South Slope Locals Ride A Whole F’ing Subway Line

Looking to explore the city a bit beyond their own terrific (in our humble opinion) neighborhood, local residents Chelsey and Loes decided to take a ride on the F train. But not just any ride — they ventured out and stopped at every one of the 45 stations along the line, a trip they took on the hottest day of the year so far, and which took more than 12 hours.

“We could have driven to Indiana in that amount of time,” says Chelsey, who documented the trip on her blog, The NeoPioneer.

The pair enjoyed pizza at the Parsons Blvd stop in Jamaica, worried about getting tetanus while walking barefoot on the beach in Coney Island, and did not see a single rat. But we couldn’t leave it at that, so we asked Chelsey a few questions to find out more about their trip, what they like near their own local F station, and more.

SSN: How long have you lived in the neighborhood and been riding the F train? Is it more fun to ride it this way, or for your commute?

Chelsey: I’ve lived here for almost three years, and Loes has lived here for about a year. I’m originally from Oklahoma and she is originally from Holland, so New York City is still a slightly foreign place for both of us at times. I think this adventure appealed to us in part because neither of us rides the subway on a daily basis — Loes often commutes on her bike, and I work at home. So we aren’t your usual, jaded subway riders. This adventure was definitely more fun than using the subway on a normal day! It was one of those journey-versus-destination things.

Which stop would you like to return to for more exploring?

Jackson Heights for sure. The area immediately surrounding the station was one of the more unique streetscapes we saw, and I bought a heavy, greasy Nepalese donut just a few feet from the subway entrance. We both loved the underground shopping in that station as well: You could buy flowers, try on a dress or get your haircut, all on the way to the platform. I also want to go back to Roosevelt Island. Before we started planning this trip, I’m not sure I even knew that the F stopped there.

What’s one of your favorite things within 4-8 minutes from your home station, 15th St?

Prospect Park. That’s probably a little too obvious, though. I also like Black Bear Vintage, Yoga Sole, and a homey little cafe on Windsor called Savor Brooklyn. My husband and I actually ate there on Christmas Eve — they were practically the only place open, and we were so grateful.

Do you think you would you ever do this again on another line? If so, which one?

Yes, without a doubt. Loes and I have talked about doing one of the lines that runs all the way up to the Bronx… maybe the A? I’m not sure if the A could be tackled in one day, though. I would also like to do the SIR in Staten Island. Actually, I think it would be neat to slowly do all of the lines. (Yes, I am completely crazy.) Sadly, Loes is moving back to Holland, so any future trips will have to happen while she is visiting. Most people seem repulsed by the idea, so I’m not sure if I could talk anyone else into doing this with me. And it wouldn’t be the same without Loes, anyway!

Photo via The NeoPioneer