Why You Should Visit Snug Harbor Cultural Center in Staten Island, New York

Staten Island, NY- Snug Harbor Cultural Center was previously Sailors' Snug Harbor. Sailors Snug Harbor opened in 1883; its' intended use was housing and relief for worn out old sailors. The sailors could obtain housing and healthcare. In 1976 the city opened the gates to the public, of what is now Snug Harbor Cultural Center. The area preserves Greek revival style buildings. The old worn down buildings were converted into museums, class rooms, and meeting halls.

There are tours of the old buildings available as well as other on site attractions. The Children's Museum, Botanical Gardens, Butterfly Gardens, a September 11th Tribute Center, and a Chinese Scholar's Garden are among the many wonderful experiences offered at the Snug Harbor Cultural Center. The property also offers a couple dining options as well as gift stores.

The Children's Museum is full of interactive exhibits. Children can explore rainforest and ocean life, as well as other hands on exhibits. At three o'clock daily, guest can observe as the Museum pets are fed. The Museum is located in The Snug Harbor Cultural Center on Richmond Terrace. There are daily attractions that are organized on a monthly basis. To find out more call 718-273-2060.

The Botanical Gardens grace the ground of the Snug Harbor Cultural Center. There is no admission fee and guest can observe foliage that varies given the season. The guest hours are dawn to dusk, Monday-Sunday. A list of what is in bloom can be found on the Gardens website, http://www.sibg.org/. Benches are placed strategically in the Garden to allow guests to relax and appreciate sights. Butterfly gardens are scattered throughout the Snug Harbor property. Guest will also find further attractions, such as The Tribute Center, and The Chinese Scholar's Garden.

The Tribute Center, stationed in Snug Harbor's Botanical Gardens, is a tribute to the men and women whose lives were affected by 9/11. A statue of a fireman with a child in his arms, greets visitors at the steps. Inside slide show biographies of the lost are available for viewing. Children have decorated and donated tiles in honor of their lost loved ones. Remains from ground zero are kept locked up, but visible for all to see. Haunting and heroic images caught documented by film, decorate the walls. The experience leaves one with a somber feeling.

My personal favorite Snug Harbor Cultural Center experience is the Chinese Scholar's Garden. Visitors really get the sense that they have arrived in another country. There are walls implementing a sense of housing. Ponds are accented by beautiful white petals, fallen from the trees that gracefully lie just above the water source. Guests can walk through the housing structure over bridges and through small rooms. There are several sitting areas where one may rest, converse with friends, or read a book. There is a $5.00 admission fee. This is a small fee for such a magical experience. The hours are Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00am until 5:00pm.

The Snug Harbor Cultural Center is family friendly. Its' many options for entertainment make it an absolute return-to-location. Set on the north shores of Staten Island it is close to the Staten Island Ferry. New York City will find it very accessible. Visitors will be pleasantly surprised at how far from a city they will feel

After a long day roaming the grounds of Snug Harbor one may feel a bit hungry. The restaurants, near the Chinese Scholars Garden, are a delicious experience. They offer an affordable gourmet menu, using portabellas, fish, goat cheese, and other unique and wonderful food types. Outdoor seating creates a sort of French café fee. The consumers will leave relaxed and full.

I recommend visiting The Snug Harbor Cultural Center whether one is visiting the area or a resident. They offer more than touched upon here, including guided tours. For more information visit the site mentioned above or call (718)273-8200. Snug Harbor is located at 1000 Richmond Terrace. Directions can be found at their website.