Local Customs & Etiquette in Staten Island, New York, United States

All Topics about Staten Island All Cities in United States

1. Staten Island Ferry Etiquette

Knowing the proper behavior on the Staten Island Ferry can help you avoid uncomfortable situations. Stand on the right and walk on the left.

Space-Saving: Standing on the right side allows more people to move through easily.
Considerate: Walking on the left side helps prevent traffic jams.
Local Tradition: This practice is a well-known tradition among locals and frequent ferry riders.

A friendly wave or hello to the staff at Snug Harbor can make your visit more enjoyable. They appreciate being acknowledged.

Building Relationships: Greeting staff members fosters a welcoming and positive atmosphere.
Reciprocity: Staff often return the friendly gesture, making your interaction more pleasant.
Cultural Exchange: Sharing a kind word can lead to interesting conversations about Staten Island's rich history and culture.

At Tavern on the Hill, it's customary to ask for the daily specials when ordering. This way, you won't miss out on delicious, fresh offerings.

Fresh Food: Daily specials ensure you get the freshest ingredients available.
Menu Variety: Asking for daily specials expands your food choices beyond the regular menu.
Chef's Pride: The chef takes pride in preparing unique and tasty dishes for their customers.

At Historic Richmond Town, it's important to be respectful of the historical buildings and artifacts. Treat them as you would a museum exhibit.

Preservation: Treating historical sites with care helps preserve them for future generations.
Respect: Being considerate of the past and those who lived in these times fosters a sense of appreciation.
Education: Learning from history helps us understand our present and shape our future.

When visiting the St. George Greek Orthodox Church, it's customary to dress modestly and remove your shoes before entering.

Respect for Religion: Dressing modestly demonstrates respect for the religious practices.
Cultural Sensitivity: Removing your shoes shows awareness and consideration for the customs of the church.
Spiritual Connection: Connecting with the spiritual atmosphere in a respectful manner can enhance your experience.

At the Conference House National Park, it's important to follow park rules and guidelines. This includes staying on marked trails and not littering.

Environmental Preservation: Following park rules helps protect the natural beauty of the area.
Historical Integrity: Respecting the park's historical significance ensures it remains a valuable learning resource.
Safety: Staying on marked trails and not littering reduces the risk of accidents and keeps the area clean.

At the Staten Island Mall, it's customary to be patient and courteous with store employees. They appreciate your kindness.

Customer Service: Being patient helps store employees provide better service.
Mutual Respect: Courtesy towards store employees fosters a positive shopping experience for both parties.
Community Building: Shopping locally supports Staten Island's economy and contributes to the community's growth.

During the Annual Lighthouse Festival, it's customary to be respectful of the lighthouses and their surrounding areas.

Historical Appreciation: Respecting the lighthouses shows appreciation for their role in Staten Island's maritime history.
Community Bonding: Participating in events like this helps build connections within the local community.
Educational Opportunities: Learning about Staten Island's lighthouses can provide interesting insights into its maritime past.

At Pasanella & Son Bakery, it's customary to ask for recommendations when ordering. The staff knows the menu inside and out!

Expertise: Asking for recommendations ensures you get the best items based on the bakery's expertise.
Personalized Service: Staff members provide tailored suggestions based on your preferences.
Local Tradition: This family-owned bakery has been a Staten Island institution for over a century.

At the Alice Austen House Museum, it's important to be respectful of the exhibits and follow museum rules.

Historical Preservation: Respecting the exhibits helps ensure their continued preservation.
Cultural Education: Learning about Alice Austen's life and work provides valuable insights into Staten Island's past.
Community Pride: Supporting local museums contributes to the overall growth and development of the community.

At the St. Patrick's Day Parade in Staten Island, it's customary to wear green and show your Irish spirit.

Celebration: Wearing green helps you join in the festive atmosphere.
Community Spirit: Participating in the parade fosters a sense of camaraderie among attendees.
Honoring Irish Heritage: Celebrating St. Patrick's Day honors the rich Irish heritage that plays an important role in Staten Island.

At The Bay Restaurant, it's customary to make a reservation for larger groups. This ensures you get a table and enjoy your meal without wait.

Accommodating Large Groups: Making a reservation helps the restaurant prepare for your arrival.
Enjoyable Dining Experience: Having a reserved table ensures a comfortable dining experience for you and your group.
Local Flavors: The Bay Restaurant serves delicious seafood dishes that showcase the best of Staten Island's coastal cuisine.

At Fort Wadsworth, it's important to follow park rules and guidelines. This includes staying on marked trails and not disturbing military artifacts.

Historical Integrity: Respecting the historical significance of Fort Wadsworth helps preserve its importance for future generations.
Safety: Staying on marked trails and not disturbing military artifacts reduces the risk of accidents or damage.
Educational Opportunities: Learning about Fort Wadsworth's role in U.S. history can provide interesting insights into the past.

At the Staten Island Farmers Market, it's customary to bring reusable bags and cash for purchases.

Environmentally Friendly: Bringing reusable bags helps reduce plastic waste.
Cash Flow: Many vendors prefer cash, so it's a good idea to have some on hand.
Supporting Local Farmers: Buying fresh produce from local farmers helps support the Staten Island agricultural community.

At the Staten Island Zoo, it's important to be respectful of the animals and their habitats.

Animal Welfare: Respecting the animals helps ensure their health and well-being.
Education: Learning about different species and conservation efforts can provide valuable insights into wildlife.
Community Enrichment: Visiting the zoo contributes to the overall development and growth of Staten Island.