{"id":14931,"date":"2014-10-13T05:35:42","date_gmt":"2014-10-13T09:35:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/?p=14931"},"modified":"2019-06-05T16:30:54","modified_gmt":"2019-06-05T20:30:54","slug":"new-york-boroughs-staten-island","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/2014\/10\/13\/new-york-boroughs-staten-island\/","title":{"rendered":"New York Boroughs: Staten Island"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"img aligncenter wp-image-14939\">\n\t<img src=\"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/09\/New-york-nyc-borough-staten-island-ferry-transportation.jpg\" alt=\"Picture of the Staten Island Ferry \" width=\"750\" height=\"500\" \/>\n\t<div>The Staten Island Ferry in the harbor<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Welcome to the third installment of our new series, &#8216;New York Boroughs!&#8217; In the first article <a title=\"Visit the Bronx\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/2014\/03\/24\/new-york-boroughs-bronx\/\">we introduced the Bronx<\/a>, and the second <a title=\"Visit Queens, New York\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/2014\/04\/21\/new-york-city-boroughs-queens\/\">offered insight into Queens<\/a>. Now it\u2019s time to talk about an often-overlooked NYC borough: Staten Island. Sure, this borough might not be as conventionally urban as the others (the south shore is right next to New Jersey), but locals know its unique environment is what makes it special. The gems of Staten Island (beaches, a botanical garden, a waterside museum, and more) remain unknown to most tourists and even most New Yorkers, and that\u2019s the way Staten Islanders like it.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><strong>Welcome to Staten Island<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/mapsengine.google.com\/map\/embed?mid=zHap3VP2vDcM.k7bHIchUbmPk\" width=\"585\" height=\"400\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>Staten Island is the least populous of the five boroughs, but the third-largest at 59 square miles (153 square km). This makes it feel more suburban than the others. From the north shore, islanders can access Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queens, while New Jersey is reachable from the south shore. Locals consider the two sides to be very different, and individuals take pride in their side while occasionally scoffing at the other. But both sides offer attractive features: the parks of the south are some of the best in the city, and the northern urban setting is definitively more city-like (and closer to Manhattan).<\/p>\n<div class=\"img aligncenter wp-image-14938\">\n\t<img src=\"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/09\/New-york-nyc-borough-staten-island-ferry-manhattan-skyline.jpg\" alt=\"Photo of the ferry in the water\" width=\"750\" height=\"500\" \/>\n\t<div>The Staten Island Ferry traveling in the New York Harbor<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Staten Island is the only borough that is not connected to the rest of the city via the subway system, a fact that has perhaps contributed to its nickname of \u201cthe forgotten borough.\u201d Though you\u2019ll often hear people complain about the lack of trains, there are alternate modes of transportation in the borough, and most of them are free! There is a ferry that travels to Manhattan free of charge, and the train that stretches across the island is also free. You may have heard about the Staten Island Ferry; it\u2019s famous for being a large boat that passes the Statue of Liberty, so tourists can get stunning views of the statue for free. It\u2019s also the main method of transportation for commuters going to and from work. The ferry travels from the north shore of Staten Island to lower Manhattan next to Battery Park. So the <a title=\"The revival of Lower Manhattan: A tour of the new World Trade Center and surrounding area\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/2012\/05\/14\/revival-lower-manhattan-tour-new-world-trade-center\/\">next time you\u2019re exploring lower Manhattan<\/a>, consider visiting Staten Island! The only train stations with a fee are St. George (the location of the ferry) and the stop directly before it: Tompkinsville. Driving is the preferred mode of transportation around Staten Island and most residents have cars. With a car, islanders can easily reach the rest of the city and New Jersey by using four bridges: The Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, The Outerbridge Crossing, The Bayonne Bridge, and the Goethals Bridge. If you\u2019re interested in the bridges&#8217; architecture, <a title=\"Top 5 bridges in New York City\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/2013\/08\/19\/top-5-bridges-new-york\/\">read our blog on the top 5 bridges of New York<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Staten Island has always had fewer residents than the rest of New York City. In fact, in the 18th and 19th centuries, New Yorkers from other boroughs had summer homes here and used South Beach (in the north shore) as a vacation getaway. It wasn\u2019t until the construction of the Verrazano Bridge in the 1960s that the south shore started to develop into a popular residential area.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><strong>Things to do and see in Staten Island<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>There is a lot to do on Staten Island once you arrive. On the north shore of Staten Island, not far from the ferry terminal, are a few <strong>museums<\/strong>. The oldest cultural institution is the <strong>Staten Island Museum<\/strong>, the only general-interest museum in New York City. The old brick building is split into three main exhibits featuring fine art, the natural sciences, and a library of historical archives spanning ancient history to the present day.<\/p>\n<p>The <strong>Alice Austen Museum<\/strong>, a beautiful stone house on the water that overlooks the Manhattan skyline, is another must-see institution. This house was formerly inhabited by Miss Alice Austen, a famous photographer of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Her work is now displayed in the house thanks to the Friends of Alice Austen volunteer group. It also offers temporary photography and art exhibits that showcase the work of talented locals.<\/p>\n<p>Other museums include the <strong>Garibaldi-Meucci Museum<\/strong>, the<strong> Jacques Marchais Museum of Tibetan Art<\/strong>, and the<strong> Staten Island Children\u2019s Museum<\/strong>. As if the museums aren\u2019t enough of a reason to head to Staten Island, there will soon be more attractions, including an <strong>observation wheel and mall outlet right near the ferry<\/strong>! The observation wheel is set to be the tallest in the world at 60 stories high, and the only one in New York City.<\/p>\n<div><div class=\"img aligncenter wp-image-14937\">\n\t<img src=\"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/09\/New-york-nyc-borough-staten-island-conference-house-park-nature.jpg\" alt=\"Picture of the Conference House\" width=\"750\" height=\"500\" \/>\n\t<div>The Conference House in Staten Island<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><strong>Parks<\/strong> are all over Staten Island. Some are sprawling fields of grass, some have playground equipment, and others are attached to beaches. The <strong>Conference House Park\u00a0<\/strong>is located at the southernmost point of New York State. The historic Conference House is surrounded by a large field and borders the beach towards New Jersey. Visit the Conference House website for a full list of events, like tours of the house and educational programs that celebrate the history of Staten Island.<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><strong>The Greenbelt Nature Center\u00a0<\/strong>is a favorite among joggers and hikers. You can walk along the dirt paths in the woods that range from easy to difficult.\u00a0<strong>Clove Lakes Park\u00a0<\/strong>is another favorite for joggers due to its large size. Located in a neighborhood called Sunnyside, this park is a natural oasis centered around its lakes and ponds. Playgrounds, sports fields, and the borough\u2019s largest living thing, a 300-year-old tulip tree, are all within the park.<\/div>\n<div class=\"img aligncenter wp-image-14942\">\n\t<img src=\"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/09\/New-york-nyc-borough-staten-island-nature-botanic-garden.jpg\" alt=\"Photo of a tree in Staten Island\" width=\"750\" height=\"500\" \/>\n\t<div>Nature in a Staten Island Park<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Perhaps the most exquisite gardens are found at the <strong>Staten Island Botanical Garden<\/strong> in Snug Harbor. The botanical garden contains many small gardens. A favorite among locals is the New York Chinese Scholars Garden, which will cost you only $5 to view. There is also the Connie Gretz\u2019s Secret Garden. The shrubbery within has been landscaped into a maze for children of all ages to explore. The Botanical Garden also includes the White Garden, Rose Garden, Tuscan Garden, Healing Garden, and more. Additional parks worth visiting include <strong>Willowbrook Park, Silver Lake Park, <\/strong>and<strong> Freshkills Park<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<div><div class=\"img aligncenter wp-image-14940\">\n\t<img src=\"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/09\/New-york-nyc-borough-staten-island-fort-wadsworth-landmark.jpg\" alt=\"Picture of Fort Wadsworth\" width=\"750\" height=\"500\" \/>\n\t<div>Fort Wadsworth in Staten Island <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<p>Staten Island has a celebratory history made evident by its many landmarks. <strong>Snug Harbor<\/strong> is one of them. The area contains a row of Greek Revival buildings (called Temple Row) that are as charming as the gardens. A favorite landmark site of children and families alike is <strong>Historic Richmond Town<\/strong>. It\u2019s an interactive town and museum complex that features villagers dressed in 17th-century clothes, using 17th-century tools, and having 17th-century fun. The historic town hosts events year-round. Make sure to bring your wallet: the regular admissions price is $8 per adult and $5 per child.<\/p>\n<div class=\"img aligncenter wp-image-14934\">\n\t<img src=\"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/09\/New-york-nyc-borough-staten-island-911-memorial.jpg\" alt=\"Picture of the 9\/11 Memorial in Staten Island\" width=\"750\" height=\"500\" \/>\n\t<div>Staten Island 9\/11 Memorial <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Military history buffs might prefer a trip to <strong>Fort Wadsworth<\/strong> on the Narrows underneath the <strong>Verrazano-Narrows Bridge<\/strong>. Learn more about Italian culture at <strong>Casa Belvedere<\/strong>, located on Grymes Hill. Other landmarks include the <strong>Richmond County Courthouse, Seguine Mansion, <\/strong>and the<strong> Staten Island September 11 Memorial<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<div><div class=\"img aligncenter wp-image-14935\">\n\t<img src=\"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/09\/New-york-nyc-borough-staten-island-beach-leisure-boardwalk.jpg\" alt=\"Photo of the South Beach boardwalk\" width=\"750\" height=\"500\" \/>\n\t<div>South Beach Boardwalk<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<p>One of the perks of being on an island is that there are plenty of <strong>beaches<\/strong> to enjoy! On sunny days, locals love to sunbathe on the sand. At night, teenagers have bonfires in secret spaces. During spring and fall days, the shore attracts lovers hand-in-hand. The north shore&#8217;s<strong> South Beach<\/strong> includes its own boardwalk where residents ride bikes, jog, walk dogs, and hang out during sunny days. Locals can be seen fishing on the pier year-round. <strong>Midland Beach<\/strong> is another beach near the north shore.<\/p>\n<p>On the south shore is <strong>Wolfe\u2019s Pond Park and Beach<\/strong>. The park offers many playgrounds, picnic tables, and a memorial to the Battle of the Bulge. A small staircase from the park leads to the beach, which is mostyl long and narrow depending on the tide. This is a favorite park and beach to locals who live closeby due to its variety and pleasant atmosphere.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Great Kills Park and Beach<\/strong> is perhaps the most beloved beach on the south shore. The spacious beach often has a lifeguard on duty, while the park is mostly comprised of stretches of grassy fields which lead to a harbor and marina for fancy boats. Learn more about the beaches of other boroughs by <a title=\"Top 5 beaches in and around New York City\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/2012\/05\/24\/top-5-beaches-in-new-york-city\/\">reading our blog on the top 5 beaches in and around NYC<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><strong>Shopping in Staten Island<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>If you ask Staten Islanders where they shop, they\u2019re likely to have the same answer: the mall! The <strong>Staten Island Mall<\/strong> on Richmond Avenue is two stories tall and easily accessible via bus or car. It holds approximately two hundred stores and is open from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Monday thru Saturday and 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Sundays. The main department stores of the mall are <strong>Macy\u2019s, Sears, <\/strong>and <strong>JC Penney<\/strong>. To the joy of the local children, Santa Claus sits in the center of the mall during the holiday season for photos. There is also a center food court and a Starbucks located on the bottom floor. Other popular stores include Forever 21, The Gap, Victoria\u2019s Secret, and the Apple Store. And as a fun fact, the band The New Radicals filmed the music video for their song \u201cGet What You Give\u201d here in 1999!<\/p>\n<p>Staten Island&#8217;s main shopping streets are <strong>Richmond Avenue, Forest Avenue,<\/strong> and <strong>Hylan Boulevard<\/strong>. On Richmond Avenue, you\u2019ll find a bookshop, a grocery store, convenience stores, and various other retailers. If you drive through the area of Richmond Avenue by the mall, you can essentially get all of your food, electronics, clothes, and book shopping done at once!<\/p>\n<p>Forest Avenue is another popular shopping street that houses a range of shops including grocery stores, electronic shops, and clothing retailers. Hylan Boulevard contains a hub of small delis and shops as well as Hylan Plaza, a shopping center in New Dorp that houses a pharmacy, a dollar store, a grocery store, a clothing retailer, and a movie theater.<\/p>\n<div><div class=\"img aligncenter wp-image-14941\">\n\t<img src=\"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/09\/New-york-nyc-borough-staten-island-gerardis-farmers-market-fruits-vegetables.jpg\" alt=\"Picture of Gerardi\u2019s Farmers Market in Staten Island\" width=\"750\" height=\"500\" \/>\n\t<div>Gerardi\u2019s Farmer's Market<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<p>Do you like locally-grown food? New Yorkers do too, including Staten Islanders. That&#8217;s why people flock to <strong>Gerardi\u2019s Farmer&#8217;s Market<\/strong>. In the spring and summer months, people come to stock up on the freshest fruits and veggies in town. They also sell a wide selection of flowers.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><strong>Stay or live in Staten Island<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Living in Staten Island is a great way to experience New York from a unique point of view. Its neighborhoods, which remain undiscovered by most tourists, are authentically &#8216;New York.&#8217; <a title=\"Furnished apartments in New York\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/new-york-apartment\/furnished\">Search through our listings of NYC furnished apartments<\/a> for the apartment that\u2019s right for you. If you&#8217;re staying for less than one month, <a title=\"New York vacation rentals\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/new-york-apartment\/vacation\">take a look at our vacation rentals<\/a>. Don\u2019t want to live alone in the big city? <a title=\"Search rooms for rent in New York City\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/new-york-apartment\/roommate-share\">Opt for an apartment share<\/a> if you&#8217;re staying for over one month or a <a title=\"New York bed and breakfast search\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/new-york-apartment\/bed-breakfast\">New York bed and breakfast<\/a> if your stay will be shorter.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><strong>Coffee, restaurants, and nightlife in Staten Island<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>If parks, shops, and beaches don\u2019t interest you, then come to Staten Island for the food! The borough has a plethora of restaurants featuring international cuisine that come with rave reviews from customers. <strong>Killmeyer\u2019s Old Bavarian Inn<\/strong> is one of only a few authentic German restaurants on Staten Island, featuring a beer garden where live music is performed in the summer. Come for the food, stay for the drinks\u2013there&#8217;s a full bar!<\/p>\n<p>If it\u2019s pizza you want, you\u2019ll have to come to <strong>Denino\u2019s Pizzeria Tavern<\/strong>. A staple in the borough since 1937, this family-owned restaurant serves thin-crust pizza and has what some people call \u201cthe most fantastic fried calamari in the universe.\u201d <strong>Joe &amp; Pats<\/strong> is an alternate choice when you\u2019re hungry for pizza\u2013it, too, is a favorite among locals.<\/p>\n<p>Craving barbeque? Stop by <strong>DaddyO\u2019s BBQ and Sports Bar<\/strong>, serving sauced meats and comfort food. At night, there&#8217;s often live music here as well! Other top-notch eateries include <strong>Bayou,<\/strong> serving Cajun cooking, <strong>Beso,<\/strong> serving Spanish food, <strong>Royal Crown Bakery<\/strong>, and Mexican restaurant <strong>Adobe Blues<\/strong>, which has a lively nightlife scene as well.<\/p>\n<p>Don\u2019t have the money for a big night out? That\u2019s okay; Staten Island is ready to accommodate you too. The following restaurants serve most meals for under $8: <strong>Pho Mac Vietnamese Restaurant <\/strong>(the only Vietnamese restaurant in the borough), <strong>New Asha Sri Lanka Restaurant<\/strong>, <strong>Fresh Tortillas &amp; Taco<\/strong>, a Mexican take-out place, <strong>Gennaro\u2019s Restaurant &amp; Pizzeria<\/strong>, <strong>Tony\u2019s Brick Oven<\/strong>, and <strong>George\u2019s Coffee Shop<\/strong>, serving American fare. Afterward, you can <a title=\"Top 10 free things to see &amp; do in New York City\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/2013\/10\/14\/top-10-free-things-see-do-new-york\/\">indulge in all of the free activities New York has to offer<\/a>!<\/p>\n<p>New York City is known for its awesome food. Venture out of Staten Island to dine at all types of international restaurants. Of course, a favorite among locals is a good old American eatery. Read <a title=\"Top 10 burgers in New York City\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/2014\/01\/27\/top-10-burgers-new-york\/\">our list of the top 10 burger places in NYC<\/a> to get an idea of where to go on a Manhattan night out.<\/p>\n<div><div class=\"img aligncenter wp-image-14936\">\n\t<img src=\"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/09\/New-york-nyc-borough-staten-island-coffee-shop.jpg\" alt=\"Photo of Everything Goes Book Caf\u00e9 in Staten Island\" width=\"750\" height=\"500\" \/>\n\t<div>Everything Goes Book Caf\u00e9 <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<p>Good coffee is important, so support your local coffee shop! Staten Island still has a few that serve coffee and tea at low prices and offer the special kind of environment that only comes from shopping at mom-and-pop stores. A favorite on the north shore is <strong>Everything Goes Book Caf\u00e9<\/strong>, run by the Ganas commune on Staten Island (that\u2019s right, Staten Island has a commune!). The people running this shop care about the coffee they make, and you can be sure it has all-natural ingredients. Everything Goes Book Caf\u00e9 puts on many different performances throughout the week including open mics, poetry, and art shows.<\/p>\n<p>A second option for coffee is <strong>Beans &amp; Leaves Caf\u00e9<\/strong>, an independently run coffee shop that hosts an open-mic night. If it&#8217;s your goal to try all the best coffee shops in NYC, we can help: just <a title=\"Top 10 coffee shops in New York City\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/2014\/02\/24\/top-10-coffee-shops-new-york\/\">read our blog about our 10 favorite caf\u00e9s in New York<\/a> (mostly in Manhattan and Brooklyn).<\/p>\n<p>You don\u2019t have to travel to Manhattan to party in New York City. Staten Island has plenty of bars! <strong>#hashtag Bar<\/strong>, formerly known as the Full Cup, is the chosen bar among hipsters, artists, and the alternative scene. Drinks are cheap, and local shows are performed every weekend and some weekdays. That same scene will also frequent <strong>120 Bay Caf\u00e9<\/strong>, known to most locals by its former name, Cargo. If you like dance music, you\u2019ll probably prefer <strong>Z-TWO Restaurant &amp; Lounge<\/strong> and <strong>Indiglo Restaurant and Lounge<\/strong>, or clubs like <strong>Eve Ultra Lounge<\/strong> and <strong>Above Rooftop<\/strong>. For a more laid-back atmosphere, head to <strong>Joe Broadway\u2019s Billiards &amp; Sports<\/strong> and <strong>Dugout Pub &amp; Grill<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>That concludes our tour of Staten Island, a small town in the big city. Are you interested in visiting the Forgotten Borough?<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Welcome to the third installment of our new series, &#8216;New York Boroughs!&#8217; In the first article we introduced the Bronx, and the second offered insight&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[16],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14931"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=14931"}],"version-history":[{"count":17,"href":"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14931\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":20089,"href":"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14931\/revisions\/20089"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=14931"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=14931"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=14931"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}