Staten Island History, Architecture and Lore

Easy pace with commentary. Approx. seven miles with hilly portions. Look for Kiki at Whitehall Ferry Terminal at 10:45 am at restrooms on second floor. Take the 11:00 a.m. ferry from Manhattan to Staten Island. Or meet Jean at restrooms in St. George ferry terminal in Staten Island at 11:25 a.m.

We'll have lunch in the downtown St. George area across from the library and nearby the St. George Theater. We'll go inside the French Renaissance Borough Hall to see 1930's bas-reliefs and 1940's WPA art murals (and use restrooms). ID required to enter Borough Hall.

After lunch, we'll stroll through the St. Paul's Avenue-Stapleton Heights Historic District to view examples of homes in Arts and Crafts, Shingle, Greek Revival, Victorian Colonial and Queen Anne styles along our route, as well as the St. Paul's and Trinity Lutheran churches. Not to be missed, we'll pause at the gorgeous Bechtel Mansion and learn about its ties to the island's beer brewing history. We'll move uphill to see the still-extant Ward mansion and enjoy bay views.

Optional post-walk stop on Minthorne Lane Alley for a beer or bite, or go directly to the Staten Island Ferry, which departs every 30 minutes. Option to take city ferry to Brooklyn and Manhattan stops (fare charged).

BRING: water, snacks, lunch.

HIKE LEADERS: Kiki Black (929) 425-4212 and Jean Jamate (917) 558-1649