DoubleTake: The Bronx Experience – From Baseball to Wildlife

The Bronx, a borough of New York City, is known for its vibrant culture, rich history, and diverse communities. It’s famous for landmarks like Yankee Stadium, the Bronx Zoo, and the New York Botanical Garden. The borough offers a mix of residential neighborhoods, parks, and cultural institutions, reflecting its dynamic urban character and significant contributions to arts, music, and sports.

Originally inhabited by the Siwanoy Native Americans, the area was colonized by the Dutch in the 17th century. It gets its name from Jonas Bronck, a Swedish immigrant who settled there in 1639. The Bronx became part of New York City in 1898, experiencing rapid growth and urbanization in the 20th century. Known for its cultural contributions, including being the birthplace of hip-hop, the Bronx has faced challenges such as economic decline and urban decay but has shown resilience with ongoing revitalization efforts. Today, it is a vibrant community with a unique blend of cultures and histories.

The Same

Growing up in Upstate New York, our family’s ties to New York City have led us to frequent visits. On a recent trip to the city, the Family decided to meet up with the DINKS in the Bronx. The Bronx Zoo was the ideal place for all.

The Bronx Zoo

The Bronx Zoo, one of the largest metropolitan zoos in the world, offers a diverse array of wildlife and educational exhibits. Visitors can explore habitats ranging from African plains to Asian forests, encountering animals such as lions, gorillas, and tropical birds. The zoo’s conservation efforts and interactive experiences make it a popular destination for families and wildlife enthusiasts alike.

Wild Asia Monorail: A scenic ride through the Asian wilderness, showcasing animals such as elephants, rhinos, and red pandas. We love riding the Wild Asia Monotrail as it is a relaxing way to view the animals and rest after doing a ton of walking.
Children’s Zoo: An interactive area where kids can feed and pet domestic animals, such as goats and sheep.

Local Cuisine

The Bronx boasts a diverse and vibrant food scene, reflecting its multicultural population. Visitors can savor authentic Italian cuisine on Arthur Avenue, often called the “Real Little Italy” of New York. Additionally, the borough is home to classic New York-style pizzerias, renowned seafood spots, and modern eateries serving innovative dishes.

Delicious Pizza: The Bronx is known for its excellent pizza joints, offering both classic New York slices and unique variations. One thing we have to when visiting the city.
Italian Cuisine on Arthur Avenue: Indulge in authentic Italian dishes like pasta, antipasto platters, and cannoli in the heart of the Bronx’s “Little Italy.”
Borough’s Signature Sandwiches: From hearty deli sandwiches to overstuffed heroes, the Bronx offers a variety of delicious sandwiches that are a local staple.
Soul Food: Experience traditional Southern comfort food with Bronx flair, including dishes like fried chicken, collard greens, and macaroni and cheese.
Bronx Brewery: Sample local craft beers brewed right in the Bronx, often paired with bar snacks or food truck fare at the brewery’s taproom.
Empanadas: Enjoy savory and crispy empanadas filled with a variety of ingredients, reflecting the Bronx’s diverse culinary influences.
Seafood: Explore seafood restaurants offering fresh catches from nearby waters, such as clams, oysters, and seafood platters.

The DINKs

One of my best friends lived in the Bronx for nearly 20 years. She has since moved so we don’t go as often as I would like now but always make a point see a Yankee game if we do.

New York Yankees – Baseball

Yankee Stadium, located in the Bronx, New York, is an iconic venue steeped in baseball history. Home to the New York Yankees, the stadium offers fans a chance to witness Major League Baseball games in a legendary setting. From its rich sports heritage to modern amenities, Yankee Stadium provides an immersive experience for sports enthusiasts, featuring guided tours, historic displays, and opportunities to see some of baseball’s biggest stars in action.

Museum and Monument Park: Explore the Yankees Museum, which showcases the team’s history through exhibits, memorabilia, and interactive displays. Adjacent to the museum is Monument Park, where you can see retired numbers and plaques honoring Yankees legends. It closes 45 mins prior to game time so be sure to arrive early.
Batting Practice: Before select games, fans can watch batting practice from designated areas or sometimes even catch a home run ball during BP.
Pre-Game at the bars: For fans visiting Yankee Stadium, the experience isn’t just about the game—it’s about soaking in the atmosphere both inside and outside the stadium. One of the best ways to extend that experience is by checking out the local bars and pubs that surround the stadium. Perfect way to get hyped up for the game.
- Stan’s Sports Bar: For over 40 years, Stan’s Sports Bar has been a staple for Yankees fans. Located right across from the stadium, it’s hard to miss with its vibrant signage and bustling crowd.
- The Dugout: Located just a short walk from the stadium, The Dugout is a popular spot for Yankees fans to gather before and after games.
- Billy’s Sports Bar: A classic sports bar experience awaits at Billy’s Sports Bar.
- Yankee Tavern: No visit to the Bronx would be complete without a stop at the historic Yankee Tavern. Dating back to 1923, this iconic bar has hosted generations of Yankees fans. Immerse yourself in baseball history while savoring a cold beer and enjoying the memorabilia-filled surroundings.

The Woodlawn Neighborhood

The Woodlawn neighborhood, Nestled in the northern part of the Bronx, offers a genuine slice of Irish culture and heritage, providing a warm welcome to all who visit. One of my best friend lived here for almost 20 years and we visited often.

Irish Pubs and Restaurants: Woodlawn is home to numerous authentic Irish pubs and eateries where you can savor traditional Irish fare and enjoy a pint of Guinness. Our favorite was Rambling House Bar And Restaurant. Nestled in the heart of Woodlawn, the Rambling House stands as a cornerstone of the neighborhood’s vibrant Irish community. This beloved establishment offers a warm and inviting atmosphere where patrons can enjoy traditional Irish cuisine alongside classic pub fare. Whether you’re savoring a hearty shepherd’s pie or indulging in a perfectly poured pint of Guinness, the Rambling House provides an authentic Irish dining experience.

Summary

As we reflect on our visits to the Bronx, it’s clear that this borough holds a special place in our hearts. From the tranquility of the Bronx Zoo’s lush habitats to the electrifying atmosphere of Yankee Stadium, each visit brings cherished memories and new adventures. Whether exploring with family or catching a game with friends, the Bronx offers a diverse array of experiences that capture the essence of New York City. As we continue to return to this vibrant borough, we look forward to uncovering more of its hidden gems and creating lasting moments in the heart of the Big Apple.

Doubletake Travel