Julio Vincent Gambuto’s Walkable Staten Island
Published 07/20/2021
Welcome to my corner of the world: Staten Island, where I was born and raised. Friends are often surprised to learn that the borough—the smallest of the five in population—is actually twice the size of Manhattan; the New York City subway map is not exactly drawn to scale. The island is home to incredible food, warm and loving people and brand-new nightlife spots.
I returned home to Staten Island to shoot my new family film,
This itinerary is completely walkable, unless otherwise indicated.
1
Staten Island Ferry
1
1 Bay St.
Our very own “river cruise,” the Staten Island Ferry takes around
When you exit, you’ll be in the heart of the St. George neighborhood, a hub for transport and shopping.
2
Staten Island September 11 Memorial
2
Bank St.
Just a short walk along the water will lead you to a very solemn place, one that I visit often when I am home. The 9/11 Postcards memorial is a striking sculpture that overlooks the bay. The sculpture, which at first might look like a pair of angel’s wings, is actually a folded postcard aimed toward the sky. If you stand at the foot of the memorial and face Manhattan, the two sides will frame
3
St. George Theatre
3
35 Hyatt St.
Within walking distance to the memorial is the St. George Theatre, one of my favorite places on the island. The theater opened in 1929 as the island’s first movie house. It has been renovated in stunning fashion and hosts acts including Tony Bennett and Melissa Etheridge. Some of my favorite comedians, like Eric D’Alessandro, a Staten Island native, have shows coming up (the theater reopens in October), and the Christmas Show is an annual family favorite. Get a glimpse of the new marquee along Hyatt Street, behind Borough Hall, just steps from the ferry. For a nearby afternoon snack, stop by the
4
National Lighthouse Museum
4
200 The Promenade at Lighthouse Point
Just steps from St. George Theatre is the National Lighthouse Museum. This 1912 foundry building showcases the history and technology of the country’s lighthouses and is a must-see for history buffs (like me) and lovers of things nautical. The permanent exhibit has 180 lighthouse models from over 25 states. If you want to get on the water itself, sign up for the museum’s
5
Staten Island Children's Museum
5
1000 Richmond Terrace
For more culture and a stroll through nature, head to the Staten Island Children’s Museum, which is a short bus or car ride away. It’s one of the many attractions at
6
Joseph H. Lyons Pool
6
6 Victory Blvd.
If you want to stay in walking distance to St. George Terminal, a 10-minute stroll south along Bay Street, the main thoroughfare, will take you to the Lyons Pool at Victory Boulevard. Part of NYC Parks, the Olympic-size swimming pool is a popular summer spot.
7
Flagship Brewing Company
7
40 Minthorne St.
After your swim, head a few blocks away to Minthorne Street. Indulge in food and an afternoon beer (parents only) at
8
Tip the Wagon
8
70 Van Duzer St.
Minthorne Street is one of the borough’s new nightlife spots, but it is also part of the City’s Open Streets program, so the street is blocked off for outdoor dining and drinking. If it is hot enough for an Italian ice, don’t miss Tip the Wagon on Van Duzer Street. They have the most incredible ices, gelatos and alcohol-infused ices and sorbets. My pick: the root beer float gelato.
9
De Matti Park
9
Tompkins Ave.
If you are up for a game of bocce, you are in the right place—Staten Island is the bocce capital of New York City, with dozens of courts throughout the borough. We shot Team Marco here for a reason; bocce is part of the social fabric of the island, and there’s a deep respect for its history—it’s one of the world’s oldest sports. The closest courts to Downtown Staten Island are at De Matti Playground on Tompkins Avenue, between Chestnut Street and Shaughnessy Lane. The playground is just a five-minute rideshare from Minthorne Street, and well worth the trek.
It also happens to be the “hero set” of our film. Courts are open to all on a first-come basis, and it’s BYOBB (bring your own bocce balls). Make sure to stop by
10
Beso
10
11 Schuyler St.
St. George is home to a number of other great restaurants where you can have dinner before you catch the ferry back home—or as we’d say in my family, “Mangia! Mangia!” I love Beso, a fantastic Spanish eatery with great food, tapas and wine. I recommend the seafood diablo—shrimp, clams, mussels and calamari over linguine in a spicy tomato sauce. Heaven.
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