Van Cortlandt Park - 242nd Street (1)

The Bronx1 TrainRiverdaleBeen HereWealthyFancyHistoricalDate IdeaEnd of the Line

Oct 4

Historically preserved, old money plantation vibes, and a hidden gallery within a hidden garden.

I think this is the perfect stop for a daytime date walk, solo or socially, preferably on a Thursday when two of the main attractions are free.

The train will drop you off at the mouth of Van Cortlandt Park, home of the Van Cortlandt House Museum. It’s a fascinatingly preserved plantation from the 1700s with a history of slave use, and the museum’s programming appears aware and justice-oriented. Entry is free on Thursdays, and I’d check their events page in advance. Some of the events that caught my eye include a talk titled “Anti-Slavery Activism in 1830s New York,” and Wags to Witches, I repeat, WAGS TO WITCHES, which is literally a Halloween dog social. Somebody give the museum event staff an award.

Tour friends at the Van Cortlandt House Museum.

While the museum is located right at the entrance to the park, deeper in are hiking trails. But for this date walk, I’d actually recommend exiting the park and walking through the compact Manhattan College campus (yes, it’s in The Bronx) towards the Fieldston Historic District. Take a stroll through the architecturally fascinating mansions as you work your way towards Wave Hill. (From the Manhattan College quad I’d recommend plugging Lou Gehrig’s house into your GPS, and then plugging in Wave Hill after Lou Gehrig’s.) Together, the walk from the Van Cortlandt House Museum, towards the Manhattan College quad, through the Fieldston Historic District, ending at the Wave Hill entrance, takes about 30-40 minutes with some mild elevation.

The views on a stroll through the Fieldston Historic District.

Once you’re at Wave Hill, if it’s a Thursday, you’re in for free. Wave Hill is a grassy nature oasis with beautiful views of the Hudson. Take the short loop to visit the gardens and greenhouses, and continue on to the cafe, where you can have high tea on Tuesdays or Thursdays. Close out at the Glyndor Art Gallery, which puts on incredible contemporary sculptural shows.

If you’re feeling a bit walked-out by this point, you can hop on the Bx10 bus that stops outside Wave Hill and take it to 231st (1), a different station with a very different vibe.

What did I miss? Scroll past the pics and let me know in the comments!