James

Just wondering how to get to ARTHUR AVENUE in the Bronx from Grand Central Station. Is it possible to take a subway and then walk, avoiding a bus transfer?

Many thanks

Merilee

You can take the # 4 train to Fordham Road (at Jerome Avenue) and then walk about 10 blocks to Arthur Avenue and make a right...along the way you'll pass lots of stores, people, Roosevelt High School (on your right)and Fordham University (on your left...if you don't want to walk you can take the bus right on the corner...I don't recall the # but it's the one that goes to City Island via Fordham Road into Pelham Parkway...another option is the # 5 train to Pelham Parkway stop (at White Plains Road)...the walk from here is trickier because there's a stretch of road you would have to walk on that's dicey with all the traffic...but it can be done and the Bronx Zoo will be on your left and the Bronx Botanical Gardens will be on your right...it's about 7 or 8 blocks and you make a right...there's a White Castle on Fordham Road at Lorillard Place that you can use as your landmark...it's one block in either direction to Arthur Avenue...you can also take the bus on the corner...it's the one that goes to 207th Street and Broadway...if it's a nice day try # 4 and take the walk down Fordham Road.

Merilee

It's a left turn onto Arthur Avenue if you take the # 5 train and then walk.

James

Merilee, you rock. I have a friend in town and am considering the #4 option this weekend. Are most of the good Italian restaurants just south of 187th Street?

AC

James:
Merilee's directions are on the mark ex except the bus number is #12 Fordham Road with the bus going towards Bay Plaza. It does not go to City Island any more. If you use the Metro Card you get a free transfer. It is a VERY long walk and I am not sure you would really enjoy it. A lot of stores, very crowded, etc. If you decide to take the bus just ask the driver you let you off at Arthur Avenue. If you pass the Zoo you have gone too far. Have fun!

James

Thanks for the additional info. I usually prefer to walk, but if it's a long hike, the bus may be in order.

(I must confess that after several years in NYC, I've never been to the Bronx except for Yankees games.)

Merilee

James, I counted the streets again from the # 4 train stop on Fordham Road at Jerome Avenue and it is about 10 blocks...it's not a long walk if you are physically well...as a matter of fact, after you cross the Grand Concourse it's literally downhill for a few blocks and then it levels off at Webster Avenue...as I stated in my first post, you will pass lots of people (very diverse), street vendors, and stores...it's a great way to experience a New York City neighborhood...then all of a sudden as you pass Webster Avenue you catch a glimpse of Fordham University's gothic arhcitecture (the older buildings) in the middle of this urban sprawl...I think it's an amazing sight...do you have any restaurants in mind? Mario's, and Dominick's are two oldies but goodies...are you interested in something newer? Great bread at Arthur Avenue Baking Company.

rqf

The #4 train to Fordham Rd. is the way to go but the walk is closer to 17 blocks than 10 blocks. The distance is at least one mile. The walk will be slow. From Jerome Ave (subway stop) it is about 4 blocks to the Gr. Concourse, uphill, and then it is another 6 blocks to Webster - this part of the walk goes through a major shopping district and will be slow walking but it is downhill all the way. From Webster to Arthur Avenue is an easy walk but once at Arthur it is another 3 blocks to 187th Street. The walk is probably around 1 1/2 miles. Take the bus. If you do decide to walk you can save a little time by doing the following. Once you cross Webster make a right and walk to 187th and make a left and walk to Arthur Ave. Some good restaurants on 187th St.

evelyntrav

If I remember correctly, there is a local commuter train on the Harlem Division that leaves from Grand Central Station and stops at Fordham Rd on Webster Avenue very close to the Botanical Gardens. Is that correct? I think it is a much shorter walk than the subway suggestions and the neighborhood is not as "dicey." Does anyone have information about this option?

evelyntrav

I just looked up the train I referred to in my previous. It is a MetroNorth train that leaves GC Station and stops at the Botanical Gardens. The web site is: http://www.mta.nyc.ny.us/mnr/html/pl...sched_form.cfm

annie

James:
The walk from Jerome Avenue to Arthur Avenue is a long one. Some of the sights are nice but for the most part it is not an area made for walking,. Get Metro Cards. Follow the instructions for the 4 Train. Get off the train, wait by the bank on the corner (Citibank??) not sure. Get on the BX12 bus to Bay Plaza or Pelham Bay Station. The buses are the articulated type, with an accordian in the middle. Kind of Cool. Only bus line on Fordham Road at that point. You will get a free transfer to the bus. Ask the operator to let you off at Arthur Avenue. Like AC said, Zoo means you've past it. Coming back, be VERY VERY careful crossing Fordham Road. Be sure to check the destination sign of the bus coming back. There is more than one bus line at that point. Remember to look for the articulated bus BX12 to 207th Street and Broadway. Ask the operator to let you off at Jerome Ave. It is elevated you you will see it coming up. You now will have a free transfer to the subway. Enjoy your "first" trip to the Bronx!!

John K

Hi James,
I would take Metro North to the Fordham Rd. station (about 18 minutes from Grand Central)and walk from there. It costs a little bit more but cuts your travel time in half. Have fun.

James

Aren't New Yorkers the most helpful people on the planet?!? I love this city!! Many thanks to all for the advice. Planning a "trip north" this evening (Friday). I'll explore the Metro North option, but I live one block from the 86th Street station so the #4 may make more sense. And, yes, I'm a very healthy 33 year old, so no problem walking.

Again, thanks.

John

James:

I was just there last week. Took the relatives to the Zoo (no, I did not "drop" them off!!) then over to Arthur Ave for lunch. I think the best way to go would be the Meto North from GCS. Neighborhood around Arthur Ave is dicey! If you have the time, the train lets you off at Webster, right near the entrance to the Botanical Gardens. Stroll along the Gardens and head over to the Fordham University exit. It is still about a 1/2 mile walk from there, but not too bad. PLaces to try:
Roberto's for dinner
Arthur Ave Mkt for flavor!
Addeio Bakery for the best bread!
Edigio Bakery for pasteries

The neighbohood has and is changing, as the older Italians pass on, the 'new' immigrants move in...just the way things are! Do not expect the Robert Dinero "Bronx Tale" Arthur Avenue!
JOHN

evelyntrav

Dominick's is a fun experience. You are often seated at a community table, there is no menu and you just ordered any typical Italian food. The food isn't all that wonderful, but the place is a kind of "in" thing.

James

Wow! Just returned from lunch on Arthur Avenue. The food at MARIO'S was some of the best I've ever eaten. We took the 4 train to Fordham Road and then walked east to Arthur (about a 20 minute walk), then walked south on Arthur. Absolutely amazing!

Antoinette

Had lunch at Dominick's restaurant just yesterday. Food was great. The trick to Dominick's is to go when they are not too busy- hence lunchtime. Linguini just like my Italian Nonna used to make. The chicken rollatini is the best!! Steaks come with homemade- not frozen- french fries. Every Arthur Avenue shopper has their favorite places. I prefer Terranova bread on 187th Street. Mozzarella is creamy and delicious at the cheese shop next door to DeLillo Pastry shop (also on 187th. Teitel Brothers market on Arthur Avenue is a great find for anything Italian and terrific prices to boot! For pizza, I like the eggplant slices at the shop on the corner of 187th and Arthur Ave. Biancardi's Pork Store on Arthur Avenue is heaven. Stop in just to smell the wonderful spices! Have a great time!