Flushing: Historic Sites and Garden Culture

When looking for a hotel in Flushing, it helps to decide first whether history, gardens and agriculture, or a cultural program should shape your stay. The historic landmarks offer different points of reference in time, while the garden and agriculture themes focus on other things. Specific programs may also depend on particular dates.

History on Foot and in Historic Homes

The Flushing Remonstrance was signed on December 27, 1657. Another way to explore the area's history is the Flushing Freedom Mile, a walking tour through historic Flushing. The two names offer different points of connection: a precisely dated historic document and a tour distinguished by its format as a walk.

The stories of the buildings and homes also highlight different periods. Bowne House is the oldest surviving house in Queens County and dates from 1661 or earlier. Flushing Town Hall is a historic landmark dating to 1862. The Voelker Orth Museum is housed in a home from the 1890s that was once the home of a German immigrant family. The dates mentioned therefore range from 1661 or earlier, through 1862, to the 1890s.

The Voelker Orth Museum is located in historic Flushing, Queens. It offers tours, exhibitions, workshops, and events year-round. If you have a particular date in mind, you can check the current program before your visit.

Gardens and Urban Agriculture

The Queens Botanical Garden is a 39-acre oasis. Its history dates back to “Gardens on Parade”: the five-acre exhibition was presented at the 1939–1940 World's Fair. The acreage figures refer to different stages—the earlier exhibition and the garden—and thus describe both the garden's origins and its stated size.

At the QBG Farm, visitors can learn about the importance of urban agriculture and soil health. Opportunities include volunteering, tours, and seasonal workshops; availability of seasonal offerings may vary. Alongside the garden, growing crops and soil are therefore distinct themes to explore during a stay.

Produce grown at the QBG Farm is distributed at a weekly farm stand: every Wednesday from 3 to 5 p.m., June through November, for a donation of any amount. As this is a seasonal schedule, it's a good idea to check the current information before visiting.

Cultural Programs and Music

Flushing Town Hall combines its history as a landmark dating to 1862 with a recurring music series. Monthly Jazz Jams take place throughout the year, and you can come to listen even if you don't play. For a specific evening, check the date and participation requirements, as this information may change.

These options offer different ways to experience Flushing by theme: historic homes and a walking tour, a botanical garden and the themes of the QBG Farm, as well as museum offerings and concert programming.

For the broader travel overview: Queens.