New York City Jamaica

Jamaica’s main strip is the section of Jamaica Avenue stretching from 150th to 168th St. Though the area is not particularly tourist friendly, it offers succulent Jamaican beef patties, African clothing and braids, and a brick-lined pedestrian mall on 165th St. great for bargain hunting. Saint Albans is best explored with a walk down Linden Boulevard. West Indian culture proliferates on both sides of Hillside Avenue in the area’s eastern part. ( S E, J, Z to Jamaica Center.)

Be Careful. Be cautious in Jamaica; the area is best avoided at night.

King Manor Museum. Built in 1750, King Manor Museum was the residence of Rufus King—an early abolitionist, framer and signer of the Constitution, New York Senator, presidential candidate, and ambassador to Great Britain—from 1805-1827. Now it’s the oldest house in Jamaica. Set in 11-acre King Park, it combines Georgian and Federal architectural styles. The period rooms downstairs give a glimpse of 19th-century life, and the surrounding park is bustling with people. (At Jamaica Ave. and 153rd St. ☎718-206-0545; www.kingmanor.org. Open Feb.-Dec. Th-F noon-2pm, Sa-Su 1-5pm. Admission with guided tour $5, students and seniors $3, children under 16 free. Tours Th-F noon-2pm, Sa-Su 1pm-5pm.)

Other Sights. Grace Church, 155-03 Jamaica Ave., is one of Queens’ oldest churches. Its stone exterior is beautiful, and Rufus King is buried in the graveyard. (☎718-291-4901. Open daily 11am-1pm. Services Su 8 and 10am.) The Spanish-Baroque palace at 165-11 Jamaica Avenue now houses the Tabernacle of Prayer congregation, but from 1929 to 1977 it was New York’s grandest movie theater. Though the silver screen has been dark for decades, stars still shimmer on the building’s ceiling, creating the awesome illusion of being outside.