A Day in Fort George
Up Heights NYC
The abundance of Dunkin Donuts becomes tiring after a while. That’s where Up Heights comes in. The coffee shop has become a mainstay in the neighborhood. The setup is simple and quaint, and the coffee and eats are equally as good. And what would be the best start of the day at Up Heights, you ask? Grab an Americano and dig your teeth into an egg and mozzarella croissant.
Cachapas y Mas
The story of the creation of Cachapas y Mas is the biggest selling point for you to opt to take lunch here. The Venezuelan eatery was created by Larry Villalobos. Villalobos spent years as a NYC taxi driver, saving his fares and opening up his dream restaurant. The spot sells Villalobos’ country’s best street fare. This former taxi driver’s dream has exploded into one of the most visited restaurants in Fort George, with arepas (corn cakes stuffed with an array of meats, veggies or cheese) and cachacas (sweet corn pancakes). In 2016, the restaurant opened its first food truck, earning a people’s choice award the same year.
Fort Tryon Park
New York City has an abundance of parks, both small and large and unique. But the neighborhood park in Fort George may be one of the most cherished gifts the city has received. Fort Tryon Park is elevated above the Hudson River and features sweeping views of the river and George Washington Bridge. John D. Rockefeller Jr. bought the land of the park and intended the landscape to resemble that of Central Park with rustic stonework and paths. The views were even designed to echo those of Central Park.
Subway Entrance Tours
The one thing that your neighborhood isn’t lacking – are subway lines. Fort George is home to a variety of subway options and stations. In the plentitude, it is easy to spot that some of the subway entrances are unique and historic. Time to take a quick subway entrance tour. The first stop is the 190th Street station on Fort Washington Avenue near Fort Tryon Park. The long-time entrance is constructed out of limestone blocks. The 191st Street at Broadway features an old school lettering to greet you on the 1 line. But the outline of the entrance is painted with rainbow colors to give you a hardy welcome. The next stop is the entrance at 190th Street at Bennett Avenue. The granite stones and the six green wooden doors appear like they are carved out of a tunnel.
A Night in Fort George
New Leaf Café
You will need to get back to the heart of Fort Tyron Park to find you nighttime meal. The New Leaf Café is a stone building that was constructed by John D. Rockefeller Jr and was originally the mess hall for park employees. The restaurant was restored and taken over by the city’s Coffeed food chain. The eatery offers American comfort food in a cottage setting. The highlights of the restaurant include the Hawaiian Smash, avocado and micro greens. There’s also citrus-herb BBQ chicken breast with farro. If you’re just in the mood for a snack, go with their cheese sampler that features rotating local cheeses, fig jam and NY honey.
Tryon Public House
Your nightlife at Fort George begins and ends at Tryon Public House. The gastropub has become the leading watering hole in the neighborhood, given how it offers a gigantic beer list and a nice whiskey list. The surroundings are right out of an old-school New York City pub with its wood communal tables, tin ceilings and exposed brick. Even the exterior screams “period detail” and “trendy.”
