Day Tripper: City Island

Between keeping within your budget and scheduling time off from work, planning a vacation can be stressful.

If you find you have too little time to travel and not enough money in your bank account, there’s no need to fret.

Each Thursday, Douglaston Patch will profile one of the five boroughs’ unique neighborhoods, where you can sample some local culture and culinary delights.

This week’s pick is City Island:

11 a.m.

Roam the streets of this quaint Bronx neighborhood and poke your head into its eclectic mix of jewelry stores, antique shops and galleries.

For jewelry, visit Calico Juno Designs, which includes handcrafted bracelets, necklaces, earrings, birthstones, rings and pendants.

Then, visit Early Ruth Antique Art, a collection of mid-20th Century American paintings, sculptures and unusual display items for sale.

My Dolls and Things sells a variety of classic dolls, including Barbie, Robert Tonner and Magic Attic.

Grab a coffee at the Starving Artist Café and Gallery and take a look at the store’s collection of fine arts, crafts, handmade jewelry and books. The café frequently features musical performances.

And then check out local photography at the Focal Point Gallery.

1 p.m.

Grab some lunch at The Lobster Box, a popular seafood eatery that offers a daily special on lobster, but also Chicken Piccata, shrimp, pastas, salmon, lobster ravioli, filet of sole, skirt steak, burgers, sandwiches, soups, oysters and fish ‘n’ chips.

The restaurant boasts lovely waterfront views of the Long Island Sound.

3 p.m.

In the afternoon, stop by the City Island Historical Society and Nautical Museum.

But make sure your trip to the neighborhood is on a weekend because the museum is only open from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Visits during the week are by-appointment only.

The museum, which is celebrating its 35th year, is located in a former school building at 190 Fordham Street. It has ongoing exhibitions, a permanent collection of artifacts and maritime antiques as well as a library and gift shop.

There is no admission fee for the museum, but donations are encouraged.

6 p.m.

For dinner, visit The Black Whale, which offers a Sunday brunch buffet but also has a full menu of seafood items, pastas, sandwiches, wraps, appetizers and barbecue selections.

The restaurant features a scenic outdoor patio that is decorated with fountains.

The Black Whale is known for its desserts, including apple crisp, profiteroles and orange frizz, which is a creamsicle without the stick.