A Revolutionary Yonkers Day Trip
As Westchester County commemorates the 250th anniversary of its role in the American Revolution, interactive events at significant landmarks and locations around the county will immerse visitors in the sights, sounds and experiences that contributed to the birth of our nation..
One location with deep ties to our Revolutionary history is Philipse Manor Hall in Yonkers, NY. Accessible via Metro-North, Philipse Manor Hall is the perfect centerpiece for a daytrip that lets you revel in the past while also enjoying the creative cuisine and hip suburban vibe that Yonkers is known for.
The quick train trip from New York’s Grand Central Station to Yonkers (approximately 30-minutes) gives you just enough time to polish up on the history of Philipse Manor Hall. Built in 1682 by Dutch-born Frederick Philipse, the manor is Westchester County’s second-oldest standing building (Timothy Knapp House in Rye takes the top spot). Despite its Westchester location—dubbed the “Neutral Ground” during the Revolutionary War—the last lord of the manor, Frederick Philipse III, was anything but neutral in his support for the British Crown. After signing a document denouncing the Patriots’ fight for freedom, he was branded a traitor and arrested by George Washington. Later, he and the family fled to England, and the manor went through a series of owners before becoming municipal property in 1868 and eventually, a National Historic Landmark in 1961.
Open to visitors all year, Philipse Manor Hall features a restored Georgian-style country home with a rare rococo drawing room ceiling as well as interactive exhibits that detail the lives of Indigenous people, enslaved Africans and tenant farmers. A walk through its pristine grounds let you explore its origins as a Munsee Lunaape fishing village.
In September, Philipse Manor Hall features a roster of Revolutionary-themed experiences, including:
- Revolutionary Harvest Festival: On September 13th, come experience a free outdoor celebration with activities for the whole family. There you can meet costumed reenactors, enjoy live music, watch cider press and stone mill demonstrations (and even give them a try).Visitors can also take part in a daring espionage mission! The festivities will run from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
- Treason of the Blackest Dye: Every Wednesday through September 28th, this traveling exhibit offers a deep dive into Benedict Arnold’s famous act of treason and the capture and execution of British Major John André.
Then, be sure to enjoy the unique energy and experiences available in the surrounding Yonkers neighborhood. Here are just a few of our favorites, all within a walking distance of the Metro North station.
Coffee at Mon Amor
Set the tone for your day — or grab an afternoon pick-me-up — at Mon Amor. Just a three-minute walk from the Yonkers train station, Mon Amor offers a variety of coffee drinks, teas, pastries, sandwiches, and even mini pizzas. It’s the perfect spot to fuel up before a day of walking or recharge between adventures.
Cold Craft Beer at Yonkers Brewing Co.
Looking for a chill spot to get out of the sun and enjoy a cold craft beer? Look no further than Yonkers Brewing, a stop on the Westchester Craft Beverage Trail. Since 2015, Yonkers Brewing Co. has been the region’s go-to craft beer spot, serving up a variety of beer styles alongside craft cocktails and tasty, affordable eats.
https://www.yonkersbrewing.com/
Cozy Dinner at Zuppa
Bring your day to a delicious close at Zuppa Restaurant and Lounge. With its focus on farm-to-table ingredients, Zuppa serves up classic Italian dishes with a creative twist. Share steamed PEI mussels, connect over an expertly crafted meal, and don’t forget dessert! Reservations recommended.
History Close to Home
There's so much history to enjoy in Westchester County, with locations around the county coming to life to commemorate the people and places that played a significant role in shaping America’s future. Explore the African American Heritage Trail, a countywide path of 16 sites that includes Yonkers tributes to jazz great Ella Fitzgerald and Vinnie Bagwell’s Enslaved Africans’ Rain Garden. Westchester’s Revolutionary Trail is accessible by rail, bus or car, so it’s easy to plan a daytrip, or longer, where you can step back in time and then step into the present day to enjoy culture, cuisine and libations from some of Westchester’s most celebrated establishments. Turn your trip into an overnight getaway by choosing from Westchester’s family-friendly hotels or charming boutique accommodations.