Inwood is one of Manhattan’s best kept secrets! This little jewel has a rich history and what’s shaping up to be an even brighter future. Mostly occupied by people of Dominican decent, it is still a very diverse community, with many young families occupying the area. I lived there for 3 years after I got married, and I began my family there so it definitely holds a special place in my heart. Being from the suburbs myself, the city was definitely an adjustment, but Inwood was the perfect transition for me. It felt suburban but with the convenience of the city at my fingertips. It’s really the best of both worlds! So let’s dig in!
Inwood is named for the marble that was once prevalent on the
island. It’s a very soft marble which is easily eroded, hence the reason so
much of it is gone today. However, you can still find traces of it in Inwood
today. Inwood is also said to be the site where the island was originally
purchased from the Lenape Indians. I find this interesting because this is where it all began yet the area is so often forgotten.
Inwood Hill
Park
Inwood Hill
Park is the only natural forest in Manhattan (No, Central Park isn't a natural forest). It’s such a vast space that
consists of multiple playgrounds, tennis courts, basketball courts, a
baseball field, walking paths, a boat house, you get the idea. You can
even sit on the water and gaze at the Henry Hudson Bridge, which we've done on ocassion. The park is neverending! When I had my first son, we enjoyed the snow during the winter months and the "Froggie Sprinkler" during the summer. Oh, and the Ice Cream truck is a permanent fixture for frozen treats. It helps take the edge off those humid NY Summer days.
Isham Street Farmer’s Market
Across from
Inwood Hill Park, on Saturdays from 8a-3p, is the Isham Street Farmer’s Market.
It’s located on Isham Street between Cooper Street and Seaman Avenue. There’s
wonderful produce, organic meat, fish, and yummy baked goods too! My oldest son loved this apple cake I used to buy there. The vendors
are very personable and helpful. Strolling past the stands amongst the people
is really a blissful experience. I loved watching the other parents let their children sample the fresh berries on display. It truly reminded me of a simpler time and it's quite serene on that self contained little strip. I'd easily forget that I was still in
Manhattan.
Dyckman
Farmhouse Museum
This museum,
located on the corner of 204th
Street and Broadway, was
once a working farmhouse, and currently sits on about a half acre of land. It
is the only 18th Century Dutch Colonial style
farmhouse left on the island. It’s survived the revolution, housed indentured
servants, and lasted through the industrialization of the area long enough for
two relatives to present it to the city for preservation in 1916. I don't know how many times I walked past this place before I realized it was a museum. It is open to
the public Friday-Sunday from 11a-5p.
Art Deco Buildings
Inwood also has many architectural treasures from the Art Deco period. The geometrically adorn facades can be seen sprinkled throughout the area. The most popular one is the New York Central Railroad Substation No. 10, which was built in the 1930s to provide electrical service to trains on the Hudson River Line. Though the structure is currently abandoned it was supposed to be undergoing renovation by The Department of Parks and Recreation. Work on the project halted in 2010, and a determination of what exactly it was supposed to become was never reached. Whatever it becomes, renovating this buliding would do a great deal to enrichen the area that much more. Cross your fingers that work will resume. Any Art Deco relic you stumble upon is a nice piece of nostalgia from an era gone by. Look closely though because you can easily miss them.
| New York Central Railroad Substation No. 10 |
| Art Deco Building-Seaman Avenue |
Inwood also has many architectural treasures from the Art Deco period. The geometrically adorn facades can be seen sprinkled throughout the area. The most popular one is the New York Central Railroad Substation No. 10, which was built in the 1930s to provide electrical service to trains on the Hudson River Line. Though the structure is currently abandoned it was supposed to be undergoing renovation by The Department of Parks and Recreation. Work on the project halted in 2010, and a determination of what exactly it was supposed to become was never reached. Whatever it becomes, renovating this buliding would do a great deal to enrichen the area that much more. Cross your fingers that work will resume. Any Art Deco relic you stumble upon is a nice piece of nostalgia from an era gone by. Look closely though because you can easily miss them.
Yummy Thai
If you’re
hungry after your tour de Inwood, and are in the mood for some home-cooked
Thai, Yummy Thai has great, affordable lunch specials starting at $7.25! (including an appetizer). Anything from Spring
rolls to Pad Thai to Tamarind duck! Try their Mussamun Curry. It’s a mildly
spicy, smooth dish that will please any palate. The interior is modern with a colorful graphic palette. Not short on ambiance at all. Yummy Thai is a nice little
spot to sit and have lunch or dinner if you like. And kudos to them for having highchairs for infants! I was pleasantly surprised. If you're a Thai food afficianado like myself, it is quite a joy to have a Thai place to eat or order from this far north. It’s located on Broadway
between 207th and Isham.
Mamajuana
Café
Mamajuana Café
is another great place to eat. It’s a hot night spot; very lively. During the
fair weather seasons there is outdoor dining on the sidewalk. Their menu
consists of Spanish dishes including Coca, a Spanish free-form pizza. They also
offer a prix fix Saturday and Sunday Brunch from 11a-3p. And trust me, it’s
hard to find a Saturday Brunch nowadays! It is located on Dyckman between
Seaman Avenue and Payson Avenue.
So if you've never heard of Inwood, now you have and I hope you'll check it out. It will always hold a special place in my heart.
