Visiting Staten Island, New York – the Forgotten Borough
I cannot believe how many times people have said that there is not a thing to do on Staten Island. There are no subways, as there are in Brooklyn. There aren’t as many museums as in New York City. Staten Island is the “forgotten borough” of New York. Unfortunately, it is best known for the fact that Fresh Kills Landfill, (the dump), can be seen from outer space. Yet, movies such as “The Godfather,” “War of the Worlds,” “Goodfellas,” “Donnie Brasco,” “School of Rock,” “Analyze This,” “Big Daddy,” and “Scent of a Woman,” to name a few, were filmed entirely or partially on Staten Island.
Let’s plan a day trip, shall we? Sailor Snug Harbor is an incredible 83 acre historic landmark, that has more than one activity to try while there. Located at 1000 Richmond Terrace, right by the Ferry, Sailor Snug Harbor was originally a home for retired sailors, who were too injured or old to continue working on the waters. Snug Harbor has various classes for people to take, such as Mommy and Me classes for toddlers, art/history lessons for visiting schools, as well as a theatre, church, pond, gallery, gift shop and history galore.
The “Hyphen” also known as “Shin Bone Alley” is a long, thin walkway connecting one building to another. The name originated when sailors still lived on the grounds. One building was the sleeping quarters, the other the cafeteria. All the men would sit and wait in the “Hyphen” for meals. Many of the men were old, or injured, so they had canes. Anyone who tried to skip the line would be rapped in the shin bone with a cane. Hence, the nickname.
The Noble Maritime Collection is also located at 1000 Richmond Terrace, building D. Artist John A. Noble was formerly a seaman who worked in marine salvage. His art and writings were based on maritime life. The work is housed in a former dormitory at Sailors Snug Harbor. The Museums Centerpiece is Noble’s fully restored houseboat studio.
The Art Lab is an art school on the grounds that offer classes such as watercolors, jewelry making, print making, oil painting techniques, and so many more. They have a small, but free gallery, a happy, informative staff, an art supply shop, and lots of information on neighborhood ongoings.
Staten Island Botanical Garden is located on the grounds as well. For five dollars, (discounts for students and senior citizens), you can explore gardens that feels like another world. You go directly into the gift shop to purchase tickets and can spend as much time as you like in the gardens. The gardens include “The Garden of Healing,” which features the World Trade Center Educational
Tribute, the Italian Garden modeled after Florence Italy’s Villa Gamberaia, the White Garden inspired by Vita Sackville-West’s famous garden in Sissinghurst, England and the Connie Gretz Secret Garden modeled after Frances Hodgson Burnett’s children’s classic complete with a child-sized castle and a maze.
The Chinese Scholar Garden has mini water falls, glass mosaics, picturesque windows which frame views from different angles, and is a crafted example of Ming design and houses a collection of 18th and 19th century Chinese furniture. It is set in a Chinese landscape of flowering trees and bamboo along with a variety of flora native to China.
Staten Island Children’s Museum is yet another museum located on the grounds. There is a five dollar admission, and grandparents are free on Wednesdays. At 3pm, children can feed the Museum’s collection of guinea pigs, fish, toads and bugs. The museum also has large lawns which are perfect for games and picnics.
Are you feeling hungry yet? Luckily, Melville’s Cafe, in the main building, has sandwiches, and various snacks. If you are in the mood for something a little different, try CafÃ?© Botanica. This charming cafe is located in Cottage 6 on the grounds. They serve all sorts of delicious, different meals. From breakfast, to dinner, to dessert the cafe menu takes a spin on old favorite and makes all new tasty combinations. You can have meatloaf, or a grilled cheese with various cheeses, piled high with onion rings. Or a portobello sandwich, or maybe a some chili. Freshly made peach tea and homemade desserts are readily available. Sit and eat, while listening to their in-house guitar player work his magic, while watching chivvies snag any fallen crusts.
When you are fed and happy, walk off lunch and check out the Neptune fountain, with its spraying jets. Keep in mind, this is a free park, so you can come ride your bike, walk your dog, play soccer, paint or just sit and read. If you are in need of directions or additional information, check this website at: http://www.snug-harbor.org/direct/direct.html
