By Trevina Nicholson
The Queens Theatre in Flushing Meadows Corona Park held a special event last month that introduced the new Queens in Your Pocket, a guide to the borough that contains articles on trendy neighborhood restaurants, hotels and local businesses.
The handbook features photos of residents, titled “spotlight,” which appear next to a brief story of what they love most about Queens. Inside the handbook lies precise text descriptions of about 40 venues, such as museums, theaters, sports and the most well-known landmarks in Queens.
The handbook was created with the help of NYC and Co. Foundation, the borough president’s office and others.
“We are pleased to support the Queens in Your Pocket guide through a grant by the NYC and Co. Foundation,” said Kelly Curtin, executive director of NYC and Co. Foundation, in a news release. “The Queens in Your Pocket guide puts the rich, cultural diversity of Queens at their fingertips in a way that is appealing to both New Yorkers and visitors alike.”
The handbook breaks down all the different theaters, restaurants and scenery in Queens. The sections of the Flushing Meadows Corona Park community, due to its attraction to visitors and residence alike, give distinct information on the Queens Hall of Science and the famous Unisphere.
“I learned all the little things about Queens after writing about each venue,” said Rob MacKay, the Queens Economic Development Corp.’s director of public relations, marketing and tourism.
For each venue featured the guide provides detailed information “in a nutshell,” “the inside scoop,” and what to do “while you’re there.” The venues are also presented with a photograph display that shows off the designated area of visit.
MacKay also said the need for the handbook has become increasingly apparent and there will more than likely be a second printing. While in the process, the EDC is hoping to do another Queens in Your Pocket in the upcoming year with the changes that were made to the names of parks, etc.
“There are so many fun and enriching things to do in Queens, and it’s great to be able to share them with readers,” said Seth Bornstein, executive director of the QEDC, in a release. “Readers of the guide will never run out of fun and enriching things to do around here.”
The main goal of creating the handbook is to get the residents of Queens to stay in their own borough.
Tracy Mentore, a Jamaica resident, said for her to get a hold of the handbook, it must circulated. She also said the Baby Boomer generation will be more interested in having the handbook, but as for the younger generation, they are more likely to go on a computer.
“I think what needs to be in the handbook is what interests people,” said Mentore about how the Queens in Your Pocket can attract people. “For young people, they like bars and clubs. My son is in his 20s and he comes around here — Bell Boulevard — a lot because it’s for the young people. But as for the older crowd, they are more likely to attend a theater or a restaurant.”
Residents and visitors can find the free handbook at either locations at the Discover Queens Visitor Center in the Queens Center Mall, Borough President Helen Marshall’s office, The Redbird Tourist Information Center on Queens Boulevard and 82nd Avenue and the QEDC home office.
In addition, there is also an option to receive the handbook by mail. In order to get a free copy, send a self-addressed, stamped enveloped to 120-55 Queens Blvd., Suite 309, Kew Gardens, NY 11424.
“The idea is to let them know what Queens has to offer in its food and culture,” said MacKay.
