Ingrid Hill

A cute outdoor sports shop with good variety. Prices seem fair. Good gift idea for your favorite outdoor enthusiast.

So we arrived just after a new summer planting of petunias. It was pretty of course but probably not as impressive as when the tulips are in! As an east coast gal, seeing all the different varieties of flowers, trees, and shrubs has been a delight. Take time to walk down to the beach from the windmill and also to the other windmill, both are quite different. Parking on this end of the park is accessible unlike other more congested parts.

An Albany gem. Outdoor spaces are always treasures but the park is well kept and lovely. It was very clean and so many things were blooming yesterday...from flowering trees to tulips! If you are seeking the tulips dont wait for Mothers Day weekend they arent going to last...get there now...they are definitely at peak with many early bloomers already gone! The bulbs are on sale the 18th and 19th. 18th is pick your own, 19th is buy bagged. $10.00 a bag/approx. 30 bulbs. The tulip varieties are amazing, the beds well designed and marked so that you can know what you are seeing. We went early day, mid week and while there were a fair number of people, it wasnt over crowded and we easily got our photos. The park has many highlights beyond the blooms but this really is a must see if you like spring flowers.

Its a pizza shop so you can't expect fine dining atmosphere; though wiped down tables would have been better. The pizza however was yummy, especially the classic margherita. The jumbo slices are ENORMOUS. They boast the largest pizza in NYC and I believe that it must be true! Price point was fair for a giant slice in the city. $6.00 for jumbos. In the midst of Columbia U campus property so very conveniently located as well. Definitely a thumbs up to Koronet!

We hiked the yellow loop around Turkey Mountain today with Valhalla Falls as our destination. This was a great hike. Trails are very well marked. NJ Hiking has the hike laid out with descriptions and photos. Falls were running well today after all the recent rain but they dont always. If you hike in the direction where you end at 100 steps theres a pretty significant uphill portion after the falls. I almost thing tbis might be easier to start with 100 steps and the clear cut though you will still have an uphill portion. Walking the clear cut is worth the extra mileage if you are uncertain. Not sure this is a great summer hike though. Very very friendly, helpful visitor center staff to answer questions and offer assistance. You can also borrow trekking poles there...great concept! And lovely nature displays for kids of all ages!