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What might first appear as a quaint, one Main St. village, Irvington-on-Hudson, holds many secrets each one revealing itself over time, like the perfectly written novel, it grips your attention page-by-page, chapter-by-chapter.
Whether you love an active lifestyle, you are a hard-core foodie or simply love life on the water, Irvington (as the locals call it), caters to each resident’s passions as if it exists only for you. But what truly sets Irvington apart from its more “showy” neighbors, is its laid back vibe. Oh, don’t get me wrong, there’s plenty of luxury homes, fine dining, high end shopping, fancy cars and famous people who call Irvington home, but the village and its residents pride themselves in embracing all who come to call Irvington home. So don those favorite jeans from Levis to designers, put on hiking boots or stilettos and come explore.
It’s not possible to visit Irvington and not be in awe of the magical waterfront that stretches along the mighty Hudson River. After calling Irvington home for more than fifteen years, my mind is still captured by the view as I head to work on Main St. every day. Enjoy the riverfront parks, Mattheissen, for residents only, and Scenic Hudson Park, for residents of Westchester County. The local, community-run organization, FACE, along with the Irvington Recreation Department, throw many events throughout the year at Mattheissen Park including July 4th fireworks for the entire family, Halloween Hayrides for the young and Rocktoberfest, for adults who still know how to rock. When there’s not a scheduled activity, the park itself offers BBQ and picnic areas, play equipment and even a beach! Yes, people do swim in the Hudson River!
"Yes, people do swim in the Hudson River!"
Scenic Hudson Park is where you will find the most spectacular view of the NYC skyline. The “great lawn,” Irvington’s version of the Central Park lawn loved by true city dwellers, is perfect for a relaxing picnic in Summer, or the changing of the leaves and the spectacular Palisades in Fall. Should you get the urge to move, there’s a marked track on the perimeter of the park for a quick jaunt or a power walk. If softball or baseball is your sport, there’s no better place to join a team and no better place to watch a game. Prefer soccer? Basketball? Lacrosse? Football? Tennis? Hiking? Kayaking? They’re all here in Irvington. You just have to know where to look!
And what’s better after an active day then a wonderful meal? Irvington, only 2.4 square miles, is home to over a dozen restaurants and cafes. Dine at the bar at M.P. Taverna, where a night enjoying chef and TV star, Michael Psilakis’ Mediterrenean/Greek delicacies while sharing conversation and wonderful cocktails expertly mixed by bartenders Franco and Mario is the perfect Irvington night out, in my opinion. Summers on the patio at Red Hat on the River, enjoying their seasonal only Lobster Roll and the Hudson River sunset, are as good as a brief vacation from life’s daily routine without leaving the village. For commuters, they’re both right off the train, so feel free to stop for that post-work transition time before heading home. No one will say they saw you! Don’t feel like a meal but want the sunset and views? Try the rooftop at Red Hat where you can see from Manhattan to Croton. And the skyline changes colors nightly so no two nights are ever the same. It’s like living artwork across the magnificent sky.
But what truly makes a town or village home? It’s the people, of course. From multiple generations to newcomers, Irvington welcomes all. Meet the locals at the Farmer’s Market on Sundays or a leisurely stroll on the aqueduct trail. Join the runners club or take a yoga class at Yoga Works, there is truly something for everyone. Have young children? The Irvington Public Library offers early reader programs. Stop by Brrrrrzar after for organic frozen yogurt or a hot cup of coffee. Everyone has grown up enjoying the many offerings from the Irvington Recreation Department from young chefs to blossoming dancers. Need something for the kids to do during the school breaks or in summer? Irvington Recreation offers “Schools Out” programs throughout the year. Want to know more about living in Irvington? There's history, great architecture and the birth of many great literary works. But don’t share our secrets. We like being known as the sleepy little village!
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