Jeff B.
Yelp
(Visited 12/10/2022 SA @ 1:00pm... and several times before): In addition to a view of the Hudson River, there was also a gorgeous landscape of the New York City skyline and Hoboken below that tempted your eyes https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=qOGKlTf_5XGO7Aiyi8fEkg&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw!
The inaugural Heights Holiday Market brought my friend and her dog, her friends, and I to Riverview-Fisk Park as we took in the festive season and a reason to spend money. I've been here on previous occasions as one of the little black beast's favorite walking routes to mingle with other furry friends, while I simply enjoyed the views https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=55gAs8tTYbdVrONBqH2bnw&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw and its proximity to a favorite bottle shop of mine. Would this holiday market provide more of a reason to continue visiting this park or was it just commercialism for our hard-earned dollars!?
PURCHASE
Generally speaking, with the exception of this special holiday market (I bought a "Jingle Juice" aka spiced mulled wine for $8.00 https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=IRvCPulV2ta4CSUaSXJ0iw&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw... in addition to a $12.00 sausage sandwich and $15.00 sweets which will be in separate reviews), and the farmers market that took place annually between May through November every Sunday rain or shine from 10am-2pm, there was nothing to purchase. I didn't even see any street vendors unlike the abundance I would see back in L.A.
SERVICE
Of the several times I've visited the park, I've never seen any staff members or workers cleaning or tending to the various facilities (e.g. basketball courts, fields, general grounds, playground, trashcans, etc.). Thankfully, everything appeared to be well-kept especially since a fairly recent major renovation occurred during the pandemic lockdown years. With respect to the holiday market, all the vendors were attentive, friendly, and ready to assist you with whatever they were selling. All was good.
PARKING (FREE; N/A this instance)
This was an easy flat 10-minute one-way walk from my friend's place. Otherwise, there was a small onsite lot, and there seemed to be sufficient street parking along the main drag of Palisade Ave. and all surrounding roads - 'nuff said.
ATMOSPHERE, DÉCOR, AMBIENCE
An elongated park located in The Heights that primarily ran along Palisade Ave. on one side and a ravine or sorts that allowed for captivating views of the New York City skyline https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=iotaQhm6QmA89kV4C_BZ6w&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw, this had several features of what you'd expect from such a place. From open spaces https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=i6Cz_aDGcm7t7mvAzlgaAw&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw, grassy fields, basketball courts, a central plaza https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=rRf019qblHxon3WUzuBaPg&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw along with an ornamental water fountain https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=RrGlizRKLTaHXVg77oTCQQ&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw, a circular pathway https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=kUK_L6psNCt7dHhAvtfemA&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw, a children's playground, and a small area for your four-legged furry friends! In addition, there were several historic monuments, such as a bust of Henry Hudson and a dedication plaque for Theodore Conrad, just to name a couple. Obviously, there was plenty of natural lighting (duh!) while updated electric lights illuminated the rest of the area. There weren't any TVs while the chatter and hustling of people, playing children, music from the vendors, vehicular traffic, and more, filled the background. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=jaHneMQo7oAcGVPs-L9qhQ&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw
ATTIRE
Totally casual, so I would normally be in a t-shirt, boardshorts, and flip-flops... if it weren't so freakin' cold.
OVERALL
Riverview-Fisk Park was a chill place to leisurely hang out at, but for me it came back to the dog and the views for my future visits. It was in a safe area, and I would like to see how it was during the warmer months (I imagined more robust activities) versus the colder winter months when I visited. And darn it... Riverview Wine & Spirits was right down the street on Bowers St.! However, I had no idea whether or not there were any restrooms. I found very good value based on the prices, service, and experience noted above (TOTAL paid experience was around $35.00 BEFORE any discounts and/or tip). And, at least the vendors I shopped at accepted my credit card of choice... AMEX! 4.0 STARS