Yonkers, New York

Originally laid out in 1916 on a steep section of land along the Hudson River, Untermyer Gardens is a very beautiful public garden which was once part of the private estate of prominent lawyer and civic leader, Samuel Untermyer. At the heart of the gardens you will find the Indo-Persian-inspired Walled Garden which is divided into quarters by waterways and is based on the biblical Garden of Eden. The Greek-style amphitheatre has hosted many performances and features dramatic sculptures on tall ionic columns and a beautifully tiled stage. There are several other interesting features to admire including the fanciful Temple of Love and the Rock and Stream Garden.

Untermyer Gardens, 945 North Broadway, Yonkers, NY 10701, Phone: 914-613-4502

A must-see attraction for visitors to Yonkers, the Hudson River Museum stands out as a center for the arts and sciences. The main part of the Museum is housed in an excellent example of a Gilded Age mansion called Glenview, which even boasts a marvelous planetarium in its dining room. When the museum needed more exhibition space in the 1960’s, a modern wing in the Brutalist style was added. Visitors can expect to admire a very large permanent collection of historic and contemporary art as well as regularly rotating special exhibitions. The museum also hosts interactive science and art workshops for all ages.

Hudson River Museum, 511 Warburton Ave, Yonkers, NY 10701, Phone: 914-963-4550

Tibbett’s Brook Park was one of Westchester County’s first developed parks and is a popular recreational area for local residents and visitors. The park covers 65 hectares including hiking trails, a large water park and enormous swimming pool, picnic areas and playgrounds for little visitors. The whole family will enjoy gently tubing around the water park on hot days, while the more adventurous can enjoy the water slides and tubes or perhaps a game of water basketball. There is a pleasant beach area and lifeguards on duty. When it is too cold to swim you can still enjoy fishing or the hiking and biking trails which are open all year round.

Tibbett’s Brook Park, 355 Midland Ave, Yonkers, NY 10704, Phone: 914-231-2865

Attractions for Couples

Conveniently located just 20 miles north of NYC’s Times Square, the Empire City Casinois situated on a local landmark called the Yonkers Raceway, where fans can watch thrilling live harness horseracing on most days of the week. In addition to enjoying the races at this legendary race course, punters can also try their hands at slots and enjoy a range of dining venues. If you are not sure what you fancy for dinner the Big Kitchen International Food Court is a good bet, while ardent carnivores will not go wrong at Chophouse, which features live music, romantic lighting and delicious steaks on Fridays and Saturdays. There are also two other venues where you can get light snack and drinks.

Empire City Casino, 810 Yonkers Ave, Yonkers, NY 10704, Phone: 914-968-4200

When you feel the need for a little retail therapy, Ridge Hill Mall is the place to go in Yonkers. Ridge Hill is an open-air retail and lifestyle mall set around an attractive Town Square with ponds, fountains and benches. In addition to a long list of retail outlets, the mall also offers a children’s play area and many restaurants and cafes. You will find an excellent selection of clothing stores as well as electronics outlets and much more. Children will love spending time at the LEGOLAND Discovery Center where they can play and enjoy themed rides. Before you leave the mall you can stock up with healthy food and groceries at the Whole Foods Market or catch a movie at the 12-screen movie house.

Ridge Hill, 1 Ridge Hill Blvd, Yonkers, NY 10710, Phone: 914-207-2900

The Science Barge is a unique and innovative floating organic farm which is docked in the Hudson River in Yonkers. The center produces crops which are donated to charity, using hydroponic farming methods combined with a solar-powered greenhouse, biofuels and wind turbines. In addition to crop production, the Science Barge is an educational facility and interactive science museum, where school groups can come to learn about zero-emission food production methods. On weekends the facility is open to the public and you can come onboard and learn about sustainable small-scale food production methods that can be used in your own back yard.

Science Barge, 99 Dock St, Yonkers, NY 10701, Phone: 914-375-2151

Recommended Activities for Families

In alliance with the Sarah Lawrence College, The Center for the Urban River at Beczak was established in 2013 to spread the word about the importance of environmental knowledge and the protection of the Hudson River Estuary. The center is housed in what was previously called the Beczak Environmental Center, where it offers a range of informative educational displays. The Aquaria are filled with native Hudson River fish, crabs, oysters and turtles, and the interactive Kid’s Corner is filled with washed up treasures and other activities for young children. Outside, along the edge of the river, you can explore the tidal salt marshes and the beach area or just relax in Habirshaw Park.

The Center for the Urban River, 35 Alexander St, Yonkers, NY 10701, Phone: 914-377-1900

The Philipse Manor Hall is a State Historic Center and House Museum located in the Getty Square neighborhood of Yonkers. The home is one of the oldest in the US and parts of the original Manor House were built around 1682 by the Dutch immigrant Frederick Philipse. The beautiful old home is filled with architectural treasures including a Rococo-style 1750’s paper Mache and plaster ceiling, which is one of just two such examples in the US. Since 1911 the Manor Hall has operated as a museum of art and history and today visitors can admire the impressive Cochrane Collection of American Portraiture. Visitors are welcome to tour the Manor House at their own pace on a self-guided tour.

Philipse Manor Hall, 29 Warburton Ave, Yonkers, NY 10701, Phone: 914-965-4027

Family owned and run for over 95 years, the Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana chain of pizzerias started in a very modest way with a single outlet in New Haven CT. Today, descendants of the original Frank Pepe are still hands-on at the Yonkers branch in Central Park Avenue. Here you can enjoy their original thin-crust pizzas, baked to perfection in a coal-fired brick pizza oven. For a trip down memory lane you can try their original “Tomato Pie”, which translates as a tomato based pizza with cheese, garlic, olive oil and oregano. For a more adventurous meal you can choose the very popular White Clam Pizza or another option from the extensive menu.

Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana, 1955 Central Park Ave, Yonkers, NY 10710, Phone: 914-961-8284