Summer Fridays at Fordham are about to begin; how will you take advantage of them? We asked faculty and staff for their favorite local getaways to inspire your own mini escapes—from a breezy bike ride to the tip of Manhattan to a day at a Hudson Valley winery.
The High Line
Debby Denno, Ph.D., the Arthur A. McGivney Professor of Law and founding director of the Neuroscience and Law Center, loves strolling along this elevated park in Chelsea. “It has everything—magnificent art, gardens, views, sunsets, and stars—and, of course, extraordinary people who may live a block away or all over the world. The added bonus is that it stops (or starts) at the Whitney Museum of American Art, yet another local treasure.”
The Ramble in Central Park
“For anyone who wants a moment to smell the woods, hear the birdsong, and escape the rush of the city, the Ramble in Central Park is a treasure,” said Howard Erichson, Ph.D., professor of law and Maria L. Marcus Distinguished Research Scholar. He’s especially fond of the wildlife that flocks to this “38-acre delight” near Lincoln Center. “For birders like me, it’s one of the best places in the region to find birds, because migrating birds fly overhead and see this attractive expanse of woodland and water and stop in for a rest.”
NYC Ferry
For English professor and department chair Shonni Enelow, Ph.D., summer is the best time to cruise the New York harbor on the NYC Ferry. “It goes up and down the East River, they serve drinks and snacks, and it’s nearly the price of the subway! There’s also a ferry you can take to Governor’s Island, one of the most magical places in the city.”
Met Cloisters
Nicholas Paul, Ph.D., professor of history and a member of Fordham’s medieval studies faculty, was conscious of being “very predictable” by recommending this museum for medieval art in upper Manhattan. But the monastery-like setting and Hudson River views are worth the trip alone. “The Cloisters is just a gorgeous and relaxing place to go in the summer,” he said.
Storm King Art Center
This bucolic sculpture park is an hour-and-a-half drive north of NYC and features over 100 large-scale artworks set on sprawling meadows. “It’s the perfect combination of nature and art,” said Holly Curtis, assistant provost for corporate relations. “I love walking the grounds or renting a bicycle to see the massive sculptures nestled into the beautiful landscape.” If you don’t have a car, you can take an Uber from the Beacon MetroNorth station 30 minutes away.
Manhattan Greenway Trail
“I love to bike in New York City in the summer,” said Matthew Diller, Ph.D., professor of law and dean emeritus. One of his favorite rides is the Manhattan Greenway Trail from Battery Park to Inwood Hill Park at the top of Manhattan. “It has great views and there is always a breeze on hot days. On the way back down, you can stop at Dinosaur Barbecue, right off the bike path.”
Warwick Valley Winery
Neil Stevenson, assistant director, digital fundraising strategy in Development and University Relations, loves this Hudson Valley winery for their live music on weekends and their inexpensive tastings of wine, cider, and spirits. “The apple orchard is gorgeous, and it would make a perfect day trip.”
