The Sands Point Preserve makes full use of its 216 acres (87.41 hectares): landscaped gardens lead to tangles of trees, meadows become cliffs overlooking beaches, vines of honeysuckles and other flowers surround a freshwater pond, and a castle sits on sweeping lawns. Explore Long Island history by touring the elegant gray-stone Hempstead House or the French eclectic Falaise, after exploring the natural beauty of this diverse environment on 6 marked trails. Educational visits are welcomed, and festivals or special events often take advantage of the spectacular scenery.
A splendid public Arboretum and a beautiful historic site, the Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park encompasses nearly 400 acres (160 hectares) of landscaped grounds. Follow picturesque paths past greenhouses and lawns, through formal gardens, woodland, and exquisite plant collections. The property was originally a Gold Coast estate and several of the historic buildings remain, including a Tudor Revival mansion known as Coe Hall, a 65-room structure which may be toured throughout the spring, summer, and fall seasons. Educational programs for all ages, musical and artistic events, plant shows, wedding photography, and school programs utilize this marvelous resource. .
Van Vleck House & Gardens in Montclair in New Jersey was previously owned by the Van Vleck family. This estate was handed over to The Montclair Foundation in the year 1993. It features an early-20th century Mediterranean-style house and a beautiful botanical garden. These gardens are home to a wide range of plants like azaleas and rhododendrons. Take a walk along the porch and you will find that the mansion’s pillars are adorned by the Chinese wisterias. Various social events like gatherings are often held here on this property.
Built in the late 17 Century, the Military Park actually served as a training ground for Newark's militia. However, today it serves the locals with a beautiful park to relax and enjoy the evening. The park contains monument of the 'Wars of America' and a large concrete sword. The park also has an underground parking area. The Military Park hosts a variety of local events like the Common Greens, a popular farmers market, annual festivals like the Africa-Newark Festival and other concerts.
Covering 250 acres (100 hectares), New York Botanical Garden is a picturesque blend of rocks, waterfalls, hills, rivers, woods, ponds, plants, and of course, flowers. The property, which is a National Historic Landmark, also includes an interactive area for children. Another marvelous attraction is the beautifully restored Enid A. Haupt Conservatory is a Victorian-era greenhouse. Don't forget to visit the NYBG Shop - a store which offers a wide range of goods, from books and garden supplies to jewelry and body products. For those interested in fresh fruits and vegetables, the garden also hosts a seasonal farmer's market.
The United States Tennis Association (USTA) Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows, Queens hosts most of the major events in the professional tennis circuit. The center is named after Billie Jean King, the famous tennis player. Numerous tennis fans gather to witness some spectacular matches held here, with a bit of celebrity spotting thrown in as a bonus. Most famously, the US Open is played here, giving the venue a vibrant, carnival-esque atmosphere. The venue has both indoor and outdoor courts, with a seating capacity for thousands. Most of the courts are open daily with access to the public at nominal admission charges. Check the website for details of upcoming tournaments.
Leland Castle was built as a home to Mr. Simeon Leland in 1855. In 1980, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This castle boasts stunning Gothic Revival architecture on sweeping grounds of 2.6 acres (1.05 hectares). Guests will find plenty to marvel at, from the architecture to the contemporary art inside the Castle Art Gallery.
Located off of St. Nicholas Avenue in Washington Heights between 160th and 161st Streets visitors will find the architectural gem of Sylvan Terrace. Originally built in the late 19th Century, these row houses were made as an entrance street to the elegant Morris-Jumel Mansion. The wooden houses and cobblestone street were restored after falling into disrepair over time, however in the 1970s, community benefactors as well as the city started improvements to the area. Today, with all the houses restored to the original glory, the street has once again become one of the most quaint spaces in New York.
Amid the urban bustle of the Greenwich Village, the LaGuardia Corner Gardens are a delightful space. Known for its variety of flora, this four decades old public garden has a plethora of colorful roses. The annual rose walk is very famous where visitors can take a tour of the garden.
An ecologically rich locale, Clay Pit Ponds State Park Preserve is a mosaic of diverse landscapes which make for exciting explorations. Nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy traversing the wilderness where the woods are alive with birdsong and where wetlands intersperse towering trees. Hiking excursions yield other remarkable natural elements such as ponds and intermittent streams. Keep your eyes peeled for the wildlife which thrives here and the carpet of wildflowers that drapes the forest floor. Birdwatching is another favorite pastime here.