St, (718) 606-8808, yelp.com

Survey says: “Private rooms and strong hands!”

Museum of the Moving Image

36-01 35th Ave, (718) 777-6888, movingimage.us

This museum immerses visitors in the creative process of making moving images. It features over 1,400 artifacts—from nineteenth-century optical toys to video games—as well as an array of interactive experiences, audiovisual material, and artworks. Note: Right now the physical museum is closed, but it is still offering virtual programs.

The Noguchi Museum

9-01 33rd Rd, Long Island City, (718) 204-7088, noguchi.org

Google says: “I really loved visiting this spot. The ambience is something to behold. I wanted to dance with the sculptures. I will be back and I will do it.”

MoMA PS1

22-25 Jackson Ave, Long Island City, (718) 784-2084, momaps1.org

This museum is in LIC, but worth listing. It devotes its energy and resources to displaying the most experimental art in the world and throws awesome outdoor parties on Saturdays in the summer. Also, if you have an ID with zip code 11101–11109 you get free admission.

Nail Bliss

32-70 31st St, (347) 808-9788, yelp.com

Google says: “I had my first pedicure since nail salons re-opened in Phase 3. I was very impressed with their setup and PPE to protect their employees and customers. You need to make an appointment in advance which is very easy. Make sure to tip more than usual because the reduced capacity and the nail technicians are working extra hard to sanitize.”

Spa Barlies Nail Salon

30-97 31st St, (718) 489-2893, yelp.com

Survey says: “So safe once reopened during covid; great experience for pedi’s.”

Astoria Nails

25-20 21st St, (718) 606-8808, yelp.com

Google says: “Nice clean relaxing spot, friendly staff and the owner does the best eyebrows.”

Kiki’s Nail

3420 30th Ave, (718) 728-1742, kikis-nail.edan.io

Google says: “Great place to have a beautiful manicure and relaxing pedicure. Very friendly welcoming and warm staff. My favorite place to go. They have a lot of excellent and in-style nail color shades to choose from. Very professional team. I would encourage you to make an appointment and come in! :)”

Socrates Sculpture Park

32-01 Vernon Blvd, Long Island City, (718) 956-1819, socratessculpturepark.org

Survey says: “Art, outdoors, composting, view of the river & Manhattan… I love this place!”

Astoria Park

19th St and 23rd Dr, (718) 626-8620, nycgovparks.org

The recently-renovated track is beautiful and great to run on. There are also many tennis courts, basketball courts, a skate park, an Olympic-sized pool, and large grass areas to relax on. Every year there are fireworks (pre-Fourth of July) and free movies in the summer.
Survey says: “Such an amazing group of volunteers here organized by Astoria Park Alliance.”

Ralph Demarco Park

Shore Blvd and 21st Ave, nycgovparks.org

Google says: “Riverside spot featuring benches, walkways & bike paths along the water, plus views of Manhattan.”

Rainey Park

Vernon Blvd and 34th Ave, nycgovparks.org

Google says: “Public park featuring a scenic, riverside promenade, plus baseball fields & dog-friendy areas.”

Q.E.D.

27-16 23rd Ave, (347) 451-3873, qedastoria.com

Survey says: “QED deserves recognition for doing their best to contribute to the community in the safest way possible. Their holiday bazaar showcases local vendors and talent during a time when most comedy shows are considered illegal.”

Astoria Performing Arts Center

44-02 23rd St, (718) 706-5750, apacny.org

Small theater company showcasing plays and musicals, and in 2021 it will be located in the space formerly known as the Secret Theatre. As well as producing shows, it offers programming for kids and seniors.

Château le Woof

31-01 Vernon Blvd, (718) 626-9663, chateaulewoof.com

Google says: “Great selection of doggie treats, clothing, and dog food. Oh, and they serve mimosas — to go!”

Q.E.D.

27-16 23rd Ave, (347) 451-3873, qedastoria.com

Survey says: “A terrific venue not just for comedy and performances but also varied classes and activities. A true community hub. Fingers crossed that a small business so beneficial to Astoria can survive these tough times!”

Key Food Supermarkets

22-15 31st St, (718) 721-4680; 32-15 Newtown Ave, (718) 728-9403; 30-13 36th Ave, (718) 482-7600, keyfood.com

This supermarket has a focus on fresh produce, and the cheese selection is quite impressive. There is also a hot food bar and sushi made fresh daily.

Stop & Shop

34-51 48th St, (718) 728-7724, stores.stopandshop.com

Google says: “Nice selection of produce and Home cooked food.”

The Food Emporium

29-10 Broadway, (718) 274-4100, foodemporium.keyfood.com

The food is fresh and good quality, the managers are helpful and very knowledgeable, and the staff are friendly.

New York City Bagel & Coffee House

33-10 30th Ave, (718) 728-9512; 40-05 Broadway, (718) 728-9511; 29-10 Broadway, (718) 777-0324; 29-08 23rd Ave, (718) 728-9500, nycbch.com

They have a good wi-fi connection, which is key. There are tables set up outside, and the coffee and tea are excellent.

Madame Sousou Cafe

31-05 33rd St, (718) 710-6577, page70.com/Madamesousoucafe

Google says: “A nice cozy place with smiley people, both staff and customers.”

Astoria Park

19th St and 23rd Dr, (718) 626-8620, nycgovparks.org

If you don’t need wi-fi, this is a great place to do some reading (and relaxing), especially in the warmer months.

Best “Best Of” in Astoria: BOAST! They have surveys, reviews, and fun events. Keep up the great work!

boast.nyc

Best Coverage of Astorians: Nancy Ruhling’s “Astoria Characters” Blog

astoriacharacters.com

Best Place for Peace and Respite: Socrates Sculpture Park

32-01 Vernon Blvd, Long Island City, (718) 956-1819, socratessculpturepark.org

Best President-elect of Astoria, Queens, NY, USA: Joe Biden

joebiden.com

Best Mural: There’s a stretch of wall that has some really colorful artwork. Plus, a famous Yoda Quote, “Do or Do Not, there is no Try”

30th Ave & Main Ave

Best Street for a Casual Stroll: 14th St between Broadway and Astoria Blvd

Survey says: “It’s quiet and there are some adorable feral kitties to say hello to along the way. Plus it’s super close to Socrates so if you’re looking to extend your stroll a bit you can detour to Vernon Boulevard!”