Day Trip to the Bronx: Art, History, Eats and More
The Norwood section of the Bronx is not one that readily
comes to mind for an outing in the city.
But if you hop the 4 train to the Mosholu Parkway station, the second to
last stop on the line, you’ll discover a world filled with all the authenticity
that is the Bronx of today and yesterday.
First stop:
Montefiore Hospital
Right now you’re thinking, start my touristic day at a
hospital? Yes, you should. Montefiore Hospital is an integral part of
the community and has created a setting and programs that invite the locals to
share their love of the area.
The Montefiore ArtViews gallery at the hospital’s Moses campus in the Bronx is part of the hospital’s curated Fine Art Program and
Collection, designed to show off, by theme, all that the Bronx offers. Consisting of a rotating exhibition space
inside the hospital, lined with art, photographs and other hand-crafted pieces,
the gallery showcases art by local residents and is designed not only for
patients and family members, but for all visitors to enjoy. The current “Connecting People, Strengthening
Communities: The Harlem River Bridges” exhibit by urban chronicler Duane
Bailey-Castro is a line-up of 26 photographic masterpieces of the little-known bridges
covering the Bronx.
Some of the bridges, like the iconic High Bridge dating to
1848 which re-opened to pedestrians and bicyclists in 2015, are shown in
daytime and evening settings. Think
Monet’s treatment of light over the course of the day with his lily pads or his
haystacks. The quality of the photography
is crisp and breathtaking and captures a slice of this up-and-coming
borough. The use of bridges is symbolic
as well as thematic. In their placement
along the corridor to the oncology department, one can’t help but think of the
bridges that the hospital encourages, from sickness to health. In this case,
the photographer’s personal journey from illness to wellness is reflected in
his choice of subject matter. The exhibit
closes on April 4 but will be followed by “A Healthy Dose of Rock”, featuring
current pediatric oncology patients at Montefiore who have been transformed by
makeup and costumes into rock stars. In
June, Bronx photojournalist Marisol Diaz will exhibit from her current
portfolio. 111 East 201st Street, Bronx. Open 8am-5pm, daily. For more information and scheduling details,
visit http://www.montefiore.org/artprogram.
To enhance the experience, there are dining choices within
the hospital, a cafeteria or a health-oriented café with sushi, soups,
sandwiches and the like to be enjoyed indoors or outdoors in the hospital’s
garden area, which is also often decorated as an art gallery, with pieces
connected to nature. The nearby Norwood
area shows off its Dominican flair with Latino restaurants tempting with the
likes of mofongo, Cuban sandwiches, mamey shakes, and other South of the Border
dishes. Try El Presidente II at 4-10
East 208th Street, or for a Middle Eastern twist, Tasty Picks, 89
East Gun Hill Road.
Just down the street, one of the few remaining stone farmhouses
that lined the Boston Post Road, the Valentine-Varian House house, built in 1758,
currently serves as the Library for the Bronx County Historical Society and is
open for visitors on Saturday and Sunday. A standalone home, in a flower-filled park
setting, the house is magnificent in its simplicity and construction. Behind and through a tunnel, a surprising
park offers a sanctuary in the middle of urbanity. The Williamsbridge Oval recalls the simpler
pleasures of outdoor sports and playgrounds, with a walking oval fitting
perfectly into today’s fitness craze.
Hi Meryl, Have lived in NY for ages, and as you know, organize trips for women; however have never been to this area of The Bronx. Arthur Avenue still has a few good Italian bakeries and restaurants, and of course the Botanical Gardens are next door. Thanks for the info, always like a new adventure.
ReplyDeleteThanks
ReplyDeleteCouldn't have improved myself. Magnificent!
ReplyDeleteVI
Loving the design, what template did you use, or did you design it yourself? ScottsdaleRetreats.com
ReplyDeleteRegarding all aspects the blog was perfectly nice.
ReplyDeleteDiscover more
Pretty good post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say that I have really enjoyed reading your blog posts. Any way I'll be subscribing to your feed and I hope you post again soon. Big thanks for the useful info. clethra alnifoli
ReplyDeleteThat’s a great site you folks have been carrying out there. call for artists
ReplyDeleteWow, excellent post. I'd like to draft like this too - taking time and real hard work to make a great article. This post has encouraged me to write some posts that I am going to write soon. barcelona tourism
ReplyDeleteThanks for posting this info. I just want to let you know that I just check out your site and I find it very interesting and informative. I can't wait to read lots of your posts. 1dayat-atime.com
ReplyDeleteTravel Agents are now more a counselor and an adviser so they are now called Travel Professionals or Travel Counselor. Even the travel industry is trying to get away from using the term "travel agent". romantic places to stay in california
ReplyDelete