Latin America meets New York in this vibrant Queens neighborhood. Brush up on your Spanish to mingle with the locals and prepare your stomach for a barrage of enchiladas.
Step foot into Corona, a neighborhood in Queens, and you’ll soon find yourself surrounded by a vibrant buzz and the sounds of many different dialects. Since its establishment, Corona has been home to immigrants from around the world wanting to start a life in the big city. Ethnic food stores provide authentic foreign ingredients to local residents, while family-owned restaurants cooking up delicious dishes fill the streets with smells from “back home,” wherever that may be.
Hola, amiga! The Latin American community has been a major part of Corona’s development for the past decades. In particular, those from Mexico, Ecuador, and the Dominican Republic dominate the cultural tapestry. Book a spot at a Mexican restaurant to feast on chimichangas dripping with melted cheese and hand-pressed tortillas straight from the sizzling pan.
Before the Latin American flair took over, it was Italian Americans who built up the streets and turned the neighborhood into something special. Their most lasting contribution? An Italian ice shop, the Lemon Ice King, which has even received Zagat awards for its mouthwatering flavors. Prepare to stand in line on a hot summer’s day. Like all good things, it’s more than worth the wait.
History buffs could spend hours running the streets of Corona to retrace the steps of some of its most famous residents. Did you know that Louis Armstrong lived in the neighborhood for almost 30 years? See where he produced some of the world’s most famous jazz at the Louis Armstrong House Museum.
For a full day of fun, make time to go for a long walk in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, the home of the United States Open (tennis, for the uninitiated) every year. Or go meet the newest animals at the Queens Zoo, then head to the New York Hall of Science to design your own robot in an interactive display.