One of the oldest and most beautiful parks in New York is hidden in the Bronx - and the fall season just makes it more breathtaking
From Times Square to the park's entrance at West 249th Street, it'll take you about 45 minutes by subway. In less than a minute after entering, you'll find yourself on peaceful grounds.
Most people head straight to the main outlook. Under the pergola, one of the signature elements of the park, you'll get your first really good view.
In the foreground is the Riverdale Country School, which is located just down the road from the entrance to the park. In the distance you'll see the Hudson River and the Palisades.
The Wave Hill House, one of the park's main attractions, was built in 1843 in the style of an English country residence.
Several notable figures lived here before the property was given to the city. Theodore Roosevelt's family rented the home during the summers of 1870 and 1871, which is said to have inspired his love of nature. Mark Twain leased the home between 1901 and 1903, working out of a treehouse on the front lawn.
Source: Wave Hill
When Twain was living at Wave Hill, he wrote, "I believe we have the noblest roaring blasts here I have ever known on land; they sing their hoarse song through the big tree-tops with a splendid energy that thrills me and stirs me and uplifts me and makes me want to live always." The foliage by the Palisades is especially spectacular during the fall season.
Source: Wave Hill
The house was renovated and expanded between 2011 and 2013. A big ceremonial room is often used for weddings and concerts, but it was closed on the day we visited.
There's also a cafe where you can grab food, plus a dining area where you can eat it.
There is a shop filled with local items, reflecting Wave Hill's mission of connecting people with nature. This includes hand-crafted soaps, ceramics, glass, and jewelry, in addition to seasonal plants and products for your own garden.
In certain parts of the park, you can get glimpses of the George Washington Bridge in the distance. Between the gardens and the views, the grounds serve as a popular location for weddings, corporate retreats, and other special celebrations.
The Conservatory hosts ferns, rainforest cacti, and other tender plants.
As you continue to make your way through the park, there are a lot of beautiful flowers to see.
Another staple of the grounds is the pond in the Aquatic Garden.
As you go along, it's hard to ignore the trees' fall colors, and it's easy to forget you're still in New York City.
These "Wave Hill Chairs" are a signature item of the park, and they're protected as part of the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
There are several exits, but the one I took towards the end leads you out by the park's art gallery. The Glyndor House, a building designed in the Georgian Revival style, is home to several art exhibitions.
It hosts two or three exhibitions a year, during the spring, summer, and fall. During the winter, the gallery space is used by artists as studio workspaces during six-week sessions.
On nice days, the park can get busy.
Still, it's nothing compared to Central Park, which gets about 42 million visitors annually. Wave Hill gets about 65,000.
Source: Wave Hill, Central Park
On a day like this, it's easy to see why it would be a popular quiet retreat.
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