Today is the longest day of the year, which for nihilists like me just means it all goes downhill from here, not that anything matters. For the rest of you, though, I suppose the Summer Solstice is something to celebrate, and Governors Island plans to do just that—on Friday, the island will stay open until 10 p.m. so people can "experience the sunset," in case your Instagram feed wasn't annoying enough. [Editor's note: Here's one annoying example.]
Friday's "special evening hours" will extend from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., with the last ferry from Manhattan leaving at 8:30 p.m. Visitors are invited to post up at the island's new-ish park, the Hills, which boasts spectacular views of the New York Harbor and Manhattan skyline, plus food vendors like Blue Marble Ice Cream and Little Eva's Beer Garden Grill will be open late (though you should consider bringing your own food).
I'll be home counting my wrinkles, of course, but if you do decide to check out Governors Island after dark, ferry rides to the island run $2 roundtrip and will leave from Manhattan's Battery Maritime Building at 5:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m. and 8:30 pm.; the last ferry from Governors Island departs at 10 p.m. And be sure to take a look at our Guide to Governors Island for visitation tips post-solstice celebration.
