A Day in the Forgotten Borough

Thanks to Russell and Kate, my dream to explore Staten Island was finalized realized. The day began with a beautiful, efficient and free (yes, free!) trip on the Staten Island ferry. After only 20 minutes on the ship with views of the Freedom Tower and Lady Liberty herself, we had docked at St. George’s port.

 

 

 

 

 

 

We drove directly to Snug’s Harbor, a landscaped enclave, that was originally built as a haven for retired sailors in the early 19th century. Although the retreat fell into disrepair and some buildings were demolished, the Landmarks Commission was able to step up and save many of the original buildings which makes you feel like you’ve been transported back in time. Snug’s Harbor has a children’s museum and other cultural institutions but we chose to spend our time in the Chinese Scholars Garden. It is a $5 fee but well worth it. Remember to read the plaques outside the garden which will give you clues and tell you about the secrets hidden inside. We also enjoyed the maze at Connie Gretz’s Secret Garden. http://snug-harbor.org/

While at Snug’s Harbor it’s easy to forget that you are still within New York City. Staten Island was originally established by the Dutch and was called Staaten Eylandt (literally States Island) in honor of the States General which was the Dutch Parliament. Based on its proximity, some wonder why Staten Island is not in New Jersey. A myth, perpetuated by Mayor Bloomberg, says that Captain Christopher Billopp declared that if he could circumnavigate the island in one day then it would belong to New York. However, Staten Island was settled by the Dutch and granted to the English in 1673 as a part of the Treaty of Breda which gave England claim to the land and subsequently renamed the colony New York. So it was and likely will always be part of the Empire State. The island played a significant role in the Revolutionary War as a loyalist stronghold and it was eventually consolidated as a borough of the Greater City of New York in 1898.

Here’s what we did after Snug’s Harbor:

– Pizza at DeNino’s (http://www.deninos.com/) According to the gluten full group it was delcious! What’s a trip to SI without pizza? 

– Creme Ice across the street at Ralph’s (http://www.ralphsices.com/) Cheap and definitely a first for me. I think I prefer regular ice cream but really I can’t complain because it was cold and yummy!

 

 

 

– Beer at Flagship Brewery (http://theflagshipbrewery.com/) Right next to the ferry and they had a spacious tap room. Gotta love their slogan: Unforgettable beer brewed in the forgotten borough!

– September 11th Memorial (http://www.visitstatenisland.com/just-off-the-ferry/esplanade-postcards-september-11th-memorial/) Impactful. While you stand within the memorial you look directly at the World Trade Center sights and you are surrounded by the profiles of Staten Island residents that lost their lives on September 11, 2001. 

 

 

– Staten Island Yankees Game (http://www.milb.com/index.jsp?sid=t586) Ok they’re not the best baseball players but it’s fun to watch and the view of downtown Manhattan isn’t half bad. The game will be long so be prepared to either leave early or stick it out to the very end. Fireworks on Friday and Saturday evening games in the summer.

Then we jumped back on the free (did I say free?!) ferry. I definitely would love to go back to Staten Island and check out one of these tours to learn more about the history (http://www.visitstatenisland.com/tours/). We were extremely grateful to our wonderful tour guides and I promise not to forget the borough ever again!