Take a free tour of City Island, Bronx with the ‘land ferry’
A small town in the northeastern part of the Bronx, City Island sits about 1.5 miles long by half of a mile wide. While its quaint nautical-vibe seems out of place in New York City, City Island is very much a part of the Bronx’s history. Thanks to the City Island Chamber of Commerce, New Yorkers who want to learn about the island can ride the “land ferry,” or a decorated minibus, on the island for a free tour of the neighborhood’s artistic and musical sites, as amNY reported. The blue painted bus with wood paneling picks up riders, from April to December, at the end of the No. 6 train in Pelham Bay Park on the first Friday of every month.
The “land ferry” via City Island Chamber of Commerce (top); City Island Marina via Jordan Confino (bottom)
The first tours on the land ferry began in 2015, taking passengers around the 1.5 mile-long island, known as one of the city’s best-kept secrets. On the first Friday of the month, the blue bus will pick up passengers at the train station from 5:30-9:30 p.m. every half-hour.
The bus stops first at the Bartow-Pell Mansion, a mid-19th century landmarked estate on the mainland that serves wine and cheese alongside live music most Friday evenings. It also includes a children’s garden, trolley rides and iconic 1800s architecture. Then, the land ferry travels across the City Island Bridge and arrives on the island. The guide of the bus offers tips and information about the local favorites for food and entertainment.
City Island Nautical Museum via Wikimedia
While small in size, the Bronx island offers a variety of cultural activities. At the City Island Nautical Museum, you’ll learn about the island’s boating history and explore exhibits dedicated to the city’s famed yacht-builders. At the Focal Point Art Gallery, the work of local artists is featured, capturing the uniqueness of City Island. And, of course, it wouldn’t be a trip to City Island without trying one of the many seafood restaurants, as lobster remains one of the island’s specialties.
[Via amNY]
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