Episode 27 – Discover Queens Beyond the Ballpark: A Cultural Adventure Around Citi Field

Travel through cultural immersion — and this time, we’re diving deep into the world of sports. Discover Queens Beyond the Ballpark, a ballpark called Citi Field and home of the New York Mets.

In this episode of Mary-Goes-Round the World, we kick off a brand-new travel series exploring the cultural side of Major League Baseball cities. Every month during the season, we’re hitting the road to a different MLB destination — and discovering what each city has to offer beyond the stadium lights.

First stop: Citi Field, home of the New York Mets, and a gateway to the vibrant borough of Queens, New York.

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⚾ Citi Field Tour: Baseball History & Hidden Gems

A trip to Queens isn’t complete without a visit to Citi Field. Whether you’re a die-hard Mets fan or just love the energy of a ballpark, the Citi Field Tour offers a behind-the-scenes look into the heart of baseball in NYC.

• Explore the Jackie Robinson Rotunda, honoring a legacy bigger than baseball.
• See where it all began — from Shea Stadium’s original home plate to iconic memorabilia.
• Discover a hidden Prohibition-style speakeasy tucked inside the stadium.
• Get a glimpse of the underground turf heating system and learn how the field stays game-ready year-round.

Plus, Citi Field’s commitment to inclusivity shines with a unique quiet room — a thoughtful retreat for fans needing a sensory break.

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🎾 Explore Flushing Meadows: More Than Just Baseball

Just steps from Citi Field, you’ll find Flushing Meadows–Corona Park, a sprawling green space steeped in history and full of surprises.

• Arthur Ashe Stadium, home of the US Open, is the largest tennis venue in the world. Be sure to grab the signature Honey Deuce cocktail and enjoy a match under the retractable roof.
• Snap a photo with the iconic Unisphere, the 140-foot-tall steel globe from the 1964/65 World’s Fair.
• Visit the Queens Museum, housed in a former World’s Fair building and once home to the United Nations General Assembly.

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🍜 Discover Flushing: A Melting Pot of Culture and Cuisine

Flushing is one of NYC’s most culturally rich neighborhoods — and a paradise for foodies and history buffs alike.

• Dim sum heaven: With one of the largest and fastest-growing Chinatowns in the world, Flushing is famous for its incredible Asian cuisine. Follow the locals — if there’s a crowd, it’s worth the wait.
• Walk the Flushing Freedom Trail, a tribute to America’s early fight for religious liberty.
  • Visit the John Bowne House, where the Quaker movement challenged religious persecution.
  • Step inside the Friends Meeting House, New York’s oldest place of worship, still standing strong since 1694.

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🗺 Travel Tips

Planning a visit? Keep in mind that Citi Field and Arthur Ashe Stadium are not open year-round, so check seasonal schedules before your trip. Flushing Meadows Park and surrounding sites, however, are open for exploration all year.

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Ready to Explore Queens?

Whether you’re heading to a Mets game or just curious about what makes Flushing so special, this corner of New York City is packed with sports history, international flavors, and American heritage.

Watch the full episode to experience it for yourself — and don’t forget to subscribe for next month’s MLB city adventure!