Staten Island is the least popular among the five boroughs of NYC. However, it has its own unique attractions for different groups of travelers – be it a tourist outing, or a class field trip. Slowly but surely, it is doing away with being the ‘forgotten borough’. If you are on Staten Island for your next tourist outing, make sure to look into the many options that Staten Island bus rentals has to offer depending on the size of your group and your specific needs. If you are with your family, you can opt for a mini coach bus. However, if you are travelling with a bigger group of say, more than twenty people, a coach bus would be the best option. Travelling in a bus is way more convenient than driving your personal cars. With an experienced driver, you can sit back, enjoy the view and the roads, and simply relax, without having to worry about being behind the wheel.
With the mode of transportation sorted out, here are some of the spots you cannot miss on your trip to Staten Island.
Historic Richmond Town:
Before the borough became a part of New York in 1898, Richmond town is where all government and administrative undertakings took place for Staten Island. Now, it is a living history village spread over 100 acres. Visitors and tourists can take up a guided tour of the village to fully soak in the history and culture of the place.
The Alice Austen House:
Alice Austen was a prolific photographer and feminist, whose works are showcased in the Alice Austen House. The house was first built sometime in the 1690s, after which it has gone through several remodeling and renovations throughout the years. Austen’s work provides important insight into the lives of the 19th century New Yorkers. The house now holds an important place in LGBTQ history.
Jacques Marchais Museum of Tibetan Art:
If you are someone who loves visiting museums, you will love the Jacques Marchais Museum of Tibetan Art. This museum boasts of having the greatest number of Himalayan artifacts. It was founded by one Jacques Marchais in 1945, who loved collecting Tibetan art. The museum has meditation classes and gardens, a number of different crafts, performances and so much more.
Snug Harbor Cultural Centre and Botanical Garden:
Also called the ‘crown jewel’ of the Staten Island borough, The Snug Harbor Cultural Centre claims to be “one of the largest ongoing adaptive reuse projects in the United States.” This Centre includes as many as 23 historical buildings, nine botanical gardens and a huge area of wetlands.
Flagship Brewery:
Who doesn’t love some good beer after all this touring and sight-seeing? The Flagship Brewery claims to have “unforgettable beer brewed in the Forgotten Borough” Smart wordplay there. Along with good beer, the place has a great aura and plays some commendable music.
Apart from these, Staten Island also has places like the Staten Island Borough Hall, Lemon Creek Park, the National Lighthouse Museum, Fort Wadsworth, St. George Theatre, The Crimson Beech and a few more. For some delicious pizza, go to Marie’s 2. There are lots of great places to eat in New York including on Staten Island. If you are in the mood to enjoy a good concert, including Latin-jazz, bhangra fusion and much more, you can attend the Court Yard Friday’s concerts for free.
Staten Island has thus come a long way from being forgotten. There’s so much more to do now, with a number of museums, forts and parks coming up in every other corner. This borough is perfect for a quiet family getaway, a new place for those that like to travel or a relaxing tourist destination.
