Staten Island, New York

When most people think about New York, they think of Manhattan, or maybe even Brooklyn. But there is another borough that is worth checking out: Staten Island.

Staten Island may share the “718” area code with Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx, but it distinguishes itself with its own unique history, culture, attractions and food. Its tree-lined streets are home to approximately 450,000 residents, and at sixty square miles, this little piece of suburbia in the city is the least densely populated of the five boroughs. Staten Island residents voted to secede from the city and become independent in 1993, but did not succeed in seceding!

How do you get to there? Well, you can take the famous Staten Island Ferry or the Verrazano Narrows Bridge, linking Staten Island to Brooklyn, but that will cost you nine dollars. Fact: Verrazano Narrows Bridge is the starting point for the New York City Marathon.

Don’t let anyone tell you that nothing is free anymore. A ride on the Staten Island Ferry is FREE and the five-mile, twenty-five minute ride offers clear views of New York City landmarks, including the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the skyscrapers of lower Manhattan. Once you arrive continue via Staten Island Railway Trains, MTA/NYC Transit Buses, or by foot. Your first “to do” should be to take in a Staten Island Yankees game at Richmond County Bank Ballpark at St. George. These Yankees are a Class A affiliate of the New York Yankees, and their season runs from June through September. Check out the “Baby Bombers” before they get to the big leagues.

Another must-see is the Snug Harbor Cultural Center. This 83-acre area houses 28 historic buildings that are now home to art galleries, performance spaces, and museums—not to mention the Staten Island Children’s Museum and the Staten Island Botanical Garden, which includes the beautiful Chinese Scholar’s Garden.

If it’s a peaceful retreat you’re seeking, then visit The Jacques Marchais Museum of Tibetan Art. This is the largest collection of Tibetan art outside of Tibet. www.tibetanmuseum.org. If you enjoy history, take a tour of Historic Richmondtown. This 25-acre area features 15 restored buildings and homes, including the oldest elementary school still standing built in 1695. www.historicrichmondtown.orgTake a step back in time with a visit to Clear Comfort (a.k.a. The Alice Austen House).  Clear Comfort, now a National Historic Landmark, was built in 1690 and purchased in 1844 by Alice Austen’s grandfather, John Haggerty Austen.  It was John Haggarty Austen’s wife who gave the house its name. Its location at the entrance to New York Harbor is a reminder of the picturesque suburban “cottages” that once dotted the shore and hills of 19th century Staten Island.

Alice Austen was introduced to photography when she was 10 years old.  Alice was active, social, and well traveled, and took her camera everywhere she went.  Although she remained an amateur photographer at heart, she did sell some of her work.  Her straightforward style anticipated documentary photography.

The museum is located at 2 Hylan Blvd. at Edgewater Street, two miles south of the ferry terminal in Staten Island.  The house is open all year (except January, February and major holidays), Thursday through Sunday 12:00 P.M. – 5:00 P.M. The grounds are open every day until dusk. For more info or directions check out  www.aliceausten.org.  Tel: (718) 816-4506

Are you a military history buff? Fort Wadsworth was one of the oldest military installations in the United States. It’s now a part of the Gateway National Recreation Area. Visitors are welcome Wednesday through Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Traveling with kids? The Staten Island Zoo is calling you! Come and see the excellent collection of snakes and reptiles in the brand-new Reptile Wing. The zoo also has an aquarium, a tropical forest, and a petting zoo. www.statenislandzoo.org. Fun Fact: The Staten Island Zoo is the home of Staten Island Chuck – New York City’s official groundhog!

Nature buffs take note:  Staten Island has many delightful parks: Gateway National Recreation Area; Great Kills Park’s nature trails and fishing pier and marina; Blue Heron Park; The Greenbelt 2,800-acre nature preserve (High Rock Park), and Clove Lakes Park.

And, well, since Staten Island is, after all, an island, how about a visit to South Beach, which has an impressive view.  Enjoy the recently renovated boardwalk, playground, ball fields and picnic areas.

Hungry after a day of sightseeing? Then take some time to enjoy a casual lunch or fine dinner at one of Staten Island’s hundreds of restaurants. The Marina Café in Great Kills Harbor (154 Mansion Avenue, 718-987-3077) has outdoor seating with views of the marina and Great Kills Yacht Club. Meals at The South Fin Grill in South Beach (300 Father Capodanno Blvd) include views of the Verrazano Narrows Bridge at no extra charge.

Something more casual? A trip to Staten Island is definitely not complete without pizza, calamari and a pitcher of beer at Denino’s Pizzeria Tavern, the 70-year-old pizzeria/bar in Port Richmond (524 Port Richmond Avenue). No reservations accepted.

Just a quick pastry and coffee? Try Pasticerria Bruno at 1650 Hylan Blvd (718-987-5859).

Other cultures are also well represented among Staten Island dining options: Italian at Bocelli (1250 Hylan Blvd., 718-420-6150); Spanish-Mexican food at Carmen’s Restaurant at 750 Barclay Avenue (718-356-2725); German food at Killmeyer’s Old Bavaria Inn in the Charleston section (4524 Arthur Kill Road, tel: 718-984-1202), and their Beer Garden is now open! www.killmeyers.com

There’s so much more to see and do while on Staten Island. For information on events and goings-on, visit  www.statenislandusa.com or www.nyvcisit.com.