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Beaches, diverse eco-systems, art, ponds formed by glaciers, Baby Bombers, a working commune, and yeah...there's the whole matter of a garbage dump big enough to be seen from space. That's Staten Island in a nutshell. New York's most suburban but least populated borough (a.k.a. Richmond County) is just a 5-mile ferry ride from the hustle, the bustle, and all that concrete.
Originally populated by the Lenape Indians, after Henry Hudson established Dutch trade in the region, the island was named Staaten Eylandt after the Staten-Generaal, the Dutch parliament. Ferry service between Staten and Manhattan islands began in the 1700's--using sailboats--and by 1817, the Richmond Turnpike Company began running the first motorized boats.
Your modern-day Staten Island staycation begins with that same venerable (and free) ferry ride but be sure to bring along your bicycle because there's plenty of riding to do on New York's most underrated borough.
12 Ways to Enjoy Your (Staten) Island Staycation
The only non-vehicular mode of transportation between Staten Island and Manhattan, the Staten Island Ferry provides 20 million people a year (60,000 passengers a day not including weekend days) with free service, 24 hours a day. The ride is five miles and takes about 25 minutes (each way). Cyclists are welcome to bring their bikes aboard and thus continue a green staycation on the island.
2. Blue Heron Park
From a wasteland filled with abandoned cars to a peaceful wildlife sanctuary with hiking trails winding past kettle ponds formed 15,000 years ago by the retreating Wisconsin glacier, Blue Heron Park stands a fine example of urban re-wilding. Besides blue herons, of course, visitors to this 236-acre park may also spy curve-billed glossy ibis, wood duck, owls, osprey, turtles, and tree frogs.
3. Staten Island Museum
This "mini-Smithsonian" was founded in 1881 and features a rare combination of natural science specimens, artworks, historical objects, archival documents, photographs, and books--more than two million artifacts and specimens in all--just two blocks from the ferry terminal.
Over 2,800 acres of nature which includes traditional parks like LaTourette, Willowbrook, and High Rock; a wildlife refuge; a carousel; hiking trails; and the Greenbelt Nature Center. Of special interest to greenies is the Greenbelt's Environmental Education Department, a federally landmarked educational resource that augments science curricula for school students.
5. Historic Richmond Town
A living history village and museum complex on a 100-acre site, Historic Richmond Town includes the oldest continuously working farm in New York City and the oldest home in Richmond County, dating back to 1662
6. Ganas
Ganas (Spanish for "motivation sufficient to act") was founded in 1979 as an intentional community, or housing and resources co-operative. Its mission is "to bring reason and emotion together in daily problem solving" in order to "learn how to cooperate, care, share resources, and welcome those who want to join us." Ganas runs three retail stores called Every Thing Goes which operate on a strong recycle/re-use/re-purpose philosophy.
Spread out over 341 acres, Wolfe's Pond Park features diverse wildlife, a popular dog run, hiking, a boat house, tennis courts, roller hockey, and one of the least crowded beaches in the Big Apple.
8. Staten Island Yankees
It may no longer be baseball season but keep in mind that since 1999, a New York Yankees Single-A minor league team--the "Baby Bombers"--have played at Richmond County Bank Ballpark along the waterfront in St. George, on the northeast tip of Staten Island.
9. The Jacques Marchais Museum of Tibetan Art
Just a short walk or bus ride from the ferry, the Jacques Marchais Museum of Tibetan Art is home to one of the United States' most extensive collections of Himalayan artifacts. Perched atop a hillside at the edge of The Greenbelt (see #4) since 1947, the museum also offers meditation and Tai Chi classes.
10. Staten Island Botanical Garden
Founded in 1977, the Staten Island Botanical Garden is a 53-acre natural woodland with over 20 specimen gardens, including an Italian Garden modeled after Florence Italy's Villa Gamberaia. The Garden is located within the grounds of the Snug Harbor Cultural Center which is also home to the New York Chinese Scholar's Garden.
11. South Beach
It may not be that South Beach, but Staten Island's version doesn't require air travel and its subsequent carbon burden. You'll enjoy a newly restored 1.7 mile boardwalk, a playground, roller hockey rink, shuffleboard, ball fields, picnic areas, the easily accessible Senior Park (with checkerboard tables, benches, and bocce courts), and the iconic Dolphin Fountain.
12. The Whole Fresh Kills Thing
Greenwashing or green renewal? Fresh Kills--once the world's largest landfill--is being transformed into a 2,200-acre (nearly three times bigger than Central Park) park, the largest developed in New York City in over 100 years. The Parks Department promises Freshkills Park will be "a symbol of renewal and an expression of how our society can restore balance to its landscape" but if the see-saw is glowing, well...all bets are off.
Video: Rockin' Out in Staten Island
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