This is the only time in my life I wished I was a billionaire. Talk about a house of your dreams! Enough said! Check the video below and stay tuned for the gallery! And follow me on Instagram and Facebook to see my next adventure!
Viewing entries tagged
mansion
Sands Point, NY
Parking Lot Fee, Admission Fee for Inside Mansion (some libraries offer free passes)
Optimum Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall
I have been here two times. And depending on the week and the weather, had two very different experiences. The first time, I wasn't entirely impressed by the grounds and garden (because it was a cloudy and chilly day in April and the rose garden had no blossoms). I went mid week with my friends and was unable to explore the insides of Castle Gould and Hempstead House. Castle Gould is like nothing I've ever seen (from the outside). It brings you back to medieval times! The second time I went was with my children and husband the first week of June and the garden was in full bloom and absolutely exquisite. It was also warm enough to walk down to the beach and enjoy the sand and water which is perfect on a hot day. I did not get to hike with my children but I did enjoy the one mile trail with my friends (there is so much to see here and I have only explored one half of the preserve).
For acquiring free passes, contact your local library. For Great Neck residents, click here www.greatnecklibrary.org.
Click on the gallery above to view pictures, the videos below to get a better sense of the area, and add your feedback by clicking on the comments section below! And follow me on Instagram and Facebook to see my next adventure!
Long Island Sound Beach
Hiking Trail Pond
Rose Garden
Centerport, NY
Admission Fee (some libraries offer free passes), free parking lot
Optimum Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall
I had been here once on a field trip in elementary school. I decided to revisit nearly 25 years later with my child, mom, sister and aunt so I can have a better sense of what teachers were trying to make us appreciate. As an adult, you appreciate the architecture behind this Spanish-style mansion more than you could as a young child. And you are much more interested in the stories that comes with the different rooms in the mansion! Every inch and detail is fascinating!
For acquiring free passes, contact your local library. For Great Neck residents, click here www.greatnecklibrary.org.
Kill a few birds with one stone: If you are here during the summer, you can visit Asharoken Beach and the town of Northport afterwards (just a ten minute drive away).
Click on the gallery above (best viewed on a desktop for captions) and add your feedback by clicking on the comments section below! Follow me on instagram and facebook for live adventures. And share with your friends if you appreciate this page.
New York, NY
Admission Fee, free parking lot
Optimum Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall
I came here with friends in the fall during a school day when we were free of our children. Admission here is not required as it is a museum, so you can give the suggested amount, or nothing at all. But it's worth the charge. This is a branch of the Met "dedicated to art, architecture, and gardens of medieval Europe." Their website included more information on how and when they built this fortress on the Hudson River. It is truly fascinating to read about and to witness. And I suggest going the second week of November to get the magnificent views of the Palisades across the Hudson, and the foliage reflecting off the river.
Kill a few birds with one stone: Visit the neighboring Fort Tryon Park and it's famed Heather Garden, overlooking the Hudson River and George Washington Bridge. If you have more energy left, Riverside Park is a ten minutes drive down the West Side Highway.
Click on the gallery above (best viewed on a desktop for captions), the videos below to get a better sense of the area, and add your feedback by clicking on the comments section below! Follow me on Instagram and Facebook to see my next adventure! And share with your friends if you appreciate this page!
Old Westbury, NY
Admission Fee, Parking Lot
Optimum Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall
I forced my husband to come here on a football Sunday at the end of October with a six month old. It was one of my first of many trips to mansions on the Gold Coast of Long Island. I may have come a week too early for foliage at its peak, but nevertheless, this is my favorite of all mansions. The landscaping is exquisite and every corner inside and outside of the mansion are what dreams are made of! The little playhouse and the dahlia garden were among my favorites here.
Kill a few birds with one stone: Visit Wheatley Plaza or the Americana Manhasset for some high end shopping!
For a list of other mansions and gardens, click here.
Click on the gallery above (best viewed on a desktop for captions) and add your feedback by clicking on the comments section below! Follow me on instagram and facebook for live adventures. And share with your friends if you appreciate this page.
Old Westbury, NY
Admission Fee (some libraries offer free passes), Parking Lot
Optimum Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall
"The magnificent Charles II-style mansion is nestled amid 200 acres of formal gardens, landscaped grounds, woodlands, ponds and lakes." I went here with family during the spring, and was floored by the grandeur of this property. If I win the lotto one day, I am bringing my builder and landscape architect to this property. It felt as though someone dropped me in the middle of 19th century aristocratic Europe. Lots of films have been shot at this property as well. For more information, visit their website. I loved the lily pond, the driveway entrance into the property with the canopy affect of the trees, the garden, and the outside of the mansion. I understand that Halloween is another great time to visit Old Westbury Gardens when they hold their annual "Rise of the Jack O'Lanterns", which features the work of dozens of local artists and sculptors in a unique walk-through experience that's suitable for visitors of all ages."
For acquiring free passes, contact your local library. For Great Neck residents, click here www.greatnecklibrary.org.
You can also check www.groupon.com for deals before you go.
Kill a few birds with one stone: Drive over to Old Country Road and get some shopping done! Also, newly renovated Roosevelt Field Mall is nearby!
For a list of other mansions and gardens, click here.
Click on the gallery (best viewed on a desktop for captions) and add your feedback by clicking on the comments section below! Follow me on instagram and facebook for live adventures. And share with you friends if you appreciate this page.
Huntington, NY
No admissions fee, free parking lot
Optimum Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall
This is a scenic peninsula located on the Long Island Sound. It is a 1,750 acre preserve that includes multiple hiking paths, horse stables, gardens, and a sand beach. The land is relatively flat so the hike is not so difficult. It will take you about two hours to park in the lot and then walk around the property (at snail's pace mind you). I did this in the second week of November when foliage was at its peak, on a beautiful sunny day with blue skies. I'd say anything under a 50 degree day is too frigid, as you are surrounded by water. The big perk to this hike is that when you get to the end of the trail, you find yourself on a sand beach! It was a truly beautiful and exhilarating experience. You can go with a friend, a loved one, old children, or young children. Have a good jogging stroller if you are bringing a toddler or baby. Lots of photo ops at every turn!
Kill a few birds with one stone: Huntington is among the most charming towns on the north shore of Long Island. There are many towns along the drive on Northern Blvd. Also, if you are in the mood for another hike involving an uphill climb, try Cold Spring Harbor park. I have not checked this off my bucket list yet but I have been told once you get to the top of the short mountain, you enjoy breathtaking views of the Sound. Let me know how it goes!
For a list of other gardens and local places to hike, click here.
Click on the gallery above (best viewed on a desktop for captions), the videos below to get a better sense of the area, and add your feedback by clicking on the comments section below! Follow me on Instagram and Facebook to see my next adventure! And share with your friends if you appreciate this page!
Riverdale, Bronx
Admission fee, parking lot
Free on Tuesdays from 9am to noon (double check before you go)
Free on Saturdays from 9am to noon (double check before you go)
Optimum Seasons: Spring, Summer Fall
Located on the Hudson River, this is a beautiful 28-acre public garden that is perfect and scenic in any season. I visited in the very beginning of Spring when some flowers were in bloom but no trees yet. I could have waited a couple of weeks to get to see some Magnolias or Cherry Blossoms, but I love tulips and the garden was full. This is one of the most unique gardens I have visited in all of New York. Once we parked in the parking lot, a shuttle drove us to the front entrance and once there, it was easy to navigate using a map. We spent two hours at this magical place but could easily have stayed the entire day. Make sure you check to see what time the mansion tours are open to as we missed the opportunity. But the house was exquisite and super charming! The park is not open till late so you cannot catch the sunset. I imagine the park being unbearably warm in the summer so I chose the Spring. I would love to visit in the Fall and experience the foliage reflecting off the Hudson.
Kill a few birds with one stone: Take a 10 minute detour and explore the neighborhood around Wave Hill as well as the neighborhood of Fieldston, both in Riverdale. It is one of NYC's wealthiest neighborhoods of the five boroughs, and truly unique. Also, you can pick up lunch from the local Carlos and Gabbys and picnic away at the park. Or drive down to the Upper West Side in Manhattan for dinner.
For a list of other gardens, click here.
Click on the gallery above (best viewed on a desktop for captions), the videos below to get a better sense of the area, and add your feedback by clicking on the comments section below! Follow me on Instagram and Facebook to see my next adventure! And share with your friends if you appreciate this page!