Saint Paul's Church National Historic Site
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Saint Paul's Church was constructed by the town of Eastchester, New York, using tax dollars and lotteries, to celebrate the town's prosperity at the end of the French and Indian War. While workers used local materials to construct the building, architect Christopher Wren fashioned the design after the great buildings built in London after the Great Fire of 1666. While they completed the building's exterior and about two-thirds of the tall spiral, their work was stopped by the American Revolutionary War as American, British, and Hessian armies used the church as a field hospital. They finally completed the project in 1805 with a balcony, and the building was used as a house of worship for an Episcopalian congregation until it was given to the federal government in 1980. In present-day Mount Vernon, New York, this church has undergone many changes over the years, including a significant remodeling in 1942.
Things To Do Near Saint Paul's Church National Historic Site
Take a guided tour of the interior of Saint Paul's Church. Workers reconstructed the tall-walled boxed pews in 1945, but they originally were designed to let each family heat their seating area when the church was new. The 18th-century pulpit has three levels, with a person who would reach out with a unique instrument and tickle anyone who tried to sleep in the bottom one; the pastor stood to read the scriptures from the middle level and preached his sermon from the top level. The 1833 pump organ is one of the oldest working organs in the United States. See the bell cast at the same foundry as the Liberty Bell. Finally, view the stained-glass window that John LaFarge probably created.
Hiking Trails
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Bronx River Greenway
The Bronx River Greenway is broken into different sections as it is not yet completed. You can easily connect the pieces using city streets. This hike starts at the salt marsh at the beginning of the Bronx River in Soundview Park. Then, it runs through Concrete Plant Park, Starlight Park, Bronx Zoo, and New York Botanical Gardens. This hike ends by following West Westlake Drive across the historic Kensico Dam.
Location
Soundview Park, Metcalf Avenue, Lafayette Avenue, New York, New York 10473
Length
23.5 miles
Intensity
Moderate
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Queens Greenway
The Queens Greenway begins on Coney Island and continues to Fort Totten on Long Island Sound. After leaving Coney Island, the path takes you along Queens Parkway, where you can see many historic homes and Gravesend Cemetery before it reaches Prospect Park. Then, it runs along the Eastern Parkway and Highland Park before reaching the Ridgewood Reservoir. It allows you to hike through several more historic neighborhoods, including Flushing Meadows, before reaching the historic fort.
Location
Near Surf Avenue at 37th Street, Coney Island, New York, New York 11224
Length
40 miles
Intensity
Moderate
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Giraffe Path
The Giraffe Path, taking its name from the shape of the path resembling a giraffe's neck, starts at Fort Tryon Park and ends at Central Park. In the middle, explore Morningside, St. Nicholas, Jackie Robinson, and Highland Park.
Location
Central Park, New York City, New York
Length
6 miles
Intensity
Moderate
Sightseeing
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New York Botanical Gardens
See over 1 million living plants at the New York Botanical Gardens. Then, tour the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, which is home to many different ecosystems. Frequent classes and workshops occur at this location.
Location
2900 Southern Boulevard, The Bronx, New York 10458
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Bronx Zoo
The Bronx Zoo is the largest in the United States by landmass. Approximately 4,000 animals from over 650 species and numerous points around the world live at this location. They also frequently host special exhibitions. This zoo first opened in 1899, and you can see several historical structures.
Location
2300 Southern Boulevard, Bronx Park, Bronx, New York, 10460
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Old Yankee Stadium
Take in a ballgame at Yankee Stadium. Even if the New York Yankees are not playing, take a tour of this facility that opened in 2009. The stadium was built to resemble the old Yankee Stadium, which was located just across the street.
Location
East 161stStreet& River Avenue, Bronx, New York, 10451
Museums
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Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum
The Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum is in the northwest corner of Pelham Bay Park, and you will want to tour this Greek Revival house museum. The house, constructed in 1836, served as the first home to the International Garden Society. Be sure to set aside some time to stroll through the gardens as well. Staff often present special historical programs, with many designed for children.
Location
895 Shore Road, The Bronx, New York 10464
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Hall of Fame for Great Americans
See the 98 busts located around the library at Brooklyn Community College. Each one represents someone who has left an impact on America, was born in the United States, or was a naturalized citizen and has been dead for at least 25 years. View busts of Clara Barton, President Roosevelt, Susan B. Anthony, and many others.
Location
Bronx Community College, University Avenue at West 181st Street, The Bronx, New York 10453
Nearby Shops and Restaurants
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Lafayette Gifts NYC
Find hand-curated gift boxes filled with items made by local artists at Lafayette Gifts NYC. They will also work with you to produce unique gifts for all types of occasions.
Location
inside A Uno, 123 West Broadway, New York, New York 10013
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NYBG Shop
Find clothing, home décor, gardening tools, and books at NYBG Shop. Each purchase helps support the New York Botanical Garden.
Location
900 Southern Boulevard, Bronx, New York 10458
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Empire City Chophouse
Enjoy listening to light jazz music while dining on steaks at Empire City Chophouse. You will love the prime cuts of beef and the extensive wine list.
Location
810 Yonkers Avenue, Yonkers, New York 10704
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Tra Di Noi
After spending many years cooking for Italy's noble families, Chef Marco opened Tra Di Noi. Each Italian dish is prepared from scratch using only the freshest ingredients. Be sure to check their daily specials.
Location
622 East 187th Street, Bronx, New York 10453
How To Get To Saint Paul's Church National Historic Site
From the Bronx, start by heading north on Morris Park Avenue. Turn left on Eastchester Road and make a slight right to get on Stillwell Avenue. Get on Bronx and Pelham Parkway, and then take the Hutchinson Parkway/New Rochelle Exit and head north on Hutchinson Parkway. Take Exit 7 and get on US 1, then turn right on Pelham Parkway. Continue going straight to get on South Fulton Avenue. Finally, turn left on South Columbus Avenue.
Address
897 South Columbus Avenue, Mt Vernon, New York 10550
Fee: Entry fee $0
See the beautiful old church at Saint Paul's Church National Historic Site. There is also plenty to discover in the surrounding area. Since there is a multitude of things to do, you will want to bring your RV. Check out RVshare's wide range of available vehicles if you need to secure one before you head out on your way.
