The Future of The Bronx is Huge

A big, warm hello to you from the greatest borough in the world - the fun, fresh and fabulous Bronx!

It is truly an honor - and an exciting one at that - to bring you an all new blog featured right here on the Heart of the Bronx website. As a world traveler and travel blogger myself, The Bronx has been a major focus of my personal, educational and professional life for decades. 

Whether I’m dining on Arthur Avenue, visiting the latest exhibit at the Bronx Museum of the Arts, exploring one of the many historical sites or taking an adventurous tour with my good friend and Bronx Historical Tours founder, Alexandra Maruri, The Bronx is my all-time favorite travel destination, and boy, will I be shedding light and illumination on all the excitement The Bronx has to offer!

Alexandra Maruri has led the way in putting The Bronx on the map, with her dedication to creating and offering tours to locals and visitors alike since 2011. Read more about Bronx Historical Tours in the latest article featured in ThisIsTheBronx.info, Bronx Latina Puts Touring The Bronx on the Map.

Did you know? In 1997, The Bronx was designated an 
"All American City" by the National Civic League?
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This extraordinary note of distinction signified an enormous comeback from the terrible state of decline The Bronx experienced in the '70's and '80's, invigorating its status as part of the city of New York, as well as its place within the national and international scene. There is no doubt that The Bronx is in for some HUGE things to come and we invite you to be a part of the excitement as this borough’s popularity continues to expand as a hotspot for tourism, culture, the arts and worldwide historic recognition.

You can count on The Bronx Traveler to bring you all the fun, fresh and fabulous adventures every Tuesday and Saturday. 
 
In addition to today being the launch of The Bronx Traveler Blog, it also happens to be the 103th Anniversary of the birth of Jane Jacobs, the urban activist, author and journalist, and we couldn’t have imagined a better day to commence!

The American-Canadian, Jacobs, influenced urban studies, sociology, and economics and is best known for her belief that urban renewal did not respect the needs of city-dwellers, thus fighting for the rights of local neighborhoods. 

Organizing grassroots efforts to protect neighborhoods, this pioneer is celebrated worldwide in what has come to be known as Jane’s Walks, a series of free neighborhood walking tours held annually during the first weekend in May, to coincide with her birthday.  

The popularity and worldwide commemoration of this influential urban champion began in 2007 with Jane’s Walks around the globe, led by individuals with a passion for their neighborhoods, the place within which they live, work and spend leisure time.  

According to the official website JanesWalk.com,  “Jane’s Walks encourage people to share stories about their neighbourhoods, discover unseen aspects of their communities, and use walking as a way to connect with their neighbours.”

As of 2014, over 40,000 people have taken part in a Jane's Walk, led by volunteers in 134 cities across 6 continents - and the Bronx is no exception!  In fact, this Sunday, May 5th, you can enjoy a free guided walking tour of Mott Haven, a 2017 Six to Celebrate Award recipient, and traverse through three Historic districts - Mott Haven, Mott Haven East and the Bertine Block.

Alexandra Maruri, founder of Bronx Historical Tours by The Bronx River (c)bronxhistoricaltours

Led by our own Bronxite, Alexandra Maruri, this walking excursion will focus on Art and Architecture. According to Alexandra, “I am thrilled to be celebrating this day in The Bronx. This is an important day to honor Jane Jacob’s legacy. Jane was a true pioneer who fought to protect local neighborhoods and we will be celebrating the beauty of Historic Mott Haven, along with our special “guest walker,” Mr. Sam Brooks, my colleague and Mott Haven Historic Districts President. "

Walk Details: Sunday, May 5th
Time:  11:00 AM
Duration: 1-2 Hours
Meet: 138th Street & Alexander Ave

Please be sure to subscribe to The Bronx Traveler Blog to keep up with the latest for the best of The Bronx!

Until next time,
- Elisa