City Island, New York

mSo here's the Resident Guide to NYC post about City Island- what some call the Cape Cod of New York City.

City Island is an island in Long Island Sound about 1.25 miles long in the northeast Bronx (NYC) or some like to think the southeast corner of Westchester County. Future posts will talk about the Island's history, but for now NYC visitors might want to know that City Island is a 50+ minute commute from mid-town NYC take the #6 train and then the #29 bus.

My suggestion take the bus to the very last stop, looking out the window- then walk back toward the bridge (City Island Bridge is the connection to the mainland). By riding to the end of the Island first you get a glimpse of what you want to see more of, and the wide variety of eateries - the major draw for visitors to the Island.

When you walk back to the bridge, take a moment sit in Catherine Scott Park and send some good thoughts to Catherine a City Island resident who made major contributions to presevering the history of the Island before her premature passing.

At the bridge area there's at least four seafood restaurants including JP's, Lobster House on the back street not right on the main drag City Island Avenue. My favorite 'big food' restaurant is a few blocks further, Artie's - no not waterfront but consistently good food; yet my overall preference is the several smaller neighborhood restaurants between Fordham and Carroll Streets-- then down 'the end' are the traditional Lobster Box, and the ever people original Sammy's. Johnny's Reef restaurant. The telephone wires around Johnny's home to wild parrots.

Then there's the City Island Nautical Museum on Fordham Street and for historical architecute buffs a significant number of historical homes including 586 City Island Avenue which was home to a sea captain. And recently Island residents reconstructed an historical ship that sits as a monument in front of the public school PS 172 on the Avenue. And of course, Starving Artist Gallery where there's a great music lineup. Music is also on tap across the street from the Tree House Cafe, schedules for both are posted in their windows.

The New York Public Library branch on the Island is home to the largest ship collection in the library system and across the street is Ron Terner's gallery and the lucky lotto store.

Writing this post I'm thinkng City Island and other similar neighborhoods are worthy of their own blogs.