Marjorie Eliot

Contrary to popular belief, the island of Manhattan does not end at 125th St (or 59th or 14th St, for that matter). Nope, it extends all the way to 215th St, and the treasures that lie in wait for you up in those nether regions are truly worth the journey north – especially if you take advantage of the recently completed bike path along Hudson River and pedal your way here. In addition to better-known destinations such as the amazing Cloisters and beautiful Inwood Hill Park, there are pockets of culture not on many people’s radar that you’ll be happy were on yours. Part of a cultural renaissance in Inwood, not far from the Morris-Jumel Mansion, is 555 Edgecombe Ave, at the corner of 160th St. Aside from being the address of Jackie Robinson, Thurgood Marshall and Paul Robeson at one time or another, this is the home of Marjorie Eliot, a lovely lady who hosts convivial, free jazz-jams in her home every Sunday at 4pm; they are open to the public and warmly recommended.