Staten Island has numerous hidden gems. We spotlight locations or upcoming events that families may be interested in checking out or attending.

These blistering July days call for sun, surf, and sand! Fortunately, Staten Island doesn't get its name for no reason. Richmond County, completely surrounded by water, is home to these stunning, yet different beaches:

South Beach

South Beach is the perfect mix of chill beach vibes, and boardwalk fun. It is located in the Eastern shore of the island, very accessible via car, bus (s51 or s52) or walking. The beach is around 2 miles long, which mean there's always a place to lay your towel! The boardwalk, officially the Franklin D. Roosevelt Boardwalk, stretches 2.5 miles, from Fort Wadsworth to Miller's Field. It was built in 1935, under the guidance of the Works Progress Administration, and once boasted the bustling Happy Land Amusement. With this…

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Looking for a quick bite to eat? Sit down dinner? Want to take a fun exercise class or catch the latest feature film? Look no further than the North Shore’s own gem, Forest Avenue.

Forest Avenue has humble beginnings, formerly used at Route 439, connecting the Staten Island Ferry to Elizabeth, New Jersey. Today, it still extends almost completely across the northern island, with Gulf Avenue in Mariners Harbor as the western border and Victory Boulevard, near Tompkinsville to the east. Known as the “business district,” this winding road is home to 165 businesses, big and small, and features a variety of eateries, as well as professional services.

Places to Eat:

There are dozens of unique, tasty eateries along this strip. Feeling exotic? Try …

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The Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA), more famously known as the Y is a worldwide organization that began in Geneva, Switzerland. Many may think it is just a place to get their daily work out but it is so much more than that. Founded 174 years ago by George Williams, the Y's mission was to uphold Christian principles by developing a healthy "body, mind, and spirit". However, in modern times, it is more focused on building a strong sense of community and family. To strive for that goal, they have tons of programs that they offer at the center. 

Programs tend to vary in different locations but always intend to better the community, but they will always have something for everyone from the youngest to the oldest. In our New York City there are…

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It's raining, it's pouring, and you're imploring the world to finally let it stop raining. The rain has ruined your plans to go out and enjoy your day but you can still have fun indoors. No matter the weather, there are countless things to do at home. Here are some things you could do in the comfort of your home when it is looking gloomy outside:

1. BINGE YOUR SHOWS!

This is the perfect chance for you to catch up on the latest seasons of your shows or even find a new obsession to watch all day long. It isn't every day where you can be a couch potato and dedicate hours to a show so seize the chance. Maybe even have a movie marathon.

2. Pamper Yourself.

Have a spa day but without the hefty price of actually going to the spa. Draw a steamy bubble…

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Lower Todt Hill in Staten Island is a residential neighborhood located just south of the Staten Island Expressway between Todt Hill Road to the east and Manor Road to the west. Lower Todt Hill is surrounded by beautiful areas like Todt Hill, Emerson Hill, and Castleton Corners. I am going to take you for a walk through this lovely neighborhood and tell you a little bit about what we have here and why we are so proud of it. A lot of the houses in this area have been family owned for many years, and as time goes on, they get passed on or sold to newer generations. I happen to be one of those people who live in a home that was built by my in-laws. My husband and I owned it and now my daughter and her family own it. If you take a walk down the streets of …

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Tucked away in the heart of our borough, lie 164 acres of grassy, scenic land, known as Willowbrook Park. This park is one of Richmond County’s many Greenbelt Conservation lands, containing protected space for wildlife, along with various recreational areas and activities. It is located in New Springville, only minutes away from the Staten Island Mall. Yet, this park still manages to feel miles away from the hustle and bustle of Richmond Avenue, giving Staten Islanders and visitors a chance to escape into nature.

More on New Springville

Almost 4 centuries later, New Springville has remained a highly sought after neighborhood. In addition to Willowbrook Park, other small greenlands, give the area a quaint, calm feel. It offers a wide array of retail,…

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The government can take your home or any property of yours at a whim. This is not the same as the IRS taking your home because you owe them money; the government has the power to take private property for public use by a state, municipality, or private person or corporation authorized to exercise functions for public character, following the payment of just compensation to the owner of that property.  

This government right is called Eminent Domain. 

How Does It Work? 

You own or live in a house and there is going to be a new highway built or a further expansion of an already existing one to relieve the congestive traffic. In order to do this, the state needs to find room to expand the highway, and your home happens to be in the best location for…

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Cimex lectularius, also known as the common bedbug, feeds purely on human blood and can be found worldwide. These insects are a major hassle to get rid of, and dangerous to boot.

Found mainly in urban environments, the common bedbug has wreaked havoc among society for millennia. The vampire like bugs are small in size, oval shaped, and a dark brown color, however; they swell up after feeding. They don't fly, but do have small wings and also have beak-like mouths which they pierce the skin with to suck the blood. A healthy female can produce up to 500 eggs during her short life span and produce around two to five eggs per day, making their extermination rather difficult.

These pests are built to be able to hide easily, especially during the during…

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Fort Wadsworth is a 226-acre public park. Located on the northeastern part of Staten Island.  First built in 1663; its one of the oldest military sites in the United States of America. This old blockhouse was used by British troops during the American Revolution and later became an infantry station for American soldiers in the early 1900's.To visit here there are no entrance fees, visitors are allowed to roam the grounds,visit the underground tunnels, and go for a ride on the bike trail. Even enjoy a nice picnic in the designated picnic area. The park provides free tours of the forts.

The view is absolutely incredible, you can see the harbor, Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, Brooklyn, and Manhattan from Fort Wadsworth. Its an excellent place to take…

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This historic home is one among the row of houses along Westervelt Avenue designated, Horton's Row. The row of houses was constructed between 1880 and 1882 by Harry Horton, a prominent New York City banker and broker. It consisted of twelve identical attached masonry row houses, which were built as an affordable option for middle-class families on Staten Island. However, out of the twelve, 413 Westervelt is one of the four that remained intact.

Horton purchased the land for Horton's Row in 1870, but did not begin its construction until about a decade later. During the time, it was common to see many mansions and large estates among this portion of New Brighton, so Horton decided to create more affordable houses. The buildings are believed to have been…

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