Today we headed back to Brooklyn to visit Coney Island and to catch up with Mel's sister Abby, who had come across from London to see her favourite sister.
Coney Island was once a major resort and site of amusement parks that reached its peak in the early 20th century. It declined in popularity after World War II and has endured years of neglect with constantly changing plans for redevelopment.
We had seen many advertisements around New York promoting the Festival by the Sea so we thought we'd go check it out. An hour on the subway later and we were delivered to a foggy, freezing and deserted Coney Island. Lacking the appropriate dress for such conditions, we hurried to the nearest (and only open) souvenir store to purchase a stylist hoodie each.
With Abby arriving soon after, we strolled along the boardwalk that lines the beach past the skeletons of the amusement rides including the famous Wonder Wheel and The Cyclone. As nothing was open (they opened at 12pm, when we left), we decided to try the also famous Nathan's hot dog. Mel had the cheese dog, Ben the Bacon Cheese Dog, Brad the Chilli Cheese Dog while Abby opted for the Cheese Fries. We all agreed that the hot dogs were very good but weren't so sure about the liquid cheese they love over here.
Having had enough of Coney Island for this trip, we returned to Manhattan on the subway (another hour) getting off to explore Greenwich Village, (drink) home to New York University, before continuing on to Chelsea. Chelsea is home to a large gay population (there's even a Gay Street) and we walked along Christopher Street, past the historic Stonewall Inn, coming across a local market that stretched for several blocks.
Purchasing a few trinkets, we stopped for a drink at The Hanger before turning north up Eighth Avenue. Chelsea has many great stores and we couldn't resist making a few more purchases before catching the subway back to Times Square and the hotel.
Taking a short rest, we returned to Chelsea for dinner at Vynl (see previous blog) and a few drinks at Baracuda, a bar that features drag shows, but not on Saturday night. It seemed they played more Australian music (Kylie, Sneaky Sound System, The Veronicas, Kylie) than any other.
[Blogged @ 34,293 feet and 524 mph]
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