Coney Island Bound

Even if you haven't been there and aren't exactly sure if you can pinpoint it on a map, you have - at one point or another - heard of Coney Island. The world famous, south-western Brooklyn landmark is known for its elaborate history, quirky amusement parks, populated beaches, and as of late, minor-league baseball team appropriate called the Brooklyn Cyclones. If you find yourself in New York City, this is one of its top must-see destinations!WonderWheelNewYorkMost people, even those who live near it, don't realize that that Coney Island was once the home of a Native American tribe called the Lenape. They referred to the area as Narrioch, which essentially means "the land of no shadows" because it is constantly submerged in sunlight. When the Dutch settlers came they renamed the area Rabbit Island because as unlikely as it may seem, it was once overpopulated with the furry critters. Coney Island is actually an English adaptation of its Dutch name.1879_Coney_IslandCartographers have been mapping it as early as 1690. By the 1840's it became the go to mini-vacation spot for New York City residents but it reached the pinnacle of its popularity at the end of the 20th century. Numerous hotels were built throughout the region to accommodate the influx of people, and endless attractions were established to keep them entertained.Coney Island, c. 1914, by Edward Henry PotthastHowever, the area experienced a massive drop in popularity after World War II. Many factors played a part in its decline, but afters years of neglect and dilapidation, it was recently completely revamped. New roller-coasters, shopping areas and residential quarters have been built, and even more changes are being currently implemented. Yet it still features key attractions that made the area incredibly famous in first place.NathansNathan's Famous opened as early as 1916 and has been holding annual hotdog eating contests ever since. The towering Wonder Wheel constructed by The Eccentric Ferris Wheel Company was erected in 1920, and the iconic near-by wooden roller-coaster known as The Cyclone was opened on June 26, 1927. It is still operating today. In 1957, the New York Aquarium made its debut, and The Mermaid Parade became an annual event as of the 1980's, not to mention the Coney Island Circus Sideshow, which has continuously reincarnated itself since the mid 1800's.So come to Coney Island. It' a unique experience you can only have in New York City, we promise it's worth it.Images Source: Wikipedia

TravelRaine Magazineamusement park, Brooklyn Cyclones, commerce, Coney Island, Coney Island Circus Sideshow, Dutch, History, hotdog eating contest, Lenape, Liz Belilovskaya, Nathan's Famous, New York Aquarium, New York City, Rabbit Island, roller-coaster, The Cyclone, The Eccentric Ferris Wheel Company, The Mermaid Parade, Wonder Wheel