HOPE_16 is being held on the campus of St. John's University in Queens, New York City. It's in the middle of a vibrant neighborhood and very easy to reach by mass transit, while also close to Kennedy and LaGuardia Airports. For those driving, free parking is also available.
FOOD OPTIONS
ON CAMPUS
We had lots of food options inside Marillac Hall last year, as well as food trucks outside. We plan on expanding that even more this year due to their overwhelming popularity.
OFF CAMPUS
There are a whole bunch of restaurants for sit-down and take-out nearby. Just exit at Gate 4 and make a right. You will see them across the street at Utopia Parkway, starting with Regina’s Pizza and continuing for blocks on both sides of the street. Some will have special discounts for HOPE attendees.
NEAR THE HOTEL
If you’re staying at either the Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott or the Courtyard by Marriott, there are lots of options nearby.
The Emerald Pub is an Irish dive bar, adjacent to the hotels and open til 4 am, serving cheap drinks and food. This place was a popular gathering point for HOPE attendees last year and we believe it's now a tradition. You just can't do better than a dive bar in Queens that looks out over the Long Island Expressway.
There are plenty of food outlets on the other side of the Expressway (cross via the underpass at Utopia Parkway), including the 24 hour Bagel Oasis and a wide variety of local and chain restaurants.
CHINATOWN
The biggest Chinatown outside of Asia is a 10-15 minute ride from HOPE. It is very much worth visiting if you have the chance. It would fill a book to list the many places where you can hang out and get great food until all hours of the night. Just wandering around and exploring will be an experience you never forget.
From HOPE
While you can get there and back using buses, we don’t recommend it for the amount of time it takes. Getting a rideshare or a taxi will get you there in under 15 minutes. Just ask the driver to take you to Main Street and Kissena Boulevard.
From Hotels
It’s very easy to get to Chinatown by bus from this location. Take the Q17 bus from the bus stop right outside the hotel (Horace Harding Expressway & 185th Street) or the Emerald Pub (Horace Harding Expressway & 183rd Street). Get off at Kissena Boulevard & Sanford Avenue (under 20 minutes). Walk in the direction of the bus for one block. Be amazed.
A rideshare or a taxi will get you there in around 10 minutes. Just ask the driver to take you to Main Street and Kissena Boulevard.
