The Bronx Pandemic NYCcations 2020

A memorable collection of our summer 2020 adventures.

Let’s face it, the Bronx isn’t known for its dreamy skyline but within this smaller, lesser visited borough lies some of the most unique experiences you’ll find across New York City. After five months of isolation, we were so ready to venture out. Admittedly, we were slightly nervous but definitely much more excited to be back out together again re-engaging with familiar attractions and exploring never before visited local neighborhoods.

Our collective decision for our summer outings was based on staying close to home, using public transportation and nurturing ourselves with the restorative power of nature. We also made it a point to support business in our borough since it has been the hardest hit with the highest unemployment rate in city. Of course, safety was the number #1 priority for ourselves and those around us so it was always #MaskUp, sanitizing often and keeping a distance when possible. And while we went out for shared time, adventures and our own sanity, we found deep human connections on each trip all sharing stories of what pandemic life is like and how welcoming it is to see the city’s phased reopenings. These are memorable daycations that will always hold a special place in our memory.

Topping our list this summer was Annie & my first ever ​carousel ride together which took place at the Bronx Zoo surrounded by beetles, grasshoppers and other multi-legged bugs. Imagine living a lifetime of 40+ years and this was our first opportunity to ride together! Ooohhh the excitement...Mom even hopped on one of the critters, she couldn't resist being a part of this special moment riding with her daughters and her grandchildren. Talk about a memory of a lifetime captured here. A trip to the Zoo pairs up well with a visit after to Arthur's Avenue, details below.
Accessibility tip: It's a temporary ramp on and off the carousel with a foldable seated area for the wheelchair.

We took a long walk at the New York Botanical Garden, touching and smelling flowers and herbs, reacquainting ourselves with plants we knew from the Caribbean while reminiscing on some warm childhood memories. It was restorative to be surrounded by so much natural beauty. Guess what else ? We had a photoshoot with the gardens so they have authentic images to represent people with disabilities! YES to organizations actively taking steps to be more inclusive.

 We pretended we were off to an island getaway and enjoyed a trip to charming City Island where ate some of the freshest seafood, shopped for local art and ended our summer evening off with massive ice-cream cones. For a full write up, click here to read the Accessible City Island Guide on New York City Tourism + Conventions.

We spent a half day on Arthur Avenue, the “Bronx Little Italy” , and shopped for all kinds of deliciousness. Yep, you guessed it, we ate there too because who could resist the delights of cheese and garlic ? We dined outdoors at Zero Otto Nove (accessible restroom available), sampled beers at the Bronx Beer Hall and had dessert in Arthur Avenue Retail Market. Plan for some extra time to explore this authentic Italian market where you'll find fresh cheese, pasta, sausages and more.
Accessibility tip: Arthur Avenue Retail Market is wheelchair accessible however there isn't an accessible restroom.
The neighborhood is older so be on the look-out for uneven sidewalks and cracked curbs.

The Bronx Museum had been on our list of places to visit for a while. Although this was a smaller museum, it was glorious to be back in a museum space in an immersive and intimate way. We certainly enjoyed a few virtual museum tours while in social isolation but this visit reinforced our preference for an in-person experience when possible. The space, lighting, set-up and acoustics all created an atmosphere to enjoy Sanford Biggers “ Codeswitch ” and Jose Parla’s “It’s Yours ”. Annie saw pattern and beauty in some of Parla's pieces which reminded us of her artwork. Mom & I were able to recognize stitching and quilt patterns up-close exactly as some from my childhood days and used the opportunity to share stories with Annie, Rayan and Diya of what life was like 35 years ago within context. It’s amazing how small details can jolt powerful memories and bring those stories back to life.  I was amazed by how the crafts seemed interwoven between Caribbean West Indian and Americans of the diaspora. These were likely created around the same era, fortifying our interconnectivity

Information & Accessible Tips:

- The museum is free but requires a reservation ahead of time online.
- The museum is only two floors, accessible by a ramp.
- Accessible family restroom available with a child sized changing table.

- Complimentary wheelchairs are available in the lobby area on a first-come, first-served basis. Service animals are welcome, but must be on a leash and attended at all times.

- For full details, visit https://bronxmuseum.org.

Important to note: We always wore our masks and would occasionally take them off a few minutes for photos and always ensured no one else around and the photographer was more than 6 feet away from us.

Stay safe and best wishes on this continued journey. Feel free to reach out with any questions, happy to help!



Important: Information is subject to change, please visit each website for the most up to date details.
Oct 2024