Last Stop On The A Train: Inwood

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!

 

Brief History

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.





New York Central Railroad Substation No. 10

Art Deco Building-Seaman Avenue

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.

 

 

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.