How To Spend 24 Hours On Staten Island

Staten Island may be considered New York City’s “forgotten borough,” but it’s actually filled with interesting things to do. Take the free ferry for a great view of the Manhattan skyline and the Statue of Liberty, then stay and enjoy all that the area has to offer.

So you’ve taken the Staten Island Ferry to get a free boat tour of New York Harbor. But what to do once you reach the island? Despite being known as the “forgotten borough,” Staten Island has plenty to offer, including first-class restaurants, intriguing museums and high-quality theater productions – all within walking distance of the St George Ferry Terminal. The ferry runs every 30 minutes and even more frequently during rush hour (plus it runs throughout the night), so there’s no need to worry that you’ve missed it.

1. Start at Beso for brunch

Restaurant, Spanish, Tapas

Right around the corner from the St George Ferry Terminal, Beso offers reasonably priced small plates. For brunch, the tapas joint serves up a mix of Spanish breakfast items like huevo y frijoles, as well as classic fare, such as buttermilk pancakes with bacon. Brunch will set customers back only $25 for three courses.

2. Check out the National Lighthouse Museum

Museum

The National Lighthouse Museum is just a few minutes away from the ferry terminal. In the warmer months, the self-guided museum, which explores the history and cultural significance of lighthouses, also offers themed boat tours, taking advantage of its proximity to the harbor. The sunset tour of Ambrose Channel and special excursion for Fleet Week are particular highlights.

4. Grab a drink at The Flagship Brewing Company

Brewery

The Flagship Brewing Company offers tours

If you’re visiting on a Saturday, consider a tour of the local Flagship Brewing Company. Tours are offered only at certain times, so plan ahead, but don’t fret if you can’t make one: the taproom is open late most nights of the week and until midnight on weekends. Take up one of the large picnic tables with your crew and indulge in an IPA, a kölsch or seasonal selections such as summer ale. The draft beers cost about $6 a pop, but they also offer samplers if you can’t make up your mind.

5. Eat dinner cooked by a nonna at Enoteca Maria

Restaurant, Italian, Venezuelan

Joe Scaravella seen behind the counter of his restaurant Enoteca Maria where grandmothers (Nonnas) make food on Staten Island, New York, USA, 27 October 2017. Photo: Johannes Schmitt-Tegge/dpa

As part of a program called Nonnas of the World, Enoteca Maria brings in local grandmothers to cook their traditional recipes for hungry guests looking for a dinner made with love. The menu changes weekly to focus on each grandmother’s heritage and culture. Most of the nonnas live in Staten Island, but their recipes have traveled much farther, from Japan, Poland, Peru, Greece and other far-flung countries. Seating ends at 8.30pm, so be sure to arrive early to get a table. You can also call ahead and make a reservation.

6. See a show at St George Theatre

Theatre

Opened in 1929, St George Theatre still retains the glamour of the decadent Roaring ’20s. The theater hosts comedy shows, murder mystery dinners, concerts and more. Those interested in learning more about the theater itself can book a tour and get behind the scenes for just $7. You will learn about the building’s architecture, theater etiquette and the technology that goes into producing a show.

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