The food is delicious. Residents come from everywhere. The borough’s oldest gay bar is there. One street is off-limits for motor vehicles. It’s the first planned garden-and-cooperative community in the entire United States. And some parts have city, federal, and state landmark designations.
In other words: check it out!
The annual Jackson Heights Historic Weekend is on Saturday, June 8, and Sunday, June 9. Presented by the Jackson Heights Beautification Group, events include tours, lectures, an exhibition, and the chance to meet locals who simply love their home.
On June 8, the non-mobile events are scheduled for the Community United Methodist Church of Jackson Heights, 81-10 35th Ave., where a vintage exhibition of photos, maps, brochures, and memorabilia will be on display from 10 am to 2 pm. Lectures are scheduled 10:45 am and 12:15 pm, too. These options are free. Self-guided tours with provided maps ($15) are available at any time from noon to 4 pm as well. (If it rains, the tours will be postponed until June 15.)
The second day features a $15 group tour at noon. An experienced guide will lead a stroll through the district, looking at architecture, demographics, history, rarities, urban planning, and other features. (Rain or Shine.)
Tickets are on sale at Espresso 77, 35-57 77th St., now or in front of the church this weekend. For more information, send an email to [email protected].
Editor’s note: In addition to what’s mentioned in the first paragraph, Jackson Heights is home to great shopping for Indian and Bangladeshi jewelry, clothing, footwear, and food. A new Nepalese and Tibetan community is emergine there, too. Plus, Scrabble was invented there and Babe Ruth used to play golf there. Click here for a brief history and find out more this weekend.
Images: Library of Congress