Flushing, NY Area Guide

Flushing was originally established by Dutch settlers in 1645. During the 19th century, this neighborhood became a fashionable residential area, with the arrival of roads and bridges spurring its development. In the 20th century, the introduction of the railroad service and subway lines helped Flushing become a commuter suburb and commercial hub. In the 1970s, the Asian community started establishing a foothold in the neighborhood.

Flushing hosts the Queens Museum, a fine arts museum that doubles as a historical site, community center and classroom. The Louis Armstrong Museum honors the jazz legend's legacy. The Queens Historical Society details the 300-year history of Queens through photographs, historical documents, and art. The museum's collection includes photos, sculptures, and paintings from the 20th century. Annual events celebrated in Flushing include the Lunar New Year Celebration and Art in the Garden.

Although Flushing provides a diverse selection of restaurants, its reputation rests on its authentic Chinese, Korean, and Cantonese dining options, and many praise it as having the best Asian cuisine in New York. Downtown Flushing serves as the central location for restaurants and nightlife in Flushing.

Arya Kabob House provides the most authentic Afghan cuisine in the area. This restaurant prides itself on menu items that include an appetizer called mantu as well as classic baba ganoush. Traditional Middle Eastern inspired items such as hummus, pita bread, beef kabobs and rice also sprinkle the menu. Locals rave about the reasonable prices and quick, friendly customer service.

Hahm Ji Bach, an authentic Korean restaurant, has become popular as a result of excellent service, delightful side dishes, modern decor and reasonable prices. The spicy seafood hot pot with crab and lobster inside comes highly recommended thanks to its spicy broth and generous portions.

A night out in Flushing might take you to a wide array of bars, lounges, pubs and karaoke. Cali Red Lounge provides a full bar, karaoke and an entertaining music selection. This lounge has a relaxed vibe that allows visitors to sing the night away while sipping premium drinks with friends. Paradise Alley provides a laid back experience that combines a diverse crowd with pool tables and inexpensive drinks. This bar has relaxing music, outdoor seating and personable bartenders that help create an enjoyable experience.

Thanks to the walkability of the Flushing neighborhood, most daily errands don't require a vehicle, and the streets incorporate multiple bike lanes. Flushing also has excellent public transportation options. This neighborhood uses the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and has multiple subway lines, over 20 buses and 1 rail line passing through the area.

Daily errands and travel do not require a car; however, car-sharing services such as Uber, RelayRides and Zipcar service the area. Local taxis also operate regularly on and around Main Street. For access to nearby locations, Interstate 678 and State Highway 25A are useful transit options.

Flushing has several beautiful parks throughout the neighborhood. In particular, the 1,255-acre Flushing Meadows Corona Park holds the top spot as being the flagship park in Queens. This large park includes the Queens Theatre in the Park, the Queens Museum and Terrace on the Park. Flushing Meadows Corona Park provides rental boats, bicycling trails, sports fields, and playgrounds. The park combines beautiful greenery with an intricate outdoor design that incorporates two gorgeous lakes. The Flushing Meadows Carousel, located in the northwestern part of the park, offers an entertaining experience for visitors of all ages. Annual events in Flushing Meadows include Halloween Shocktoberfest, Tour de Queens Bike Ride, and Korean Harvest and Folklore Festival.

Flushing has several chain department stores such as Target, Michaels, and Kohls. This neighborhood also has multiple Asian-inspired shopping centers and malls, such as the Queens Crossing Mall. The New World Shopping Center is an Asian mall that provides home essentials, gift options, groceries, and clothing for men, women, and children. Although there are a few chain grocery stores, the Hong Kong Supermarket provides the best seafood and produce items in the area, as well as Asian-inspired candy, drinks, spices, and foods. Flushing has several boutiques that provide distinct products and memorable gift options. Valentine sells Korean-inspired beauty products, clothing, and gifts, including specialty cell phone cases, stickers, hats, sunglasses, and jewelry. Valentine has several walls dedicated to accessories incorporating a fashionable Korean style. Sylvia's Boutique provides men and women's clothing which incorporate traditional and unique designs, with options suitable for weddings or a night out on the town. The shop also provides alterations on existing items as well as specialty pieces because the staff are genuinely interested in making their customers look their very best.

The closest farmers market to Flushing, Farmers Fresh Depot on Union Turnpike, provides locally grown produce, fresh juices, and prepared foods.