Free Walking Tours for US Open Fans 2018
Channel: Flushing Fantastic
Date: 28/08/2018

RSVP @ flushingfantastic.nyc/tours

The Greater Flushing Chamber of Commerce today launched “Discover Flushing,” a free walking tour program open to the public during the two weeks of the U.S. Open Tennis Championship (August 27 to September 7). The Chamber was joined by Councilman Peter Koo, Queens Borough Historian Jack Eichenbaum, and community partners Rob MacKay of the Queens Tourism Council, Harvey Paul Davidson of the Guides Association of New York City, Joe DiStefano of Chopsticks & Marrow, Shweta Parmar of Gutsier Living, Helena Kincaid and Daniel Nalladurai of Sixty First Productions.

“Too many tennis fans come to the U.S. Open and never discover the world-class restaurants, shopping or history right next door,” stated John Choe, Executive Director of the Greater Flushing Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber designed this pilot tour program so “tennis fans can get back in time for the evening games, enjoy the some of the best food in New York, or kick back with a craft cocktail at one of our rooftop lounges,” Choe said.

The “Discover Flushing” walking tour program will take place daily from Monday to Friday.  Each one-hour tour will take place from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m., except for extended tours starting at 4pm on Fridays that highlight Flushing’s vibrant food culture. 

Jack Eichenbaum, the official Queens Borough Historian, designed the route and stops for the walk: “I’m a Flushing native and am excited to have the opportunity to to tell visitors to Flushing about the remarkable changes I’ve seen over the last 70 years.”
The “Discover Flushing” initiative is part of the Chamber’s Flushing Fantastic district marketing campaign to promote the local business community and connect visitors to our unique attractions and authentic experiences., including places to eat and shop.

“Everybody knows that the U.S. Open is the country's biggest and best tennis tournament, but it's also a great contributor to tourism in Queens," said Rob MacKay of the Queens Tourism Council. "Thousands of people from all over the world come to our borough to enjoy top-notch sports drama, but they also enjoy our equally top-notch hotels, restaurants, and cultural venues. This year, they will be able to take top-notch tours of Flushing, too, with -- if I can use the word again -- top-notch guides. Thanks to Flushing Fantastic for spearheading this campaign, and please take advantage of this wonderful opportunity.”

Tours are free, but space is limited and advance registration is required at flushingfantastic.nyc/tours. 

Flushing is a foodie destination and on Fridays (8/31 and 9/7), food guide and author of "111 Places in Queens That You Must Not Miss," Joe DiStefano, will offer special two-hour walks with food stops that begin at 4 p.m. and end at 6 p.m. “The U.S. Open draws thousands of sports fans and tourists from all over the world to Flushing Meadows Corona Park every summer to enjoy world-class tennis. Unfortunately, many of them never set foot in downtown Flushing and miss out on the hidden gems — historic, cultural, and culinary — of this vibrant neighborhood, which is why I’m so very pleased to participate in this year’s Discover Flushing pilot program,” he said.

The tours will meet at historic St. George’s Church and focus on the commercial corridors on Main Street, Roosevelt Avenue, Union Street, and Northern Boulevard. 

Filmmakers Helena Kincaid and Daniel Nalladurai are always searching for interesting stories and places. “In Flushing we don't have to search far. Living and working in Flushing we see a diversity of cultures and encourage people to visit Flushing to experience the real New York.” As creative directors of Sixty First Productions, they have created a documentary series called "First Stop on the 7" that tells the stories of immigrant entrepreneurs in Flushing. Both are looking forward to telling these stories as tour guides.

As well as providing an opportunity for visitors to Flushing to get a taste for our wonderful diverse neighbourhood, the pilot is expected to lead to a regular program of walks that will give young people in Flushing the chance to gain exposure and experience in the hospitality and tourism field. 

"The Flushing Chamber works tirelessly to bring visitors to the delights of Flushing. With these new walking tours, visitors can now explore Flushing in a genuine way, with the people who know it best.  The students at LaGuardia Community College are so excited to be included in this program, and for the opportunity to learn about the tourism industry and give back to our community," said Professor Leslie G. Scamacca, Director of the Travel, Tourism, and Hospitality Management program at LaGuardia Community College.

RSVP @ flushingfantastic.nyc/tours