Tour company offers a ‘genuine glimpse into the heart of Staten Island’

New Staten Island tour company aims to draw tourists beyond the ferry

West Brighton resident Michael Spence recently launched Staten Island Discovery Tours — a business focused on offering visitors a glimpse at the borough's history, culture and hidden treasures. Here, he poses with the “Reclining Liberty,” sculpture located on South Avenue in Bloomfield. (Courtesy of Michael Spence)(Courtesy of Michael Spence)

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Michael Spence loves Staten Island. He’s a big fan of the people, the neighborhoods, the parking and the culture — he even refers to the borough as New York City’s hidden gem. That’s why the West Brighton resident founded Staten Island Discovery Tours this past April, offering borough newbies and visitors a guided experience around the community for which he cares so deeply.

“My job is to bring people here, show them what Staten Island has to offer,” Spence said. “If this is your first time in the borough, you need to go to Snug Harbor; you need to visit the Lighthouse Museum. And of course, you need to have a slice or two of pizza.”

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