Roosevelt Island is in a prime location in New York City, with Manhattan to the west and Queens to the east. In recent years, this tiny island has become a quick escape for those on both sides of the East River.

The Island has extensive greenspace, a stylish hotel with an incredible rooftop bar, and some of the City's best views of the Manhattan Upper East Side from the impressive aerial tram.

One of the gems on this Island is Four Freedoms State Park. Located at the southernmost point of the Island, the park is a four-acre memorial to Franklin D. Roosevelt. Architect Louis I. Kahn's design is inspired by FDR's 1941 State of the Union Address and the Four Freedoms (Freedoms of speech and expression, Freedom of worship, Freedom from want, and Freedom from fear) that he outlined in it. The park's event season runs from May to October. It includes yoga, book readings, kite flying, public talks, and music performances.

For those looking to spend a night (or more) on the Island, The Graduate Hotel offers an astonishing view of Manhattan from within tranquil surroundings. For bibliophiles, this place is a haven. The name refers to a line in "The Great Gatsby;" the first-floor lobby is lined with more than 10,000 books, and each room has a copy of the aforementioned Four Freedoms speech by FDR. And no stay there would be complete without at least one drink in the Panorama Room rooftop bar.

Another unique experience the Island offers is a ride on the Roosevelt Island Tramway. Connecting the Upper East Side of Manhattan with Tramway Plaza on the Island, the ride only costs a single MTA swipe each way, but the view is worth much more. A voyage on the most modern aerial tramway in the world even gives the Staten Island Ferry a run as one of the best ways to see New York's sights without breaking the bank.

Only a 20-minute stroll from Tramway Plaza is the Roosevelt Island Lighthouse. Built in 1872, this octagonal Gothic-style lighthouse stands 50 feet tall. It is a landmark designated by the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission. It is also on the National Register of Historic Places. Constructed from granite quarried from the island itself, the Lighthouse is shrouded in mystery and legend. There are many stories, but it is said that the Lighthouse was constructed by one or possibly two people housed in the "New York City Lunatic Asylum." One name attached to its construction was John McCarthy. At one time, there was a plaque at the base of the Lighthouse reading, "This work was done by John McCarthy, who built the lighthouse from the bottom to the top all ye who do pass by may pray for his soul when he dies." The plaque mysteriously disappeared in the 1960s. Today, the Lighthouse is an excellent place for fishing, barbecuing, or just lounging on the shaded lawn.

Broadway Stages loves that New York City is so full of exceptional places and things to do. Around every corner lies a new cuisine, experience, or friend. Sometimes, when you live in the City, you get caught up in the race of everyday life. But treat yourself to a local adventure this week. Roosevelt Island is a great place to start! And when you get there, let them know Broadway Stages sent you!