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

If you all haven't heard the news, the Crimmins Ale House opened last weekend for a 3-day grand opening on 1144 Forest Avenue, where friends and family gathered to eat good food, reminisce with friends and coworkers, have a great drink and enjoy the atmosphere. SI- Live did a wonderful article on Tom Crimmins Realty's owners Suzanne and Tom Crimmins as well as their son, Tom Crimmins Jr., who are also now the proud owners of a fine ale house where everyone can come to sit back, relax and enjoy a beverage with friends while watching a sports game, sampling quite an incredible selection of beers (No seriously, look at that menu!) and enjoying fabulous paninis. If you want to read more about the grand opening weekend, SI live did a spectacular article on the…

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This craftsmen style bungalow home was constructed in West Brighton around 1920. The house received its name as the Mark W. Allen house after Mark Allen, who came to Staten Island as a carpenter and became an owner of a large building supply and construction company. He also served in the New York State senate in 1923-24 and was part of the Goethals Bridge and Outerbridge Crossing's development. He continued to be an active part of his community organizations, and lived in this house until his death in 1958.

This home is one and a half stories on the corner of Clove Road and West Raleigh. Although many craftsmen style bungalows emerged throughout the United States during the time the Mark Allen house was built, not many were constructed on Staten…

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Who doesn't love shopping? Okay, there may be a  few "not me's" to that question, but if you do I have got the perfect place for you! Staten Island Mall! This mall is located at 2655 Richmond Avenue, New Springville, Staten Island. This is the perfect place to let loose and go on a full-blown shopping spree. There are over 200 stores located in the mall and it is currently the only indoor shopping center on Staten Island. 

This mall is owned by GGP INC. and opened officially in 1973. There are two floors inside but in the Macys store, there are 3 levels. Here we have a total of 4 anchor tenants; Primark, Macy's, JCPenny, and Sears. The mall is currently under construction and coming this year,2018, there will be a Dave & Busters, Zara, Movie Theater,…

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This simple one and a half story home was built in 1810, and was originally located on Richmond Avenue in New Springville. Its earliest known owner was James S. Decker, followed by John DuPuy  and his wife Susan Ann, who lived there with their three children and nephew. In the early 1950s the City of New York took possession of the property, and after the last resident it was boarded up until being brought to Historic Richmond Town in 1965.

How this house received its name

This house reflects many of the residents who lived in New Springville at the time. They partook in not only water relative activities such as oystering, but also part- time farming and basket making. Basket making was one of the many traditional crafts practiced by rural Staten…

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In one of the most lavish neighborhoods on Staten Island, Grymes Hill, Casa Belvedere resides there as a cultural inspiration. Previously just a 100 year old home built for prominent members of New York (the granddaughters of the Brooklyn Bridge builder, Louis and Laura Stirn) it has been transformed into an Italian cultural center. Constructed in 1908 the three acre estate was just one of the beautiful homes that were scattered on Staten Island, including the Vanderbilt home not so far from it. Today it has been renamed Casa Belvedere which means “house with a beautiful view” which is arguably perfectly fitting since it has a breath taking view of the New York Harbor as well as the Verrazano Bridge. The home has been a New York City historic landmark…

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Dogs can be a wonderful addition to any family! Between the many different breeds and mixes there are, there is surely a brilliant companion out there for you. According to Julien Martinez, a spokesman for the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, "Staten Island has the highest estimated percentage of the population owning one or more dogs - 32 percent." So, in New York City's least populate borough, there are actually more dogs. Officials believe this could be due to the type of housing on Staten Island, which provides more yard space for pets.

While this abundance of dogs can be a positive thing, there are also downsides to having a dog such as the possibility of the dog becoming violent as well as the insurance aspect of being a pet owner. In a…

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Being stranded on an island is a terrifying occurrence, however that is never the case on Staten Island. If you're ever feeling like you're stuck in a rut, traveling to and from Staten Island is an easy feat due to its limitless forms and availability of transportation. 

Free Modes of Public Transportation

Free modes of transportation such as the Staten Island Rail Road or the SIRR brings you across the island all the way from South Shore at Tottenville station to the last stop, Saint George Ferry station all the way in North Shore. The last stop on the SIRR connects you to the Saint George Ferry Terminal which is a completely free and convenient ferry terminal that travels to and from Manhattan and Staten Island. From there you can enjoy the…

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Being a father is one of the most difficult jobs with no break or salary. A father is a parent-figure you look up to whether they are your uncle, grandfather, or just a family friend. Being a Father doesn't mean you have to share the same blood. Your relationship and actions towards someone can place you the title of being their father. Tom Crimmins Realty would like to wish you and your family a Happy Father's day. Make this Father's Day a day to remember without having to leave Staten Island. There are so many events taking place on Staten Island in honor of our fathers and here are some you might want to look into:

  • The Grand Oaks Country Club will be hosting a Father's Day BBQ Brunch. This is a great event that doesn't start too early and will…

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Located at the center of Staten Island, Historic Richmond Town is a collection of 28 landmarked original settlements of European immigrants who moved there pre, during, and after the American Revolution War. Located on 441 Clarke Avenue, you can visit the outdoor museum of Historic Richmond Town and learn about the histories of the original settlements, or just simply partake in the seasonal activities it offers

History

Richmond Town was originally known for being the center of business and government on Staten Island in the 1700s. The island was booming with business, bustling with blacksmiths and packed with politics. However as Staten Island became more widely known, and a New York City borough in 1898, the town was already nearing gradual…

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The Staten Island Ferry is consisted of two terminals, the one on Staten Island itself and one in the downtown area of Manhattan. The one on Staten Island is named the Saint George Ferry Terminal and is located on 1 Bay Street 10301. The other terminal is called White Hall Terminal and is located at 4 Whitehall Street 10004 New York, New York. 

The Ferry runs every day, 24 hours a day and on average brings 66,000 people aboard daily. It helps connect passengers from Manhattan to Staten Island, and vice verse. Yearly it serves about 21 million passengers, 1.5 million being tourists. The 5.2 mile trip generally takes 25 minutes to travel and the ferry generally runs every half an hour, although on week days you man be able to take the express ferry which…

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