The Gentler Side of Bronx

April 28th, 2010 | 4 comments


Berries In Wave Hill

Bronx is the home to Hip Hop and the hardknocks. It is where gang violence and employment run rampant. The South Bronx is one of the poorest neighborhoods in the country and has one of the highest crime rates in the areas. So in our desperate need of exploration, JC and I ventured off to the BX.

We hopped on the Metro-North to Riverdale where a free shuttle met us at the train station and drove us directly to the gates of Wave Hill, a botanical estate that overlooks the Hudson River. If I led you on with the idea of a potentially dangerous trek through unchartered territories of mean muggings and a gang beat downs, I apologize. I’m no daredevil. I like to return to Brooklyn with all my limbs intact and fully functioning.

Wave Hill is far from poor. It is situated in one of the wealthiest neighborhoods in New York City – Riverdale. It’s public gardens and cultural centers cover about 28 acres. One of the best things to do is lay out on the grass and have a picnic during spring while staring at the beauty of the Hudson River or go hiking during fall foliage when the leaves turn into bright shades of red, orange and yellow.

Wave Hill has everything from conservatories to flower gardens, from aquatic gardens to forests and meadows. I spent the entire day getting lost and wandering through the trails. There are also galleries housed in homes that were once occupied by New York’s wealthiest. Cookies and drinks are served on the balcony. It’s the perfect New York City getaway.

What’s even better is that they have Target Free Days on:

  • Tuesday: Free all day during off-peak months (November–April, July & August)
  • Tuesday: Free 9am to noon during peak months (May, June, September, October)
  • Saturday: Free 9am to noon year-round

Regular admission is:

  • Free to Members and children under 6
  • $8 for adults
  • $4 for students and seniors 65+
  • $2 for children 6+

Visit Wave Hill to find out more. It’s the one place in the Bronx where you won’t get mugged.

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  • http://www.wild-about-travel.com/ Simon

    This is really interesting, Monica. In Europe, the idea we have about Bronx comes from the US movies iconography: poverty, violence, drugs, etc. But I heard that things are a little changing (or so it seems) and your post seems to confirm that Bronx still remains a dangerous place but is slowly also becoming a district at least partially open to visitors to admire lovely spots.
    I believe this is a great step and I hope that over time this will be positive especially for children born and grown in Bronx. A little sign of hope…

    http://www.wild-about-travel.com

  • http://travelerahoy.wordpress.com Alouise

    I'm going to New York in June. The last time I was there The Bronx was the only borough I didn't visit. I've been looking for ideas on what to do there (aside from The Bronx Zoo). This place sounds great, and something I wouldn't expect to find in New York.

  • monica530

    I'm glad my post helped you out. It's going to be gorgeous in June because the trees and flowers would have been in full bloom. Perfect place to catch a tan. Watch out for rolling toddlers though. Lol

  • monica530

    Yes, parts of Bronx are still very dangerous but that goes for many parts of the world. You just have to be smart about how you travel and where you go. Wave Hill is a really charming place. If you visit one day, you'll realize that it doesn't even feel like what you'd expect the Bronx to be. I was pleasantly surprised to find a place like this in the Bronx.