By Lily Malone
Trying to find a safe space or an escape in the city can be extremely difficult. Especially with a heavy class load and trying to balance a social life while in college. Finding peace is key to maintaining a healthy mindset and a healthy lifestyle. Luckily, around Manhattan College, there are many different areas to explore and escape from the city, where you can find balance and center yourself. Here are some different places near Manhattan College that can help you feel at ease and put your mind to rest!
Van Cortlandt Park: Van Cortlandt Park is a great place to relax and unwind. Located on Broadway, it is an easy commute for any Manhattan College student! Van Cortlandt Park is the third largest park in New York City and is perfect for strolling around, picnics and scenic views. The most popular spot at Van Cortlandt for Manhattan College students is known as “The Rock” where you can hike up one of the trails the park offers to a peak where you can see a view of the whole entire park as well as most of The Bronx. It is incredibly breathtaking! Van Cortlandt also offers a golf course, a pool, a skate park and a track for sporting events. Van Cortlandt is the perfect place that is super convenient for Manhattan College students to de-stress.
The Met Cloisters: Travel back to the medieval times at The Met Cloisters! This gorgeous scenery that overlooks the Hudson River is just the place to escape for Manhattan College Students. The hidden gem is located in Fort Tryon Park. The Met Cloisters is just a quick ride on the 1 train to Dyckman Street and short walk to Fort Tryon Park. The Met Cloisters has so much to offer such as tours, stores and events. This is definitely a location that will open your mind to new experiences.
New York Botanical Gardens: The iconic New York Botanical Gardens is one of the most beautiful places in the Bronx. The iconic living museum has over one million living plants throughout the indoor and outdoor spaces. The garden features scenic pathways, greenhouses and gorgeous flowers to observe throughout the landscape. Attractions include the 30,000 remarkable trees, many of which are more than 200 years old, as well as the award-winning Peggy Rockefeller Rose Garden, which is one of the most environmentally friendly rose gardens in the world. The Garden is open 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Tuesday to Sunday, and Monday federal holidays. Students with a valid I.D. get a discount on tickets for $31! When visiting the New York Botanical Gardens you feel as if you are not in the city and are just one with nature.
Wave Hill: If you are not feeling Van Cortlandt Park, another great park that is near Manhattan College is Wave Hill! The park is located on Independence Avenue and is an easy commute for any MC student. The park has so much to offer from picturesque views of the Hudson River, a Cultural Center, greenhouses, a public garden, gallery exhibits and concerts. If you are looking for a place to find some serenity Wave Hill is just the right place to go.