BOCA RATON, Fla. – June 9, 2023 – PJ Library® in South Palm Beach County, a program of the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County, welcomed over 1000 guests to a fantastic celebration for its 10th birthday and Israel’s 75th anniversary. Held May 21, the event took place on the campus of the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County.
The event brought together families raising Jewish children for a day of fun and Israel-themed activities, including a petting zoo, an obstacle bounce house, and a rock wall designed to mimic climbing Masada.
“In addition to arts and crafts, bounce houses, a petting zoo and many other activities, all of us took a quick “trip” to Israel,” said Robin Cremer, a PJ Library® parent. “We traveled to Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. My family even left a note at the ‘Western Wall’. My children were able to feel that they were at the most religious site in the world for Jewish people.”
Locally, PJ Library serves more than 6,000 parents, children, grandparents and caregivers. In the 10 years since it’s inception in South Palm Beach County, the program has given away more than 216,000 books.
“My family has been involved with PJ Library for the past 10 years. It first started out with the opportunity of receiving meaningful books monthly. It’s now a race to the mailbox to see who gets a book and what book it is,” said PJ Library® parent Stacee Stock.
PJ Library continues to grow in South Palm Beach County with new families joining the program each month. We are engaging and educating the next generation of families raising Jewish children both here and around the globe. There are plenty of books and activities for everyone so encourage your friends to sign up for this free gift of Jewish books, at www.pjlibrary.org. To get involved, underwrite programs or join our grandparent circle, please contact Elana Ostroff, Director of PJ Library® and Family Engagement at pjlibrary@bocafed.org or 561-852-6080.
PJ Library® in South Palm Beach County is made possible by generous support from the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County, Leon and Toby Cooperman Family Foundation, Jewish Women’s Foundation, and the Harold Grinspoon Foundation and so many others.
About the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County Established in 1979, the JFSPBC is made up of Jewish and social service organizations, synagogues, and schools that provide valued services and programs to recipients in South Palm Beach County, in Israel and around the world. The JFSPBC is also comprised of local residents, including lay leadership, volunteer, donors, professional staff, rabbis, educators, event participants and students. Situated on a 100-acre campus in west Boca Raton – the largest in the nation – the JFSPBC supports more than 70 beneficiaries, engages with more than 5,000 donors, and connects more than 130,000 residents. To learn more about how we contribute to a shared vision for the Jewish community, visit or call 561.852.3100.
June 7, 2023 (ATLANTA) — Accomplished jazz pianist, composer, arranger, educator, and producer Dr. Greg Satterthwaite announces his sophomore album release Savannah Blue, a blend of his Jamaican roots mixed with jazz classics and original compositions, out June 9, 2023.
The Savannah Blue tour will kick off in West Palm Beach, Fla. on June 21, 2023, with a free community concert at Palm Beach Lakes High School as part of the School District of Palm Beach County’s 29th Annual African, African American, and Caribbean Studies Summer Institute.
Satterthwaite’s album Savannah Blue features ensemble members Quentin Baxter (drummer), Delbert Felix (bassist), Rod Harris Jr. (guitarist), and Derrick James (saxophonist).
The 2023 South Arts Jazz Road Tours artist and University of Georgia jazz professor says: “I truly appreciate the opportunity to uplift, share, and build community through such a rich American art form, thus the album Savannah Blue is my contribution to sustaining the amazing art form known as jazz.”
Savannah Blue pulls from inspirations of Satterthwaite’s Jamaican heritage, his passion for honoring the great legacy of jazz music, and creating original compositions that represent sophistication, memorable melodies, tranquil harmonies, and gritty swing.
The title of the album pays homage to Savannah, Ga., where Satterthwaite found an abundance of arts & culture and the blue waters from the Atlantic Ocean. Thus, the name Savannah Blue was realized.
Through connecting with the phenomenal Savannah, Ga.-based native jazz bassist, Delbert Felix in 2022, Satterthwaite conducted his inaugural Savannah performance at Good Times Jazz Bar & Restaurant, marking his now-forever connection with the amazing city. The album’s title track “Savannah Blue” artistically signifies the musical journey of performing in Savannah with hard-hitting swing, and dynamic solos from band members.
Satterthwaite grew up in South Florida. Starting his first headlining tour in West Palm Beach, Fla. is very sentimental to him—where his musical journey began—and ending the tour in the Metro Atlanta area, where he now resides, is a full circle moment. He is connecting the dots of performing in West Palm Beach, Fla. for the school district he graduated from (School District of Palm Beach County – A.W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts). There, he hopes to be able to perform for students, teachers, and community members that have never seen him perform and reflect the impact of a quality arts education on a student’s life.
The next stop on the tour will be in Savannah, Ga. at Good Times Jazz Bar and Restaurant. This is an important stop on the tour due to the opportunity to perform two consecutive nights at a reputable and notable jazz venue. Patrons from all over the country visit historic Savannah, Ga. and support this venue due to its commitment to offer live, high quality, excellent jazz music.
The tour will end with a performance at The Velvet Note in Alpharetta, Ga. The tour choices represent a full-circle journey for him and his path as an artist.
South Arts Jazz Road Tours are made possible with funds from the Doris Duke Foundation with additional support from the Mellon Foundation.
Melodic, soulful, and smooth, Dr. Greg Satterthwaite brings an energy and touch to the piano that has become his signature sound. As a jazz artist, Satterthwaite brings forth improvisational music that speaks to who he is as a performer and composer. His performances are rooted in his passion to continue to uphold the legacy and rich tradition of jazz music and the pioneers and innovators that created such a phenomenal art form.
Graduating from some of the nation’s most prestigious jazz programs, Satterthwaite earned his Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of North Texas in Jazz Piano Performance, a Master of Arts in Commercial Music from Florida Atlantic University, and a Bachelor of Music from the University of Miami. Satterthwaite is an Assistant Professor of Jazz Piano and African American Studies at the University of Georgia. He has studied with Stephen Scott, Ron Miller, Pat Coil, Dave Meder, Quincy Davis, Brad Leali, and Lynn Seaton. His educational experiences have impacted his teaching philosophy as he brings forth the knowledge, observations, and backgrounds of the educators, artists, and creative makers that he has interacted with and learned from over the years. As a scholarly contribution to the field, Satterthwaite presented “Beyond Fourths and Pentatonics: A Critical Analysis of Selected Recordings of McCoy Tyner “1962 to 1963” at the national 2021 Jazz Education Network Conference.
Satterthwaite has performed at festivals and venues including the Swan City Piano Festival, Denton Arts and Jazz Festival, SunFest, the Velvet Note, Good Times Jazz Bar & Restaurant, the University of South Carolina, and the Murchison Performing Arts Center to name a few. In 2022, he performed with the Marcus Lewis Big Band: Brass and Boujee during the 2022 Jazz Education Network national conference. Additionally, he has either performed or recorded with Grammy winning and nominated artists including Terreon Gully, Quentin Baxter, Rodney Whitaker, Curtis Lundy, and Delbert Felix. Satterthwaite arranged and composed all songs on his debut album “Who I Am,” which can be heard on major music streaming platforms, and his sophomore album “Savannah Blue,” is to be released June 9, 2023. He is the co-founder of JazzSpire, a platform that inspires, lifts, and brightens everyday life through the arts.
The Loxahatchee Group of the Sierra Club Florida Chapter and Solar United Neighbors are co-hosting an enlightening Zoom meeting on Solar 101, sharing the benefits of solar energy for both homes and businesses. The public is invited to this FREE online meetingthat will be held from 7:30 to 9 pm on Thursday, July 27.
The special guest speaker is Laura Tellez (below), South Florida Program Associate for Solar United Neighbors, who will discuss solar technology and economics as well as answer live questions and share resources for those wanting to explore solar for their energy needs. Zoom attendees will also learn about solar co-ops.
Tellez, who has worked with various nonprofit organizations and governmental agencies from Panama to Alaska, holds an M.S. in Ecological Leadership and Education and an Occupational Endorsement in Sustainable Energy.
To receive information about this informative and eco-friendly Zoom call, please visit:
About the Sierra Club Florida Chapter Loxahatchee Group:
One of 17 local Sierra Club Groups in Florida, it serves members in Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, and Okeechobee counties in Southeast Florida. Our group offers members and prospective members opportunities to explore, enjoy, and protect the environment by volunteering, going on outings and becoming environmental activists.
Sierra Club mission statement is “to practice and promote the responsible use of the earth’s ecosystems and resources; to educate and enlist humanity to protect and restore the quality of the natural and human environment, and to use all lawful means to carry out these objectives.”
The primary duty of the Sierra Club is to maintain the stability of the environment by combating all elements of destruction. This organization has been championing such issues through its advocates, community of volunteers, and other supporters. Sierra Club understands the essentiality of nature to the survival of humanity. It, therefore, commits all its resources to rally like-minded individuals to join its course and create a world where people can flourish and achieve their potential.
Solar United Neighbors is a national nonprofit organization helping people go solar, join together, and fight for their energy rights. Our vision: We envision a clean, equitable energy system that directs control and benefits back to local communities, with solar on every roof and money in every pocket. Our mission: We’re a community of people building a new energy system with rooftop solar at the cornerstone. We help people go solar, join together, and fight for their energy rights.
Above, L-R: Stormi Bivin, District Chairman; Haley Nochstine, Asst Mgr,; Rosa Villatoro, Chef; Carol Ralph, WGC President.
The Florida Federation of Garden Clubs (FFGC) annually supports the Unsolicited Landscape Design Award program to recognize well-designed and maintained landscapes in the public or private sector in each District of the state. The meaning behind the “unsolicited” title is that the nominees are not applying for the award themselves, but someone else recognizes it is a landscape of merit, and worthy of consideration.
This year, PapiChulo was nominated by Wellington Garden Club to receive the Unsolicited Landscape Award in the Small Business category.
Candidates for this award are submitted each fall by Garden club members, especially graduates of the National Garden Club (NGC) Landscape Design School. Applications are sent to the District Chairman for eligibility and consideration. Judges who have completed NGC’s Landscape Design School visit and evaluate the sites nominated. The highest scoring nominee in each category is the winner.
The selection of PapiChulo as the 2023 winner in the Small Business category was announced on April 27 at the FFGC District X Spring meeting. Shortly thereafter, the award was presented to PapiChulo by Stormi Bivin, District Award Chairman and WGC Club President Carol Ralph.
PapiChulo, is a casual taco shop featuring Mexican street style food, fresh juices, great tequila, and cocktails with a laid back beach bar vibe. PapiChulo food is chef-driven, modern street tacos with influences from Mexico, Cuba, Peru, Argentina and beyond. The restaurant is located at 1005 N. State Road 7, just south of Okeechobee Blvd. in the Regal Cinemas shopping center. For more information: www.papichulotacos.com
Wellington Garden Club, founded in 1981, is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization dedicated to educating its members and the public in the fields of gardening, horticulture, floral design, and landscape design; and to promoting conservation of natural resources, civic beautification and youth education. For more information: www.wellingtongardenclub.org.
City of West Palm Beach to host 35th Annual 4th on Flagler
WEST PALM BEACH, FL — The City of West Palm Beach will soon host its Annual 4th on Flagler Celebration with a festive “Stars and Stripes in Paradise” theme. The highly anticipated event will return for its 35th year as the largest waterfront Independence Day Celebration in South Florida. The event takes place from 6 – 10 p.m. along Flagler Drive (between Banyan Blvd. and Fern Street).
Fourth on Flagler, 2022. Photos by Scott Wiseman for the City of West Palm Beach.
“Our Annual 4th on Flagler celebration is rich with tradition,” said West Palm Beach Mayor Keith A. James. “From our Military Honor Ceremony to our impressive 18-minute fireworks display, the City of West Palm Beach’s Independence Day Celebration is one of the best in the Country. I hope everyone will plan to join and enjoy our beautiful waterfront and plentiful activities.”
The event features three stages of music, an annual Military Honor Ceremony, a kids’ entertainment zone (featuring inflatable games and bounce houses and make-and-take crafts and activities), roving entertainment sponsored by FPL (including stilt walkers, jugglers and magicians), food and refreshments for purchase and an 18-minute fireworks display by Pyrotecnico over the Intracoastal Waterway. Additionally, 4th on Flagler will be the start and end point for the annual Bill Bone 5K.
More than 50,000 people are expected to attend 4th on Flagler. People who prefer to celebrate at home can watch the fireworks display and a special show by tuning into WBPF 25 News from 9 – 9:30 p.m. The musical lineup is as follows:
NewDay USA Stage (main stage on Flagler Drive and North Clematis Street): 13th Army Band (Jazz, Salsa, Marching, Rock Combo, Brass & Woodwind Quintet)
The 13th Army Band is a renowned musical ensemble composed of dedicated and skilled Soldiers of the Florida National Guard. With a lineage dating back to 1930, the Band has had a rich history of providing unparalleled musical support and entertainment for military and civilian events.
Meyer Amphitheatre: DJ Infiesta and Co. will keep the party going in the kids’ entertainment zone
The kids’ entertainment zone will feature inflatable activities like bounce houses and games (wristbands will grant unlimited access for $5 per person). Additionally, volunteers will help kids and their families with various Independence Day crafts and make-and-take activities (no charge).
Informa Stage (at Post Park): CoverUp (Pop, Punk & Alternative)
South Florida-based CoverUp will perform upbeat songs from hard rock and punk to ’80s hair bands and everything in between. The band, led by singer Larry Demers, is known for its high-energy and interactive shows.
“’Stars and Stripes in Paradise’ is such a perfect theme for 4th on Flagler,” said Mary Pinak, community events manager for the City of West Palm Beach. “As soon as you arrive at the event, you will feel the festive and patriotic energy. Our Fourth of July celebration features a ton of family-friendly entertainment, delicious food and drinks for purchase, activities for the kids, a meaningful patriotic ceremony, and of course, one of the best fireworks shows in South Florida. It is truly the best event of the summer!”
Blankets and chairs are recommended. Parking is available in the City of West Palm Beach’s public parking garages for flat rates of $10 at the Banyan and Evernia garages and $5 at the City Center, Clematis and Sapodilla garages. Parking must be prepaid while entering the garage. The Banyan and Evernia garages are closest to the event.
4th on Flagler is produced by the City of West Palm Beach. 4th on Flagler sponsors to date include the West Palm Beach Community Redevelopment Agency, NewDay USA, Informa, Town of Palm Beach, Amazon, FPL, Discover The Palm Beaches, Bill Bone Bike Law, PDQ Restaurant, Jimmy John’s, Palm Beach Sheriff’s Office, Humana, SWA, WPB Magazine, WPBF 25 News, 97.9 WRMF, SUNNY 107.9, X 102.3, New Country 103.1, PARTY 96.3, Fox Sports 640 South Florida and News Talk 850 WFTL.
For more information about 4th on Flagler, visit wpb.org/events, call (561) 822-1515 (TTY: 800-955-8771), or follow the City of West Palm Beach on Facebook @CityofWPB and on Twitter and Instagram @westpalmbch.
About the City of West Palm Beach The City of West Palm Beach is a vibrant and dynamic City located on the Atlantic coast of Florida. With a rich history, a thriving arts and cultural scene, and a commitment to sustainability, the City of West Palm Beach is a great place to live, work, and play. As one of the three largest cities making up the South Florida region, and the central City of Palm Beach County, West Palm Beach is a vibrant, growing, waterfront City that offers the business advantages available in the region, combined with a more refined and relaxed environment for living and working. To learn more about the City of West Palm Beach, visit us on our official website, or follow us on our social media: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and/or Linked-in.
Raise a Glass to Ted Lasso, Homer Simpson, Peter Griffin, and Minato Namikaze Father’s Day Weekend
Ever wondered what kind of Old Fashioned your beloved TV dads would enjoy? Kapow Noodle Bar has the answer! They are serving up a flight of libations inspired by Ted Lasso, Homer Simpson, Peter Griffin and Minato Namikaze.
Fans of the wholesome Ted Lasso can put their pinkies up while sipping “The Only Way Ted Likes Tea” with Monkey Shoulder whiskey, Genmaicha tea syrup and Earl Gray bitters. Served with an English biscuit even Ted will enjoy this version of England’s “garbage water”.
Homer Simpson once famously said, “Coffee is my only vice. Well, that and donuts. And beer. And…” Kapow took all of his favorites and crafted “My Only Vice,” an irresistible rum old fashioned made with Papa’s Pilar dark rum, maple syrup, Subculture Coffee and Dugan & Dame’s Morning Wood Coffee Bitters. Of course, no tribute to Homie would be complete without a doughnut garnish.
Remember when Peter Griffin visited Mexico and had to drink the well water to save Meg? That liquid turned out to be mezcal, and now you can experience the winning combination with “Shut Up, Meg.” This tantalizing creation boasts Montelobos Mezcal, Espolon Reposado, and orange bitters, providing a taste sensation worthy of the Family Guy dad.
Minato Namikaze, the courageous father from the Naruto anime series, made the ultimate sacrifice to protect his town and his newborn son, Naruto. “OYAJI,” a Japanese word roughly meaning “Old Man,” pays tribute to Minato with a blend of simple yet impactful ingredients – Toki whiskey, Kokuto sugar, and aromatic bitters.
As a little surprise, each cocktail comes with a single ice cube featuring the face of your favorite TV dad. It’s the perfect way to raise a toast to the fathers who have brought laughter and joy into our lives.
Join the celebration at both Kapow Noodle Bar locations from June 16 to June 18 and cheers to all the amazing fathers out there!
Palm Health Foundation and the Community Foundation of Palm Beach and Martin Counties support cross-cultural, collaborative programming that bring residents together
Delray Beach, Fla. – June 4, 2023 – A speaker talking about disparities in healthcare, a tour guide answering questions about ancestral contributions, a gathering of neighbors in a community space, and an interactive outlet for children to create art … Each of these programs represents a way for residents to connect, relate and center themselves in a rapidly changing society, which program organizers envision contributing to improved mental health.
Each of these programs is also an offering of the Spady Cultural Heritage Museum, which has recently received grants to support the continuation of these offerings to Palm Beach County residents.
Above:EPOCH Board members Stacey Copeland and Bill Whigham at A Delray Beach Family Affair, held at the Spady Museum, May 20, 2023. Photo by Ethan Dangerwing, 2023.
Palm Health Foundation
The Spady Cultural Heritage Museum received $25,000 from Palm Health Foundation for its operational and programmatic needs, promoting its mission of preserving and sharing cultural heritage, which supports mental health among certain demographics.
The Spady’s lecture series promotes community engagement and dialogue on topics pertaining to health, self-care and empowerment. Also with the youth, the museum teaches young women confidence and character and to use their voices and talents to make the world a better place.
“We’re pleased to support programming that addresses youth mental health and wellness in our communities,” said Palm Health Foundation President and CEO Patrick McNamara. “The Spady Museum creates spaces for meaningful community engagement to flourish.”
Palm Health Foundation is Palm Beach County’s community foundation for health. With the support of donors, the foundation builds strong community partnerships, advocates for its most vulnerable neighbors and inspires innovative solutions to lead change for better health now and for generations to come. The foundation supports health equity for Palm Beach County residents of all races, sexual orientations, incomes and backgrounds. Since 2001, the foundation has invested more than $91 million in Palm Beach County health. For more information about Palm Health Foundation, visit palmhealthfoundation.org or call (561) 833-6333.
Community Foundation of Palm Beach and Martin Counties
The Spady Museum alsoreceived a grant in the amount of $50,000 from the Community Foundation of Palm Beach and Martin Counties to support its operations and programming initiatives.
“The museum is thrilled and heartened by the tangible support it is receiving from two significant foundations that are focused on the needs of its community,” said Charlene Farrington, executive director of the Spady Museum. “Our leadership and staff will continue to create and offer programs and events that bring our residents together for dialogue, community-building, history lessons, art development and cultural education, in order to foster a more culturally sensitive, aware and accepting Palm Beach County.”
The Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties is a nonprofit organization that leads philanthropy locally. The foundation provides charitable expertise and vehicles to increase the investment options on behalf of individuals, family foundations, and corporations. Since 1972, the foundation has distributed over $200 million in grants and scholarships aimed at closing the area’s opportunity gaps. With its vast network of donors and nonprofit partners, the foundation supports initiatives that improve youth and education, economic opportunity, thriving communities, and crisis preparation and response. Learn more at https://yourcommunityfoundation.org.
ABOUT THE SPADY CULTURAL HERITAGE MUSEUM:
Opened in 2001, the Spady Cultural Heritage Museum is the only cultural center of its kind in Palm Beach County. Located at 170 NW Fifth Avenue in Delray Beach, it is dedicated to showcasing the contributions of African-, Caribbean- and Bahamian-Americans to Florida and the U.S. Programs include exhibitions, museum tours, and community events. Hours: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday; Mondays by appointment. Closed Sundays. Admission: $20; Members are free. For more information, call 561-279-8883 or visit www.spadymuseum.com
(West Palm Beach, FL – June 1, 2023) Friends of the Mounts Botanical Garden will be hosting three week-long programs next month for nature curious youngsters ages 7 to 11. Garden Explorers Summer Camp offers science-based fun and nature experiences, Monday through Friday, 9 am to 3 pm, July 10-14, July 17-21, and July 24-28.
“Eco-conscious and green-leaning kids can register for one, two, or all three weeklong camps because each one will offer something new and different,” promises Mounts Curator Director Rochelle Wolberg. “Activities will take place both outside and indoor, so campers will have access to a cool, dry space in the event of excessive heat or rain.”
During Mounts Year of the Orchid 2023, each of the three camp sessions will be limited to 20 participants and will offer a variety of fun and informative experiences, including:
Become a junior wetlands water quality and conservation specialist by taking part in hands-on lab activities.
Become a budding soil scientist by getting a close-up, “dirty hands” look at the properties of mud.
Become a blooming horticulturist by discovering the wicked, dangerous, sticky, deceptive and downright incredible adaptations plants have developed to help them survive.
Become a botanist-to-be by attending a dissection lab for an inside look at the fascinating structures of seeds and flowers.
Become an aspiring agriculturalist by touring the edible gardens at Mounts and learning how to grow and nurture tasty fruits and vegetables.
Become an edible gardener by making healthy garden snacks.
The cost to attend each week-long session is $250 for Mounts members, $290 for nonmembers. (Note: an extra $50 per camper will cover extended care, 8 to 9 am, and 3 to 4 pm.)
For each session of the Garden Explorers Summer Camp, young participants should bring a refillable water bottle, a healthy lunch, a hat, sunscreen, and bug repellant.
For each camper, Mounts will provide materials for all activities, snacks, and water for refilling bottles.
About Mounts Botanical Garden of Palm Beach County:
With a mission to inspire and educate through nature, Mounts Botanical Garden is Palm Beach County’s oldest and largest botanical garden. Visitors to this 20-acre tropical oasis will see an acclaimed collection of 25 unique garden areas containing more than 7,000 species of tropical and sub-tropical plants, including Florida natives, exotic and tropical fruit trees, herbs, palms, roses, cactus, bromeliads and much more. Mounts Botanical Garden is part of the Palm Beach County Cooperative Extension Department, in partnership with the University of Florida and the non-profit Friends of the Mounts Botanical Garden. This project is sponsored in part by The Board of County Commissioners, the Tourist Development Council, and the Cultural Council for Palm Beach County. Mounts Botanical is located at 531 North Military Trail in West Palm Beach. For more information, please visit www.mounts.org.
The 50th Anniversary Palm Beach County Urban League Gala was held on Friday May 12, at the Palm Beach County Convention Center featuring a special guest performance by R and B Grammy Nominated Artist Kenny Lattimore. Among the honorees at the event were entrepreneur and philanthropist Winsome McIntosh, West Palm Beach Mayor Keith James and Precious Clark, a senior at Pahokee Middle Senor High School.
Walk the streets of New York today and it’s difficult to imagine just three years ago this massive city fell silent. With the pandemic behind us, New York City once again bustles with tourists and locals enjoying all the Big Apple has to offer. Despite being a 15-year resident of New York City, I’m always discovering something new. Whether you’ve traveled to New York numerous times or have never experienced the city that never sleeps, here are a few things to add to your itinerary in Manhattan and other boroughs. Note: Pack your walking shoes we’re covering some miles. But, don’t worry, epic views and a delicious dinner conclude the itinerary!
Explore NYC’s Westside on the Hudson River Greenway
A hidden treasure, the Little Red Lighthouse stands beneath the George Washington Bridge in Upper Manhattan and the Hudson River Greenway will lead you to it. Stretching 11 miles, the greenway spans the entire length of Manhattan’s west side. Besides finding the Little Red Lighthouse, along the route are sculptures, benches, railroad memorabilia, midtown piers and plenty of riverside cafes. The trail passes through Fort Washington Park, Riverbank Park, Riverside Park and Hudson River Park before finishing at Battery Park at the southernmost tip of Manhattan.
Malcolm Cochran’s Private Passage is an eye-catching sculpture along the trail. It’s a 30’x 8’6” giant wine bottle resting on its side. Inside is a representation of an interior statement from the ocean liner, Queen Mary. Doing the full greenway will take most of the day but there are plenty of green spaces for picnicking and riverside cafes along the trail to help you recharge when needed.
Discover Little Island
As you explore the Hudson River Greenway, you’ll discover a new addition to Manhattan’s west side, Little Island. Rising from the remnants of Pier 54, Little Island sits on a site that has played a pivotal role in the story of the Hudson River and its surrounding communities. The former pier now serves as a park with two acres of beautifully landscaped grounds. Little Island opened on May 21, 2021, as an oasis for New Yorkers and visitors with dazzling views and an abundance of free education programs and performances. Interesting works of art are also interspersed throughout the park.
Hudson River Park continues south from Little Island featuring tennis courts, miniature golf, basketball courts and bike trails along the way with more art woven into the landscape.
Continue past the Hudson River Park in lower Manhattan to Battery Park and look for the Seaglass Carousel. Riders sit inside iridescent fish in an aquatic setting for this uniquely magical carousel ride.
Experience the High Line
Built on a historic freight rail line, the High Line stretches from Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District to 34th Street along Manhattan’s west side. This elevated walkway has become one of New York’s top attractions.
Highlights along the way including the Chelsea Thicket—a two-block section of the pathway that meanders through a miniature forest of dogwoods, bottlebrush buckeye, roses and various other trees and shrubs. Original railroad tracks are embedded into the walkway as a nod to the path’s original identity. Between 14th and 15th Streets the walkway is lined with lounge chairs filled with sunbathers during the day and those looking for the best seat in town to catch a sunset over the Hudson River. Train lovers will appreciate the area around 34th Street that overlooks the train yard outside of Penn Station.
Explore the Brooklyn Heights Promenade
As one of the first neighborhoods of commuting New Yorkers in the early 1800s, Brooklyn Heights earning the title of “America’s First Suburb.” The historic neighborhood retains much of its 19th-century charm with quaint tree-lined streets flanked by stately mansions and lovely brownstones.
The Brooklyn Heights promenade runs alongside the East River where stunning unobstructed views of Lower Manhattan are the main attraction. It’s one of the most romantic spots in New York City. Lined with flower beds, trees, playgrounds and benches, the promenade stretches one-third mile. Highlights include views of the Statue of Liberty, the historic Brooklyn Bridge and the Manhattan skyline.
Take a Sunset Walk Across the Brooklyn Bridge
One of the country’s oldest suspension bridges, the Brooklyn Bridge is a New York City icon. Completed in 1883, the bridge spans nearly 1600 feet across the East River. A stunning structure with Neo-Gothic towers, the Brooklyn Bridge connects New York City’s past with its present. And it’s one of New York’s most popular walks.
It’s an easy 1.2-mile walk each way on the pedestrian walkway which is situated above the bustling traffic lanes. You can walk it from Manhattan to the Bronx or vice versa. Personally, I prefer to take the subway to Brooklyn and walk back to Manhattan. Take the A or C subway train downtown in Manhattan to High Street in Brooklyn. Then take a short walk to the bridge entrance. The Manhattan skyline unfolds before you and Lady Liberty is in view in New York harbor. There’s nothing quite like walking the Brooklyn Bridge. A walk just before sunset yields views of the city’s lights coming alive as the sun disappears. It has always been one of my favorite New York experiences.
A Walk in the Bronx on High Bridge
Built in 1848, the High Bridge (originally known as the Aqueduct Bridge) is the oldest bridge in New York City. After being closed for over 40 years, the bridge reopened as a pedestrian walkway in 2015. The steel arch bridge rises to a height of 140 feet over the Harlem River connecting Manhattan with the Bronx. Historical markers along the walkway provide a glimpse into New York City’s history.
The eastern end of the bridge sits in the Highbridge section of the Bronx near the western end of West 170th Street. The western end exists in Highbridge Park in Manhattan where the 200-foot octagonal High Bridge Water Tower stands watch. Sculptures throughout the park provide an artistic touch to this historic section of the city.
Experience Epic Views and Dining at the Empire State Building
One of NYC’s most iconic landmarks, the Empire State Building showcases views of the city’s skyline from its 82nd-floor observatory and even more incredible views from the 102nd floor. Even if you’ve been previously, new exhibits within the Empire State Building provide insights into this art deco masterpiece. Besides, the views never get old! Given the attraction’s appeal, the best way to visit the Empire State Building is with a VIP experience. Observatory packages can now be purchased in tandem with the Empire State Building’s art deco-styled restaurant, STATE Grill and Bar. The package provides a skip-the-line VIP pass for the observatories. And, the pass is paired with a two-course lunch or three-course dinner on the ground floor. Packages are available at the Empire State Building Observatory and online via esbnyc.com.
