Articles Tagged "Things to do"

Take a step back in time, and learn all about the rich history of Westchester County through our area's many historical sites. Learning about an area's history can give you a deeper understanding and greater appreciation for its culture.

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If you're looking for a good way to cope with the winter chill this year, might we suggest a warm bowl of soup? January is National Soup Month, so now is the time to head out and enjoy a delicious bowl of soup at your favorite Westchester Restaurant. Soup is so versatile — whether it's French Onion, Chicken Noodle, or Broccoli & Cheese, our REALTORS® have so many favorites that they could easily eat soup every night of the week. Here are some of our top recommendations for soup destinations in Westchester County:

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A classic American dish coupled with a good beer and a nice restaurant... is there any better way to warm up this winter?

One of the best things about American cuisine is it often combines flavors and preparation styles that span multiple cultures into a single dish. Whether you're in the mood for burgers, chicken, chops, seafood, or pizza, you'll find all the best American cuisine right here in the greater New York area. Bronxville has a ton of fantastic classic American restaurants. Here are some top destinations from our REALTORS®.

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Located just north of Manhattan, Bronxville is a small village located in Westchester County. With its proximity to downtown and affluent population, the community is widely considered one of the best suburbs in America. The village has a quaint small town English charm and some of the most beautiful architecture in Westchester County.

Our REALTORS® meet people from all over the world who move to Bronxville, and here are some of the top reasons people are choosing to call this community home:

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Summer is in full swing, which means ample opportunities to get out and enjoy beautiful Westchester County. Nothing beats a cool, delicious ice cream cone after a long day in the sun. Whether it's a warm summer date night or an excuse to escape the heat, everyone loves an excuse to go get ice cream. Luckily, there are many great ice cream shops in our area serving up a wide selection of your favorite flavors. Below is a list of local shops where our REALTORS® love grabbing an ice cream cone after a full day in the sun.

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One of the best parts about living in Westchester County is having the opportunity to spend the day in one of our beautiful local downtown areas. If you're looking to get out and explore, New Rochelle should be at the top of your list. Here you'll find a beautiful community filled with history, art, shopping, and dining. One of our REALTORS®  favorite things about downtown New Rochelle is the numerous family-owned shops and restaurants that make up our local economy.

If exploring downtown New Rochelle is on your list of things to do this summer, make sure these five local businesses are on your list:

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Santa's not the only one who loves cookies during the holidays. These iconic treats are so popular that Cookie Day is celebrated each year. On Friday, December 4, join our REALTORS® by indulging your sweet tooth at these wonderful bakeries around Westchester.  

• Milk N Cookies - 270 Mamaroneck Ave., Mamaroneck, NY 10543
  Everyone's a kid at Milk N Cookies, a unique dessert spot that satisfies any sweet dreams. Their premium stuffed cookies come in tempting flavors such as churro, Oreo cheesecake, and oatmeal apple pie. Need more of a sugar rush? Belly up to the cereal bar, where you can blend Lucky Charms, Fruity Pebbles, and other childhood favorites in ice cream and milkshakes. Purists can simply enjoy a bowl of cereal and milk. Treat yourself after a day of viewing Mamaroneck homes for sale. Hours are 11 a.m. - midnight Monday through Thursday and 11 a.m. - 2 a.m. Thursday through Sunday.

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What's your favorite ending to a delicious Thanksgiving dinner? According to Reader's Digest, chances are good it's one of the classic holiday trifecta of pumpkin pie, pecan pie, or apple pie. 

Our REALTORS® think this year calls for starting some new traditions. Give family and friends a tasty surprise with one or more of these creative, non-pie Thanksgiving desserts. 

• Turkey Rice Krispie Treats 
  Let the kids join in the fun by giving these popular no-bake bars a holiday update. Once the treats have firmed up, use a round cookie cutter to make the circle base. Candy corn pieces form the feathers, while the face can be either melted chocolate or an inverted Hershey's kiss. Finish with a cinnamon red-hot "wattle.

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While the normal round of festive Halloween social activities may be shut down this fall, you can still make the most of the spooky season by decorating your front porch with pumpkins, scarecrows, scary cats, and whatever suits your fancy.

For most of us, decorating the front of our homes involves a frightful (or it could be friendly) jack o' lantern. Most likely you're an old hand at carving, but if you're not, here are some instructions to make yours stand out among all your neighbors' efforts. If you're looking to attract the attention of Westchester County homeowners, buyers and sellers, read on and get carving.

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With autumn just around the corner, it's not too early to start making your weekend plans to see some of the beautiful local fall foliage. After all, Westchester County is one of the best places to truly experience the changing leaves. Our REALTORS® pulled together a short list of some of the best places for leaf peeping around the area:

• Kingsland Point Park - Tarrytown Light-Kingsland Point Path, Sleepy Hollow, NY 10591
  Kingsland Point is a beautiful 18-acre park located on the east side of the Hudson River. The area offers several scenic views of fall foliage against a beautiful mountain backdrop. Equipped with a riverwalk, playgrounds, picnic areas, and baseball fields, this park is a great place for a relaxing fall vacation. On a clear day, you can even see the New York City skyline. The park is accessible from the Palmer Avenue Bridge over the Metro-North tracks, not far from these classic Mount Pleasant homes for sale.

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Think digital music left vinyl records in the rearview mirror? As our REALTORS® know, modern methods can't match the superior sound reproduction of vinyl. Celebrate National Vinyl Record Day on Wednesday, August 12 by taking a spin out to one of these fascinating record stores around Westchester.

• Bruised Apple Books and Music - 923 Central Ave., Peekskill, NY 10566
  Double your shopping pleasure at Bruised Apple Books and Music, located just down the street from Peekskill homes for sale. Stock up on new and used books as well as hard-to-find vinyl record titles. Some of the books on the shelves come from founder Scott Sailor's personal selection. If you're not quite old school, Bruised Apple also carries CDs and DVDs. With its hand-painted sign above the entrance and quirky decor features such as vintage typewriters, the charming shop is a refreshing change from generic big-box retailers. Hours are 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday.

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Summer is the perfect time to get out and enjoy some fresh air. We asked our REALTORS® about their favorite outdoor activities, and riding bike trails topped the list. It's not surprising since there are so many great trails in the Westchester area. Here are a few that we recommend. 

• Bronx River Pathway
  One of Westchester's oldest parks, the Bronx River Pathway runs mostly parallel to the Bronx River. Although it will eventually be connected to create a 23-mile trail that runs all the way from Westchester County to the Bronx, it's currently three separate bike trails.

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Arguably the favorite holiday of the year of our REALTORS®, National Donut Day arrives on June 5th. To mark the occasion, we're highlighting some of our favorite local donut shops in Westchester County.

• Ossining Bakery - 50 N Highland Ave, Ossining, NY 10562
  You'll find a lot of exemplary baked goods at Ossining Bakery—breads, rolls, cakes, pretzels, scones—but their reputation truly rests on their out-of-this-world donuts. You just have to try them. With a broad and ever-changing menu of flavors, and a convenient location right up the street from these beautiful Ossining homes for sale, this bakery is definitely a spot you'll want to come back and visit again and again.

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Today, the Westchester County area is known as a fantastic place to shop for a family home, and that has been true for some of New York's most prominent families dating back more than two centuries. There's an unusually high concentration of preserved, historic estates in local communities, which our REALTORS®, local residents, and countless visitors have enjoyed touring for many years. Get a taste of local history, by taking an Instagram tour of the five fabulous estates on our list of historic Westchester County homes.

• Kykuit, the Rockefeller Estate – 381 N. Broadway, Sleepy Hollow, NY 10591

   

   

   

   

   

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  A post shared by Michael Traynor (@mjtraynor) on Sep 18, 2016 at 1:23pm PDT

  Home to the famed Rockefeller family for four generations, Kykuit, the Rockefeller Estate is a truly stunning historic landmark located in Westchester County. Originally home to oil tycoon John D. Rockefeller, this property sets a standard for luxury. The art collections alone are enough to rival many museums, and the outdoor gardens still rank as some of the most stunning that New York has to offer.

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Have you ever watched a scene from a movie, and had the feeling that you've been to that location before? If you live in the Westchester County area, that's no coincidence! As Westchester residents and our REALTORS® know, local communities have been popular filming sites for big-name movies for more than 60 years. Learn more with our guide to six filming locations around Westchester, and then watch the movies filmed at each destination.

Spotlight on Westchester

• Playland Park – 1 Playland Parkway, Rye, NY 10580
  Did you know that one of the most famous scenes in the Tom Hanks smash-hit Big was filmed around the corner from Rye City homes for sale? The amusement park featured in the film is called Playland Park, and it has been delighting visitors since 1928! The park is still in operation today and includes a museum that includes the park's fascinating local history.

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Spring break is right around the corner, and our REALTORS® are certainly excited about it. And as thrilled as we are to see all our kids out of school for a week, we understand that it's a double-edged sword. We love them of course, but boy do they tire us out! Be sure to check out these destinations in the Westchester County area, where kids can burn off some energy, and families can enjoy some fun and games together. 

• LEGOLAND Discovery Center Westchester - 39 Fitzgerald St., Yonkers, NY 10710
  Kids will love LEGOLAND Discovery Center, and any adults that remember playing with LEGO blocks will no doubt get a kick out of it too! With tons of building opportunities and a huge indoor play structure, LEGOLAND offers great all-ages fun. There's a two-story playground and climbing wall that bigger kids will love, as well as a smaller area set up with toddlers in mind. Located just minutes from these Yonkers homes for sale, LEGOLAND is a destination you're likely to want to visit again and again.

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Some duos were just meant to be. Think Han Solo and Chewbacca, peanut butter and jelly, and bagels and lox. In honor of National Bagel and Lox Day on Sunday, February 9, order this classic combo at one of these wonderful Westchester County shops recommended by our REALTORS®.

• What a Bagel Café - 476 Mamaroneck Ave., White Plains 10605  
  Who needs to drive into the city for Manhattan bagels? For more than 23 years, What a Bagel Café has been serving this classic style to fans around White Plains homes for sale. Pick up one of their bagels and cream cheese platters for your next office or book club meeting. Visit the website for valuable coupons. Store hours are 6:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday, 6:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 6:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. Saturday, and 6:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. Sunday.

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National Blueberry Pancake Day is observed on Jan. 28, so what better time to brighten up your week than with a stack of these delicious breakfast treats? Our REALTORS® suggest treating yourself to blueberry pancakes at one of the following popular restaurants as you explore the area:

1. The Original Pancake House – 170 Hamilton Ave., White Plains, NY
   The Original Pancake House takes pride in using fresh, high-quality ingredients such as the highest grade of butter, 36% percent whipping cream, fresh grade AA eggs, and hard wheat unbleached flour. It's well worth a stop when you're checking out White Plains homes for sale. The restaurant's batter is made fresh every day to produce light, airy, and tender pancakes. Many varieties are available, including blueberry-filled buttermilk creations served with a sprinkle of powdered sugar. Four pancakes come in a serving, along with two eggs cooked any style.

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Styles come and go, but classic furnishings and accessories retain a timeless appeal that suits any decor. Dress up your Westchester County home with antique treasures from these funky and fabulous shops recommended by our REALTORS®.

• Nana's Attic - 414 Central Park Ave., Scarsdale, NY 10583
  When Cindy and her brother Brad decided to open a shop filled with treasures from their mother's antiquing expeditions, what else could they name it but Nana's Attic? Even the sign out front, made by Brad when he was 15 years old, is well on its way to becoming an antique. Local residents regularly vote Nana's Attic as the best antique store near Scarsdale homes for sale. Hours are 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

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For people who are allergic to gluten or sensitive to it, a strict gluten-free diet can be essential to good health. So important, in fact, that dining away from home can be risky business. If you or a family member is among their number, chances are that you have a few trusted restaurants in your area that you visit regularly. But what to do if you must be away from home? If you're in our area—perhaps shopping Bronxville homes for sale—we can help. Here's where to dine without worry in and around Westchester County:

• PopoJito Med-Mex Kitchen, 46 Christie Place, Scarsdale
  PopoJito Med-Mex Kitchen is the place to eat if your Westchester-area home shopping itinerary includes viewing Scarsdale homes for sale. This popular local eatery is 100 percent gluten-free, paleo-friendly, and uses locally sourced ingredients to craft their healthy and delicious menu of Mediterranean classics with a Mexican twist.

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Looking for an escape from the city with stunning views of the Hudson and NYC skyline? Just a short metro ride from Manhattan, Hastings-on-Hudson is a quaint village with fabulous restaurants, shops, a bustling farmer's market on Saturdays, and a welcoming, tight-knit community. Our REALTORS® know just where to eat and what to do in this special little town. So grab a bite and take a walk or ride through its winding hills and tree-lined streets to check out Hastings-on-Hudson homes for sale.  

1. Taiim Falafel Shack, 598 Warburton Ave., Hastings-on-Hudson
   Known for its award-winning "middle eastern soul food," this casual, family-owned eatery offers a distinctive spicy falafel, shawarma, hummus, and other Israeli specialties. In the mood for some samosas instead?  Taiim Falafel Shack's also got you covered when it comes to Indian street food.

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Mom always said breakfast is the most important meal, but who has the time? Fortunately, blueberry muffins are tasty, portable, and pair nicely with a cup of coffee. Celebrate National Blueberry Muffin Day with a trip to one of these wonderful bakeries that are favorites of our REALTORS®.

1. Galloway's Bakery - 69 Harney Road, Scarsdale, NY 
   Founder and namesake Fred Galloway learned to cook and bake while serving his country during World War II. More than 60 years after its opening, Fred's son Bob continues his legacy at Galloway's Bakery in its location near Scarsdale homes for sale. Blueberry muffins come in two sizes to fit any appetite, and Galloway's is also known for its popular glazed and jelly donuts. The bakery opens at 7 a.m. Friday through Sunday only, so plan ahead and get there early.

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Father's Day will be here before you know it, and you don't want to find yourself buying a last-minute greeting card that morning. Maybe this year it's a good time to plan some real time with Dad for Father's day, and what better way than playing a round of golf together?

If you're looking for a great place to play golf on Father's Day, you're in luck. Westchester County is home to some truly extraordinary courses, and these are some of our real estate agents' favorites.

1. Sprain Lake Golf Course – 290 E. Grassy Sprain Road, Yonkers, NY
   Sprain Lake Golf Course has a long, narrow layout, characterized by rolling terrain and small greens. It's a great course but expect a challenge. Designed by Tom Winton and convenient to many homes for sale in Yonkers, this golf course is a great place to spend Father's Day, offering a par of 70 and a course rating of 69.3.

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Are you looking for a memorable way to celebrate Mother's Day this year? Our REALTORS® recommend treating the special women in your life to a delicious Mother's Day brunch. 

Whether you're still checking out Bronxville homes for sale in search of your dream home or you've lived here for years, there's bound to be a few local brunch spots you haven't tried yet. Choose a restaurant from this list of our favorites, and you won't be disappointed! 

1.  The Tap House: 16 Depot Square, Tuckahoe, NY  10707
   Not far from some of the best Tuckahoe homes for sale, The Tap House is a favorite among locals and visitors. This restaurant is unique because it offers seating in the main dining room, a smaller cozy dining area with a fireplace, or loft seating overlooking the busy street. Whichever option you choose, the warm and inviting ambiance is ideal for a classy Mother's Day brunch.

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Art is about quality, not quantity. Nestled close among the many charming Tarrytown homes for sale is a perfect jewel of an art find, the legendary Union Church of Pocantico Hills. For art lovers and addicts of delightful discovery, this country church (it still holds regular Sunday services; all are welcome) is worth a wondrous detour. Union Church is home to nine stained glass windows by Marc Chagall and Henri Matisse's final artwork. 

History of Union Church

John D. Rockefeller, Jr. designed and had built Union Church in 1921, and though a church, it functioned very much as an extension of the Rockefeller name.  

In 1948 Nelson Rockefeller honored his mother, patron of the arts Abby Aldrich Rockefeller, by commissioning art from two fabulously original and famous European artists, Marc Chagall and Henri Matisse. Chagall was a French-Russian artist known for his joyful, humanistic modern art. He dealt fluidly in painting, book illustration, stage design, ceramics, and chinaware, and much more. Chagall was as comfortable producing the intimate, sun-drenched stained glass for Union Church in Pocantico Hills, as he was completing the heroically scaled pieces for the lobby of the Metropolitan Opera in New York City. 

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Visitors to the Lyndhurst mansion are equally in awe of the magnificent structure and its spectacular surroundings. Very often, those same visitors begin searching for Tarrytown homes for sale, drawn by the beauty of the Hudson Valley, the mighty Hudson River, and the charming history. 

A Brief History of the Lyndhurst Mansion

Though hard to believe when viewing the Gothic Revival mansion now, Lyndhurst started as a modest two-story country villa for the former mayor of New York City, William Paulding. 

Architect Alexander Jackson Davis used the popular romantic movement of the time, so often seen in Hudson Valley paintings, to create in stone what other artists created in oils and words. The Gothic Revival style seen in what was "The Knoll" still captures the imagination today. 

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February 14^th will soon be here, and who doesn't love celebrating Valentine's Day with a romantic dinner out? If you're looking for the perfect place to take your sweetie, our REALTORS® at Park Sterling Realty have five delicious gems to share.

1. Flames Bar and Grill - 533 N. State Road
   Flames Bar and Grill's sleek, elegant bar, cozy vibe, and warm, professional service make for a sophisticated, romantic evening you'll remember for years to come. In addition to offering hand-selected prime beef, veal, and lamb, this classic American steakhouse features fresh daily seafood and a variety of Northern Italian specialties, including handmade pasta. For Valentine's Day, they offer a three-course dinner that includes a glass of red, white, or sparkling wine. You can also toast to your sweetheart with a bottle from one of the most extensive wine lists in New York. Call 914-923-3100 for reservations.
   
   

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If you've been working with our REALTORS® to find a new home in Bronxville, you're probably aware of how many dining and entertainment options the area has to offer. While exploring your new neighborhood is part of the adventure, it's also great to have the inside scoop on some of the area's most popular destinations.

Visiting the best coffee shops in Bronxville will have you feeling like a local in no time. To help you get started, we've compiled a list of our favorite places to grab a cup of Joe.

1. Slave To the Grind - 58 Pondfield Road, Bronxville
   When you're ready to take a break from looking at Bronxville homes for sale, ask your real estate agent to make a stop at Slave to the Grind. This homey coffee shop has been a Bronxville staple for over 25 years. Here you'll find an array of coffee, tea, and espresso and a delicious menu with plenty of vegan and gluten-free choices.
   
   

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When it comes to Yonkers homes for sale, our real estate agents know what to look for. There are many good reasons to be excited about a new home in Yonkers. Packed with beauty and full of world-class amenities, the area is widely known for its deep and fascinating history.

Yonkers is one of the safest cities in the United States and has been the home of luminaries in the arts, literature, and sciences. That includes such famous figures as Ella Fitzgerald.

Residents and community leaders of Yonkers have worked hard over the years to ensure its history is preserved for the future. That's why newcomers to Yonkers can still enjoy a range of wonderful museums and structures that have defined the area for centuries. Among the many historic homes still in a pristine state stands the John Bond Trevor House.

Wall Street Pioneer John Bond Trevor Leaves a Unique Legacy in Yonkers

Yonkers' special charm has attracted people from all over the United States since the start. Some come here to retire, while others have delivered their greatest contributions to humanity from here.

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