| For many, a visit to the 'Big Apple' is | | | | regarded as having among the largest and most |
| likely to involve shopping on Fifth Avenue, a | | | | complete collection of rattlesnakes in North |
| stroll through Central Park and taking in a | | | | America. The zoo currently has over 400 |
| show at one of the many theatres on Broadway. | | | | animals ranging over 200 different species, |
| Often called 'the forgotten borough', Staten | | | | while the zoo is also the home of Staten |
| Island is the most geographically detached of | | | | Island Chuck, a groundhog who is the official |
| New York's boroughs and, while it doesn't | | | | Groundhog Day forecaster for New York City. |
| have the allure of Manhattan or Brooklyn, | | | | |
| there is still plenty of reason to visit, as | | | | Movie buffs will be pleased to learn that a |
| no trip to New York would be complete without | | | | vast number of films have been filmed |
| a ride on the Staten Island ferry. | | | | partially or wholly on Staten Island, |
| | | | including The Godfather, Working Girl, War of |
| The Staten Island ferry carries over 70,000 | | | | The Worlds, Goodfellas, Donnie Brasco and |
| passengers a day between Whitehall Street at | | | | School of Rock starring Jack Black among many |
| the southernmost tip of Manhattan and St. | | | | others. The island was also the location for |
| George Ferry Terminal on Richmond Terrace in | | | | Madonna's music video for her song 'Papa |
| Staten Island. Taking around twenty-five | | | | Don't Preach'. |
| minutes per journey, the ferry ride is a | | | | |
| favourite of tourists to New York as it | | | | For those who want to indulge in a bit of |
| provides excellent views of the Lower | | | | shopping away from the hustle and bustle of |
| Manhattan skyline, Ellis Island and the | | | | Fifth Avenue or Times Square, Staten Island |
| Statue of Liberty. Furthermore, the ferry | | | | has a wide array of shops and malls to while |
| provides a no-hassle mode of transport and is | | | | away the hours. Food lovers are well catered |
| free to ride! | | | | for as well, with a wide range of restaurants |
| | | | and bars appealing to even the most diverse |
| However, there is more to Staten Island than | | | | of tastes, where you can relax, unwind and |
| the ferry if you're not the sea-faring type. | | | | refuel in order to throw yourself into the |
| The island has miles of beaches which are | | | | best of Staten Island nightlife. |
| perfect for sunbathing, swimming, pier | | | | |
| fishing and other recreational activities. | | | | If you're considering a trip to New York, |
| Staten Island is also home to a variety of | | | | Staten Island provides an ideal location for |
| cultural centres and historical sites, such | | | | tourists looking to escape the hustle and |
| as Conference House which was the location of | | | | bustle of Manhattan. With hotels in Staten |
| the abortive Peace Conference between British | | | | Island ranging from the luxurious to the |
| and American soldiers during the American | | | | cheap and functional, you're sure to find |
| Revolution, the Garibaldi-Meucci museum, | | | | accommodation to suit your budget; and with |
| Noble Maritime Collection and The National | | | | the Staten Island ferry making 104 |
| Lighthouse Museum. | | | | round-trips every day between Staten Island |
| | | | and Manhattan, you won't have far to go to |
| The island is also home to the Staten Island | | | | indulge in shopping on Fifth Avenue, a stroll |
| Zoo, which recently opened a newly | | | | through Central Park and taking in a show at |
| refurbished reptile exhibit and is widely | | | | one of the many theatres on Broadway. |