Staten Island Half-Day Trip: Shopping + Umi Buffet ποΈπ£
π How to Get There: Hop on the Staten Island Ferry from Midtown Pier (W39/12Av) βboats depart every 30 minutes ! π’β¨ The scenic ride offers stunning skyline views , especially from the open-air upper deck at sunset. ππ ποΈ Ticket Tip: - 10-ride pass: $29 (not free, but more convenient than the WTC ferry) - Free alternative : The iconic yellow Staten Island Ferry from WTC (but longer wait times) Shopping Spree at Empire Outlets π Right by the SI Ferry terminal! This tax-free outlet has amazing deals: - No tax on items under $30 π - Kids' dresses as cheap as $10 βless than bubble tea! π€― - American budget-friendly brands galore Dinner at Umi Hotpot & Seafood Buffet π² Initially skeptical after mixed reviews, but totally worth it ! Here's the scoop: π Sushi & Raw Bar : - Fresh salmon sushi π£ (better than some pricier Manhattan spots!) - Pro tip : Sample firstβskip anything questionable (like the drunken shrimp π¦) π³ Hot Dishes & Hotpot : - Chinese stir-fries , udon noodles, steamed fish π - Must-tries : Garlic butter abalone, octopus salad, BBQ pork ribs (kid-approved!) οΏ½ - Desserts : Mango pomelo sago, purple sweet potato milk tea (super sweet!), ice cream π¨ π§ Kid-Friendly Perks : - Endless snack options (fries, chicken nuggets π) - $99 for 3 people (vs. $100 for just sushi in Chelsea Market!) - Takeaway allowed (we left with extra desserts!) Bonus: Couldn't resist Haagen-Dazs at the pier afterwardβno regrets! ππ¦ #NYCFoodie #NYCLife #WeekendVibes #ExploreNYC #BudgetEats #FoodAdventure #NYCWeekend