The NYC Traveler in NYC: Wave Hill, The Bronx
- Oct 9
- 5 min read
The NYC Traveler in NYC:
Wave Hill, the Bronx
5 Reasons to Visit:
It's Like Your Own Private Retreat
Many visitors to New York City are surprised to discover a few facts about our little town. First of all, it's not all about Manhattan. There are four boroughs that make of the City of New York: Queens, Brooklyn, Staten Island, and a little place known as The (Boogie Down) Bronx, home of even lesser known locations such as Yankee Stadium, The Bronx Zoo, The New York Botanical Garden. Seriously, even New Yorkers might not know about a true hidden gem: Wave Hill.
1. Located in the Hudson Hill section in Riverdale, in the Bronx, you will soon realize why that section is called Hudson Hill. Beautiful views of the Hudson River await you. Yes, the same river that Henry Hudson sailed up, not quite certain where he was going to end up. Go to the edge of the property and wave at New Jersey, who can see you from the Palisades Interstate Parkway. How do we know? At the scenic overlooks, there are signs with the maps identifying all of the landmarks that you are looking at. And one of them is Wave Hill. The road leading to the mansion is lovely as well, enjoy the winding road as it twists and turns past a quiet neighborhood that will have you declaring that you are not in the City of New York, much less Da Bronx. And when you finish, Van Cortlandt Park is in the area.
2. The mansion, Wave Hill House, was built in 1843, with a series of owners and occupants, some of them famous including Mark Twain, who leased it in 1901. William Henry Appleton owned it from 1866-1903. The House was actually called Holbrook Hall at this point. Appleton was a significant publisher, bringing us authors such as Lewis Carroll (Alice in Wonderland), Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (Sherlock Holmes series), and Charles Darwin (yes, the scientist apparently was a published author). The Appletons used the house as a summer home, as did many rich families along the Hudson who had mansions in the area, similar to Newport, Rhode Island. In fact, the Appletons owned the estate during the Gilded Age. Theodore Roosevelt's family rented it for two summers 1870-71, when Teddy was 12. The Perkins family bought Wave Hill in 1903. The family still owned it in the 1960's when urban planner Robert Moses convinced them to deed it to NYC. Lucky us. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1983.
3. In addition to the mansion, there is Glyndor Gallery, another house on the property that normally holds exhibits and other events. While the Perkins' owned it, Glyndor burned down in sometime in the late 1920's, (it was struck by lightning) and was rebuilt in 1927. The family was smart: they lived in Glyndor House, primarily, leasing Wave Hill to many people, particularly during the summer months. Today, as the gallery, the art displayed may revolve, so check Wave Hill's website to see what is currently on exhibit. The Perkins Visitor Center (you can guess why it is called that) was originally the garage, how's that for repurposing? Both Wave Hill and Glyndor House (Gallery) were added onto by their various owners before being turned over to New York. Besides art exhibits, paid concert series are held at the estate.
4. Despite the magnificence of the houses, don't forget about the gardens: outdoor settings, greenhouses and the grounds themselves, where you are free to sit, read, stroll and use it as your private retreat. The gardens will feature flowers that will bloom all through spring, summer and fall as well as flowers that bloom briefly. Check the website, the gardens may be open all year long, making it beautiful when it snows. The grounds seems like that they would be a great backdrop for your photos and that's true up to a point. If you want to do serious planned photography, do your self a favor and contact them, there may be a fee.
5. You can also take a couple of short hikes on the trails that circle the property: identify trees, do some bird watching and get a little exercise. Watch your children, particularly near the edge. There are 28 acres to explore. Respect the grounds and obey the signs that might be there. Unless you have a baby in a stroller or you are using wheeled accessibility devices, all other wheels are not allowed, but bikes can be locked up at the gate. Not every area will be great for the wheels and the conservatory does not welcome any wheels at all as it is a historic building. And although the estate looks like it's a public park, balloons, balls, frisbees, etc. should be saved for Van Cortlandt Park which is literally down the road you probably came up. Ditto for blankets and chairs. Visit during autumn while the leaves are changing colors. Check the website for exploring during winter, especially when it snows.
Get back to nature, explore lovely gardens, learn some history, see some art and literally take a hike at Wave Hill.
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All photos and videos created and copyrighted by Marcia Crayton, unless otherwise noted.
All photos and videos created and copyrighted by Marcia Crayton, unless otherwise noted.
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