231st Street (1)
A vibrant Afro-Latinx community with Asian influence speckled in, and a lot of outpatient medical buildings and big discount stores. The station connects to bus lines (Bx10 or Bx7) that’ll take you straight to Wave Hill, a hidden gem featured on Van Cortlandt Park 242nd Street (1).
Can you spot the subway station? Hint - it's above ground!
Right off the station a guy called out to me to take his photo. We chatted and I learned he was a former boxer who had once fought in Madison Park Square, but then lost a leg after getting hid by the Bx9 bus. While we were talking, a woman dropped off a fresh bag of takeout on his wheelchair handle and said, “Here you go, Carmelo.” And another one stopped by to give him a few dollars. He wasn’t panhandling. Just hanging out, chatting. People know each other around here, and I get the sense they look out for one another before somebody needs to ask for help.
Carmelo. Peep the takeout bag off his chair, and the dollars in his hand, dropped off to him by two separate women without fuss while we were chatting. If you see Carmelo, tell him he's famous!
The NYPL Kingsbridge branch feels like a community staple too, and I’d visit for the programming options alone. They offer online events, too!
Sign me up for ADULT CRAFTS at the Kingsbridge library.
Ewen Park is simple, but nice.
For a fancy sweet treat or a celebratory cake, check out Sugarboy Bakery.
What did I miss? Scroll past the pics and lemme know in the comments.
Oh, to be a little girl on her way to the Kingsbridge Papa John's.
Bodega vibes
A little breather in Ewen Park.
Bye for now, 231st Street! I'll be back for Enlightenment.
