Once upon a time the land that LaGuardia sits on was an amusement park. It later became a private airport, then opened as New York Municipal Airport in December of 1939. It is the closest to Manhattan of the three airports serving NYC, which makes it popular among travelers.
LaGuardia is located on Long Island, which is the most populated island of any U.S. state or territory. Because it's so densely populated by people from a wide range of cultural backgrounds, Long Island is home to hundreds of restaurants of all types, from Mexican to Hungarian to Lebanese. Leaving the airport opens up travelers to a wealth of options beyond the food court.
If you have a few days to spend near LaGuardia, or if you should find yourself spending the night unexpectedly, you'll find yourself with a selection of budget hotels, as well as a handful of higher end options such as the Sheraton, and Marco La Guardia Hotel by Lexington. You'll also find a surprising bounty of nature, including lighthouses, vineyards, rivers, and boardwalks. Waiting for a flight may be more fun than you ever could have expected.