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Published: August 11th 2008
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The Staten Island Ferry
Cruising by Lady Liberty on its way to Staten Island from Lower Manhattan By Armando S. Sarlat
"We'll have Manhattan, the Bronx and Staten Island too. It's lovely going through the zoo." Manhattan
Staten Island, also known as Richmond County, is one of New York City's five boroughs. The other four are Manhattan, Queens, Bronx and Brooklyn. It is the southernmost borough, just a 25-minute ride from lower Manhattan on the famous Staten Island Ferry. Many "Islanders", folks from other boroughs, and tourists alike enjoy the sea breezes of a round trip ferry ride through New York Harbor. It's great for picturesque views of Manhattan's skyline, and a close up view of The Statue of Liberty. Your destination from Manhattan is St. George on the North Shore of Staten Island. The Island is also accessible from Bay Ridge, Brooklyn via the Verrazano-Narrows, a double deck 12 lane suspension bridge. The bridge is named after Giovanni da Verrazzano, who is thought to be the first European explorer to navigate New York Harbor. When my family first moved to Staten Island in the late-60s, the toll was only .50 cents each way. Today you'll dig deep for the $10.00 cash toll from Brooklyn. But it's free when you're leaving the island.
I grew
The Verrazanno-Narrows Bridge
Connecting Bay Ridge Brooklyn with Staten Island. Locals refer to it as The Verrazanno Bridge. up on Staten Island from the ages of 12 to 19, in the West Brighton section of the North Shore. We lived across the street from the Kill Van Kull River on Richmond Terrace. From my experience and recent visits, this town truly has it's own distinct flavor. Of the many ethnic groups who make Staten Island their home, it has for generations had a very strong Italian-American population which has a strong influence on the local culture. So, look no further for the best New York City pizza and Italian food. So you wanna eat in Jersey? Fogeddaboudit!!
The distinct culture of the Island transcends food and colloquialisms. Staten Island is unofficially considered the suburb within the city, with more trees and open space than anywhere else in New York City, with the exception of Manhattan's Central Park. When I lived there, I knew more than a few locals who were so acclimated to the Island that they rarely ventured into the big city. I wonder if that is still true today because Staten Island remains a world of it's own.
Here's the short menu on Staten Island's offerings: "Art By The Ferry" is held in the
Historic Richmondtown
During the American Revolution, British troops were stationed here. Learn more about Staten Island's role in American History on Wikipedia.org. summer near the terminal in St. George, featuring visual artists, musicians, performers, writers, crafters and dancers. Also just two blocks from the ferry, is The Staten Island Institute of Arts and Sciences -- the museum. Founded in 1881, it is one of New York City's oldest cultural institutions and the only remaining "general interest" museum in the city. It boasts active collections of local history, arts and science. The Institute's History Archives and Library, where you can research the history of Staten Island and it's residents, is open by appointment only. The Museum Store offers a nice assortment of New York City and Staten Island memorabilia.
Located in the center of the Island, Historic Richmond Town is a community dating back to the late 1600s that eventually became the seat of Richmond County. Richmond Town has 27 restored historic buildings, which span three centuries. No trip to Staten Island is complete without a visit to Jacques Marchais Museum of Tibetan Art. Set in a lush garden setting high atop Lighthouse Hill, the museum is home to an eye-catching collection of paintings, sculptures and ritual objects from Tibet and other parts of Asia. The Staten Island Zoo has its own
Marchais Museum of Tibetan Art
A Buddha statue graces the outdoor garden. weather predicting groundhog, touted as America's most accurate. The Island also has its own botanical garden, ball park, children's museum, nature center, maritime collection, boardwalk on its own South Beach, and a September 11 memorial, among many other attractions.
On a recent visit, I stayed at the newly-built Hampton Inn and Suites - Staten Island, which is part of the Hilton family of hotels. A short while after checking in, a gift basket was delivered to my room with a note stating that I had been chosen as the guest of the day. I also received a complimentary upgrade. Ooh la la! Very nice. The Hampton Inn was built on a former stable, so colorful carousel horses adorn the high walls of the bright lobby and reception area. Also equestrian art is featured throughout the property, including a bronze statue of a cowboy on a bucking horse to the left of the front entrance. Friendly and attentive staff, spacious suites featuring large flat screen TVs, a tasty hot breakfast, a semi-secluded location, and smart design with color and texture, all make a stay at this hotel an absolute must on your stay on Staten Island.
A trip to
Richmond County Bank Ball Park
Home of the Staten Island Yankees. Staten Island affords you a vacation within a vacation, if Manhattan is your ultimate destination. It's only about a 10-minute ride from La Guardia Airport. Good lodging is astronomically cheaper than in the city and parking is free. The ferry is also free.
Now you're in the know about Staten Island. When you're in Staten Island, grab a slice of pizza for me.
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