Yonkers, New York

Reading Time: 6 minutes

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Geographic Coordinates: 40.946600, -73.867300

Climate: Seasonal.

Population: 209730

Language: English

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Yonkers, Located in Westchester County, New York, Is the fourth most populous city in the state with over 200, 000 people. Its rich history dates back to the 1600s when it was inhabited by Native American tribes such as Lenape and Siwanoy. The city’s name is derived from Jonkheer which means young gentleman in Dutch. It refers to Adriaen van der Donck who secured land rights for his fellow Dutch colonists. In the 19th century, Yonkers became a major manufacturing hub producing items like carpets and hats.

The city also attracted wealthy residents who built grand mansions along its tree-lined streets. Today, Yonkers boasts a vibrant cultural scene with diverse communities contributing to it. The downtown area features numerous restaurants serving international cuisine ranging from Italian to Mexican. Art galleries showcasing works by local artists are also present. Untermyer Park and Gardens designed by renowned landscape architect William Welles Bosworth is one of Yonker’s most notable landmarks that includes waterfalls and stunning views of Hudson River valley.

Empire City Casino at Yonkers Raceway offers gaming entertainment including slot machines, Electronic table games and live harness racing events throughout the year. The city hosts several events throughout the year including festivals celebrating different cultures such as St.Patrick’s Day Parade or Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations. In conclusion, Yonkers has plenty of charm and character that make it worth exploring for those interested in history, Culture and entertainment.

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1. Hudson River Museum
2. Untermyer Park and Gardens
3. Science Barge
4. Beczak Environmental Education Center
5. Yonkers Raceway and Empire City Casino
6. Lenoir Nature Preserve
7. Philipse Manor Hall State Historic Site
8. Sherwood House
9. Saint John’s Episcopal Church
10. Yonkers Public Library Riverfront Branch

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• The major industries and businesses in Yonkers, United States include:
1. Healthcare
2. Education
3. Retail
4. Hospitality
5. Manufacturing
6. Finance
• Some of the top employers in Yonkers include:
1. Montefiore Medical Center
2. St. John’s Riverside Hospital
3. Empire City Casino at Yonkers Raceway
4. Consumer Reports headquarters
5. The City of Yonkers government
• Additionally, there are several shopping centers and malls in the area such as:
1. Cross County Shopping Center
2. Ridge Hill
• The manufacturing industry is also present with companies like:
1. Kawasaki Rail Car Inc., which produces subway cars for New York City’s transit system

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Noteable History

1. The Saw Mill River Parkway opened in 1927, which played a major role in Yonkers’ growth as a suburb.
2. The Hudson River Museum was founded in 1919 and is one of the oldest cultural institutions in Westchester County.
3. In the early 20th century, Yonkers was home to several prominent businessmen and philanthropists, including John D. Rockefeller Jr., who donated money to build parks and schools.
4. Yonkers Raceway opened in 1899 and became one of the premier harness racing tracks in the country.
5. The city was home to several famous musicians, including Ella Fitzgerald, who grew up there, and Mary J. Blige, who attended high school there.
6. In the mid-20th century, Yonkers became known for its racial tensions as it struggled with integration following a federal court order to desegregate its public schools.
7. In recent years, Yonkers has undergone significant redevelopment efforts that have transformed its waterfront into a vibrant entertainment district with restaurants and shops.
8. Yonkers is also known for being featured prominently on HBO’s The Sopranos as it served as the setting for many scenes throughout the series’ six seasons.
9. The city is also known for being home to several notable sports figures such as former NFL player Doug Flutie and former NBA player Elton Brand.
10. In addition, Yonkers’ native Steven Tyler of Aerosmith fame spent some time growing up here before moving on to Boston where he would form his iconic band that would go on become one of America’s most successful rock groups ever!

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Museums and Things To See

1. Hudson River Museum
2. Philipse Manor Hall State Historic Site
3. Untermyer Gardens Conservancy
4. Science Barge
5. Yonkers Raceway & Empire City Casino
6. Sherwood House Museum of Art and Culture
7. Beczak Environmental Education Center
8. Lenoir Preserve Nature Center & Park
9. Yonkers Public Library Riverfront Branch
10. Yonkers Brewing Co.
11. Tibbetts Brook Park
12. Saw Mill River Daylighting Park

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Sports Teams

1. Yonkers City FC is a semi-professional soccer team founded in 2018 that plays in the National Premier Soccer League.
2. The Yonkers Trotters were a professional basketball team that played in the American Basketball Association from 2005 to 2006.
3. The Thunderbolts were a minor league baseball team that played in the Northeast League from 1995 to 1999.
4. The Blue Devils are a high school sports team, known as Saunders Trades and Technical High School Blue Devils, that has won multiple championships in various sports including basketball and football.
5. Another successful high school sports program is the Lincoln Lancers of Lincoln High School who have won championships in football, basketball, and track and field over the years.
6. Westchester Flames FC was a former United Soccer League (USL) Premier Development League (PDL) soccer club based out of Tibbetts Brook Park Stadium which operated from 2001 until its demise after the conclusion of its final season at end of July 2013.
7. Yonkers Bravehearts was a former American Basketball Association (ABA) professional basketball franchise based out of Saunders Trades & Technical High School gymnasium which operated during one season only during late-2010/early-2011 before folding due to financial difficulties.
8. Yonkers Longshoremen was a former independent baseball club based out of Fleming Field which played four seasons between late-1940s/early-1950s before disbanding after their last campaign during summer 1952.
9. Yonkers Panthers was an amateur baseball squad who competed within Westchester Amateur Baseball league for several decades until their disbandment around early-1980s.
10. The Sacred Heart High School Irish Football Team was known for its long-standing rivalry with cross-town rival Gorton High School but unfortunately closed down when Sacred Heart became an all-girls school in 2004.

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Cultural Events

1. Yonkers Riverfest is an annual festival that celebrates the Hudson River, featuring live music, food vendors, and activities suitable for all ages.
2. Yonkers Arts Weekend is a weekend-long event that showcases local artists and their work through exhibitions, performances, and workshops.
3. The Yonkers International Food Festival celebrates the city’s diverse culinary scene with food from around the world.
4. The Westchester Polish Festival is an annual event celebrating Polish culture through traditional music, dance, food, and crafts.
5. The St. Patrick’s Day Parade is held annually in March to celebrate Irish heritage with marching bands and floats.
6. The Italian Feast & Carnival is an annual festival celebrating Italian culture with live entertainment, carnival rides & games as well as authentic Italian cuisine stalls.
7. The Greek Festival of Yonkers showcases Greek culture with traditional music & dance performances along with delicious Greek cuisine stalls every year.
8. The Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration lasts a month long featuring cultural performances and events throughout the city to celebrate Hispanic heritage.
9. Diwali Mela is one of the biggest Indian festivals celebrated in October or November featuring traditional Indian music & dance performances along with authentic Indian cuisine stalls.
10. The Halloween Parade organized by Downtown Waterfront BID takes place yearly where people dress up in costumes to celebrate Halloween festivities.

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Cuisine

1. X20 – Xaviars on the Hudson: This upscale restaurant serves contemporary American cuisine and is known for its stunning views of the Hudson River.
2. La Bella Havana: This Cuban restaurant offers a variety of traditional dishes, including ropa vieja, arroz con pollo, and empanadas.
3. Yonkers Brewing Co.: A local brewery that also serves pub fare such as burgers, sandwiches, and wings.
4. Zuppa Restaurant & Lounge: An Italian restaurant with a cozy atmosphere and authentic dishes like pasta alla vodka and chicken parmigiana.
5. Dolphin Restaurant: A seafood spot that has been around for over 50 years serving fresh seafood dishes like lobster bisque, clam chowder, and oysters Rockefeller.
6. Dan Rooney’s Cafe & Bar at Empire City Casino: A sports bar located inside the casino that offers classic pub food such as burgers, wings, nachos and more.
7. Guapo Cocina Mexicana: Authentic Mexican food served in a colorful setting with outdoor seating available during warmer months.
8. The Taco Project Yonkers: A casual spot serving up creative tacos such as Korean BBQ beef or crispy fish tacos along with other Mexican favorites like guacamole and margaritas.
9. Elevation Burger Yonkers: A fast-casual burger chain that prides themselves on using organic ingredients to create delicious burgers with toppings like bacon jam or truffle aioli sauce.
10. Royal Palace Banquet Hall & Catering Service Inc.: Known for their Indian cuisine buffet on weekends which includes an array of curries made from fresh ingredients along with tandoori chicken tikka masala etc.

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Parks and Recreation

1. Tibbetts Brook Park: This park provides an array of recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, swimming, and picnicking.
2. Untermyer Gardens: This stunning garden is perfect for a relaxing stroll or a picnic with loved ones.
3. Croton Aqueduct Trailway: This trailway is ideal for hiking or biking and boasts picturesque views of the Hudson River.
4. Lenoir Preserve: A nature preserve that offers visitors hiking trails, bird watching opportunities, and educational programs.
5. Sprain Ridge Park: Offers visitors hiking trails, picnic areas, playgrounds and sports fields including basketball courts.
6. Van Der Donck Park: A waterfront park that features walking paths along the Hudson River with breathtaking views of the Palisades.
7. Saxon Woods Park: A large park offering an 18-hole golf course, pool complex with water slides & beach volleyball court.
8. Yonkers Tennis Center: Offers tennis lessons, clinics, camps & tournaments.
9. Ridge Hill Shopping Center: In addition to shopping options it also has outdoor dining options, movie theater & entertainment options like bowling alley etc.

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