October 11th is 5 days away folks. That’s 5 days left to hop a ferry and explore New Yorks dreamy playground: Governor’s Island. For months now summer breezes have helped sail free boats full of Manhattan and Brooklynites across waterways to the quaint, open-for-exploring grounds of this historic isle, once purchased by the Dutch for two ax heads, a string of beads, and a handful of nails.

While Governor’s Island has a rich and odd military timeline, for those familiar with the place in recent years, quite the Renaissance has taken place: transforming it into an urban get-away fit for biking, music, festivals and public art! The island is quirky, with rolling hills adjacent to old forts and colonial architecture and cobble stoned pathways that lead to astounding manhattan views lined with swing sets and hammocks. It’s hard to explain, but the recent care that has been put into Governor’s Island captures a sense of civic duty – restoring city dwellers’ faith in sustainability, accessibility and artful planning.

So with just five days left till winter months close this gem, get your self a bike, a beau and hop a boat.

Photo Courtesy of mediafury with Collective Commons License.