View of the Long Island Sound at the end of City Island Avenue at Belden Point (c) travelincousins.com
Delighted to wake up this week to one of the nicest days all summer, I couldn't have asked for better weather to visit City Island in the Bronx. If you are not familiar with this small island, located right over the (appropriately named) City Island Bridge, from the mainland of the Bronx in Pelham Bay Park, in the western most section of the Long Island Sound, this Bronx destination is well worth getting lost in for an afternoon!
Blessed with sunshine, a cool breeze and low humidity, me and my "daycation" party of five, made up of my two daughters, my friend, Karla and her daughter, took a glorious drive over the Throgs Neck Bridge, to the Bronx island known today for its amazing seafood! At one and one-half miles long by one-half mile wide, City Island is both manageable and enjoyable for a short day trip, alone or with the kiddos. Of course, in my case, as a travel blogger, my kids are generally always in tow (even if under protest).
Blessed with sunshine, a cool breeze and low humidity, me and my "daycation" party of five, made up of my two daughters, my friend, Karla and her daughter, took a glorious drive over the Throgs Neck Bridge, to the Bronx island known today for its amazing seafood! At one and one-half miles long by one-half mile wide, City Island is both manageable and enjoyable for a short day trip, alone or with the kiddos. Of course, in my case, as a travel blogger, my kids are generally always in tow (even if under protest).
(c) travelincousins.com
(c) travelincousins.com
(c) travelincousins.com
City Island Seagulls (c) travelincousins.com
This time, however, I think they actually rather enjoyed themselves!! Well, honestly, what's not to? City Island is quite compact and most of the sites are within walking distance to one another. With City Island Avenue, the main road that runs from beginning to end, there is no shortage of restaurants, small shops, yacht clubs and quaint homes lining this modest thoroughfare, to take in, and with a view of The Long Island Sound in almost all directions, the atmosphere is absolutely up-lifting.
Though small in size, City Island, has quite a bit of history, with the first Europeans, arriving from England, and settling in the 1600's and even further back, having been inhabited by the Siwanoy band of the Lenape native Americans. One of the first Europeans to settle City Island, then called Minefer's Island, was Samuel Pell, an English nobleman, who created an estate in 1654.
Through the hundred or so years that followed, there were many changes in ownership of the island, with one of the most influential of these being Benjamin Palmer, who had a vision of developing City Island as a port that would rival that of New York.
Though small in size, City Island, has quite a bit of history, with the first Europeans, arriving from England, and settling in the 1600's and even further back, having been inhabited by the Siwanoy band of the Lenape native Americans. One of the first Europeans to settle City Island, then called Minefer's Island, was Samuel Pell, an English nobleman, who created an estate in 1654.
Through the hundred or so years that followed, there were many changes in ownership of the island, with one of the most influential of these being Benjamin Palmer, who had a vision of developing City Island as a port that would rival that of New York.
(c) travelincousins.com
Stepping Stone Lighthouse (c) travelincousins.com
He was responsible for mapping out the town in different plots designated as shipyards, docks, business, farms, homes, schools, and houses of worship, along with streets, paths, and access routes. Palmer also is responsible for changing the name from Minefer's Island to City Island in anticipation of things to come. Palmer's vision never fully materialized, however, as the timing just before the American Revolution halted all progress.
As the years passed, however, new industries came to City Island which included fishing and ship building. And to this day, City Island is known for its seafood and lobster.
As the years passed, however, new industries came to City Island which included fishing and ship building. And to this day, City Island is known for its seafood and lobster.
The Throgs Neck Bridge (c) travleincousins.com
Kelsey and Mom (c) travelincousins.com
(c) travelincousins.com
What history! We headed to the end of the island first to Belden Point, and took in the view of the water, The Stepping Stone Lighthouse and the Throgs Neck Bridge in the distance. I literally could have stood there all day, taking it all in, and mesmerized by the smell of the sea air.
But, alas, it was time to move on. We made our way around the block to 175 Belden Street House, a simple, small picturesque cottage built in 1880, which is today, a NYC Landmark and on the National Register of Historical Places.
I wasn't 100% sure, but it did appear that someone lived in the historic home. I snapped away anyway (yikes) but so happy I have some photos of this lovely, old treasure.
But, alas, it was time to move on. We made our way around the block to 175 Belden Street House, a simple, small picturesque cottage built in 1880, which is today, a NYC Landmark and on the National Register of Historical Places.
I wasn't 100% sure, but it did appear that someone lived in the historic home. I snapped away anyway (yikes) but so happy I have some photos of this lovely, old treasure.
(c) travelincousins.com
(c) travelincousins.com
175 Belden Street House - NYC Landmark and on National Register of Historic Places (c) travelincousins.com
Marker denoting Historic Site (c) travelincousins.com
As our little gang grew hungry, we decided to try The City Island Diner. Once parked on the side street, I opened my door, only to see that we were right in front of the City Island Nautical Museum! This was on our list to see. How convenient!
Unfortunately, it was closed, although my kids were trying to contain their excitement (brats!). In any case, Karla and I decided this just gave us another excuse to come back in the near future.
Unfortunately, it was closed, although my kids were trying to contain their excitement (brats!). In any case, Karla and I decided this just gave us another excuse to come back in the near future.
City Island Nautical Museum (c) travelincousins.com
We definitely made the perfect choice in eateries, since my kids are not seafood eaters (I know, not the place to be if you don't eat seafood), however, Gianna and I both had tuna fish salad, so that is in the category of fish (insert grin). It was dee-lish!
Kelsey went with her usual of chicken tenders and fries, and as a result of stealing some food from her plate, I can attest to the fact that the fries were cooked to perfection. All five of us left not a morsel or a crumb on our plates!
Our Lunch Destination on City Island (c) travelincousins.com
Yummy Tuna Salad Wrap (c) travelincousins.com
Chicken Tenders & fries (c) travelincousins.com
Donna and the staff at the diner were friendly and sweet and chatted with me about some other places to visit in the area, namely Orchard Beach (which is now on my list for another Bronx excursion!)
With our tummy's full, we walked back to the car to retrace our drive back to the entrance of the island and the City Island Bridge. After a few hours of bopping around and having a bite to eat, our last stop was The City Island Veteran's Memorial Triangle situated prominently near the bridge, honoring our brave American heroes.
With our tummy's full, we walked back to the car to retrace our drive back to the entrance of the island and the City Island Bridge. After a few hours of bopping around and having a bite to eat, our last stop was The City Island Veteran's Memorial Triangle situated prominently near the bridge, honoring our brave American heroes.
Veteran's Triangle (c) travelincousins.com
(c) travelincousins.com
In retrospect, it's hard to believe (and admit!) that in all these years as a New Yorker, four of which were spent as a Fordham student, living on campus, that this is only my second visit to City Island! I'm happy I decided to do so again this week!
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