“I’m not a resident,” admits Time Out Kids‘ Web editor Raven Snook. “But I wish I were! My mother-in-law lives right off the main 138th Street drag, and every time my husband and I visit, I scope out “For Sale” signs. It’s the one place in the city where we may actually be able to afford a historic home—but we’ll probably have to act fast.”
Read about her favorite places after the jump.

Her favorite hangouts
“I’m in love with the landmarked townhouses on Alexander Avenue (between 137th to 141st Sts). My favorites are the red-brick Queen Anne–style ones from the late 19th century with Tiffany windows, pocket doors and parquet floors. I think I’ve been in every single building that’s been up for sale on this stretch since 2004. True, most of them need a little TLC, but once renovated, they’ll be a heck of a lot more impressive than the overpriced and pretentiously named Bronx Bricks condos down the block (305 E 140th). The Mott Haven Branch of the New York Public Library (321 E 140th St at Alexander Ave; 718-665-4878, nypl.org) is also lovely to look at.”

St. Mary’s Park (St. Ann’s Ave to Jackson Ave between St. Mary St and E 149 St) “It offers tons of cultural programming during the summer. People come out for the free flicks, theater and dance performances. On nice days the lawn overflows with families picnicking, playing and barbecuing. If I’m looking for a mellower outdoor atmosphere, there are plenty of community gardens, like Padre Plaza, Success Garden (139th St between St. Ann’s and Brooke Aves), which has a cute bridge over a small pond.”

“There are a bunch of antique shops and artist studios in the area. The best way to see them all in one go is to grab the Bronx Culture Trolley at the Longwood Art Gallery at Hostos Community College (450 Grand Concourse at 149th St; 718-518-6728, bronxarts.org). The first Wednesday evening of every month, the trolley hits major cultural hot spots in the ’hood (and beyond), including The Point (940 Garrison Ave at Barretto St; 718-542-4139, thepoint.org), the Bronx Museum of the Arts (1040 Grand Concourse at 165th St; 718-681-6000, bronxmuseum.org), the Pregones Theater (575 Walton Ave at 150 St; 718-585-1202, pregones.org) and more. You can hop on and off and get to know the area, and it’s totally free.”

Her favorite restaurants
Bruckner Bar & Grill (1 Bruckner Blvd at Third Ave; 718-665-2001, brucknerbar.com) “Longtime locals understandably gripe about the downtown prices, but if you’re used to eating below 125th Street, you probably won’t be shocked by the bill. The eclectic menu includes steak, shish kebab and plenty of pasta, and brunch can be had for under 10 bucks.”

Valencia Bakery (499 E 138th St at Brook Ave, 718-585-7062) “It’s never a party at my mother-in-law’s without a cake from here, with sticky pineapple filling and super sweet white icing. Best cake in the city as far as I’m concerned.”

Alexander’s Café (129 Alexander Ave at Bruckner Blvd; 718-993-5281, alexanderstogo.com) “This is another newish (2007) establishment that’s sparked some gentrification resentment (it doesn’t help that it’s subtitled ‘Wine Bar Restaurant’). But the prices seem reasonable to me, especially the $5.99 weekday lunch buffet, and its simple menu of burgers, wraps and sandwiches is a great alternative to the McDonald’s around the corner.”

Her favorite shops
“Rainbow (515 E 138th St at St.Ann’s Ave; 718-401-3038, rainbowshops.com) sells up to size 22! Love them. The area’s main shopping hub is 149th Street, and you’ve probably never seen so many discount stores in your life. It’s got pretty much everything you’ve ever wanted to buy, just at half the price. Of course now that the Gateway Center at the Bronx Terminal Market retail mall has opened (South of Yankee Stadium under the Major Deegan Expressway, bronxgateway.com) with a Target, Home Depot and Conway, who knows how that will impact local spending.”