Coney Island Tour
New York's Historic Playground
In summertime, it was once said, "Coney Island was the world." In the 19th century, it was the playground of the wealthy, the home of the first indoor prize fight, and the place where the hot dog and the roller coaster were invented, and where the iconic Cyclone (right) has spawned numerous imitators.By the turn of the century, it was home to the most spectacular amusement parks in the world, harbingers of modernity in a rapidly industrializing world. When the subway arrived in 1920, the 'nickel empire' democratized: the boardwalk was built, the beach opened to all, and some of the most famous attractions--a few still extant--were built.Coney Island declined after World War II, thanks to suburbanization and shortsighted planning, but its gritty heart remains. In fact, Coney has revived a bit, thanks to the new stadium for the Brooklyn Cyclones and the dogged work of those in the amusement industry (and the nostalgia industry).Our walk through Coney will be a trip among ghosts--empty spaces will evoke lost empires. Still, a heck of a lot remains, from Nathan's to skee-ball to the Parachute Jump (Brooklyn's "Eiffel Tower") to the still thrilling Cyclone. We'll end with a quick jaunt through the adjacent neighborhood of Brighton Beach, where there are several food options, including Mrs. Stahl's Knishes. The tour aims not only to point out what once was there and what remains, but what went wrong and how Coney might again revive. Important Info Remember: this tour includes a *lot* of walking, so be prepared, with walking shoes, a hat, and water. (There will be opportunities for refreshments, of course.)Tours last about 2.5 hours. $16. Price includes admission to the Coney Island Museum. See Schedule page for dates and times. Meeting place: Stillwell Avenue station (Q/F/D/N) trains. Go through turnstile and make *sharp* right to Customer Information Center/Neighborhood Map sign on wall several paces away. We leave the area on the Q train from Brighton Beach. Below left, Sideshows by the Seashore. At right, the iconic Wonder Wheel.
Important Info
Remember: this tour includes a *lot* of walking, so be prepared, with walking shoes, a hat, and water. (There will be opportunities for refreshments, of course.)Tours last about 2.5 hours. $16. Price includes admission to the Coney Island Museum. See Schedule page for dates and times. Meeting place: Stillwell Avenue station (Q/F/D/N) trains. Go through turnstile and make *sharp* right to Customer Information Center/Neighborhood Map sign on wall several paces away. We leave the area on the Q train from Brighton Beach. Below left, Sideshows by the Seashore. At right, the iconic Wonder Wheel.
