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Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Show

0 Comments By Kerry Barger on May 16th, 2013
Tags: , , ,      Categories: Houlihan Lawrence News, Out and About, Westchester

Some of the country’s best horses and riders are flocking to the equestrian haven of North Salem in northern Westchester County. Known for its abundant natural landscape and as a premier locale for some of the most beautiful equestrian estate in the region, the town is also home to the annual Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows.

306879 578381922196419 531333047 n 300x200 Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Show

The two-week event is celebrating its 31st year and is dishing out nearly a half-million dollars in prize money to some of the best hunters, jumpers and equitation riders in North America. Houlihan Lawrence is proud to be sponsoring the event’s $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby, which takes center stage this Saturday, May 18.

Anthony Cutugno, Director of Houlihan Lawrence’s Luxury Country Properties and Equestrian Divisions is thrilled to be a part of this event stating,”This exciting event gives us another exceptional venue to showcase our beautiful equestrian properties while cultivating new relationships with attendees from around the region,” says

To find our more information about the event, visit their website at oldsalemfarm.net. For insider access including photos and video’s, make sure to check out Old Salem Farm on Facebook.

The 2013 Designer Showhouse of Westchester

0 Comments By Gay Prizio on April 30th, 2013
Tags: , , ,      Categories: Houlihan Lawrence News, Out and About, Westchester

Houlihan Lawrence is proud to once again sponsor The 2013 Designer Showhouse of Westchester, benefiting Cerebral Palsy of Westchester. The Showhouse, located at 2 Cooper Road in the Murray Hill section of Scarsdale, is an architecturally-significant home built in 1918.

4 30 2013 12 37 38 PM 300x169 The 2013 Designer Showhouse of Westchester

Over twenty designers representing the best in talent and creativity have each been assigned a room. Their task is to transform the space into their vision of fresh, sophisticated and memorable interiors. Each room has a story and their selection of furnishings, antiques, colors, textures, accessories and art are used to communicate the essence of the designers’ vision.

The Showhouse opens to the public on May 2nd , 2013 and runs through June 9th. Weekend hours are Saturdays, 10am – 5pm, Sundays 11am – 5pm, and Tuesdays, Wednesday, Thursday, and Fridays 10am – 4pm. Admission is $30 per person.

Designers participating in the Showhouse include:

. Anthony and Olanow Design Group
. Barbara Bell Interiors
. Cast Classics
. Debra Funt Interiors
. Donna Benedetto Designs
. Dunn & Tighe Interiors
. Elissa Grayer Interior Design
. Finelines Interiors
. Gail Green Interiors
. Jacqueline Hosford Interior Design
. Karen Houghton Interiors
. Ken Gemes Interiors
. Kim Freeman Style & Design
. Last Detail by Carey Karlan
. Lillian August
. Maggie McManus Kitchens & Baths
. Mendelson Group
. Rachel Laxer Interiors
. Rooms by Zoya B
. The Wakefield Design Group

If you love design, need a few ideas to freshen up your own home, or just enjoy looking at beautiful things, be sure to visit Designer Showhouse of Westchester.

Endless Amenities: Monarch at Ridge Hill

0 Comments By Gay Prizio on February 27th, 2013
Tags: , , , ,      Categories: Buying, Out and About, Westchester

monarchill 217x300 Endless Amenities: Monarch at Ridge HillWestchester’s Ridge Hill has brought a series of “firsts” to Westchester County. Ridge Hill in Yonkers is the first open-air lifestyle center on the east coast. With its luxury residential condominium Monarch at Ridge Hill, residents can experience authentic “New Urbanism” lifestyle with shops, stores and restaurants within walking-distance just 12 miles above New York City.

Children of all ages are waiting for the March 27th opening of Legoland Discovery Center. There are just five Legolands in the United States totaling ten worldwide. Ridge Hill’s Legoland is massive –over 32,000 square feet –and will showcase mini-models of local iconic landmarks such as Grand Central Terminal and historic Lyndhurst estate in Tarrytown. Staffed with one hundred Lego experts, this destination is sure to ignite the creator and builder in everyone.

Most of the restaurants at Ridge Hill are a “first” for Westchester County. Bonefish Grill last week, a Florida-based seafood restaurant, serves fresh fish from around the globe and one-of-a-kind cocktails appear on the menu every day.

Texas de Brazil is an authentic Brazilian-American Churrascaria (steakhouse) that combines the cuisine of Southern Brazil with the spirit of Texas. Come with an appetite… when you are ready to be served, you will be swarmed by carvers generously serving various cuts of seasoned beef, lamb, pork, chicken and Brazilian sausage, all accompanied by traditional side items and house-baked Brazilian cheese bread.

South Moon Under is a men and women’s clothing store that is originally based out of Ocean City, Maryland, and brings its easy-going but high-styles from Rebecca Minkoff, Free People and Abbeline to name just a few to Westchester.

Be sure to spend some time at Ridge Hill and experience all the “firsts” that have made this a must-visit destination. For more information about Monarch, visit www.monarchrh.com.

 

5 Reasons to Love Irvington

0 Comments By Kerry Barger on February 7th, 2013
Tags: , , , ,      Categories: Ask the experts, Out and About, Westchester

Paying homage the name of noted “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” and “Rip Van Winkle” author Washington Irving, the Village of Irvington sits on the eastern banks of the Hudson River just over 20 miles north of New York City. It’s impressive natural setting offers a rich history dating back to before the American Revolution and ample opportunities to enjoy outdoor recreation with parks, estates, etc. To find out what the locals are saying about Irvington, visit the village’s Community Conversations page on our Houlihan Lawrence website.

famirv 300x180 5 Reasons to Love Irvington

1. The former house of Washington Irving, Sunnyside is registered as a National Historic Landmark offering tours and events from May until November. Historic Hudson Valley now operates Sunnyside as a museum, providing a blast-from-the-past experience detailing the life and dealings of an American icon.

2. Irvington’s rich history only adds to the village’s budding arts scene with Irvington Town Hall Theater serving as its cultural centerpiece. A multipurpose 432-seat theater, the Town Hall Theater hosts various musicals, plays, movies, classes and art/photography exhibits and even rents out its space for meetings and conferences.

3. The village has received notable kudos from Westchester Magazine, one in 2010 as the publication’s #1 “Best Places to Live” quoted as “charming,  quiet, green, with a darling Main Street, stunning river views,” and “a burgeoning dining scene.” Westchester Magazine also praised Irvington for its strong restaurants like Red Hat, Day Boat Cafe, Chutney Masla and Mima.

4. Being just about 20 miles north of New York City, Irvington serves as a quiet respite for commuters making day trips in and out of New York City. It’s located just east of Metro-North’s Hudson line, with a train station providing an easy 22.7-mile trip into Grand Central Terminal.

5. Residents have access to numerous recreational opportunities, with the Hudson River serving as a beautiful backdrop to Irvington’s many parks, hiking trails and biking and walking paths. Most notable are Scenic Hudson Park (ballfields, boat lunch, walking path) and Memorial Park (fitness course, illuminated tennis courts and picnic tables).

A Fall Frame of Mind

0 Comments By Kerry Barger on October 4th, 2012
Tags: , , , , ,      Categories: Ask the experts, Dutchess, Out and About, Putnam, Westchester

Fall is upon us and pending Mother Nature stops hurling buckets of rain at us we’ll soon be able to enjoy the reds, yellows, oranges and browns this season is so famous for. According to iloveny.com‘s Fall Foliage Report, Dutchess, Putnam and Westchester counties are midway through the changing of leaves and will experience their peak in mid to late October.

foliage 289x300 A Fall Frame of Mind
“In Dutchess County, foliage spotters expect 30-35 percent leaf change with bright and gold leaves. Westchester County in White Plains predict 35 percent change with lots of bright golds and reds.”

Some people drive through the countryside to watch the change unfold before their eyes, while others hike, run a 5K or participate in numerous festivals and events to celebrate. Here are some of our top picks to help you get into a “fall” frame of mind.

fallll 300x240 A Fall Frame of MindDrive: If you prefer sightseeing by automobile, take a drive down Peekskill Hollow Road in Putnam County. Untouched by commercial development, Peekskill Hollow Road stretches from Kent through Putnam Valley to Peekskill. The drive will take you through winding roads, rolling hills and groves of trees providing a perfect setting for leaf peeping. If you’re willing to cruise a little longer drive through the Rivertowns via routes 9D and 9. Sleepy Hollow and Irvington have a rich Halloween history so stop by at Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, Phillipsburg Manor or Sunnyside on your way.

Hike/Walk: Westchester County Parks will host their annual Fall Foliage Walk at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation on October 20 beginning at 10 a.m. Westchester’s largest park, Ward Pound Ridge Reservation offers 4,315-acres of natural beauty and miles upon miles of wooded trails. Runners can participate in the second Fall Foliage Half Marathon and 5K Race in Rhinebeck on October 14. The run begins at Starr Library and a portion of the proceeds will benefit The Michael J. Fox Foundation and The Northern Dutchess Hospital Foundation. Also, visit Walkway Over the Hudson to see the river cut through a beautifully-transformed landscape from above.

Festivals: Each Saturday and Sunday for the rest of October, Thunder Ridge Ski Area will open its door for its Fall Festival Weekends–get a bird’s-eye-view of fall foliage from Thunder Ridge’s chairlift. On October 13, Muscoot Farm will host its Autumn Celebration, with “music, games, hayrides, and crafts along with blacksmithing demonstrations,  famous farmer’s market and a ‘Bounty of Baskets’ in the Main House.” Head south this Saturday for “Aquefest” at the Old Croton Aqueduct with The Riverstown Roll and The Aqueduct Run.

Visit Eventful Magazine, Westchester.gov and Dutchess County Tourism for more events and information.

The 167th Annual Dutchess County Fair

0 Comments By Bobbi Egan on August 24th, 2012
Tags: , , ,      Categories: Dutchess, Out and About

ferris whhel vertical 225x300 The 167th Annual Dutchess County FairWords and photos can only partially convey the excitement and energetic atmosphere of the 167th Dutchess County Fair in Rhinebeck. Meandering through pathways lined with vendors and exhibits, the sound of the crowds, carnival rides and music, the rainbow colors displayed on flags and banners, the gentle grace of the animals, the mingled aromas of French Fries and funnel cakes, all combine to make The Dutchess County Fair a must-go destination.

Don’t miss the prize-winning entries in Building E, which showcases the arts and crafts exhibits. Here you’ll find an impressive array of amazing talent in the form of quilting, needlecraft, photography, painting, woodwork, caning, etc.

yarndoll 225x300 The 167th Annual Dutchess County FairMake sure to drop by the food drive. Donated items will be distributed to Hudson Valley Food banks to help feed our neighbors in need. Consider bringing non-perishable food to be collected at the Main Gate and the 4-H Hill Gate. Consider donating items such as: soap, shampoos, pet food, toothpaste, pancake mix, white or brown rice, sugar, flour, cooking oil and family treats like pudding, Jello, muffin or cake mixes.

If you plan on dropping by this weekend, visit the Dutchess County Fair’s website at http://dutchessfair.com. Also click here for a $2 early bird coupon.

Fourth of July Fireworks

0 Comments By Kerry Barger on June 29th, 2012
Tags: , , ,      Categories: Ask the experts, Out and About

Some of my fondest memories originate from the Fourth of July—looking up at a dark sky bursting with vibrant colors and feeling that inner thud from the explosion. My favorite part of watching fireworks, however, was sharing a summer night with friends and family.

fireworks12 300x199 Fourth of July FireworksThere are many celebrations happening in Westchester, Putnam and Dutchess counties these next few days, and Patch‘s Jessie Jafet has the complete scoop of where to go to watch a show. Her Fourth of July Preview highlights “fireworks and fun close to home” with eight spots from Boscobel‘s riverfront celebration on Monday to Playland‘s choreographed show.

The Times-Herald Record has the lowdown on fireworks celebrations taking place in Dutchess County. Their list features a three-day celebration at Dutchess County Fairgrounds in Rhinebeck with professional rodeos and demolition derbies. Dutchess Stadium is also hosting post-game fireworks display after the Hudson Valley Renegades take on Aberdeen FireBirds on Friday and Saturday.

According to Eventful Magazine, Lake Carmel will set off fireworks of June 30 at 9 p.m., while Peekskill will be hosting a free concert from 7 to 9 p.m. at Riverfront Green Park with fireworks set to follow.

Wherever you decide to park your lawn chair or beloved towel, make sure to stay safe, kick back and relax.

A Day for Dad

0 Comments By Kerry Barger on June 15th, 2012
Tags: , , , , , , ,      Categories: Dutchess, Out and About, Putnam, Westchester

Pops. Daddy. Father. Old man. There are a million ways to spell it, say it, and yell it, but unfortunately there’s only one day that’s carved out per year to fully honor the man we often simply refer to as “Dad.” No doubt dads differ far and wide, but for the most part they’ve played a pivotal role in some of life’s greatest celebrations; learning to walk and talk, kindergarten graduation, college sendoff, first job, and many more.

Below are three ways you can help celebrate Father’s Day, be it racing around a go-kart track or sending a simple message on the Internet. Houlihan Lawrence wishes a Happy Father’s Day to all dads across Westchester, Putnam and Dutchess counties!

Treat Him: One of my favorite places to bring my dad for an ice cold brew is Birdsall House on Main Street in Peekskill. The highly-acclaimed watering hole has a comprehensive draught and bottle list featuring a variety of New York, national and international beers. Better yet, restaurant-goers can enjoy a Sunday “Brunch Prix Fix” for just $19, which includes a complimentary Bloody Mary, mimosa or beer.

IMG 9751 300x200 A Day for DadCompete With Him: Growing up with sports in the family there was always a competitive nature between my siblings and my dad. Now that our glory days are over, we like to compete on a more laid-back level (though I still win, of course). Check out Grand Prix New York in Mount Kisco–the indoor racing track not only hits you with speeds of up to 40 mph, but features bowling, arcades, and some good eats, too.

Tweet Him: Welcome to Father’s Day circa the 21st Century. Want to brag about how awesome your dad is to the entire Internet? The Journal News (@LoHud) and The Poughkeepsie Journal (@PokJournal) are asking their followers to tweet a picture of their father to put on display before the Twittersphere.

5 Reasons to Love Pelham

0 Comments By Gay Prizio on June 7th, 2012
Tags: , , ,      Categories: Ask the experts, Market Area, Out and About, Westchester

Pelham is the oldest town in Westchester County. There are two charming villages incorporated within it, the Village of Pelham and the Village of Pelham Manor, both of which pride themselves on active social communities. The commute to Grand Central from the Pelham Metro North station is less then 30 minutes. Pelham is Westchester’s best kept secret!

  1. picturehouse 300x200 5 Reasons to Love PelhamThe Picture House, an historic landmark in Pelham, offers a distinct alternative to multiplexes and has a summer-long calendar of independent, international, documentary, and classic cinema. This month there is something for everyone, including Shakespeare High, The Lady, and many more!
  1.  Pelham Art Center (PAC) whose mission has been to provide the public with art since 1970 continues to add exhibits and classes for the community. In the gallery until June 30th is the Light Matter exhibit featuring six artists exploring light as both subject and form. PAC is excited to join the Pelham Street Fair, with the return of last year’s popular capoeira demonstration, which is a traditional Brazilian art form. The Street Fair will be Sunday June 24 from 1:30-3:30.
  1. Pelham offers a broad range of recreational programs for all ages. The programs vary from ballroom dancing classes to tennis lessons and trips to the zoo! Starting the end of June the Summer Concert series will start up on Monday evenings from 7:30- 9:00 PM at the Town House Park.
  1. The New York Botanical Gardens is located in the Bronx, less than 15 minutes from Pelham.  Don’t miss Monet’s Gardens, a seasonally changing interpretation of the gardens that inspired Monet’s breathtaking art, and runs through October. Monet has said that flowers were his muse and this exhibit brings to life his inspiration.
  1. Bistro Rollin an American Bistro with a classic French influence is centrally located on 142 Fifth Avenue. Bistro Rollin opened in June 2009 and has developed a reputation forfantastic reviews! Its sidewalk café is now open where you can enjoy a great lunch or dinner!

The Segue to Summer

0 Comments By Kerry Barger on May 16th, 2012
Tags: , , , , , , , ,      Categories: Ask the experts, Dutchess, Out and About, Putnam, Westchester

Westchester, Putnam and Dutchess counties each provide residents with ample opportunity to get out and play, the beautiful countryside doubling as an urban escape and personal jungle gym for those who live and breathe the great outdoors. If you’re not one to send your children to summer sleep-aways or missed out on registration this year, don’t fret—Houlihan Lawrence scanned the area for day camps and programs, ways to get outside and short daytrips to help you and your family enjoy some fresh air and a bit of beautiful sunshine.

If you live in the southern Westchester area, you’ll want to check out Mohawk Country Day School in White Plains, an interactive camp with a slew of different activities and programs for a variety of age levels. From sports teams to creative and performance art programs, Mohawk values diverse interests and tailors its programs to all sorts of needs. Hillcroft Day Camp in Dutchess Country offers a similar experience with over 30 activities to choose from on a daily basis.

Looking for something a little more day-to-day? Take a trip to Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park in Yorktown Heights. Its massive pool holds up to 3,500 people, and its 841-acre park contains miles of bike trails, numerous picnic areas, scenic rowboat rentals and more. FDR is a short trip north or south on the Taconic State Parkway in northern Westchester, which makes it an ideal daytrip for gas-conscious families looking to stick close by.

Trailway 300x300 The Segue to SummerMoving north on the Taconic, Clarence Fahnestock State Park also offers a unique one-day getaway from families looking to milk what they can out of a beautiful day. Fahnestock is home to North America’s most popular trail Breackneck Ridge—on clear days, hikers can view the New York City skyline from the top of its crest. A lifeguard-stationed lake, row boat rentals, and an 80-site campground are a perfect way to top off a great hike. The Putnam County Trailway is another great spot for cyclists, joggers and dog-walkers—the 12-mile stretch of paved path brings you through hilly groves of trees and offers unparalleled views of Putnam’s reservoir systems.

You could be looking for something a bit different, something more low-key. The Putnam arts Council in Mahopac offers classes and workshops throughout the summer for kids, teens and adults. PAC’s Summer Kids Art programs welcomes children ages 5 – 12 to use their imagination as they explore their inner Picasso as they draw, sculpt, paint and mold clay. The Jacob Burns Film Center and Media Arts Lab offers visual arts and filmmaking workshops for its Summer ’12 @ The Lab program, which runs from June 25 to August 10.

Maybe you’re a thrill-seeker. Go no further than SplashDown Beach in Fishkill along Route 9. Splash Down offers all the fun a large amusement park has at a cheaper price and shorter trip from home. The water park offers unique water slides, a wave pool, lazy river, and more. For those who are looking to get in touch with our animal instincts, visit Trevor Zoo—the Millbrook zoo houses more than 180 exotic and indigenous animals as well as seven endangered species. Children ages 12 and up can also volunteer at the zoo during the summer months.

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