Pet owners can enjoy a plethora of pet supply shops right in their neighborhood. Besides chain pet stores, there are several unique shops including Chateau Le Woof, Us Pets, Vitality Health Pets, and Never Alone Pets. You and your dog can stroll on by one of these shops and pick up a snack for your pooch or some rain gear designed for your dog. You just might need it in New York where wet weather occurs frequently.
Residential homes in Astoria vary greatly with housing complexes, walk-up apartments, duplexes, single-family homes, and townhouses all providing homes to Astoria residents. They are closely spaced and there is little landscaping on residential properties. Some trees provide shade and the terrain is mostly flat with only some slight inclines that do not present an issue for pedestrians. The East River sits on the west side of Astoria and there is a lot of shoreline in the community.
The area is serviced both by a subway and an elevated train that do not hamper pedestrian traffic. Astoria has many bicycle lanes on streets, so when you are crossing a road in the area, make sure you look for both four-wheeled and two-wheeled traffic which can be less visible.
Hells Gate Bridge and the Robert F. Kennedy Bridge connect Astoria to Randall's Island and are prominent landscape features. A sculpture park and bohemian outdoor beer garden are also interesting landmarks.
Astoria Park is situated on the East River and provides views of Hells Gate Bridge, Upper Manhattan, and the river. At just under 60 acres, this park has many amenities including recreational facilities and trails with benches along the shoreline to take in the sights. The park has an off-leash area where your dog can really romp, but remember to make sure they have good off-leash recall as the area is not enclosed.
Rainey Park is an 8-acre park that also has dog-friendly off-leash areas as well as eateries and restrooms which can be useful amenities on a long hike with your hound. Socrates Sculpture Park has a greenway and a paved pedestrian path that runs through the park and along the river to enjoy with your pup and check out the local artwork.
A little further to the south, Queensbridge Park also features walking trails, eateries, restrooms, and an off-leash area where your friendly Fido is more than welcome.