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Travelin' The NYC Outer Boroughs with Elisa

Explore the history, culture and dining in The Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island and Long Island with Elisa!

LEARN ABOUT THE "OTHER" BOROUGHS

The "Donnoli" - The Original Cannoli Cream Filled Doughnut from Gino's Pastry Shop In The Bronx |A Favorite of Bronx-Born Celebrity Chazz Palminteri

9/24/2020

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The Original "Donoli" from Gino's Pastry Shop in The Bronx Little Italy (c) travelincousins.com

​Among its many treasured merchants, Bronx Little Italy is home to Gino’s Pastry Shop, a beloved fixture in the neighborhood since 1960.

Highly regarded for, among other things, creative wedding cakes and Italian pastry’s - notably their cannolis - this Belmont business has recently added another Gino’s specialty that has gotten national consumer attention including the adulation of Bronx-born celebrity Chazz Palminteri. 

I first became aware of this new pastry sensation on a Twitter post, at which point I immediately replied with my desire to do a feature about this new doughnut specialty. Shortly thereafter I heard back from Jerome and we scheduled a time to meet at his shop. 
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My curiosity was piqued as to how he came up with the idea to combine one of America's favorite fried dough dessert with the quintessential Italian, cannoli cream.

Determined to find out, my mind started wandering to other great "unexpected" food combos that made it into popular food culture - peanut butter and chocolate; pepperoni and pizza. Maybe cannoli cream and doughnuts was the next great staple!

Clearly, bakers have been stuffing doughnuts for decades with jelly and custard. But, no one as of yet had the ingenuity to take the ethnically-based and beloved cannoli cream and fill anything besides a cannoli shell.  What a great concept!

When I arrived at Gino's the store was hoppin' with local patrons. The care and patience with which Jerome and Giovanna extended to each customer was a breath of fresh air in a modern society filled with rushing and pushing people through. It's no wonder this pastry shop is still a vibrant dessert destination after six decades. 
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The ORIGINAL "Donnoli" from Gino's Pastry Shop & Cafe in The Bronx's Real Little Italy (c) travelincousins.com

I brought my sixteen year old daughter Gianna (who loves Arthur Avenue!) along and we sat patiently watching as trays of fresh cannoli shells were brought out from the back, and clients enthusiastically ordered their selection of Italian baked goods and frothy cappuccinos.

We were soon joined by Jerome and sat comfortably in his store where I learned about his business and its origins. Arriving from Italy, his parents Gino and Ciara Raguso established Gino's Pastry Shop in Little Italy in 1960. Growing up in the business, Jerome has clearly kept their legacy alive offering the very best in Italian cookies, cakes and pastries. Even through the worst of times, one of which is the recent Covd-19 pandemic, Gino's continues to thrive thanks to his commitment and a loyal following.
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Me with Giovanna and Jerome (c) travelincousins.com

Like other businesses all over and in the Little Italy neighborhood, Jerome's establishment was affected by the current health crisis. In addition to their wedding cake business which makes up roughly 75% of their business, Gino's is also an important supplier of desserts to the neighborhood restaurants. With the cancellation of weddings and restaurant closures due to the mandates of the pandemic, Covid-19 had a challenging effect on business. ​

One of the store's best-selling items are their cannolis, which are sold in-store, to restaurants and to customers around the country. To insure absolute freshness, cannoli shells and the store's proprietary cannoli cream, are packaged separately for restaurants and long-distance orders so they can be filled just prior to serving and eating. 
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Post on Chazz Palminteri's instagram


With some ingenuity, Jerome decided to bring a new twist to the traditional cannoli and took an italian baked confection, better known as the "bombolini" or what Americans would know as a doughnut, and decided to fill them with cannoli cream. The result was incredible, particularly after a number of Bronx-born long time celebrity friends tried his new creation - affectionately called the "Donnoli."

Jerome shared with me that "After a few of my close neighborhood celebrity friends like Tommy Mottola and Chazz Palminteri tried them, they became regular patrons of the new "Donnoli."  In fact, word began to spread via social media after Chazz Palminteri's son, Dante and Mattola posted photos and comments about the Donnoli on their pages. He went on to say, "That's when I got calls from around the country from people wanting to order them."
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Soft, fresh and lucious! Nutella filled "Donnoli" (c) travelincousins.com

By this point, my mouth was watering. Then... Jerome served us two Donnoli variations. One "bombolini" (or doughnut) filled with his traditional cannoli cream and a second one filled with Nutella!

He told me that he realized there were lots of possible "fillings" he could offer and for those customers calling in to place orders he gives them some options. All shipped orders are sold with the empty "bombolinis" and the filling separately. "We are currently shipping our Donnolis around the country, as far as California and Idaho, as well as closer states like New Jersey," says Jerome.

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No mask was standing in the way of me and my donnoli!! (c) travelincousins.com

​Folks, these are a must-try! Head to Arthur Avenue to experience the yummy goodness. If you are unable to travel to the shop, drop them a line for a delivery!

As Jerome says, Gino's is "where you cannoli get the best!"

Till next time,
-Travelin' Elisa
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Bronx Little Italy Businesses Share Their Thoughts About Covid-19 Pandemic As Belmont Business District Reopens.

8/14/2020

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Commitment, Perseverance and Unity

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(c) travelincousins.com
As we look back over the past four months, the Covid -19 pandemic of 2020 has affected all Americans in one way or another. Whether through profound personal tragedy and loss or a severe change to day to day living, our country’s effort to curtail and stop the spread of this virus has had a devastating impact on businesses large and small.

In The Bronx, the historically vibrant and robust Belmont Business Improvement District/Bronx Little Italy has weathered the coronavirus pandemic and quarantine storm and is now in the early stages of reopening. During my recent visit to Arthur Avenue, I caught up with a few of the local merchants and gained some insight into the impact of Covid-19 on their businesses and how they have adjusted to the challenges of the “new normal” in a pre-vaccine environment. 

What I found was that in the face of this adversity many of the veteran businesses of Little Italy’s Arthur Avenue have persevered and were full of optimism about the future, This did not come as a surprise to me being well aware of the quintessential tenacious spirit among Bronxites and New Yorkers as a whole. 


Beginning of the Pandemic 

The challenges of the pandemic and mandated quarantine varied among the business owners with whom I spoke. For Anthony Angrisani, owner of Arthur Cantina Wine & Liquors, since 2004, whose upbeat spirit was only matched by his friendliness, conducting business during this period of time was very much a double edged sword. Negatively affected by the inability to proceed with business as usual in his small store was one of the issues with which he had to contend.“Due to limited spacing and limited square footage in our store, at the start of COVID-19, maintaining a safe distance was very tough.” He goes on to say, “we decided to move to curbside, delivery and shipping only for everyone’s safety.”  

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Arthur Cantina - 2380 Arthur Avenue, Bronx, NY (c) travelincousins.com

​On the other hand, because of the pandemic, he was able to increase internet sales and substantially grow his overall online business ahead of his projected schedule.
 
I was struck by his and his long-time staff’s upbeat spirit, in light of the tough business climate during the past few months. The initial stages of the pandemic were hardest when it became difficult to get merchandise delivered due to sick truck drivers and this situation only worsened with the mandated three-month shut down, Angrisani said he was committed to push through the pandemic. “As a business owner, you have a duty to your workers. These are the folks who gave up holidays and weekends to help build your business and that is why we small businesses cannot give up and close.” Unfortunately, the result for Arthur Cantina was a 25% loss experienced in the month of April.  

Third generation Little Italy business owner, Chris Borgatti, of Borgatti’s Ravioli & Egg Noodles, who also operates in a tight space, catering to a walk-in clientele from near and far, as well as online sales, shared his experience with the pandemic and ultimate quarantine. Realizing early on that there would be a financial impact, he was nonetheless focused on safety first. “COVID-19 has had an impact on businesses around the globe and people have had to make tough decisions, but our first priority during quarantine was the health and safety of our staff, customers and community.” He goes on to say, “We knew not being open would have a financial effect on the business, but at the end of the day it's always health before profit.”

Perhaps one of the more difficult businesses to be running during this pandemic and into the later stages of reopening, is a restaurant. According to Maria di Rende, owner of Enzo’s of Arthur Avenue, “COVID-19 has impacted all of us. At first, it was very difficult to keep our business open for only take-out during NY’s PAUSE, since many of our guests see Arthur Avenue as a destination and traditionally visit the neighborhood for the day or evening versus simply take out.” However, her strong commitment to her loyal staff and the business district as a whole never made her consider closing. She goes on to say, “Nevertheless, I continued to stay open to show support for the neighborhood and to stay strong for my staff. The impact of COVID will financially impact us for years to come, but I still feel confident that we will get back on our feet once again.”

Pivoting For Survival

According to Anthony Angrisani, “A business’s ability to succeed throughout and after this crisis is all about being able to adapt and pivot quickly,” and no truer words have been spoken when looking closely at which businesses survived and reinvented themselves and those that wound up having to tragically shut their doors forever.  

For Angrisani, this attitude of perseverance, enabled this Bronx liquor store to increase its internet business. Their business model always included an online store and it was a segment they had targeted for slow and incremental growth over the next few years with pre-COVID-19 online sales accounting for 5% of their income. But, with his brick and mortar store closed to the public during quarantine, he and his staff ramped up their internet business, experiencing an incredible increase that now accounts for 25% of their total revenue. 

Even more amazing is that a large percentage of Arthur Cantina’s online sales during this period came from out of state. Locally, this included New Jersey, but orders came in from as far as Florida, Colorado, Michigan and even California. “This ironic turn of events allowed for us to push up the timeline in the growth of our internet sales,” says Anthony.  Many of these distant customers were former neighborhood residents and others who found the store’s site because of the specialty items we carry which are not available in other regions around the country.”

Social media also played an important role as Anthony and his staff became more creative and sensitive with regular postings. “We felt the need to post on our social media that we were open for business and taking measures to stay safe.”  

He credits his fellow Belmont small businesses with their tenacity, ability to pivot and commitment to keep going.

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Borgatti Ravioli & Egg Noodles - 632 187th Street, Bronx, NY (c) travelincousins.com

The New Normal with Reopening 

As small businesses, being forced to close was difficult and impacted these independent enterprises in a plethora of ways. However, based on the feedback I received from these Arthur Avenue merchants, reopening posed a host of new challenges in how they ran their day to day businesses. Faced with a whole new set of mandatory safety rules and requirements, they had to implement different procedures and make numerous changes to the way in which they were accustomed to interacting with their staff and customers.

After having their doors shut for several months, many of which continued to pay their valued employees, retail and restaurant businesses were now required to spend precious funds to invest in the proper safety shields, outdoor set-ups and furniture to be within the law to conduct business again. They also had to ensure that their staff was properly trained to adhere to state mandates, all while trying to get back on their feet.

These challenges were further enhanced by the fact that as New York was still in flux and officials were trying to figure out next steps. As a result, there were often mixed messages that impacted these businesses’ ability to move forward in a steadfast manner. Maria di Rende experienced this inconsistency first-hand as a restauranteur, “As much as we were anxious and excited to open during Phase 2 and 3, the main challenge is that there were oftentimes conflicting guidelines to reopen and it seems that this is a “learn as you go” process.” 

For a restaurant business, the need to prepare with fresh food on hand and the ability to provide good service, New York’s reopening was and continues to be quite difficult. “While the health and safety of our staff, guests and community at large has always been our top priority, I wish there could be a bit more leniency and understanding that small businesses like us are trying to get back on our feet. We are doing our best to make reopening work as our customers have been very understanding through this process of social distancing and reduced seating as well. The inclement weather is an obstacle, but as a whole and with the recent launch of Arthur Avenue’s ‘Piazza di Belmont’ which we’re really excited for, we will work together as a neighborhood to bring back businesses and to help rebuild our community.”

For traditional retail stores like Borgatti’s and Arthur Cantina, in store changes were implemented for managing store traffic, providing greater safety to staff and patrons, and enabling easier access to products for customers.     

“As COVID-19 numbers in NY State started to decline and New Yorkers started wearing masks, we eased restrictions and now allow one customer in at a time (all with masks),” says Anthony Angrisani, who goes on to say,  “We are also working on removing more items off the floor to free up space and allow two customers in at a time with masks. However, in-store wine tastings are suspended until we feel it’s safe to resume.  Customers loved wine tastings and we loved the extra business, but our priority is health and safety until the pandemic is over.”  

Angrisani also added that at present, customers miss the experience of browsing and looking through his products, but overall, they have and continue to be cooperative. 

Chris Borgatti was full of enthusiasm about the reopening phase. “We are thrilled to be able to reopen Borgatti's but there are still many challenges that we face and will continue to face. Our main priority is that we want our customers and employees to feel like they are in a safe and healthy environment. We have taken the necessary steps to install plexiglass shields around all counters for protection and require face masks be worn by all as well. We have also limited our store to only two customers at a time to ensure social distancing is being practiced.” 

He expressed his desire to keep the store as welcoming and open as possible by opting for custom, plexiglass shields that would not detract from the intimacy of his 85 year old neighborhood store. In terms of marketing strategies and keeping Borgatti’s top of mind, Borgatti shared that “After being closed for about 50 days, we’ve been promoting the reopening of both our physical store and our online store to increase business as much as possible. We’ve been posting on social media to help showcase our custom made t-shirts and products that are available for shipping.” He added that being able to offer both types of merchandise has been very beneficial in helping them get back on their feet and their customers are very pleased that the store is open and once again shipping their products.  
 
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Enzo's of Arthur Avenue - 2343 Arthur Avenue, Bronx, NY (c) travelincousins.com

​The Future

With so much change and readjustment in such a short period of time, what do these resilient business owners envision for the foreseeable future? Arthur Cantina’s Angrisani is doubtful about the restrictions being lifted. “I don’t think all restrictions will be lifted in the near future, as much as I and everyone else wants for them to be.” He also believes that the colder weather will pose a whole new set of challenges. “Winter may be tough, since our customers love to frequent the neighborhood but likely won’t want to wait outside in the cold.” Once again, he believes that being able to pivot and adapt will be key to staying in business. “Scheduling deliveries, processing online payments and curbside service will continue for the foreseeable future, as well as the prospect of increasing hours of operation to reduce crowding and accommodating our customers and do whatever keeps us and our customers safe.”

According to Chris Borgatti “COVID-19 has been a challenging time for everyone, but we can only be optimistic facing these challenges moving forward. The neighborhood has done its best to provide a safe and clean area allowing our customers to shop here with confidence. We want to reassure them and let them know we have taken the proper steps and will continue to follow recommended guidelines from officials. I am hopeful this will continue and we’ll be able to navigate the Fall with a plan.”

Perhaps one of the most important marketing strategies implemented by the Belmont BID for the restaurants of Little Italy was Piazza di Belmont. Closing the street off to vehicular traffic in the evenings from Thursday to Sunday for al fresco dining is something that Maria di Rende was particularly excited about. “I absolutely love it and our customers have been thrilled. We welcomed customers that have never been on Arthur Avenue before just to experience the Piazza to transport them to ‘Italy’!”  

All three business owners unanimously expressed their commitment to instilling a sense of safety to their customers. According to Maria di Rende, “We’ve been posting on our social media accounts to promote the ‘Piazza di Belmont’ and to show that we are following all the NYC recommended guidelines. Our goal is to make our customers feel comfortable and safe in every way, while providing the best hospitality and authentic Italian meals in The Bronx.” 

In spite of hardships endured, these three businesses are among many others in Little Italy that weathered a terrible storm by creatively pivoting their business strategies and staying the course with optimism. Most heartwarming to me was to hear just how tight knit this neighborhood is and how they are all support one another and root for each other’s success. “Arthur Ave is a very special place with many independent merchants and mom-and-pop shops striving for one thing – keeping Arthur Avenue strong! I feel all businesses appreciate and value what Arthur Ave has to offer, and we see that in our customers who have been very supportive during this pandemic and I believe that the customers will continue to be supportive once restrictions are lifted.”

​Till next time,
-Travelin' Elisa
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4 Health Conscious Ways to Enjoy The Staten Island Waterfront at Empire Outlets

8/10/2020

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The Summer of 2020 will long be remembered for putting a cramp in everyone's social style, particularly in New York City and the surrounding outer boroughs. State mandated social distancing and safety regulations have resulted in the inability to frequent many indoor eating and shopping facilities. However, on State Island, the waterfront Empire Outlets, New York City's first and only outlet destination, has figured out a way to bring back some fun for locals and visitors with its Free new programming on-site.

Beginning August 1, families, wellness seekers and anyone looking for ways to spend a lovely summer day can enjoy four new FREE wellness activities surrounded by Staten Island's iconic water views. With its nearly four acres and 350,000+ square-feet of open-air, outdoor space located along the North Shore waterfront, Empire outlets has created four ways to fill up your calendar throughout the week this summer. And yes, this includes shopping! As the Staten Island Advance recently reported, “as indoor malls wait for green light to reopen, Empire Outlets offers health-conscious outdoor shopping.”
 
Check out these delicious, recreational, and healthy options at EO:
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"EO Fit Yoga " on Sundays

1. “EO FIT Yoga” on Sundays 

If life has made you a bit stressed these days, no worries - enjoy some down time and a little R&R on Sundays, Empire Outlets will host a FREE weekly morning yoga session provided by Staten Island North Star Yoga. All levels are welcome for this one-hour session along the waterfront from 10 am to 11 am. Participants must bring their own towels and mats and will receive a special promo code towards their purchase at Nike at Empire Outlets. 


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Shake Shack at Empire Outlets
2. “EO Eats” Daily (Monday to Sunday) 

Empire Outlets partnered with Marie’s 2 and Mandi House on Staten Island and Shake Shack (at EO) to introduce a new contactless dining experience every day from August through September from 11 am to 7 pm to deliver orders straight to a designated dining area to customers to enjoy after a day of shopping.

What’s more, the popular Clinton Hall beer garden will open its 4,000 square-foot outdoor space that will overlook downtown Manhattan and Brooklyn in the coming weeks. Upcoming F&B openings include Wasabi, an upscale sushi and hibachi restaurant; Bake Culture, a popular Taiwanese bakery; MRTPL, Staten Island’s first-ever artisanal food hall; Starbucks; and more. This deserves a big Yum!
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Spiderman Workouts at EO

3. “EO FIT KIDS” – Workouts With Spiderman on Wednesdays in August 

Do you have Marvel fans in your group? If so, they will love exercising with their favorite Spider Superheo. Starting August 5th, Empire Outlets will host a special FREE “Workout with Spiderman” every Wednesday evening throughout the month of August from 6 to 7 pm on the second level promenade in front of Old Navy for a kid-friendly and contactless family workout. Young guests will be able to learn cool new moves, stretching techniques and more.

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Music With Patrick Sessions at Empire Outlets

​4. “EO Kids” on Fridays in August 

If you are looking for ways to entertain those kiddies, every Friday in August, families can enjoy FREE local entertainment including “Music With Patrick” Sessions, a mystical magician, balloon artists and more. Music With Patrick Sessions on August 7th and August 21st will run from 4 pm to 6 pm and Binx The Magician performances on August 14 and 28 will be from 3 pm to 5 pm. These Family Friday events are being sponsored by Shake Shack. Each kid (12 and under) in attendance will receive a coupon for a free cone or cup of custard.

​Empire Outlets started welcoming back guests during NYC’s Phase 2 Reopening on June 22. Revised hours are Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 8 pm, while Sunday’s hours are 11 am to 7 pm. During this new normal, Empire Outlets continues to implement its new social distancing and health safety protocol, following the guidelines of health and elected officials.
 
For an even more pleasant day, take the FREE Staten Island Ferry from downtown Manhattan, which leaves you steps from Empire Outlets!

Till next time,
Travelin' Elisa
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Why Doggie Daycare is a Necessity Today |Bronx Barx - Full-Service Doggie Care and Pup Pampering for Pet Parents

8/8/2020

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Today more than ever people hold their pets in high esteem with 60% of pet owners saying that they consider their dogs to be an additional member of the family. And while they may not warrant the need to set up a college fund, the 21st century pet owner does invest a tremendous amount of time, effort and money in their fur babies’ health and well being. 
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(photo credit: BronxBarx)
So it should come as no surprise that the need for services like doggie daycare have become so popular. Leading the way in pet care and pampering is the Bronx’s own Bronx Barx.   

Located in the South Bronx, Bronx Barx is the only full-service doggie care facility in the borough. Catering to dog owners in the community, this Bronx neighborhood business founded by Renzo Pereda and Steven Toledo provides daycare, boarding, grooming and training. 

​“We opted to move to the Bronx - my husband Steven’s hometown - back in 2016, and within a year we decided to apply my seven years of dog walking experience to establish the South Bronx's first full service dog daycare center” says co-owner Renzo Pereda.

The inspiration for embarking on this entrepreneurial venture was their personal experience as doggie parents. “As dog owners who provide a quality of life to our pets, we saw the necessity of extending these essential services to our Bronx community.”

Their instinct about filling this void in the local community proved spot on as they quickly acquired a long list of regular tail-wagging canine clients and happy puppy parents! From a business standpoint, dog services is a growing segment of the pet services industry that is here to stay and on the rise. There are currently at least 4,000 exclusive doggy day care facilities which provide no other services operating in the United States right now, according to CBS News. 
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Steven Toledo and Renzo Pereda, Owners (photo credit: Time Out NY)
Further, about $6 billion is spent in the United States on boarding and grooming services for dogs as noted by Brandon Gaille Small Business and Marketing Advice. So in addition to contributing a much-coveted service to Bronx residents, these gentlemen possess great business savvy in establishing a business in a growing market segment.

Like most businesses around the country, Covid-19 had a direct impact on Bronx Barx’s thriving business forcing a shutdown for three months between March and June. Although this was indeed a business hardship, they understand the necessity. “We empathize with all small businesses, and we believe that it was the necessary action to protect the health and well-being of our community members. Unfortunately, our landlord has not been willing to provide any relief, and so our main expense has compounded over this period and we have an uphill road ahead of us” says Renzo. “But thankfully, our clients have been very loyal and, for the most part, have been able to return now in June and July, along with a whole new set of clients.”

Doing their part to help out during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, this small business extended free daycare days to a number of essential workers in The Bronx Barx family working in the hospitals, to which they are very grateful. 

Many might say that while grooming, training and boarding are necessities and come with the territory of owning a dog, but doggie daycare is merely a luxury, industry growth says otherwise. According to Pet Boarding and Daycare Magazine, “The dog daycare industry is a couple decades old, and daycare has moved from being viewed as a frivolous activity for a pet to a much needed social outlet for a beloved family member.” 

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Bronx Barx play space (Bronx Barx)
Bronx Barx is definitely on the cutting edge of this trend and as more dog owners are searching for a place to bring their pets for socialization and attention during a long work day - whether it  at home or outside the house - the safety and constant care of a doggie daycare facility provides peace of mind for owners and stimulation to their pets. “The majority of our clients are currently working from home, and they send their dogs to be satisfied and exhausted after a fun day at Bronx Barx” says Renzo.

He goes on to add, “dogs are social animals and it is important to keep their brain stimulated. Working from home can be hard on a dog, especially if you have a dog who is highly energetic. For puppy owners in particular, we cannot stress enough the importance of proper socialization, to ensure a well-adjusted dog who can enjoy a long and fulfilled life.” 

Bronx Barx reopened on June 22nd, as part of the NY State Phase II reopening. Committed to  taking all effective steps to protect both their team and clients from COVID-19, the small business is following OSHA guidelines for medium risk establishments. This includes required masks and hand sanitizer for their team members as well as required masks for guests.  

The facility also has advanced HEPA air filtration systems and daily deep cleanings to prevent not only COVID-19, but also all other transmittable canine pathogens. Additionally, Renzo points out, “we are proud to always have been in compliance with the DOHMH regulations, and will work to ensure a safe and fun environment for all of our doggies and staff.”

The 4000 square foot space is designed with an open concept and gates that provide visibility making it possible to see everyone and allowing for the staff to be attentive to each dog. It is divided into two areas to accommodate small and large dogs. Full of ramps and toys, dogs are free to roam about and play. The space is also equipped with cameras so doggie parents can tune and watch their beloved pet play during their stay.  


Regular protocols for new daycare guests remain in effect, which includes an initial temperament test and the required standard vaccinations (rabies, distemper/parvo and bordetella). More details for newcomers can be found at BronxBarx.com. With an average of anywhere from 16-23 guests daily for daycare, Bronx Barx also has the capacity for up to ten dogs at one time for boarding. 

- Till next time,
Travelin' Elisa


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National Lighthouse Day in Staten Island at The National Lighthouse Museum

8/7/2020

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HRH Princess Anne Celebrates the 10th Anniversary of the Museum’s Gala
and the 5th Anniversary of the Museum’s Opening

Did you know that today is National Lighthouse Day? As of August 7, 1989, the 200th Anniversary of when Congress approved an Act for the establishment and support of lighthouses, beacons, buoys and public piers, Congress passed another resolution designating August 7th as National Lighthouse Day. 

Were you also aware that there is a National Lighthouse Museum dedicated to these timeless, fascinating beacons of nautical light?  Located in the New York City outer borough of Staten Island, situated within steps of the pier of the Staten Island Ferry in St George, the museum has proudly welcomed visitors since it opened its doors five years ago, appropriately enough, on August 7.

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The National Lighthouse Museum (c) travelincousins.com© travelincousins.com
The location is ideal for the millions of tourists who ride the Staten Island ferry annually. World maps prominently displayed at the entrance of the museum are dotted with colorful push pins denoting the places around the world from which museum visitors originate. 
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Although officially still closed at present to the public due to covid-19 state mandate, I was delighted to have been invited by the museum’s executive director, Linda Dianto for a private tour and chat about upcoming events and the future plans for this Staten Island gem! 

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(Interior of Museum © travelincousins.com)
Museum Tour
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As a total museum and history buff, this invitation was a dream come true! The tour was given by Mr. James P. Sarlo, Avocational Historian, whose knowledge of the history of lighthouses was only matched by his knowledge of the borough of Staten Island from the early days of its founding to the present day. Spread out throughout the museum’s intimate space are timelines, artifacts and factual information about the lighthouse industry and its development in the United States throughout the past nearly 250 years.

From a showpiece mahogany row boat once used by lighthouse keepers going to and from their designated lighthouse to an impressive collection of mini replicas of the many American lighthouses to a display of original prism lenses and light samples, this relatively small space houses a wealth of information and archival history of lighthouses.

One of the things I found particularly intriguing is the collection of pristinely preserved original tools and materials used by Carlo Porazzi, an Italian immigrant who worked at the Staten Island Lighthouse Depot from 1901-1931. Seeing these items up close is a reminder of a time when these beautiful light beacons were manufactured in Staten Island.

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(Tools and artifacts owned by former employee Carlo Porazzi © travelincousins.com)
Here are 6 interesting historical facts related to Lighthouses and the National LIghthouse Museum that I learned during my visit:

1. The National Lighthouse Service was started in 1786 and President George Washington signed the Lighthouse Bill in 1789, making it the 7th U.S. bill passed.

2. The Oldest lighthouse in the United States is Sandy Hook Lighthouse in New Jersey, established in 1766.

3. In around 1820, French physicist, Augustine-Jean Fresnel developed the prism light system lens, which became the standard system for all lighthouses around the world, which provided visibility of 25 miles for ships.

4. The present site of The Lighthouse Museum on the North Shore of Staten Island, was the location of the New York Marine Hospital, also known as The Quarantine, beginning in 1799. This area pre-dated Ellis Island for arriving immigrants. The Quarantine was New York’s first line of defense against immigrant-borne infectious diseases like smallpox, cholera, typhus and yellow fever. As many as 1500 could be accommodated there at one time.

5. In 1862, the United States Lighthouse Service (USLHS), constructed the Staten Island Lighthouse Depot on the former quarantine hospital site. This became the key manufacturing, storage, supply and maintenance center for the US Lighthouse Service’s 3rd District, an area which extended from Sandy Hook in the South, North to Albany and East to the Massachusetts border.

6. Today, all of our nation’s lighthouses are lit using LED lights and controlled automatically by the Coast Guard, under which the Lighthouse Department falls.

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(The National LIghthouse Museum is within steps of the Staten Island ferry docks © travelincousins.com)
Annual Gala

In compliance with New York State safety rules, the museum closed its doors earlier this year in March and like so many businesses and public venues, they are awaiting approval to reopen. “We had hoped that we would be open in time for our 10th Annual Gala, which coincides with our 5th Anniversary, but as of yet we have not received official approval,” said Linda Dianto. 

As a result of this ongoing reopening delay, the museum has been forced to cancel their “Lighthouse Weekend” Gala and upcoming Summer and Fall events and pivot to virtual celebrations.  Reimagined as a virtual event, the National LIghthouse Museum’s 10th Annual Light Keepers’ Gala Production “Weathering the Storm,” which has traditionally been an in-person paid ticketed event will take place virtually tonight at 8pm Eastern Standard Time. It is open to the public to view and enjoy via Zoom, Facebook or Twitter.

This first-ever virtual Gala will honor HIstorian, Author and Researcher Kevin P. Duffus and Captain of Lighthouse Tender Firebush, Captain Robertson P. Dinsmore USCG, USMS, Ret. It will also be an opportunity to enjoy musical performances by Ingrid Michaelson and Vernon Reid.

Add to this lineup the fact that as Executive Director, Ms. Dianto was able to forge a relationship with HRH Princess Anne and she is now an Honorary Patron of The National Lighthouse Museum. The Princess was previously scheduled to be in Staten Island to attend the Gala via The Queen Mary II for the weekend festivities. This celebration was to include a special High Tea luncheon hosted by Casa Belvedere in Staten Island in conjunction with Harney & Sons Tea to celebrate Princess Anne’s 70th birthday, as well as a special tour of Lighthouse Hill with Her Royal Highness. Of course, due to the current situation, Princess Anne's in-person visit was cancelled, however, she will be virtually present via a four-minute video featured on the filmed Gala. 
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According to Ms. Dianto “I was well aware of HRH Princess Anne’s history and commitment to saving the lighthouses in Scotland and decided to take a chance in contacting her to request her official sponsorship of our Museum and mission. We were thrilled that she agreed, and so proud of her role as Lighthouse Ambassador and the work she does for more than 300 lighthouse groups around the world.”

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(Artist rendering of The New National Lighthouse Museum - photo credit: National Lighthouse Museum)
Future Plans
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The plans going forward for The National Lighthouse Museum are both exciting and extensive. Designs for an aggressive expansion include a multifloor complex that will comprise both the current building in which the museum is housed (the former “foundry and metal shop”) and that of the neighboring building (the former “2nd lamp shop”). Architectural plans and drawings are complete for what will be an absolutely gorgeous edifice to house the nation’s lighthouse history. The anticipated opening is 2023 for the new National Lighthouse Museum. “Many sponsorship opportunities are still available for the new building for those individuals and corporate entities looking to be part of our cultural institution,” says Ms. Dianto.

Whether you are a local, an out of town lover of the outer borough of Staten Island or one of the millions of lighthouse enthusiasts worldwide, mark your calendar and tune in this evening for the 10th Annual Light Keepers’ Gala Production. The recorded event will remain permanently on the internet and available for viewers to share after live streaming. Donations are welcomed as well through the museum’s website.

- Till next time,
Travelin' ​Elisa
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Bronx Local and Founder of Bronx Historical Tours is Awarded Facebook Small Business Grant

8/3/2020

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Alexandra Maruri Receives Grant Money and Free Facebook Ads

Bronx entrepreneur and small business owner Alexandra Maruri, founder of Bronx Historical Tours, has been awarded the Facebook Small Business Grant.   
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Maruri’s application for this coveted grant was among millions of applicants worldwide and in her own words, “the grant application was a very challenging and all-inclusive process which required the completion of numerous tasks followed by a thorough selection process by Facebook that included a great deal of background information as well a detailed review that was conducted on my social media accounts.”

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Grant Recipient, Alexandra Maruri leading a Bronx tour (c) travelincousins.com
According to Facebook’s business page, the grant is eligible for up to 30,000 small businesses in more than 30 countries that meet the criteria of having between 2 and 50 employees; have been in business for over a year; have experienced challenges from COVID-19; be in or near a location where Facebook operates. In total the social media giant is offering $100M in cash grants and ad credits to help during this challenging time.

Leaving the corporate world in 2008, Maruri used the money from her 401K to follow her passion and start her tour company, Bronx Historical Tours, the first-ever tour company exclusively focused on the historical places and sites in the New York City borough of The Bronx. 

From its founding, sustainable tourism has been the model for Bronx Historical Tours and as such, Maruri created a platform for small group tours within a framework of respect and promotion of the local Bronx communities within which she has always conducted her tours. 

Like many businesses locally and around the globe, Maruri was enormously impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. Travel and tourism was one area of industry highly affected and as it dwindled, so too did her business. “Local tours are my only source of income and I was extremely worried about the future of my small business. I’ve been an independent small business for 9 years, self funded and between the federal suspension of all travel on March 11, 2020 and the subsequent quarantine, my income and livelihood was put in grave jeopardy” says Maruri. 

Between March and July 2020, Maruri had pre-sold approximately 50 tickets, all of which had to be refunded. “I had to pace out the full refunds during the pandemic for my clients, which resulted in my being  left with $1.77 in my account. It was a very difficult and frightening time.” The majority of these pre-sold tickets were to international clients, as a large portion of her business comes from tourists visiting New York and want to learn more about The Bronx. 
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Maruri's company offers a variety of walking tours and bus tours of The Bronx . Click image for more information.

Fortunately as a small business she was eligible for a small business loan. “The SBA loan was a lifesaver for me,” says Maruri. “Receiving approval for a loan was a true blessing in order to continue to operate with limited funds to pay my bills and put food on the table.” 

From the time she started her business, Maruri has always possessed a strong commitment to giving back and providing a benefit to the local community of business owners and organizations. This local entrepreneur’s efforts throughout the past decade have included much pro-bono work in the form of free tours for Bronx schools and hospitals in an effort to increase knowledge and appreciation for the community within which they reside and work. Additionally, she used her social media platform to promote fellow Bronx Business owners. “The hashtag #supportthebronx, is an initiative I began when I started my business.”   

The Facebook Grant was something she maintained cautious optimism about after her submission. “The interview and vetting process was quite in-depth, going from April through June. They wanted to get to the heart of why this grant would not only benefit me personally, but the small business community, which I serve and have always been passionate about with Bronx Historical Tours” 

Maruri uses her tours to familiarize visitors with the local businesses and encourages them to patronize the restaurants and mom and pop retail shops in the neighborhoods she offers tours. Her biggest concern expressed to the Facebook team was the fragility of the Bronx economy. She expressed the situation to them in April when unemployment ended up at 16.8% and predicted that with the Covid-19 pandemic, unemployment was sure to rise even more. Unfortunately, she was correct, as the unemployment numbers for June reached 24.7%.

As fate would have it, the news of her being awarded the grant arrived on Maruri’s birthday. “The Facebook Grant was a positive and hopeful reinforcement during these uncertain times. It will enable me to invest in my business now that I can begin conducting tours again as well as help promote our Bronx businesses through the paid ads on Facebook.”
 
As things start to reopen again, Maruri’s business model of a small group format which was in place prior to the pandemic, will allow a seamless transition to the mandatory health  and safety requirements of social distancing rules and face coverings. With her last tour being on March 4, 2020, she adds “With this grant, I hope to return to conducting true Bronx neighborhood tours in the near future.” 

For more information about Bronx Historical Tours, visit www.bronxhistoricaltours.com   or follow the BHT on Instagram at @BronxTours, Twitter at @BronxTours, Facebook at  @ExploringTheBronx.  ​

Till next time,
​-Travelin' Elisa
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Long Island Tourism - Optimistic Outlook| HIA-LI Webinar Discusses How Tourism and Travel Will Change in the New Norm

7/29/2020

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With its close proximity to the NYC boroughs and nearby states, New Jersey and Connecticut, Long Island has traditionally been an ideal and thriving local vacation destination. However, the covid-19 pandemic this year has changed the landscape. Yet, in spite of this challenge, the loss of business and the need to reinvent the face of travel to our region, Long Island experts believe that the future of Long Island tourism is looking optimistic.

During a recent webinar hosted by the Hauppauge Industrial Association of Long Island (HIA-LI) entitled “How Will Tourism and Travel Change in the New Norm”, panelists from a cross-section of local government agencies and tourism enterprises weighed in on the effects and future prospects of tourism on Long Island. Moderated by Terri Alessi-Micell, the President of HIA-LI, the consensus was unanimously positive that the region has come through the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic  “Long Island Strong” with encouraging indications that tourism will incrementally rise.
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Eastport, Long Island (c) travelincousins.com
Like everyone else around the world trying to recover from business shut-downs and a fearful population, all panelists expressed an air of cautious optimism. “This pandemic requires us to learn as we go,” stated Angie Carpenter, Islip Town Supervisor. She went on to say that although we have come through the past few months, the tourism industry overall has been affected in a big way with a growing trend towards more stay vacations and road trips. Ms. Carpenter pointed out how even the car manufacturers are capitalizing on the concept of road trips with their commercials in an effort to boost their sales. 

Tourism accounts for roughly $6.1 billion in total revenues annually for Long Island and approximately 100,000 local jobs. As a result of the pandemic, hotels, restaurants, event and attraction venues were severely hurt, and with the reopening of business beginning for Long Island in July, all panelists agreed that the common goal is to get business back to normal as quickly and as safely as possible.

Kristen Jarnagin, CEO of Discover Long Island shared that their advertising efforts for Long Island tourism changed overnight.  As the pandemic hit Long Island and the nation moved into quarantine, Discover Long Island implemented their “Hold Fast” effort and got the word out to ‘stay put.’  They froze advertising for the first time and stepped into action helping the community. Their efforts moved from promoting tourism to delivering masks to hotels for their employees and encouraging Long Islanders to be safe. 

Luckily for Long Island, it is home to local area airport MacArthur Airport, which, because of its small size makes it quite attractive to travelers who had and continue to have great concerns about large airports and their considerable crowds. The airport stayed open throughout the entire crisis as an essential business, implementing strict safety guidelines. In fact, according to Shelley LaRose-Arken, Commissioner, Long Island MacArthur Airport, MacArthur was the first airport in the world to install and activate new systems to continuously sanitize air and surfaces in the airport’s facility which, of course includes the gates,TSA and baggage areas and terminals. This system kills 99% of air and surface pathogens. Cleansing efforts were also ramped up with special cleansing agents used on doors and in restrooms as well as signage for mandatory face coverings.

Located 60 miles from Manhattan, MacArthur Airport, home to three carriers - Frontier, Southwest and American - had 1.6 million travelers pass through the airport annually. However, on March 13, 2020, things changed dramatically with a drastic reduction in flights. During that difficult time, Ms La Rose-Larkin reported that what was most encouraging was how people all cooperated and followed the rules. Long Island was fortunate in that MacArthur received free masks from the F.A.A. and free hand sanitizers from New York State and generously passed them onto passengers. Happily, no covid-related cases of employees have resulted since April.

Ms LaRose-Larkin contends that smaller airports like MacArther are recovering quicker than their larger counterparts because of travelers’ comfort with their more intimate setting. At present, leisure air  travel has come back strong in June/July with business 70% back to normal. 

The participating webinar attendees were curious about the “view” from inside the aircraft in terms of safety measures to increase sanitary conditions. Ms. La Rose-Larkin provided a bit of insight and shared that each airline is taking extra precautions to ensure greater cleanliness and safety and added health screening questions upon check in, Each carrier has their own individual rules as far as their specific protocols with Southwest, for example, keeping the middle seat open through September and Frontier is conducting temperature checks.  

Some helpful tips were offered by Ms. La Rose-Larkin for travelers going through MacArthur or any airport for that matter. It’s wise to bring your own food since the concessions are limited due to lower staffing; carry small hand sanitizers and wipes; touch as few surfaces as possible; and always wear a face covering.
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"Be Safe Pledge" High-resolution printable signage available for Long Island businesses. (credit: discoverlongisland.com)

As Long Island moved beyond the quarantine with the reopening of businesses, and is now currently in Phase Four, residents and visitors are now able to visit beaches, parks, and restaurants, while following mandatory safety rules which include wearing masks. Discover Long Island is leading the way to boost safe tourism with the launch of their new initiative, “Travel Confidently.” This includes their BeSafe Pledge for Long Island businesses. According to Ms. Jarnagin, “Businesses take a pledge to make the commitment to keep Long Island safe and healthy in an effort to flatten the curve and minimize the spread of Covid-19. In return, small businesses have access to free signage that lets patrons know they practice safety.” High-resolution printable signage is available on their website at www.discoverlongisland.com, along with more information about the state of safety regarding travel.

Ms. Jarnagin was also very encouraged by recent news she received that hotels in Montauk and Southampton are quite busy. She attributed the bump in business to the fact that people have embraced a virtual lifestyle whereby it is now possible to work from anywhere.  

However this is after four months of challenging times. Because hotels were deemed an essential business, it did put an added burden on these businesses to stay open, pay their staff and of course implement new safety protocols. For Long Island nonessential businesses like movie theaters and entertainment venues such as museums, many have suffered greatly. 

One of Long Island’s most well-known and best-loved small businesses is The Long Island Aquarium in Riverhead. A major tourist attraction for locals and visitors alike, the Aquarium is one part of a larger resort destination that includes the Hyatt Place Long Island, Atlantis Banquets and Events, Treasure Cove Resort Marina, Long Island Canoe Kayak Rentals and The Preston House & Hotel. Executive Director, Bryan DeLuca shared how the pandemic negatively impacted the company’s business across the board and the ways in which they are working to get back on track. 

While  many other businesses were able to just shut down, the Long Island Aquarium still had to keep their staff on hand in order to take care of the sea life that resides there. Additionally, even after re-opening began, it was a difficult proposition with the mandated 25% capacity allowance during the early phases of reopening. The pandemic also resulted in the cancellation of events such as weddings for their catering division and in turn snowballed with room block cancellations, further hurting business. 

The positive news is as Long Island entered Phase 4 of reopening, many people began opting to stay local. On an uplifting note, the company's marina business is through the roof and the guided tours offered are sold out. With people being more mobile with work, he is also currently seeing midweek occupancy selling out for their  hotel business. 

The Aquarium has adjusted to safety requirements and the current goal is to boost customer confidence that visiting their venue and the 1000+ species it houses is a safe experience to enjoy. 

In September of 2019, it was reported that tourism accounted for in excess of $6 billion annually and more than $740 million in state and local tax revenues. The pandemic has clearly had its impact as this revenue, which is currently down by 50% from last year, according to Ms. Jarnagin of Discover Long Island. 

All panelists agreed that the goal right now is to keep tax and vacation dollars local. Ms. Jarnagin expressed that the hope is for  Long Island vacationing to extend into the Fall and Winter with nearby visitors from not only NYC’s outer boroughs, but also from geographically close states like New Jersey, Connecticut and Pennsylvania. 

In closing, everyone on the panel was remarkably optimistic and are looking towards 2021 with great hope. Ms. Jarnagin put it quite well, “ We used to talk in terms of pre and post Covid, but now we need to look at things in terms of pre and post vaccine.” 

Clearly, Long Island businesses have had to make a great many adjustments to the way they conduct business and so too have locals and visitors in this new normal. But, the consensus was unanimous on this webinar that we are Long Island strong and will prevail. 

Till next time,
Elisa

 

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An Evening at “Piazza di Belmont” in The Bronx at Enzo's of Arthur Avenue

7/20/2020

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(c) travelincousins.com
Let's take a look at what's happening in the Belmont section of the Bronx, better known as Little Italy. With the continued focus on outdoor dining in NYC, The Belmont Business Improvement District (BID) in the Bronx, just launched “Piazza di Belmont” on Arthur Avenue. For those that love the "piazza" feel of Italy, where streets are closed off to vehicular traffic, and walking around freely is possible, Arthur Avenue is the place for you this summer!

For the first time ever and as part of New York City's reopening, each weekend evening this summer from Thursday to Sunday Bronx Little Italy has partnered with Sam Schwartz, former NYC Traffic Commissioner, to create their first-ever piazza-style dedicated al fresco dining plan between East 188th Street and Crescent Avenue.

"The plan incorporates health and safety protocols, six feet spacing between tables, signage for pedestrians, temporary street closures during the weekend evenings and more. Approved by the Department of Transportation, “Piazza di Belmont” creates a glorious, European-style outdoor dining experience," according to a recent press release from BID.

As huge Arthur Avenue fans, me and my gang made our way to the Bronx from Long Island to experience things first-hand. Since the street is closed to vehicular traffic Thursdays to Saturdays from 6 pm to 10 pm (and Sunday 1 pm to 9:30 pm), we wanted to get there a bit prior to our reservation because I wasn't sure what to expect in the way of parking. There are municipal lots, however, we were lucky enough to find street parking less than a block away from Arthur Avenue and our destination restaurant, Enzo's of Arthur Avenue. 

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Dining Al Fresco at Enzo's of Arthur Avenue (c) travelincousins.com
As the mother of five school-aged daughters, (one of which is attending my alma mater, Fordham University in The Bronx!), Maria di Rende runs the successful restaurant that she and her husband opened in 2005. Named for her husband, Enzo, a graduate of Fordham University and the Culinary Institute of America, the restaurant first began as a café with 40 seats, and grew into one of the most popular restaurants on Arthur Avenue, seating up to 200 patrons. It is oftentimes listed on “where to dine” stories about Little Italy in the Bronx.

Both Maria and Enzo grew up the Belmont neighborhood of the Bronx, each coming from multi-generational families that owned local shops on Arthur Avenue, so they were well positioned for success with their restaurant!

Sadly, tragedy hit the di Rende family when Enzo was diagnosed with prostate cancer and passed away at age 46 about two years ago. When Enzo passed, Maria and her family, along with the entire staff, promised to work together to continue their family’s original vision and make sure the restaurant would succeed.

As a single mom, Maria is not only a shining example of a successful small business owner, but a role model for women, and especially moms, of what is possible when one puts their heart, soul and hard work into their business.

I had the pleasure of sitting down with Maria for a story I will be featuring in the next few weeks featuring a number of Arthur Avenue businesses and how they are faring in the wake of the covid-19 pandemic, business closures and re-openings. Aside from her soft spoken demeanor and gracious manner, Maria is an inspiration for how she was able to get through such a personal tragedy and push forward successfully on both the home and work front. 

My sit-down, however, did not include eating and of course, that was something that I was intent on doing at Enzo's! As a single mom and blogger, I try to bring my own teenage daughters with me on story excursions whenever possible and a trip to Arthur Avenue was not one that I had to persuade them to do. My girls love everything about the Bronx Belmont neighborhood and the eating experience tops the list.

We had a new addition to our usual trio and our dinner at Enzo's last night - Gianna's boyfriend Tyler, who had never been to Little Italy. 

The outdoor seating was very inviting and with the absence of cars driving by, it was quiet and calm. Wait staff, of course were donned with masks, which I'm sure is not the most comfortable way to take orders, wait on patrons and serve food, but they made it look easy with their extra friendly attitude and high level attention.
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Enzo's Stuffed Artichoke (c) travelincousins.com
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Gianna enjoying her artichoke (c) travelincousins.com
My crowd is a pasta crowd, so, while Enzo's menu is quite extensive and there were a number of meat and seafood specials when we visited, we ordered pretty basic. But, let me assure you, there was nothing basic about the taste, flavor or preparation.

We ordered two appetizers after indulging in not one, but two baskets of bread. Enzo's olive bread is to die for!! So soft, fresh and the olives literally fall apart in your mouth. The Stuffed Artichoke was a culinary work of art to look at, filled with different textures and colors and Gianna devoured it. The kids also did a number on the Fried Calamari, served with tomato sauce. I was worried that they may not have room for their mains.  But, that didn't happen!
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Fried Calamari (c) travelincousins.com
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Yummy, fresh bread - Enzo's olive bread was to die for!! (c) travelincousins.com
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Spaghetti Pesto (c) travelincousins.com
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Spaghetti and Meatballs (c) travelincousins.com
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Jumbo cheese ravioli (c) travelincousins.com
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Orrechiette and Broccoli Rabe (c) travelincousins.com
Our order included: Spaghetti with Pesto Sauce, Spaghetti and Meatballs , Ravioli, and for me (the group vegan), I had my all-time favorite Orrechiette with Broccoli Rabe. The original preparation includes sausage, which I asked them to omit. 

It should be noted again, as per above, all of the pastas are homemade and oh, so good!!!

I'm going to let the food photos speak for themselves! We were lucky that the weather cooperated for an evening of al fresco dining - a lovely breeze filled the air along with the aroma of the best Italian food in all of New York!!

Try to venture to Arthur Avenue for a delicious night of al fresco dining this summer!

Till next time,
-Travelin' Elisa
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Calling All Bird and Nature Lovers for A Virtual Neighborhood Exploration with Bronx Wave Hill Naturalist!

7/17/2020

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PHOTO CREDIT : wikimediacommons - Andy Reago & Chrissy McClarren - Blackpoll Warbler
For anyone who either lives in the northeast or visits often, this area of the country is chock full of beautiful specimens of the natural world. In fact, right within the outer boroughs of New York City in the Bronx and surrounding areas, it is possible to get up close and personal with a plethora of wildlife species in a variety of categories.

From migratory birds like the Blackpoll Warbler to the poisonous cockleburr plant, to cute little furry outdoor critters like the chipmunk, we have an opportunity to behold it all. Thanks to the wise and creative Wave Hill Naturalist Gabriel Willow, nature enthusiasts can immerse themselves in the wonder that surrounds us in our own New York City backyard. 

Frequently described as an urban oasis, Wave Hill, in the Riverdale section of the Bronx, is a 28-acre garden and cultural center filled with a multitude of linked gardens high above the Hudson River with sweeping views and lots of open sky. The site's offering of nature tours onsite has not been available to visitors since it temporarily closed to the public earlier this year due to Covid-19. 

However, in lieu of "in-person" tours until Wave Hill reopens, the venue has put together a series of videos featuring virtual tours. These include  their “Neighborhood Naturalist” series led by their site naturalist Gabriel Willow.

I’ll admit, I was skeptical about whether I could enjoy the “virtual outdoors” but I assure you that you will revel in this series of video walks available to experience on the Wave Hill website. 

There is an incomparable ritual to going on an outdoor exploration through parks, cemeteries and salt marshes that includes certain attire, gear and equipment in which nature lovers derive great pleasure. Clearly, virtual tours do not provide the same joyous experience as catching a glimpse of a spectacular Blue Jay perched in a tree through binoculars or capturing bright yellow forsythias with a high powered camera, however, these cyber video adventures are surprisingly delightful!

Willow guides viewers throughout local outdoor spaces in the Bronx and Brooklyn during the months of April and May, filmed earlier this year, to enjoy the awakenings of Springtime in the city. You’ll be captivated as you virtually journey through the sandy soil of the Salt Marshes in Marine Park Brooklyn where you’ll learn about the now extinct Carolina Parakeet that used to dine on the spiny seedpods of the poisonous cockelbur, or listen to the tiny male Blackpoll Warbler that migrates from South America to Canada to find his mate.

Expand your awareness as you watch your computer or phone screen and listen to a flock of Blue Jays in Prospect Park, Brooklyn as they engage in mobbing behavior in the sea of pine trees. You will have to watch for yourself to uncover the mystery of what the predator is and if they catch it!

Mr. Willow’s soft spoken voice will pull you in as will his expertise of the plant and animal life.  For instance, did you know that chipmunks build their underground homes to include both a bathroom and bedroom area? These and other tidbits of information about the outdoor world will be garnered as you transport yourself to the great outdoors with the full array of Nature Expeditions virtual tours. 

-Travelin' Elisa
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The Green Bronx - 5 Intriguing Facts About Bronx Parks

5/3/2019

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A little known fact about The Bronx is that it is the greenest of all the five New York City boroughs.

While most people have a view of The Bronx as a strictly urban setting made up a plethora of  stores, apartment buildings, small business, and its bustling and busy streets, this northernmost city borough is comprised of outdoor park space that accounts for 25% of the land.

With no lack of options to commune with nature, embrace your inner athlete and fitness enthusiast or indulge in a little rest and relaxation on the cool, fragrant grass, Bronx Parks are more than they appear to be, possessing an interesting history and characteristics that are part of the fabric of this alluring city destination. 
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Bartow-Pell Mansion in The Bronx' Pelham Bay Park (c) travelincousins.com
​1. Home to the Largest New York City Park 
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Manhattan borough’s Central Park gets all the recognition and glory, but Pelham Bay Park in The Bronx is the largest park in New York City.  At 2,772 acres, this outdoor green oasis  rivals Central Park at three times as big.

With no lack of abundance in activities for nature lovers, cultural buffs and young and old alike, the park is home to miles of bridle paths and hiking trails, Orchard Beach, the Bartow-Pell Mansion, two golf courses, playgrounds and a breathtaking 13-mile saltwater shoreline that hugs Long Island Sound. 

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Entrance to Van Cortland Park (photo credit: wikipedia)
2. Fascinating, Historic Grounds 

There is an immense and rich history to the lands that have been transformed into the beautiful public parks of The Bronx. 

Take for instance Pelham Bay Park. Before its creation, the land comprising the current park was part of Anne Hutchinson's short-lived New Netherland dissident colony. After its destruction in 1643, Englishman, Thomas Pell purchased 50,000 acres of the land in 1654 from the Siwanoy land which would become known as Pelham Manor.  

During the American Revolutionary War, this land would act as a buffer between British-held New York City and rebel-held Westchester, serving as the site of the Battle of Pell's Point, where Massachusetts militia hiding behind stone walls (still visible at one of the park's golf courses) stopped a British advance.
 
Van Cortland Park is another home with a rich history.  The third-largest New York City park, at 1,146 acres, was originally owned by John Barrett, and sold to Jacobus Van Cortlandt, two time mayor of New York City, in around 1691. His son Frederick built the Van Cortlandt House on the property, which would later be designated an historic landmark.  Additionally, the land was used during the Revolutionary War when the continental army unit of mostly native Americans, the Stockbridge militia, was destroyed by the Queen's Rangers, a loyalist military unit. 

Then there is the history of Crotona Park, the land from which was acquired by the city of New York from the Andrew Bathgate Estate in 1888. Known at the time as “Bathgate Woods,” the park was already famous for its views, its trees, and its pond. The park was renamed by a Parks Department engineer, after Croton, an ancient Greek colony famed for its Olympic athletes. Croton is also the name of the old New York City aqueduct.

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Crotona Park (photo credit: wikipedia)

3. Trees and Natural Species Galore
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 The 127.5 acre Crotona Park, not only contains a 3.3-acre lake and the Bronx's largest swimming pool, but it is also home to 28 species of trees! A sanctuary of rolling grass, lofty trees, Crotona Park is the largest park in the South Bronx and the sixth largest in the borough.

At the heart of the park is Indian Lake, a name that is believed to have been given by local youths who resided in the area in the late 1800s. Surrounding the lake stand native tulip, black cherry, hickory, sassafras, sweetgum, and twenty-three other species, including specimens that have flourished for more than a century. 

Some of the most majestic and diverse trees in all of New York City, Crotona Park is full of natural beauty and according to NYC Parks website, “when first settled, the area around Indian Lake was said to have some of the finest forest habitat downstate.”
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Tiffany Street Pier, Barretto Point Park (photo credit: nycgovparks.org)
4. Bronx Park Had The First-Ever “Recycled Plastic Bottle” Pier
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Located on the East River waterfront in the Hunts Point is Barretto Point Park was referred to as “a secret oasis in the Bronx” by The New York Times and is also home to the Tiffany Street Pier.

The pier actually predates the park and was not officially part of the park until 2001. Previously used as a loading dock before earning a reputation as a refuge for for local residents and recreational fishermen, the pier was rebuilt by the city in 1995 out of an innovative material produced from 1.5 million recycled plastic bottles.

This new and inventive hard plastic structure was able to withstand damage caused by wood boring marine insects, destructive to wood. However, the plastic was not impervious to heat and a year later,  it incurred major damage when a lightning melted a third of the pier. 

Reopened in 2000, the new pier was built with more resilient materials but retains the same design as its plastic predecessor. 
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The Bronx River (c) travelincousinsn.com
 
5. Ecologically Diverse Wildlife and Fauna
Hard to believe, but Bronx Park is not only the natural habitat for a myriad of plants and wildlife stretching along The Bronx River, but it likewise houses two of the most iconic venues in all of New York City. 

Both the Bronx Zoo and the New York Botanical Gardens are part of the vastness that comprises this ecologically divergent and expansive space. The two-mile stretch of The Bronx River in Bronx Park flows through its riverbanks surroundings of red maple hardwood swamp inhabited by fish, birds and invertebrates, which is paradise for any nature lover, as well as recreation areas that include bicycle paths, playgrounds, tennis and basketball courts, baseball diamonds, football and soccer fields. 

Varied species in Bronx Park include Benthic macroinvertebrates, which include insects, worms, bivalves and crustaceans; more than 30 species of fish, including striped bass and river herring; Amphibians, Reptiles and Mammals that include muskrats, snapping turtles, salamanders, as well as plankton.


-Travelin' Elisa

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               Elisa 

     Elisa is co-founder of Travelin' Cousins travel blog along with her cousin "Travelin' Tanya." She lives on Long Island, New York with her two daughters and her dog Punkin. An entrepreneur whose professional career has included a variety of businesses in the toy, licensing and direct marketing businesses, she is now a blogger and freelance writer. Since her teen years, she has traveled extensively throughout the United States, Europe and Asia and continues to travel these days throughout the world with her daughters and cousin Tanya. Her other passions include photography, cooking, dining, the theatre and shopping.   

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