Located just outside of the Big Apple, Yonkers is home to a thriving cultural and food scene. From floating farms to fine dining, this small city offers visitors a wide variety of fun things to do. If you’re looking for a weekend outing on the Hudson River without the hassle of a long commute, take a quick train ride to Yonkers.
You can take Metro-North Railroad’s Hudson Line to Yonkers Station. Then follow this itinerary for an overnight trip of renowned eats and spectacular riverfront views.
From the Station, you can walk to The Science Barge (about a 2-minute walk) and check out the floating hydroponic farm. This urban farm grows an array of fresh produce including tomatoes, melons, popcorn, peppers, eggplant, and lettuce with zero net carbon emissions. Running from mid-April to October, it is open to the public on weekends. Admission is free with a suggested $5 donation.
Be sure to visit X2O Xaviars on the Hudson for an elegant lunch in the last standing turn of the century Victorian pier. Jutting out into the river, the restaurant offers spectacular views from Manhattan to the Palisades. Chef Peter Kelly has received national recognition for Hudson Valley cuisine incorporating “classic French technique with Italian and Spanish influences, and Asian embellishments.” In 2007, he beat Bobby Flay on Food Network’s Iron Chef America.
For a super casual, super-sized lunch, go to Pizza Barn located on the corner of Mclean and Van Cortland Park Ave famous for the “Super Slice,” the largest in the world measuring in at around 2 feet. From classic cheese to lasagna, the pie’s (or slice in this case) the limit here.
Craft beer is big in the Hudson Valley, and Yonkers has the makings of a great beer city. Head over to Yonkers Brewing Co. for a cold pint of local hand-crafted beer. New beers exclusive to the tasting room are always on tap, and hosts a number of events throughout the week. If you’re more of a wine connoisseur, take a 2-minute walk down Main Street for a glass of wine at the delectable Zuppas Italian Restaurant & Lounge.
Just an Uber or cab ride away is the newest location of Fortina located at the renovated Boyce Thompson Center, a newly repurposed industrial space now an up and coming shopping/meeting destination. From wood-fired baked ziti to The Luigi Bianco, a wood-fired pizza topped with burrata, robiolona, parmesan, black truffle, chef Christian Petroni is no stranger to big Italian flavor. His big flavors and even bigger personality recently made him co-winner in America’s Next Food Network Star.
Also, check out The Hudson River Museum this season. Consistently voted “best date night that’s not a restaurant,” the museum offers a fun day or night out with a wide variety of seasonal programs ranging from a hip-hop dance workshop to a Beatles-themed laser show.
Looking for a late night bite before heading home? Just a 10-minute walk from the train station is a Mexican restaurant that has some of the most authentic food in the area. Tacos el Poblano, located on Nepperhan Ave is open every day 8am-2am to satisfy your late night cravings.