On a busy summer weekend about 50,000 hot dogs are consumed on Coney Island-not
to mention 20,000 orders of French fries. Originally named Konijn Eilandt
(that's Dutch for Rabbit Island), Coney Island blossomed in the 1800s,
luring wealthy vacationers with its grand hotels, music halls, and horse racing
tracks. When the New York City subway was extended to Coney Island in 1920,
the spot's popularity skyrocketed. New Yorkers flocked to the "freak
shows," rode the Cyclone roller coaster, and strolled the 80-foot-wide
boardwalk. Today, about 45 million people visit Coney Island each year.
|
