NYC Adventure: Rollerblading on Randall’s Island

On Memorial Day, Sean, Adele, and I broke the rollerblades out of storage and went on a trek up to Randall’s Island on the East River. To get there, we took Wards Island Bridge, the pedestrian bridge at 103rd street.

We bought our rollerblades the first week we moved here back in 2012. Adele and I saw a pair for sale at the Housing Works around the corner and both thought, “YES. YES THIS is an excellent idea.” We look like a trio of 1990s dweebs doing it, but it is really fun to explore this city on any kind of wheels. (*ahem* Razor scooters.)

If you’re not familiar with NYC geography, Randall’s Island sits between Manhattan and Roosevelt Island in the East River. In the past, Randall’s Island has been home to asylums, hospitals, and cemeteries. Today there are sports fields, a couple psychiatric hospitals, some other government-type institutions, and an amazing running/rollerblading loop.

Highly recommend Randall’s Island as a sunny day trip. You have the island to yourself and the views of the city, bridges, and river are so wonderful. <3