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Girl Gone Travel

North America, Travel
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April 17, 2010

Wave Hill: A Nature Haven Amidst The Concrete Jungle

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Recently, a darling friend invited me to join her on a little play date excursion to the Bronx.  I know you’re thinking, “Why the Bronx?”. But really, if you haven’t discovered all the Bronx has to offer, than you are truly missing out. Because among many things, it offers the serenity of the peaceful neighborhood of Riverdale, and within the Riverdale community is the amazing and breathtaking Wave Hill.

Wave Hill was once upon a time a private estate that is now a garden and cultural center open to the public.

With 28-acres of beautiful landscaped gardens, overlooking the Hudson River and Palisades, one feels as if they have left New York City entirely and gone somewhere far more serene. Wave Hill’s mission is “to celebrate the artistry and legacy of its gardens and landscapes, to preserve its magnificent views, and to explore human connections to the natural world through programs in horticulture, education and the arts”. And after walking through the area and seeing all they have to offer, I can honestly say they are right on course.

My boys’ batteries were fully charged that day, and as is most cases with children when they find themselves with an abundance of open space, they ran. They ran far and fast, throwing themselves on the grass, rolling around like playful puppies who have been caged for a long time. At first I felt nervous, concerned that their playfulness would disrupt the “feel” of the place.

“I’m sorry my boys are so nutty!” I apologized.

“Wave Hill is one of the best outdoor spaces on earth to get nutty in,” responded Martha Gellens, Wave Hill’s Assistant Director for Marketing and Communications. Love her.

And so they did. And we enjoyed a light snack in the cafeteria, and admired the wonderful views, and took in the sun. I didn’t come with my 12 year old, as he was still in school, nor my husband, as he was still at work. But I can’t wait to.

There are no dogs allowed, which means no nasty surprises on the grass, and there are specific places where one can eat, which again helps maintain the area clean and green. But if you are looking to take in some rays, just sit out with the family or a friend…or even by yourself, while at the same time escaping the hustle and bustle of the city, then Wave Hill is definitely the spot to go to.

Check their Calendar of Events page for listings of events, activities, and other fun happenings at Wave Hill, including tours, garden walks, workshops, and a special Mother’s Day celebration.

Family Art Project Celebration at Wave Hill_credit Joshua Bright

Wave Hill Garden Walk_credit Dan Willner

My kids and I loved it, and we think you will too. There is tons to do for the entire family…and if you’d rather do nothing but layout on the grass, that’s fine too!

HOURS * ADMISSION * DIRECTIONS

Open all year, Tuesday–Sunday and many major holidays: 9am–5:30pm Closes 4:30pm, October 15–April 15. $8 adults, $4 students and seniors 65+, $2 children 6–18 Free Tuesday, Saturday mornings until noon. Free to Members and children under 6. Getting here is easy!

Located only 30 minutes from midtown Manhattan, Wave Hill’s free shuttle van transport you to and from our front gate and Metro-North’s Riverdale station, the West 242 Street stop on the #1 subway line, and to and from our free offsite parking lot. Limited onsite parking is available for $8 per vehicle. Complete directions and shuttle bus schedule available at www.wavehill.org.

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Carol Cain

Brooklyn native Carol is happiest when on an adventure, whether close to home or farther away. She is a small business owner and travel writer. In addition to creating Girl Gone Travel, she is the Founder and Principal of Brave World Media, a social media marketing, communications, and branding agency. She's mom to three wonderful sons and wife to a handsome Irish/Scot. She lives, works, and plays in the beautiful Finger Lakes region of NY.

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About me

Hi! I'm Carol! I am an award-winning travel blogger, a keynote speaker, and the Principal and owner of Brave World Media, a social media marketing, communications, and branding agency. I a wife to a handsome Irish/Scot and a mom to 3 sons. Welcome to my blog where I share stories of my travels and professional public relations insights and advice. Thank you for reading and for your support!

Carol Cain

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The time has come to move on from my role as a bar The time has come to move on from my role as a barista at @the_garage_at_rye and towards my next adventure. 

I started this journey with a curiosity for a craft I admired and wanted to learn more about. It turned into a job. Then a serious passion. And now here I am, launching Café Cómodo (KOH-moh-doh), which means “Comfortable/cozy” in Spanish, a pop-up café serving espresso and seasonal drinks at local farmers markets and private events! (@cafecomodony)

Starting yet another business was never my intent…and yet, I fell further in love with the craft, the industry, and the culture.

I owe so much of what I have learned to @seschieber, who took me under her wings and taught me so much (and still does) and who embraced my nerdiness and eagerness with patience and kindness….and in the process became one of my dearest friends. Working alongside her has felt like winning the golden ticket. She further instilled in me a respect for the craft, the industry, and a commitment to always strive for a quality product, even in a world of Dunkins and Starbucks. 

Grateful for @abbdawes, @hannahmariee93, and Amanda who tolerated my clumsiness at the start while I fumbled my way through the register and the various drink recipes!

I wasn’t sure where this journey would lead, and as I look back at these clips I realize how much I have changed in the process. It’s not always a place that impacts you, but rather the people in it.

I will miss the regulars I’ve gotten to know whose names and drink orders I memorized and who I looked forward to serving. 

I’m so grateful for everything I learned, beyond just making coffee, because I know it will help me to further grow as a leader, an entrepreneur, and a team member wherever I go and in everything I do next.

I won’t miss the dark morning wake ups and long drives before sunrise though! 

I’m proudest of myself for wanting to develop a new skill and ✨DOING IT✨ even when it felt awkward, nerving, and impossible. I hope you will follow me on this next chapter and come say hi at the market (and hire me for your next event)!

Thank you to Charlie Hunter, owner of The Garage for this opportunity.

#coffee #cafe #popupcafe
Recently took a moment to slow down and enjoy the Recently took a moment to slow down and enjoy the sounds of this beautiful place I call home. 

#fingerlakes #newyork #upstateny
Barista training = Trial by fire. 🔥 This is the Barista training = Trial by fire. 🔥 This is the way. 

@shellyk_025

#baristalife #barista #coffeeislife
Woke up feeling rested after going, going, going f Woke up feeling rested after going, going, going for over a week…and grateful for the privilege that is living in such a beautiful region. There are so many points of access for relaxation and stillness here, including right outside my door. So before delving into the work day, I took a peaceful walk, stopped for brekkie (thanks, @ellasacreshomestead), and continued the day refreshed.

If 10 years ago…or even 5 years ago…you had told THIS Brooklyn girl that she would find joy living full time in rural NY, I would’ve laughed in your face. And while NYC will always be home and #1 in my heart, as I live through my 3rd year here, I have to say…yeah. I get it. 

#fingerlakes #newyork #citygirlinthecountry
When your bestie is also your boss and you share s When your bestie is also your boss and you share shifts at your barista jobs it’s easy to forget it’s WORK…☕️😅❤️ 

@seschieber @the_garage_at_rye 

#fingerlakes #baristalife #workbestie
A moment of zen, Finger Lakes edition. #citygirl A moment of zen, Finger Lakes edition. 

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