My dad's a big baseball fan and what better way to spend a September Sunday than at Citi Field out in Flushing? Although the Mets didn't bring home the big W, Lyle and I had a fabulous time with my parents eating sausage, drinking beer and hoping that the apple would have a reason to rise out of its hiding place at the end of the field.
Realizing that my experience in Flushing has been limited to baseball, dumplings and the ever famous Spa Castle*, I thought an exploration of the Flushing American Dream was warranted prior to enjoying America's favorite pass time.
So I took the 7 train to the very last stop and exited into what feels like another country. Although Flushing's Main Street is an American thoroughfare, it shockingly resembles the streets of China. Oddly, what I didn't expect was to find myself in colonial America after only walking a short twenty minutes from the station. Charming turn of the century houses are situated on semi-tight lots. Sadly, my hopes for affordability were quickly dashed. Properties here can go for anywhere from $750,000 up to $1,500,000.
Upper Left: 3430 150th Pl., $1,299,000; Lower Left: 3233 156th St., $859,999; Right: 3217 156th St., $788,000
I did end up attending an open house for a 4-br, 3-bath home one block from the adorable Bowne Park. Built in the 1930s, this home did not lack the charisma a home of this era tends to provide, but at a listing price of $878,000, it certainly could hurt the wallet.
Although Lyle and I won't be able to consider this neighborhood based on price alone, I didn't come back to Astoria empty handed. Walking back onto Main Street, I was sure to pick up a bubble tea and some steamed pork buns. At $2.50 for six, those buns were the only good deal I could find all day. Lyle and our friend, Chris, certainly weren't disappointed.
*Footnote: If you haven't been to Spa Castle already, it is 100% worth the journey to the end of the 7 line and beyond to get to this magical place. A mere $50 is the admission price for this urban resort, featuring eight saunas, five pools and the promise of major relaxation.