Fordham Fact #2: What's Happening in the Bronx?

When you think about New York City, chances are you think about Times Square, Broadway, the Empire State Building, and the Statue of Liberty. New York, however, is so much more than that!

I've lived in New York for my entire life--I was born in Manhattan and grew up in Queens--but I think that I've enjoyed living in the Bronx the best. I love the Bronx, and the area around the Fordham campus is one of the best places to be.

Below, I've made a list of some of my favorite places to go in the Bronx that are just a few blocks away from the Fordham gates.

1. The Bronx Zoo

The Bronx Zoo is the largest metropolitan zoo in America, and is home to over 4,000 animals, including endangered or threatened species such as the Snow Leopard. Fordham actually used to own the land which became the Bronx Zoo and the New York Botanical Garden, but sold it in order to create a natural buffer around the campus. The zoo first opened its doors November 8, 1899, and welcomes thousands of visitors each year. As a Fordham student, you get free admission to the Zoo on Wednesdays by showing your Student ID.





2. The New York Botanical Garden is another fantastic place to visit that is literally right across the street from the Fordham gate. The Park is not only a great place to walk or to jog, but also has an incredible array of exhibitions, classes, and special exhibits throughout the year. The Garden is a museum of living plant collections arranged in gardens and in landscapes across its National Historic Landmark site. The New York Botanical Garden is one of the premier botanical gardens in the United States, located in the Bronx in New York City, and is home to some of the world's leading plant laboratories. It offers major exhibitions and flower shows throughout the year, drawing over 800,000 visitors annually. And it's only a walk away!





Me at the annual Orchid Show at the Botanical Gardens.

3. Arthur Avenue

Arthur Avenue, located right off Fordham campus, is a favorite with students and locals alike. It's where you can get some of the best and freshest food in New York City, especially if you enjoy Italian specialties. It was once the heart of the Bronx's "Little Italy." Arthur Ave and the neighboring streets are lined with delis, bakeries, cafes, and various Italian merchants. On weekends, these streets are crowded with Italian-Americans, locals, and Fordham students shopping at the markets, or eating in the many restaurants. Fordham also sponsors off-campus housing right on Arthur Avenue.





4. The Edgar Allen Poe House

Edgar Allen Poe, the American writer, poet, editor and literary critic best known for his tales of mystery and the macabre, briefly lived in the Bronx when it was still relatively rural in the 1840s. He and his wife lived on Valentine Avenue, which is a ten minute walk from Fordham. Fordham was formerly Saint John's Seminary, and Poe would visit and play cards with the seminarians in what is now the Freshman residence hall, Queen's Court. His most famous poem, "The Bells," is also said to have been inspired by the ringing of the Fordham University Church bells. Poe's house still stands and is now an historical landmark, open to the public.



As you can see, there are tons of exciting things to do right here in the Bronx. These are just some of my favorites, but there's much more to explore!