A Weekend in Yonkers: History, Hops & Horticulture

Sometimes we all could use a little rejuvenating getaway. The city of Yonkers is filled with relaxing activities, culinary treasures and rich, provocative history, providing an ideal break from the busy routine of city life. Here's a guide for your next weekend away:

When You Arrive: The Metro-North Hudson Line will take you from Grand Central Terminal to Yonkers Station in just 30 minutes. Yonkers Station has been standing for over a century and provides easy access to the rest of the city through its connections to bus lines and proximity to downtown and city square. Beside the station stands a bronze statue of Yonkers-native Ella Fitzgerald. A jazz legend, who paved the way for other African Americans to live and work more freely, Ella Fitzgerald is forever honored and commemorated in the heart of Yonkers.

When You Want to Learn History: In addition to Ella Fitzgerald’s monument, Yonkers hosts two other sites that make up part of Westchester County’s African American Heritage Trail. The trail spans the entire length of the county and includes 16 sites dedicated to the remembrance and celebration of the region’s African American history and culture.

Philipse Manor Hall, located just across from the Yonkers train station, is a pre-Revolutionary War establishment that housed merchants responsible for much of the commercial growth of the area. The grounds have recently undergone a $20 million renovation and recount the history of the people who were enslaved there and the impact they had on the county. The manor has two floors of interactive, ADA-accessible exhibits that tell a fascinating story about the conflux of the ground’s many different cultures.

Adjacent to Philipse Manor Hall is another stop along the African American History Trail: the Enslaved Africans’ Rain Garden. Yonkers artist Vinnie Bagwell’s four-piece sculpture installation pays tribute to the lives, feelings and legacy of enslaved Africans in America.

After a full day of travel and exploration, it’s time to sit back and enjoy a satisfying meal from one of Yonkers’ most loved restaurants. For a casual bite that doesn’t skimp on flavor, stop in at TaqueRio Taco Bar for a hearty assortment of tacos, street corn and margaritas. For something a little more indulgent, try X20 on the Hudson for elevated, multinational cuisine with calming views of the Hudson River. And for a mid-day beer – or a mid-morning brunch – try Yonkers Brewing Co. for hand-crafted beers and scrumptious bar food classics.

For a relaxed outing, visit Untermyer Park & Gardens in Northwest Yonkers. The Gardens are divided into six unique sections, including the Color Gardens, Rock and Stream Gardens, the Vista, the Rhododendron Walk, the Temple of Love and the Walled Garden. Untermyer has been a major environmental attraction for well over a century, and the city’s 43 acres of plantings are maintained by local horticulturists.

For an activity sure to get your heart rate up, spend time at the Empire City Casino by MGM Resorts to catch the races, play a few games, enjoy a wide selection of dining or take in a show. Next, stop inside the Hudson River Museum to experience a dynamic collection of art, learn about the cosmos in the planetarium and tour Glenview, an 1877 house on the National Register of Historic Places.

No weekend getaway is complete without a luxurious place to unwind and catch some z’s. Hyatt Place, located near the Empire City Casino, is a well-located option with plenty of amenities and pristine, modern rooms. For an elegant night in, try the Royal Regency in Northeast Yonkers for an evening of restful comfort and options for dining, exclusive packages and events.