With the dark cloud of recession hanging over us, you have probably already begun cutting back on everyday expenses. For instance, you may have started brown bagging your lunch during the work week instead of lunching out and cut out expensive morning lattes.

One major change that’s been on many NYC resident’s cut-back list is their annual vacation. Many people, including myself, have wondered what happened to long anticipated trips this year, and the logical answer to that is rising gas prices and inflation. However, with plane tickets sky high, now is the ideal time to take advantage of nearby places that you may have taken for granted or never even knew existed. If you live in a large, metropolitan area like New York City, there’s really no excuse for not being able to have a great staycation. In the first installment of a three part series, we’ll focus on one of the most overlooked boroughs in NY: the Bronx.

One of my favorite getaways is a quaint little place called City Island. This great little maritime community is only a short drive away from most boroughs and Westchester. With the waterfront close by, great restaurants, and a host of relaxing activities, you’ll wonder why you never made it out here before.

After crossing the City Island Bridge you may see people sitting on the benches enjoying the crisp sea breezes in the small park located to the right after you enter the island, with many people fishing in the local waters. Try your hand at catching your own supper by renting some fishing gear and a boat for minimal costs. Look up Jack’s Bait and Tackle. At Jack’s, a valid driver’s license and credit card gets you a boat for the day for $50 during the week and $60 on the weekend. The earlier the better, as it’s first come first serve. The boats are available 5am til 5pm.

If catching your own meals isn’t your thing, hop on over to City Island Avenue where you’ll find a seemingly endless string of restaurants. There’s an excellent selection of seafood at local eateries. Some favorites include: Sammy’s Fish Box, Lobster Box Restaurant and Johnny’s Reef Restaurant – where you can get a large helping of shrimp complete with fries, coleslaw and a Pina Colada for a nice $15.

If you’re into antique shopping, there are several shops on City Island Avenue with everything from collectible dolls to 19th century furniture. But it doesn’t stop there. Nearby you check out miniature golf at Turtle Cove Golf or even go horseback riding at Bronx Equestrian Center. The Bronx Equestrian Center is open everyday year around from 9am until dusk. It’s located in Pelham Bay Park and offers horse rides through trails in the woods of the park for $35 an hour. The rides are 1 or 2 hours and no appointment is necessary.

Desiring more than just a one day getaway? Make it a proper staycation with an overnight stay at LeRefuge Inn Bed and Breakfast. This 19th Century Victorian mansion offers 7 rooms for boarders and was once a sea captain’s home. The rate for double occupancy is $145 per night (tax inclusive) with continental breakfast. Adding a third person with roll-a-way cot will cost an additional $20. So for $72.50 (2 people) or $55 (3 people) per person you can enjoy a restful stay at City Island’s only B&B.

So, grab some friends and head north. With a staycation you’ll not only save some dough, but you’ll have a chance to explore and discover that this borough has a lot more to offer than just Yankee games

Check out some great Flickr photo streams of City Island from jag9889, ~stefan~, and Reversible Skirt.

DIRECTIONS:

From New England Thruway/I-95
Take Exit for City Island. Drive east through park (1/8 mile) and make right at light. Continue down City Island Road, past the miniature golf/driving range to the circle and take the second exit at the sign for City Island. Cross City Island Bridge to City Island Avenue.

From Lower Westchester
Take Hutchinson River Parkway South to the Orchard Beach / City Island Exit. Make a right at stop sign after exit, follow sign for City Island, pass the horse stable, make a left a light, at traffic circle take second right to the City Island Bridge. Cross City Island Bridge to City Island Avenue.

City Island can also be reached by taking the 6 train to the last stop, Pelham Bay Park, and then taking the Bx29 bus to the island. If you prefer the express bus take the BxM7B.

ACCOMMODATIONS:
LeRefuge Inn Bed and Breakfast
586 City Island Avenue
City Island, Bronx, New York
718-885-2478
lerefugeinn.com

FOOD:
Sammy’s Fish Box
41 City Island Avenue
Bronx, NY 10464
718-885-0920
sammysfishbox.com

Lobster Box Restaurant
34 City Island Ave.
718-885-1952
www.lobsterboxrestaurant.com

Johnny’s Reef Restaurant
2 City Island Ave, Bronx, NY 10464
718-885-2086

ACTIVITIES:
Turtle Cove Golf
1 City Island Road
Bronx, New York 10464
(718) 885-2646

Bronx Equestrian Center
9 Shore Road
Bronx, NY 10464
(718) 885-055
www.bronxequestriancenter.com

Jack’s Bait and Tackle (Boat Rental)
551 City Island Avenue
City Island, Bronx NY 10464
(718) 885-2042
jacksbaitandtackle.com

No related posts.