Away from New York and Out to Coney Island

New York City is a fantastic place to do just about everything one could think of and more. Most activities can be found around the clock because the city never sleeps. After a while, one needs a little time away from the cozy concrete forest of towering buildings to get a fresh view of the water and sky line. Take in some ocean air and maybe a nice sunset. One of the best places to visit for a little beach front activity is Coney Island. It is now a peninsula but it used to be a separate island along the southern part of Brooklyn in the Atlantic Ocean.

There used to be a major resort which had an amusement park. During the early 1900s this was a main vacation spot for the east coast. The resort concept first arrived after the Civil War when the railroad and transportation worked its way into the area. There would be lots of steamboat lines in the water and many hotels along the beaches. Then came the horse track and the amusement park rides, games and food. There was also a little riff raff with the gambling and ladies.

In the early 1900s the Brooklyn Rapid Transit Company made its way to the island which made it easier to access for people who just wanted to spend a day out along the boardwalk. This is when the beach and boardwalk started to really fill up. There were more attractions a businesses that came to the island. The first carousel was built in 1876 which had hand carved horses and other animals and the music that was played was by live musicians. In 1916, Nathan's Famous Hot Dog's opened its first stand. It quickly became a Coney Island landmark and now Nathan's Hot Dogs can be bought and enjoyed all over the country.

Even thought the island has had its down times after WWII, there are still some old rides that have been protected for historical value and can be enjoyed today. The Wonder Wheel was first opened in 1920, the Cyclone roller coaster ride was opened in 1927, and the Parachute Jump which was opened in 1939. Today, Coney Island is making its come back as they have been cleaning it up and have added some events like the Coney Island Film Festival. It still holds its charm and is visited by many through out the year.