Around NYC | Discovering a Hidden Gem Park​​

When I’m not busy snapping photos on long weekends, I love taking my parents to explore quiet, scenic spots with plenty of wildlife to admire—or gently tease. 🦌📸 And guess what? Just ​​an hour’s drive from Manhattan​​, I stumbled upon this ​​magical nature preserve​​ that ticks all the boxes! 🌳✨ Located in ​​New Rochelle​​, this area is known for its ​​great environment, culture, and safety​​. The preserve is a ​​wetland ecosystem​​, which means it’s teeming with diverse wildlife—perfect for nature lovers! 🦆🌿 During our visit, we spotted a ​​red-tailed hawk​​ mid-hunt, eyeing some unlucky neighborhood birds. 🦅😱 We even found its nest, where (warning: nature is metal) what looked like a defeated rival was hanging—yikes! On a lighter note, we also saw ​​adorable deer​​ grazing and managed to snap a pic of a graceful ​​egret​​ wading through the water. 🦌📸 The scenery here is ​​absolutely stunning​​, with large sections hugging the water’s edge. We even crossed paths with a ​​cheerful group of kids on a field trip​​—so wholesome! 👧🧒🌞 As we were leaving, we ​​accidentally discovered​​ the nearby ​​Jay Estate​​, another charming spot worth exploring. It features a ​​lovely little garden​​, perfect for a peaceful stroll. 🌷🏛️ All in all, this place is ​​super fun and easy to walk​​—no challenging trails here! Whether you’re looking for a ​​relaxing family outing​​ or a ​​kid-friendly adventure​​, it’s a ​​must-visit​​ for a weekend escape. 🚶‍♀️💖 #NYCLife #WeekendInNYC #NatureEscape #ParkWanderings #AroundNYC #WeekendWithKids #NYCWithKids #HikingNYC #20MinuteParkRule #NYCWeekendActivities