Free or Inexpensive Activities in Fort Wadsworth, Staten Island
When I moved to Fort Wadsworth I knew little about the neighborhood, other than, I was mere blocks away from the Alice Austen Museum. I had been working as a Teaching Artist at the museum, and was surprised to find many people not only didn’t know there was a museum in Fort Wadsworth, but many didn’t know who Alice Austen was.
The Alice Austen Museum, built in the 1690’s, is located at 2 Hylan Boulevard. You take Hylan all the way down to the water, and stop before you hit the beach, park, face right, and you are right at the museum. If case you are unaware who she is, Austen was a prolific photographer during the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. She was a well off Caucasian woman who made a name for herself with the thousands of photographs she took. She was the first woman on Staten Island to own a car, and not only did she own one, but she raced it and fixed it as well; which for the time, was unheard of. She never married, nor had children, focusing on her home, named, “Clear Comfort,” friends, and family. But she was remembered for her photos of immigrants, working class neighborhoods, and burned out buildings, and female friends smoking and wearing bloomers. Such work for a white woman, of her financial stature, in the late 1800’s, was unheard of.
The museum has her formal parlor set in the manner it may have been all those years ago, and Austen’s photography is all over the house. The museum also opens its doors to other photographers who display their work. The park surrounding the Austen house is a free public park, and it is right off the beach. The museum requests a small donation of two dollars.
Heading up to Hylan from the museum, and making a left on Bay Street, you can go several blocks to Von Breizen Park, where you can walk your dogs, (doggy bags conveniently provided), and admire the water. Go several feet out of the park you can go straight into Fort Wadsworth. This inactive Navy base, not only has a beautiful church, (which has services for many faiths), but offers self guided tours or a tour lead by a ranger. But what is there to see? There is a small museum on the grounds, with a gift shop, and you can go on a walking tour on the grounds of catacomb like tunnels and buildings that had been a major part of protecting New York Harbors. You can watch canine units train, take photographs, and enjoy the history that surrounds you. For hours and additional information you can view their site at: www.nps.gov/gate
If time allows for a bit of shopping, you must try Adagio Home & Garden, at 1248 Bay Street. Wendy Sherry, the owner, always has new, and unusual items in her shop. Huge Gerber Daisy flowers, hand crafted jewelry, all natural body products, and gifts are artistically placed through out the store. Customers are encouraged to go directly into the back garden, which is currently blooming. While poking around the store, do not be startled by the large dog, napping on the floor. Pay her a kind word and belly rub, and you will be in like Flynn.
If that pinch in your belly, is growing, stop by “Bayou” for some home cooked New Orleans/Cajun food. Located at 1072 Bay Street, this small restaurant serves up some of the best gumbo and sangria around. The food is fresh, atmosphere is pleasant, and the staff is not only helpful, but lets you sit and enjoy your meal. No one will ever rush you out when you eat in Bayou. For the budget conscience, try their lunch menu. Desserts include zipper breaking fried ice cream, creme brulee, and fried banana cheesecake with raspberry sauce. It is to die for. During the summer there are tarot card readings and music on varying nights. Call: (718) 273-4383 for additional information
I realized that I moved into a neighborhood of free parks and good food. I’m a happy girl.
