Wave Hill

Profile

Out of the 28,000 acres-worth of parks to be found in the Bronx, the most spectacular views await at Wave Hill, a 28-acre public garden and cultural center in the heart of Riverdale. Wave Hill used to be the private estate of George W. Perkins, a former partner of J.P. Morgan’s, who spent years accumulating properties along the Hudson River which were then deeded to the City of New York in 1960. A stroll about the grounds quickly confirms Perkins’s wealthy lifestyle. The garden is anchored by two magnificent buildings: Wave Hill House and Glyndor House, a 1927 Georgian Revival now used to house contemporary art exhibits. Despite the grand architecture, the real star of Wave Hill is the stunning vistas of the New Jersey Palisades, visible from numerous locations on the grounds. The most serene views are found at Pergola Overlook and the Elliptical Garden, which in the fall at sunset are particularly stunning. Another highlight is the Herbert and Hyonja Abrons Woodland, whose winding paths through 10 acres of forest can make visitors forget they are still in The Big Apple. Since Wave Hill is small, it can easily be toured in just a few hours, leaving plenty of time to get back to urban sights. — Sandra Nygaard

Pergola Overlook vistas are worth the trip alone, especially for autumn foliage or summer sunsets.

The Conservatory
For visitors with limited time, the Conservatory is underwhelming and has more the feel of a greenhouse than a true plant exhibit space.

Tours
Free tours of the grounds and greenhouse meet on Sundays at 2 p.m. at the Conservatory. Group tours are available for a fee ($15 per person with a 10-person minimum) and require reservations.

Weddings
This secluded mansion is located far off the beaten path inside a 28-acre public park and offers various beautiful interiors. The Mark Twain Room has sixteen-foot ceilings, silk wall coverings, and French doors, while the Armor Hall has stone floors, vaulted ceilings, and cathedral windows facing the Hudson River. The cost is $6,500 ($5,000 of which is tax-deductible). Catering is exclusively by Great Performances.