109. New York City - Staten Island - New Yorks Undiscovered Gem - the Staten Island Ferry

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Welcome back to Travel is Back,
where we explore the hidden gems of popular

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travel destinations. Today, we're venturing
into Staten Island, often referred to as

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the forgotten borough of New York City. This episode will unveil the charm of

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Staten Island, from its rich history
and lush green spaces to its unique cultural

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attractions. Join us as we begin
our journey with a scenic ferry ride and

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discover why Staten Island is a must
visit for those seeking a different side of

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New York City. The Staten Island
Ferry is not just a means of transportation,

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It's an integral part of the New
York City experience and a can't miss

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attraction for any visitor to the city. This iconic ferry service, which runs

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between the boroughs of Manhattan and Staten
Island, offers one of the best and

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most affordable ways to enjoy stunning views
of the New York Harbor, the Statue

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of Liberty, and the City Skyline. Operating twenty four hours a day,

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seven days a week, the Staten
Island Ferry departs from the Whitehall term and

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Lower Manhattan, easily accessible by various
subway lines, including the one N and

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R trains to South Ferry or Whitehall
Street stations. For those coming from Staten

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Island, the ferry departs from the
Saint George Terminal, adjacent to the Staten

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Island Railway. What makes this ferry
service even more appealing is the cost.

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It's completely free, no tickets are
required, making it one of the best

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bargains in New York City, especially
for visitors on a budget. The twenty

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five minute journey across New York Harbor
is more than just a commute. It's

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a scenic voyage that offers unparalleled views
of some of the city's most famous landmarks.

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As the ferry glides away from Manhattan, passengers are treated to a magnificent

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view of the Lower Manhattan skyline,
including the towering One World Trade Center.

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The ferry then sails past the Statue
of Liberty, providing passengers with a wonderful

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opportunity to take photos of this iconic
symbol of freedom and democracy. The journey

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also offers views of Lisi Island,
the historic gateway for millions of immigrants coming

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to America. The ferry itself is
equipped with comfortable seating and large windows for

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enjoying the views. During warmer months, passengers can step outside onto the decks

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to take in the fresh air and
the panoramic vistas. The Staten Island Ferry

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is not just popular among tourists,
it's also a daily part of life for

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many New Yorkers, making it a
genuine New York experience. Upon reaching Staten

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Island, visitors can explore the attractions
close to the Saint George Terminal, such

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as the Staten Island September eleventh Memorial, or venture further into the borough to

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visit spots like Snug Harbor or the
Staten Island Zoo. Upon arrival, a

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visit to the Staten Island green Belt, a network of lush parks and trails,

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is a must. This natural oasis
offers hiking, bird watching, and

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a chance to escape the city's hustle
and bustle. The green Belt's diverse ecosystems

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and trails cater to outdoor enthusiasts of
all levels, making it a per spot

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for family outings or solitary nature walks. Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden,

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a historical landmark, is Staten Island's
cultural heart. This sprawling complex houses

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numerous institutions, including the New House
Center for Contemporary Art, the Noble Maritime

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Collection, and the Staten Island Children's
Museum. The beautifully landscaped Botanical Gardens and

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the Chinese Scholars Garden offer a peaceful
retreat and are a testament to the borough's

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diverse cultural influences. Step back in
time at Historic Richmond Town, a living

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history village that showcases New York's colonial
past. Historic Richmond Town, nestled in

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the heart of Staten Island, is
a living history village and museum complex that

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offers a unique window into New York's
rich past. This remarkable site spans over

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one hundred acres and includes more than
thirty original historic buildings, making it a

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key destination for anyone interested in the
history of New York and the American experience.

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As you step into Richmondtown, you're
transported back in time. The village

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is a faithful recreation of a nineteenth
century town, complete with homes, shops,

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and public buildings that were actually in
use in Staten Island and the surrounding

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areas during that era. Each building
has been meticulously restored and furnished, providing

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an authentic look at daily life in
the seventeenth to the nineteenth centuries. One

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of the highlights of Richmondtown is the
chance to interact with costumed interpreters and crafts

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people who bring history to life.
These knowledgeable guides are dressed in period attire

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and perform tasks and crafts that were
common in colonial and early American life,

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from blacksmithing and shoemaking to cooking and
needlework. These demonstrations offer a hands on

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understanding of historical lifestyles. The village's
structures include the oldest continuously operating farm in

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New York City, the Decker Farm, and the Third County Courthouse, which

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served as a legal and civic center
in the eighteen hundreds. The Vorlizer's House,

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dating back to the sixteen nineties,
is one of the oldest elementary schoolhouses

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in America and is a testament to
the early importance of education in the community.

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Richmondtown also hosts a variety of events
throughout the year, including traditional American

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celebrations, historical re enactments, and
seasonal festivals. Staten Island, often overshadowed

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by New York City's more famous urban
attractions, holds its own as a beach

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destination, with several picturesque and family
friendly beaches. These beaches offer a refreshing

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escape from the city's hustle and provide
a variety of recreational activities for visitors.

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South Beach, located on the eastern
shore of Staten Island, is known for

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its spacious boardwalk, which is the
fourth longest in the world. This beach

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offers stunning views of the Verrazano Narrows
Bridge and is a popular spot for jogging,

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rollerblading and biking along the promenade.
The beach itself is ideal for sunbathing

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and sat swimming, with lifeguards on
duty during the summer months. The adjacent

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Ocean Breeze Fishing Pier is a great
spot for fishing enthusiasts and those looking to

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enjoy a leisurely walk with ocean views. Adjacent to South Beach is Midland Beach,

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sharing the same boardwalk and offering a
quieter beach experience. Midland Beach is

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well equipped with playgrounds, making it
a fantastic option for families with children.

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The beach also features picnic areas,
handball and shuffle board courts, and a

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sea turtle fountain for children to play
in in the summer. The beach hosts

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concerts and events, adding to the
lively atmosphere. Part of the Gateway National

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Recreation Area, Great Kills Park offers
a beach experience coupled with opportunities for wildlife

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watching and exploring nature trails. The
park's marina is a popular spot for boating

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and fishing. The beach area,
with its relatively calm waters, is great

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for swimming, and the park's vast
open spaces are perfect for picnicking and outdoor

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sports. Staten Island's culinary landscape is
as diverse and rich as its culture,

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offering a delightful array of dining experiences
that reflect the Burrow's multifaceted community. From

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traditional Italian fair to innovative contemporary cuisine, Staten Island's food scene is a hidden

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treasure worth exploring. A Staten Island
staple since nineteen thirty, Sevendanino's Pizzeria and

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Tavern in Port Richmond is famed for
its thin crust pizzas. A local favorite

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is the garbage pie, topped with
sausage, meatballs, pepperoni, mushrooms,

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and Onionsdnino's crispy crust and perfectly balanced
toppings have earned it a spot in the

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heart of pizza lovers. For a
sweet treat, Ralph's Famous Italian Ices in

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Port Richmond is a must visit.
With a history dating back to nineteen twenty

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eight. Ralph's offers an extensive variety
of flavors in Italian ices and cream ices,

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ranging from classic fruit flavors to indulgent
chocolate and candy inspired varieties. Experience

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the flavors of Sri Lanka at Lakrawana
in Stapleton. This family run restaurant is

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not only known for its authentic Sri
Lankan dishes, but also for its stunning

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interior adorned with Sri Lankan artifacts and
art. The weekend buffet is a great

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way to sample a variety of dishes, including delicious curries, hoppers, and

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Kotu rodi. For a taste of
German cuisine, Killmeyer's Old Bavaria Inn in

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Charleston is a great choice. This
historic establishment serves hardy German fair in a

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traditional Bavarian setting, complete with live
music in a selection of German beers.

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The Staten Island Museum, the borough's
oldest cultural institution, is a treasure trove

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of art, natural science, and
local history. Its exhibitions showcase everything from

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local artifacts and historical documents to contemporary
art, providing a comprehensive look at Staten

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Island's cultural landscape. As we conclude
our journey through Staten Island, it's clear

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that this burrow is a hidden gem
within New York City, offering a unique

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blend of natural beauty, historical depth, and cultural diversity. You're a nature

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lover, a history buff or an
art enthusiast, Staten Island provides a peaceful,

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yet enriching escape from the city's more
frequented destinations. Thanks for joining us

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on travelers back as we uncovered the
quiet charm of Staten Island. Until our

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next adventure, keep exploring the unexplored