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