#PickoftheWeek | Explore a Queens gem during Celebrate Historic Jackson Heights weekend

Fantastic dining. Beautiful architecture. Nature-heavy courtyards. Gay life. Latin flair. Indian jewelry.

This neighborhood is worth visiting.

The Historic Jackson Heights Weekend will take place on Saturday, Sept. 18, and Sunday, Sept. 19.

Organized by the Jackson Heights Beautification Group, this two-day extravaganza features walking tours, memorabilia, shopping, and top-notch local networking.

The first activity is the independent garden tour on Sept. 18 from noon to 4 pm (rain date: Sept 25), although there’s a social-distancing twist due to Covid. Participants will receive maps and information on as many as 12 gardens that adorn the inner courtyards of private apartment buildings. They’ll then explore on their own in small groups.

Experienced guides will lead walking tours on Sept. 19, starting at noon (rain or shine). They’ll take groups of fewer than 20 people to some hot spots while focusing on local history, housing, and demographics. The tours will meet at 11:45 am in front of the Community United Methodist Church at 81-10 35th Ave. Make a reservation by calling 347.766.9129.

Tickets are $10 for each tour. They are currently available at the Espresso 77 coffee shop and wine bar at 35-57 77th St.

Plus, JHBG will sell tickets, books, T-shirts, and tote bags from a table in front of the church on Sept. 18 from 11 am to 2 pm. The nonprofit has organized this weekend of activities for about 30 years, although the pandemic forced cancellations in 2020 and June 2021.

Jackson Heights is the first planned garden and cooperative community in the United States. Parts of it have federal, state, and city landmark designations.

Images: JHBG