If you’ve ever been to Forest Hills in Queens, you probably felt like you hopped on a flight right across the pond — and that’s on purpose!
Though the main area of the neighborhood resembles other streets in the outer boroughs, once you head down 71st/Continental Ave and hit Forest Hills Station, you won’t believe you’re in NYC.
That’s because once you pass under that archway it will open up to Forest Hills Gardens, a NYC enclave that has some of the most enchanting storybook houses.
Forest Hills Gardens dates back to 1910, when it was laid out to mimic a traditional English village — according to The Cultural Landscape Foundation — with a shopping village, two parks, a “town square,” and of course, plenty of charming houses. In fact, only Tudor or Georgian houses were allowed to be constructed, with either red-tile or slate roofs. This was the work of the Russell Sage Homes Foundation, whose founder Margaret Olivia Sloan Sage always wanted to create an “an idyllic garden suburb.”
In the early 20th century, the recent construction of the Queensboro Bridge & LIRR made Queens an ideal location for a middle-class neighborhood. It’s still very convenient transportation-wise today, with the LIRR station right in the “town square,” and an MTA subway stop just two blocks away.
You probably now know of Forest Hills because of its stadium, which hosts big-wig concerts from Dolly Parton to Santana. Or for its tennis history — its West Side Tennis Club was home to the U.S. Open Tennis Championships from 1915-1977. It’s still a much-visited spot for tennis players.
Outside of Forest Hills Gardens in the rest of the neighborhood, you can munch on tons of delicious foods (it is in the World’s Borough after all!), enjoy old-fashioned shops and eateries, or just a bit of peace and quiet.
Here are some of our favorite spots to visit:
- Stroll through Station Square to take in a historic moment
- Try Jade Eatery & Lounge for delicious Asian fusion (and a koi pond)
- Or Forest Hills Station House if you’re fan of whiskey (and amazing pub grub)
- Martha’s Country Bakery for sweets and coffee (yes there are multiple Queens locations of this bakery, but it is that good!)
- Memories of Shanghai and Spy C Cuisine, which both received Michelin “Bib Gourmand” stars last year for cheap eats
- Go on a hike or stroll in Forest Park, perfectly named for its 165 acres of trees
- Then reward yourself with some ice cream from Eddie’s Sweet Shop, an old-school soda shop with homemade delights