If you are longing to enjoy beautiful green scenery while staying in NYC and the surroundings, Bear Mountain can be a perfect alternative :).
Yuuup...Bear Mountain
The first time I hear this place name, I imagine bears are freely roaming around in this area. Well, at least they used to..perhaps :).
For sure, Bear Mountain Park is one of NY state parks along the rugged mountain near Hudson River. Providing its visitors with large playing field, swimming pool, an inn with spa, resto and souvenir shop, and a fascinating merry-go-round (only a dollar per ride :)), you can also take its famous path heading to the summit of Bear Mountain to enjoy spectacular view from above. Ow, and they have installed an ice rink during winter as well for all to enjoy! SOunds like fun, right...
Located near the Harriman Park Estate in NY state, it took us around 1.5 hour drive from New York City. Taking the Palisades route, we visited this place together with some friends, Nona and Nara. It was a fun ride with a quick stop at the scenic view spot along the way, overlooking Hudson river from another part of the city. As it was a nice and war day, we planned to have picnic as well with nasi uduk on the menu (don't get bored, this nasi uduk or Indonesian rice with coconut milk is indeed my favorite :)).
We somehow made some wrong turns and end up taking the path to Perkins Memorial Tower.
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| the tower... |
It was in the same area as Bear Mountain and getting lost here proved to be a blessing in disguise. We found another perfect spot for photo session, hahahaha. Lucky us :).
After parking our car, we made a little hike and enjoyed the breathtaking scenery from the top.
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| the parking lot... |
It was lovely...
You can enjoy the view of Bear Mountain, with its lake, bridge and river from above.
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| around the Tower... |
Even Bo was fully enjoying the warm day with his scooter :)
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| Bo and his scooter... |
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| careful Bo.... |
Then of course, Obi was soon joining us and more pictures are taken :)
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| Look at Bo fierce face and Obi's smile :).... |
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| View from the top... |
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| the three of us... |
Near the Perkins Memorial Tower, we found this gorgeous rustic bench which was the perfect spot for another pose under the blue sky.
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| My smiley Obi :) |
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| all of us, except Udi :) |
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| Bo et Obi... |
Apparently, Perkins Memorial Tower is beautifully adorned its natural beauty. And we just can't get enough of it...
After being around the tower for about an hour, we finally drove down to Bear Mountain.
It was pass lunch time so everyone was hungry :). But as laid our eyes on the beauty of Hessian Lake, we took some pictures first before enjoying our picnic.
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| Hessian Lake... |
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| lunch timeeeee.... |
After our quick lunch, we explored the area and headed to the merry-go-round. Bo, Obi et mama were having fuuun here :)
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| round round in merry-go-round... |
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| The Inn... |
Well, quite a lovely journey to Bear Mountain and Perkins Memorial Park.
Maybe next time we will try Bear Mountain Inn as well :)
Get more information on its website and have a great day in Bear Mountain :)
