NYChamps

Although Woodhaven Blvd in Queens is a major thoroughfare for the neighborhood it was always our way to Rockaway Beach.

Summertime finds buses and cars heading to the end of Woodhaven Blvd and entering the beach area. Although it was some time ago the memories of this area are still filled with fun. There were rides and the boardwalk and you always met someone you knew laying around in the sand.

The Boulevard itself is lined with homes and businesses and you really have no need to leave the area - except if you work elsewhere!!!

Astoria Blvd in Astoria Queens is a neighborhood of Mom and Pop shops and residences. Bakeries that have been in families for years and years still have grandma sitting in a chair behind the counter always ready to say Hi.

Families have grown around these businesses and have become part of every day life. A nice little area for families to raise kids and for kids to feel like they "belong" somewhere.

This quaint neighborhood in Queens is completely residential. Row homes all looking alike, but yet you get a feeling of comfort. Everyone knows each other in this 1-2 block radius and everyone knows your kids.

A very quiet area with minimal traffic - only residents. This is the only block where an Avenue and a Street meet - 47th Street and 47th Avenue - I know cause I lived there.

A great place for families.

Steinway Street in Astoria Queens is a mini city within a city. The shopping is very diversified and you can eat your way to heaven just walking down the street.

Such diversity lends itself to the desires of just about everyone. Kids and parents alike love to shop along this strip of shops and food.

Parking may be a bit of a hassle, but take the bus and walk freely - it'll be a day of sheer enjoyment!!

While growing up in Queens one gets very used to things. When things began to change in Jackson Heights, it needed a bit of getting used to. Well, get used to it we all did very quickly.

Authentic Hispanic stores started springing up all along the El train. Everything was there for the picking and you could learn to cook Spanish food - not to mention enjoying food in a small Hispanic restaurant - MMMMMMM I could still taste the food.

New York is a melting pot alright - of people and of food!!!

Quiet and Italian neighborhood way in the back and off the beaten path of all the Queens major roads. You can smell all the dinners being cooked and everyone says "hi".

It's a great place for kids to experience the Old Fashioned way of growing up. Playing in the streets instead of on the computer - and you come home when the street lights come on.

What a way to grow up!!!!

This area was the Judicial District of Queens and nestled quietly was the BEST deli for pastrami I have ever had!! Pastrami King was an awesome treat any day of the week. - I think this deli could have been the reason why I became I legal secretary - any chance to go to the Courthouse and run across the street for a pastrami sandwich!! lol

Kew Gardens was always an upscale neighborhood even though the Courthouse was the main attraction. Many little neighborhoods were nestled in the streets of the Queens area.

Although I didn't live in this part of Queens I did go to school here. It was an all girls Catholic school and I believe it is no longer around.

The only times I would shop in this area is when I would visit my best friend, who lived in the neighborhood. The shopping was adequate and afforded you the chance to shop at a neighborhood "department" store - Sterns.

The area was very busy with traffic and had the hub bub of a very moving "city".

This was the place to go to get the best Pizza while shopping all the shops along the street. Two main Pizza places and both were awesome. I can only hope that both have survived the times as I haven't been there in awhile.

I remember walking in to both places and the aroma would make you hungry even if you just finished a meal!!

The stores along the street were quaint shops - great shopping before the days of the Big Box! Wal-Mart? never heard of such a store back then!! But the sales staff knew you by name and knew what you liked and even put things on the side for you for your next visit! Now that's what I call customer service!!

Growing up on this street provided my brothers and myself freedom to go out and play everyday. Our friends were all within a block of each other and our school was close.

We had a PAL Street (Police Athletic League) and it was closed during the summer during the day to through traffic. We had arts and crafts, sports and can't forget our swimming pool - when the hydrant was opened and we could play in the sprinklers!!

It was a great way to grow up and I can only hope that atmosphere is still abounding.