Staten Island: The Forgotten Borough

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Manhattan is Manhattan, Brooklyn is an alternative to the big M, Queens has the Mets and water taxi beach, and Bronx is Yankee- and Zoo animal-central. And then there is Staten Island. It...um...has "island" in the name? No, there's so much more! (I don't work for their Tourist Bureau, promise...but I wish I did). I LOVE Staten Island. Maybe it's the underdog status as the forgotten (or ignored?) borough, or maybe I think I've uncovered a New York treasure trove of cool places. Regardless, let me show you what I've dug up.

First Things First: Getting There!

There are only two ways to get to Staten Island: by boat and by car. (Unless you have a superpower I don’t). The bridge does not allow pedestrians or bikers, so most New Yorkers will be boarding the Staten Island Ferry to get to the forgotten borough. By itself, the ferry ride is enjoyable because it’s free, they sell concession-type food and it allows for decent views of Manhattan and a nice sunset if you time it right.

Where does the ferry dock? On the Manhattan side, trek down to South Ferry, adjacent to Battery Park and join the  masses (60,000 people ride this thing EVERY DAY!)

When does the ferry leave? Approximately every half hour, on the hour, but check the website for the schedule, which can vary.

South Ferry

1 State Street New York, NY 10004

Green Spaces

Although I live in New York and like urban life, I’m a sucker for green spaces. Hiking through woods with only the sounds of snapping twigs and far-off woodpeckers, running through a field of wildflowers, picnicking in parks. Staten Island has no shortage of such places, but unlike many of the other boroughs’ green spaces, these aren’t overrun by people. (I guess that’s kind of sad…where are you, SIers?!?) You can really feel like you got away from the city, all the while seeing another part of it.

Greenbelt Conservancy Inc

200 Nevada Ave, Staten Island, NY 10306

The Greenbelt is 2,800 acres of green-ness! To give you an idea of how big that is, Central Park is 843 acres. Wowzers. My parents and I hiked a fairly level trail here, only bumping into a handful of people over a few hours. Additionally, there is a wildlife refuge, a garden, a Victorian-style carousel (Yay!), and more green space than you’ll know what to do with. Wear good shoes!

The Greenbelt is 2,800 acres of green-ness! To give you an idea of how big that is, Central Park is 843 acres. Wowzers. My parents and I hiked a fairly level trail here, only bumping into a handful of people over a few hours. Additionally, there is a wildlife refuge, a garden, a Victorian-style carousel (Yay!), and more green space than you’ll know what to do with. Wear good shoes!

Snug Harbor

Cottage Row in Snug Harbor…images of sailors, mmmmm.

Snug Harbor Cultural Center Inc

1000 Richmond Ter Ste 1, Staten Island, NY 10301

Today, Snug Harbor is 83 acres and home to a contemporary art museum, botanical garden, children’s museum, concert hall and various historical buildings. Its origins and history are worth reading about: it began as a “haven for aged, decrepit and worn out sailors” and became a “self-sustaining community” that would, of course, eventually decline and become neglected.

I feel as though I shouldn’t tell you this, but I’m your tour guide: there’s a secret garden! Shhhhhh.

Today, Snug Harbor is 83 acres and home to a contemporary art museum, botanical garden, children’s museum, concert hall and various historical buildings. Its origins and history are worth reading about: it began as a “haven for aged, decrepit and worn out sailors” and became a “self-sustaining community” that would, of course, eventually decline and become neglected.

I feel as though I shouldn’t tell you this, but I’m your tour guide: there’s a secret garden! Shhhhhh.

New York's Chinese Scholar's Garden

1000 Richmond Terrace Staten Island, NY 10301

Botanical gardens the other boroughs may have, but only Staten Island has the Chinese Scholar’s Garden. A scholar’s garden is traditionally enclosed, built by a scholar upon retirement and is about “making the most out of the experiences of everyday life.” You know, like visits to Staten Island. ;)

Chinese Scholar Garden

Chinese Scholar Garden

Does anyone eat out in Staten Island?

It’s not exactly known for its restaurant options, unless the mall food court counts. However! There are a few places of notes should you find yourself in Staten Island (and you will, because my guide will inspire you to go!) and the Ferry beer and hot dog combo didn’t satiate your hunger.

Cargo Cafe

120 Bay St, Staten Island, NY 10301

Live jazz, bad service…wait, is this Manhattan? No, Staten Island! Cargo Cafe is a quirky little restaurant near the ferry terminal and while the food is not amazing, it does the job. They constantly change the artwork inside, and on the storefront, so at least it’s a new experience every time?

Live jazz, bad service…wait, is this Manhattan? No, Staten Island! Cargo Cafe is a quirky little restaurant near the ferry terminal and while the food is not amazing, it does the job. They constantly change the artwork inside, and on the storefront, so at least it’s a new experience every time?

Denino's Pizzeria Tavern

524 Port Richmond Ave, Staten Island, NY 10302

According to many, it’s SI’s best pizza, and I must say, I like that it’s a “pizzeria tavern.”

According to many, it’s SI’s best pizza, and I must say, I like that it’s a “pizzeria tavern.”

Nurnberger Bierhaus

817 Castleton Ave, Staten Island, NY 10310

A beer garden on Staten Island?!? Yes, the other boroughs have ‘em, but they are perpetually mobbed by people I don’t like. After a culturally-enriching day at Snug Harbor, head over to Nurnberger and act like a drunken sailor. Sausages and sauerkraut martini, anyone?

A beer garden on Staten Island?!? Yes, the other boroughs have ‘em, but they are perpetually mobbed by people I don’t like. After a culturally-enriching day at Snug Harbor, head over to Nurnberger and act like a drunken sailor. Sausages and sauerkraut martini, anyone?

 

To Plan or Not To Plan?

When I travel anywhere, sometimes I like to have a plan and sometimes I don’t. When the ferry docks at Staten Island, it doesn’t look like much and if you just start walking, you may not ever bump into anything worthwhile (unlike Manhattan). There’s also no grid system, so you need to know some basic directions or have a map! The best maps that happened to be free are New York’s bike maps, found in most bike shops. Pick one up! Otherwise, there is free “literature” at South Ferry, including venue brochures and the like.

Alternatively...

…you can attract strangers in the form of native Staten Islanders, like I did. I seem to be a magnet for random conversations, which I enjoy about 95% of the time (the other 5% being uncomfortable in a sketchy or scary way). My first trip to SI was by myself, and within 5 minutes of wandering around the South Ferry Terminal, an older man asks me what I’m going to see upon reaching SI. I think I said, “I have no idea, it’s my first time. I’m just going.” What followed was a 20-minute conversation about the history of Staten Island, the best places to visit and tales of Pittsburgh (my hometown, his travel destination once). Maybe that’s why I like SI? I had the perfect introduction to it.

*Start Here*

South Beach or Bust

But wait, Miami? I thought this was a guide about Staten Island. Oh, it is! But this forgotten borough has a South Beach! Maybe not the South Beach, but a South Beach nonetheless. It even has a boardwalk that happens to be the 4th largest in the world at 2.5 miles long. If that doesn’t impress you, maybe the shuffleboard court will. No? Okay, spectacular views of Brooklyn and the grand Verrazano Bridge then!

South Beach

New York, NY

Would I almost move here just to be able to say, “Yeah, I like in South Beach”? Yes, I would.

Would I almost move here just to be able to say, “Yeah, I like in South Beach”? Yes, I would.

golden sunset

I’d take this South Beach over that other South Beach any day…

Museum Randomness

I am a certified Museum junkie with an everlasting museum badge to prove it, and I especially love the quirky or just unique. I dream about eventually making it to the Mustard Museum in Wisconsin, the Mutter Museum in Philadelphia, but we’re talking about Staten Island here. These fall into the “unique” category, as they do not center around a condiment or medical anomalies.

Garibaldi-Meucci Memorial Museum

420 Tompkins Ave, Staten Island, NY 10305

I’m going to make a bold, but true statement: Antonio Meucci was the real inventor of the telephone. This was the site of his laboratory. Garibaldi? The famous Italian political leader exiled himself here, living with Meucci and making candles. Now, come on, you must be intrigued!

I’m going to make a bold, but true statement: Antonio Meucci was the real inventor of the telephone. This was the site of his laboratory. Garibaldi? The famous Italian political leader exiled himself here, living with Meucci and making candles. Now, come on, you must be intrigued!

Alice Austen House Museum

2 Hylan Blvd, Staten Island, NY 10305

She lived as a photographer in the 19th century and died a pauper in the 20th, but not far from St. Georges Ferry Terminal is her house, filled with photos depicting wealthy $Iers during both centuries.

She lived as a photographer in the 19th century and died a pauper in the 20th, but not far from St. Georges Ferry Terminal is her house, filled with photos depicting wealthy $Iers during both centuries.

Richmond Town

New York, NY

Now, let’s get serious: I came close to being seriously injured (or, gasp, worse!) on an excursion to Historic Richmond Town (kind of like a small Williamsburg, VA in purpose). I convinced my good friend/roommate/partner-in-crime to come with me on a search for a pumpkin farm IN New York City. Why? So I could tell people I went to a pumpkin farm in New York City.

And then as we were walking in a ditch near Richmond Town, after a 2.5 hour trek from Brooklyn, I tripped and started to fall into traffic, at which point, my friend pushed me the other way. A split second, a car came zooming by! Where my helpless body would have been. Richmond Town, not only did you SHIP THOSE PUMPKINS IN FROM ELSEWHERE (I investigated and saw the crates!), but you almost killed me. But I’ll still put you in my guide because the people have a right to know.

Wow, do I win for most poignant and dramatic Guidespot Guide ending ever?

Now, let’s get serious: I came close to being seriously injured (or, gasp, worse!) on an excursion to Historic Richmond Town (kind of like a small Williamsburg, VA in purpose). I convinced my good friend/roommate/partner-in-crime to come with me on a search for a pumpkin farm IN New York City. Why? So I could tell people I went to a pumpkin farm in New York City.

And then as we were walking in a ditch near Richmond Town, after a 2.5 hour trek from Brooklyn, I tripped and started to fall into traffic, at which point, my friend pushed me the other way. A split second, a car came zooming by! Where my helpless body would have been. Richmond Town, not only did you SHIP THOSE PUMPKINS IN FROM ELSEWHERE (I investigated and saw the crates!), but you almost killed me. But I’ll still put you in my guide because the people have a right to know.

Wow, do I win for most poignant and dramatic Guidespot Guide ending ever?

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by alexandraf  09/12/2008  Reply

Drama Queen Ending!

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aliciak Rss 

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I like to: crochet, eat, read, write, go to museums, watch old movies, cook, bake, observe children, visit the library, travel, cut my own hair, explore New York, mix gin drinks, bike ride, take photographs, keep in touch with people, be crafty, swim in the ocean, make bets, and read blogs and ca...

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