Quote de jour
"The greatest gift of the garden is the restoration of the six senses."

Westchester Wednesdays highlights some of my favorite people, places and things from Westchester County. We continue where we left off last week with the artist Jasper F. Cropsey's home and studio. Thousands of commuters roll past the Hastings-on-Hudson train station every day. It's a pleasant ride into New York City with views of the Hudson River. It's easy to miss another enchanting view. Tucked into a verdant knoll a short walk from the Hastings train station is the Newington Cropsey Foundation. You might mistake it for a grand, private estate with it's koi pond, manicured grounds and a quirky yellow mansion but shhh... it's public.

It's has a whiff of secrecy about it, and the truth is hardly anyone knows about this treasure, not even local residents. When you walk or drive up to the gates, you have to pass by a security check-point that looks like something out of Hansel and Gretel, but without the wicked witch. To gain access to the museum, you'll need an appointment. You can however stroll the enchanting sculpture studded grounds during the day. Chances are the only people you'll see are the gardeners. There is a large pond with koi, swans and ducks.  Apart from the architecturally eccentric museum, there is an charming caretaker's cottage and a sculpture studio.





The main building houses the collection of Cropsey's art and is a quirky work of art in itself.



To learn more about the foundation, it's hours and exhibits go to http://www.newingtoncropsey.com/