Secrets and Scandals of Riverside Drive

Janes Walk

SOLD OUT

Led By Stephanie Azzarone AND Robert F. Rodriguez

Riverside Drive is known for elegance and quiet. But behind its dwellings’ century-old walls lie secrets – from mysterious passageways to scandalous crimes.

On this live tour, you’ll discover hidden tunnels, ghost signs, spite walls, and a bell tower with a 360-degree view. They share space with the Drive’s only freestanding, privately owned villa (where the owner stiffed his architect), a tomb that’s not a tomb, a one-time “slum with a view,” and a sweet, sad memorial to a young child.

It’s also where you’ll find a murderous dentist, a famous mistress, an “imprisoned” husband and a headline-making divorce. And more.

This event takes place entirely in the 100s — a lesser known part of the Drive, but one ideal for tales from the surprising to the sensational. En route, we’ll stop at mansions, churches and burial sites.

Accessibility
The walk will be about 25 blocks long. Guests with accessibility issues can meet the tour on the Riverside Drive side of the Firemen's Memorial. There are no major steps or steep inclines. Note that the tour does NOT enter the Riverside Church tower; those who may choose to visit it afterward must climb 145 narrow, winding steps.
Location Information

RSVP is required and capacity is limited. Meeting location, ending location, and directions will be provided via email before walk date.

guided

Saturday, May 6, 2023
11:00 AM
Greater than 1 hour

Borough: Manhattan
Theme: Art & Architecture, History & Culture
Language: English
Riverside Park as seen from a pier on the Hudson River. Photo: Robert F. Rodriguez. Modifications: photo cropped.