The Boogie Down Bronx

This weekend has been pretty gray. It's been a great weekend for visiting family and writing that story I've been dieing to write. Yesterday, I ventured into The Bronx a/k/a the Boogie Down Bronx to see my parents. It was fun. Yet, every time I tell someone I hail from The Bronx, I see a look of terror cross their eyes. Even when I tell my own husband I'm going up there to see family, he becomes hesitant. They must have some vision of The Bronx as a ghetto fabulous vision where they are several shoot outs and someone gets stabbed or maimed every day. I assure you this is not the case. Yes, it's not Manhattan, but it's not as Dangerous as everyone makes it out to be. You have the same odds of getting attacked in the Bronx as you do in Manhattan. Growing up in The Boogie Down, I never felt fear at all walking down the street, and I've never been attacked, mugged etc. It's really not bad.

While the Bronx doesn't have the glamorous reputation as Manhattan, there are things to do. You can go shopping in Riverdale. There are some awesome gourmet stores up in Riverdale with the best hummus, cheeses, olives etc. There is also a Target, Marshall's, and a Loehmann's for you bargain hunters out there. The area of 161st is also undergoing some changes to tempt some people into moving. 161st is the home to Yankee Stadium for those who want to catch a Yankee's (Bronx Bomber's) game. Passing through there recently I saw a Home Depot, and a TJ Maxx which is currently being built along with the condos. It looks like the city wants to offer a nice, affordable option to those who want to live in this great city but can't afford Manhattan.



The Boogie Down also has the Real Little Italy. Yes, I know you've been told that Little Italy is in Manhattan, but it's not the case anymore. Little Italy has been taken over by China town. If you want some real Italian food come up to Arthur Avenue in the Bronx. They have wonderful bakeries like Egidio's if you're dieing for cannolis and even cannoli cake. Even their restaurants have excellent pizzas and pastas all at affordable prices. Also stop by the Arthur Avenue Retail Market where you can buy produce, wonderful cuts of meat, olives out of a barrel, homemade pastas, cheeses,and even spices. The market even has a place to sit down and get your grub on. So buy some ready made pizza, pastas, or even the sandwiches and dig in.





If you're feeling in a tourist mood stop by the Bronx Zoo and/ or the Bronx Botanical Gardens, which are both directly across from each other. The zoo has many wonderful exhibits full of animals, such as Jungle World, Reptile House Mouse House, Congo Gorilla Forest, and a Butterfly Exhibit ( in the spring and summer). Some of the animals do notice you and try to interact with you. Last time I was there, I was approached by several peacocks that walk the grounds, had a lizard press his tummy against the glass for a rub, and even had an African Pheasant play with me. It's quite fun. For those of you looking for a bargain, Wednesdays are pay as you wish day.



If it's a beautiful sunny day, I suggest going to the Botanical Gardens. They have beautiful flowers, and even a waterfall. It's a breathtaking place, and on a nice day you can walk the trails looking at natural beauty, or just sit back and take it all in.



For those of you who love horse back riding or who just want to give it a try, visit the Bronx Equestrian Center up by Pelham. They have lessons ranging from $40 for half hour lessons, $65 for one hour lessons, and a discount rate if you buy the lessons in a block of ten classes. For more details, check out http://www.bronxequestriancenter.com

See, there are things to do in the Bronx! Come visit the Boogie Down one of these weekends. We'd love to have you!!!