How to Be Outside, Inside: Hidden Gems in Astoria, NYC

March 29, 2025

NYC is loud, fast and overstimulating — but that’s not everyone’s vibe. How to Be Outside, Inside is shifting gears: we’re asking real New Yorkers where they go to feel grounded, inspired, and unbothered.

First up is Queens resident and Okayplayer’s own Head of Newsletters and Special Projects, Geo Hagan — self-described solo explorer, proud dad, and easily the chillest person in the office. He walks us through his favorite low-key gems in NYC’s biggest borough.

A Black man poses for a photo with a serioius look on his face and an all black jacket and pants.

Okayplayer’s own Geo Hagan gives us his inside scoop on what to get up to in Western Queens.

Photo by Jed Abbi.

Okayplayer: Where do you go when you want to be outside, without being “out?”

Geo Hagan: I’m a big kid at heart, and I love vintage toys and collectibles. One of my favorite places to visit is the Museum of Nostalgia in Astoria. You can find all types of vintage toys: from Masters of the Universe collectibles to Star Wars memorabilia.

For the evening, I would do a relaxed evening at the craft cocktail spot, Mosaic — their mixologists are elite; they serve one of the best Old Fashioneds you’ll taste in the five boroughs of NYC. Also, the crowd never gets too intense; it’s friendly locals who mind their own business — exactly how I like it.

Where do you go when you want to be around people, but not with people?

I have a simple answer for this: Astoria Park — it’s vast, peaceful, scenic and well-maintained. It offers panoramic views of the East River, a skate park, soccer field, running track and a swimming pool — what else can you ask for?

What does your perfect NYC day look like?

Watching my son Noah play soccer in the morning (and winning the game). Then grabbing a late brunch at my favorite Greek restaurant, Ovelia. For the afternoon, taking in the sights and sounds at Gantry Park in Long Island City, and to cap the day, enjoying a delicious dinner at Macoletta (a great artisanal pizza spot) or Palermo, a family-owned Italian restaurant that serves incredible Calamari Fritti.