Theodore & Michael
Things to Do & Places to Eat
The Cloisters
The Metropolitan Museum of Art's uptown annex at the Cloisters houses a huge selection of medieval art, including the famous Unicorn tapestries, in a centuries-old Medieval Monastery that was transported from Spain to Washington Heights by the Rockefeller Family. With sweeping views of the Hudson River Palisades, historic medicinal herb gardens, and a priceless collection of art and artefacts, this museum is not to be missed! Admission fees are a suggestion only, and admittance is allowed for any donation, no matter how small.
Inwood Hill Park
Inwood Hill Park, situated at the northern tip of Manhattan island, offers the opportunity to explore -- and sometimes get lost! -- in Manhattan's only surviving natural forest. Known for it's salt marshes, Native American archaeological sites, and winding forest trails, the park provides visitors the chance to forget about city life and enjoy the serenity and beauty of nature. Stop at the Indian Road Cafe for a coffee or tea to take with you as you explore the park!
The Dyckman Farmhouse Museum
Built in the 1780s, the Dyckman Farmhouse is the oldest remaining farmhouse on the island of Manhattan. It is a reminder of the Dutch history of New York, and a window into the rural history of Inwood and Washington Heights. The house has been converted into a museum documenting colonial and revolutionary agrarian life on the island of Manhattan. Admission to the house and surrounding garden is on a donation basis.
The Morris-Jumel Mansion
The oldest surviving private home in Manhattan, the Morris-Jumel mansion was built in 1765 by Roger Morris, a British military officer, was seized by the newly-formed United States government shortly after the revolutionary war, purchased by the wealthy Jumel family of France in 1810, and sold to the City of New York in 1903, at which time it was converted to a museum. It served as a headquarters for both the Continental Army and the British Army during the Revolutionary War, and was the venue for the wedding of Eliza Jumel to Aaron Burr in 1834. The historic house museum is ornately decorated in the original early 19th century Empire style that the Jumel family favored, and is a true forgotten treasure of New York City.
Hamilton Grange National Memorial
Visit Alexander Hamilton's original home! Hamilton built the house in 1802, just two years before his death during his famous duel with Aaron Burr. The house was named "The Grange" after Hamilton's grandfather's estate in Scotland. Although it's always been located in the Hamilton Heights neighborhood of northern Manhattan (named for Hamilton's 32 acre estate), the house was actually moved twice to preserve it for future generations -- the first move in 1889 saw the house relocated two blocks south to avoid a planned demolition to make way for the city's expanding grid, with the second move occurring in 2008, bringing the house to an open area 500 ft away in the nearby St. Nicholas park where it could be seen in an open space, off of a city grid, as Hamilton had intended it. It is now a national park, with restorations of the interior rooms in the style that would have been popular during Alexander Hamilton's life.
The Little Red Lighthouse
Towards the northern end of the Hudson River Greenway (the car-free, waterfront, walking and biking path that runs from the southern tip of Manhattan all the way up to Inwood), in the shadow of the George Washington Bridge, you'll find the Little Red Lighthouse. Made famous by the 1942 children's book "The Little Red Lighthouse and the Great Gray Bridge" by Hildegarde Swift, the lighthouse served as an important maritime navigational aide until 1931, when the construction of the George Washington Bridge rendered it obsolete. The lighthouse was spared from demolition, however, due to the fame it had acquired as the star of the children's book, and remains standing at Jeffrey's Hook to this day. Visit the light house, and go for a walk/run along the Greenway , just like Mike and Teddy used to do when they lived in Washington Heights!
The High Bridge and High Bridge Water Tower
The High Bridge is the oldest surviving bridge in all of New York City! Built in 1848 as part of the Croton Aqueduct, the bridge helped supply New York City with drinkable water, piped straight from the Croton river. It continued to serve as a major conduit for drinking water until 1949. The bridge was recently renovated and reopened as a pedestrian way in 2015, allowing visitors to walk 140 feet above the Harlem River, affording a unique vantage point of the city. Medallions installed along the walkway document the history of the high bridge and the Croton Aqueduct, and their importance to New York City. This is certainly not your average tourist destination, but we promise it's one you'll never forget!
Wave Hill Public Gardens
Wave Hill is a 28-acre former estate in the Hudson Hill section of Riverdale in The Bronx. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the estate includes two houses and sprawling botanical gardens and greenhouses. The oldest part of the main house, Wave Hill House, dates back to 1843, and has been home to many famous Americans, including Mark Twain and Theodore Roosevelt. In 1960 the estate was gifted to the City of New York. Spend a few hours walking around the gorgeous grounds!
Indian Road Cafe
Recognized for their Hudson Valley farm to table menu, with award-winning cocktails, curated wine and beer lists, and freshly brewed drinks at their amazing coffee bar, Indian Road Cafe is one of our favorite Inwood restaurants/bars! Check their website and catch one of their regularly scheduled events, like Inwood History night, Bar Trivia, or Drag Queen Bingo!
Inwood Greenmarket
Visit Inwood's year-round Greenmarket, open every Saturday from 8AM - 3PM. Enjoy local fruits, vegetables, baked goods, cheeses, and meats from small farms throughout New York and New Jersey.
Darling Coffee
Darling Coffee was a welcome addition to the Inwood food scene when they first opened in 2012. With their amazing house-made pastries and delicious coffee, Darling was a frequent stop for Teddy and Mike whenever they headed up to Inwood. Grab a coffee and a pastry before checking out the Dyckman farmhouse, or before a relaxing stroll through Inwood Hill Park.
Saggio
Teddy is a stickler when it comes to Italian food, but even he can't resist Saggio's menu! Come have a relaxing dinner at this cozy Washington Heights restaurant.
Malecon
This Dominican diner is right down the block from Mike and Teddy's old Washington Heights apartment. The food is so good, you'll eat enough to make you never want to see a plantain again (trust me, we've been there). They're known for their rotisserie chicken and chicharrones (fried pork belly), but there's nothing we've ever ordered that we haven't loved!
By the Way Bakery
By the Way Bakery serves up amazing home-baked treats in all of their NYC locations. They will be providing the scrumptious cake for the wedding as well! Stop by, and don't forget to grab an out-of-this-world almond or ginger cookie. By the Way, they're gluten free, dairy free, and kosher!
Crazy Annie's
What's so crazy about Crazy Annie's? Everything, from their monster milkshakes to their hot wings so hot that they make you sign a waiver before ordering them (be warned, even the Hart twins couldn't deal with the heat). Stop by for a zany and delicious dining experience!
Harlem Public
Mike and Teddy's go-to restaurant in Washington Heights (why wouldn't it be, with avocado fries, fried pickles, wings, and poutine). Pub food done right, with a fantastic bar selection to boot!
The Grange Bar & Eatery
Just a few blocks from Hamilton Grange (Alexander Hamilton's uptown abode) the Grange Bar and Eatery serves delicious New American/Pub food in a casual setting. A favorite brunch spot for Mike and Teddy, the Grange offers bottomless Mimosas and Bloody Marys (and lets you switch between the two throughout brunch!)
The Honeywell
Seek cover from the bustling Harlem bar scene and head downstairs to the speakeasy-style Honeywell, a laid back basement bar with retro cocktails and decor inspired by your grandma's 1970s' basement Tiki lounge.
Riverdale Diner
A Drivas family staple, the Riverdale Diner is your classic New York City Diner, complete with cushioned booths and rotating dessert showcase. A real crowd-pleaser, there's something for everyone on their gargantuan, laminated menu. It also happens to be the place where Mike first learned what was involved in a burger "deluxe" (french fries, lettuce, tomato, pickle, and a side of coleslaw, in case you're wondering). Parking is available on site.