Richmond Hill Queens, NY

One of the bloodiest battles of the Revolutionary War, the Battle of Long Island, was fought in 1776 along the ridge now in Forest Park, near the golf course clubhouse. Protected by its thickly wooded area, American riflemen used guerrilla warfare tactics to attack and defeat the Hessians.

From 1868 until 1878 streets, schools, a church and a railroad were built, making the area one of the earliest residential communities on Long Island. The area has become well-known for its large-frame single family houses, many of which have been preserved since the turn of the 20th century. The area received further development in 1918, when the BMT Jamaica Line of the New York City Subway (now the J Z trains) was extended in the neighborhood.

The Richmond Hill Historical Society dedicates itself to preserving the history of the area, and the King Manor Museum resides in neighboring Jamaica.

Richmond Hill runs on transit options most Queens neighborhoods would envy. The A train cuts through on an elevated track, and the J/Z line skims the northern edge near Jamaica Avenue, meaning a straight shot into Manhattan without multiple transfers. The Long Island Rail Road also stops here, which cuts commute times dramatically if you work in Midtown or need weekend access to the rest of Long Island. Buses fill in the gaps for anyone heading toward JFK or connecting to neighboring areas.

More than 500 acres make up Forest Park, with 165 of those acres being trees, making it a natural gem in an otherwise urban landscape. Park-goers interested in exploring Forest Park’s natural settings often begin at the eastern section of the park, which abounds with hiking trails and bridle paths, and horses can be hired from a private stable.

The western section caters to the athletic crowd, with softball, baseball, tennis, bocce, handball,and golf. The 110-acre, par-67 golf course was modeled after Scottish links and maintains its reputation as one of the city’s most challenging golf courses.

The western portion also includes non-sports-related activities as well. The George Seuffert, Sr. Bandshell, which can accommodate 2,800 people, hosts free concerts during warmer months. You can also attend an Urban Park Rangers event for an introduction to Forest Park’s geology, forestry or animals.

Phil "Scooter" Rizzuto Park has been known locally as Smokey Oval Park since it first opened in 1938. In 1987, Parks officially named it Smokey Oval. The name refers to the park’s location, across from a Long Island Railroad terminus, which once made it a landing area of soot and ash from the railway smoke, and the name was also inspired by the oval-shaped mound at the front of the park. Despite the negative moniker, this park has baseball and football fields, basketball courts, a playground, fitness path, and fitness area.

The Phagwah Parade in Richmond Hill, Queens, makes up the biggest celebration in North America. Phagwah, or Holi, is the Indo-Caribbean Hindu celebration of the new year, and every spring, the Sunday after the first full moon of the Hindu calendar, Phagwah literally paints the streets as kids and families "color" one another with dye and powder and chase away the winter grays. The parade begins in the streets and ends with a celebration in Smokey Oval Park, with music and other cultural performances.

Both parks remain free and open to the public.

The commercial strips along Jamaica Avenue and Liberty Avenue are where daily life happens. Grocers, hardware stores, tailors, bakeries, and a dense concentration of restaurants fill these areas.