One of the great perks of living in Westchester is having convenient access to Long Island Sound and the Hudson River. Here are a few places to see and things to do around the water:
The gorgeous beach at Glen Island Park, a spacious locale connected to New Rochelle by a drawbridge, provides easy access to the Sound. The park also offers picnic pavilions, open and reserved picnic areas, and a boat ramp that handles 65 to 70 launchings every weekend. Walking, swimming, boating, sailing, wind surfing, kayaking, canoeing, bird-watching, and fishing are just some of the activities you can enjoy. Sculptures and rubble stone castles evoke memories of the late 19th century when this property was a summer resort; the excellent catering hall and restaurant used to be known as Glen Island Casino during the Big Band era. Leashed dogs are welcome everywhere except in the picnic area. The park is open every day, year-round, from 8 a.m. until dusk.
Kayaking on the Hudson River [kayakhudson.com] is always a boatload of fun for the hale and hearty. From this vantage point, the views are spectacular. For those preferring a more leisurely mode, a drive up Route 22 past the reservoirs provides an extended scenic rush that should be captured with a camera or camcorder to do it justice.
Wildwood State Park is a place to do just about anything outdoors. Located on the north shore of Long Island, it’s well worth the trip. The park features 600 acres of undeveloped hardwood forest. Swimmers love the Sound’s cool waters, and picnickers relish the shaded picnic tables while watching children frolic in the playground nearby. Fishing, bird-watching, camping, hiking, and cross-country skiing are popular activities, and the park also hosts community activities.
