Archive for Out and About


Out and About in Rhinebeck

0 Comments By Gay Prizio on July 26th, 2010
Tags: , , ,      Categories: Dutchess, Events, Market Area, Out and About

 If you were unaware of all that Rhinebeck has to offer – sweeping views of the Hudson, historic homes and a charming downtown — you certainly know all that and more thanks to the news coverage surrounding Chelsea Clinton’s pending nuptials this Saturday. 

The wedding venue is Astor Courts, a 13,000 square foot pavilion owned by an FOB (friend of Bill Clinton) that can hold a tent large enough for 400 guests.  If you’re not on the guest list, there is still much to do and see in Rhinebeck, located in Northern Dutchess County on the banks of the Hudson River. 

Rhinebeck’s “Sixteen Mile Historic District” is a collection of 30 riverfront estates that were erected centuries ago by industrialists like Astor, Roosevelt and Rockefeller. The Hudson Valley’s equivalent of the Newport mansions, some of these homes are open to the public and take you back to the gilded era. The Hudson River creates a stunning backdrop for sailing, cruising, and kayaking, and also has some great camping sites, hiking trails and cross-country skiing. 

Chelsea could not have found a more beautiful and picturesque location for her big day.  Houlihan Lawrence’s Rhinebeck Market Report gives you an overview of the real estate market in this lovely town.

Mad Men at Home in Westchester

1 Comment By Gay Prizio on July 23rd, 2010
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The countdown to the season premiere for Mad Men has begun. We know that Betty has left Don for Henry, and Sterling Cooper is in the process of reinventing itself.  The big question lingers … where and with whom will Don Draper land?

Throughout the series, Westchester County has played a role, with Ossining the home town of the Draper family. Those who live in the town are thrilled that Mad Men has given Ossining a new identity that now overrides being home to Sing Sing. 

Westchester was also prevalent in another iconic 1960s program, The Dick Van Dyke Show. Rob and Laura Petrie are residents of New Rochelle in the series. Like Don Draper, Rob Petrie commuted to the city while their respective wives were stay-at-home moms wearing the uniform Capri pants and bouffant hairdo.

Why Westchester and not say, Long Island or New Jersey as the backdrop for 1960s suburban life? Some would say the underlying sophistication of both programs – the Petrie’s home was contemporary with the infamous step-down living room, and both characters worked in glamorous and creative professions – required equally urbane towns in which to live out their respective dysfunctional or comedic storylines. It would appear that Ossining and New Rochelle were the ideal locations to come home to from the cigarette smoking, three-martini lunches in the City that defined the era.

Where in Westchester do today’s modern-day Mad Men or comedy writers live?

Meanwhile, as the Mad Men theme song has become iconic – some fans have the song as their ringtone — this home for sale in Ossining with a recording studio is quaintly relevant to Mad Men-mania. This The Wall Street Journal home tour features Rob Thomas recording with music Producer Hal Winer.

Out and About this Weekend

0 Comments By Gay Prizio on June 24th, 2010
Tags: , , , , , , ,      Categories: Dutchess, Out and About, Putnam, Town Guides, Westchester

crowded beachIf the beach gets too crowded, here are summer events happening in Westchester, Putnam, and Dutchess counties area:

 

 

 

 Friday, June 25th

Croton-on-Hudson – Summer Concert Series in Senasqua Park at 7pm

Saturday, June 26th

Cross River – Summer Solstice Bonfire, 7pm Ward Pound Ridge Reservation Routes 35 & 121 South

 Millbrook – 13th Annual Mashomack International Polo Challenge, noon to 3pm

 Rye — Colonial Encampment, Rye Town Park, 10am to 3pm

Sunday, June 27th

Mt. Kisco – 100th Birthday Tour of Merestead, 455 Byram Lake Road, 1pm

Somers – Butterfly Walk, Muscoot Farm, 1 to 3pm

White Plains through Yonkers – Bicycle Sundays, The Bronx River Parkway, 10am to 2pm

Going Organic

1 Comment By Gay Prizio on June 11th, 2010
Tags:      Categories: Dutchess, Out and About, Putnam, Westchester

Michelle Obama would smile if she saw the abundance of local farmers markets in Westchester, Putnam and Dutchess counties. What a great Saturday or Sunday morning destination to pick up a garden ripe peach, a bunch of fresh-picked flowers or a piece of Artisanal cheese.

Local Westchester County Farmers Markets

Local Putnam County Farmers Markets

Local Dutchess County Farmers Markets

Out and About in Armonk

0 Comments By Gay Prizio on April 30th, 2010
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The Gateway to the Country

Armonk is first northern Westchester suburb that has a genuine country feeling.  Its rolling hills and sweeping vistas suggest a bucolic retreat from the hustle and bustle. Homes are sited on large parcels of land that give their owners privacy and solitude.  Yet 15 minutes from Armonk is the hub of White Plains and shopping at The Westchester. To the north and a 10 minute drive is Mt. Kisco, with shopping and restaurants. Express trains from the North White Plains Metro-North station take you to Grand Central Station, total commute time is less than an hour.

Armonk also has a thriving corporate population, namely IBM’s 25 acre corporate headquarters, and SwissRe US headquarters. Employees keep local retailers busy and most importantly, Armonk’s substantial corporate tax base keeps residential property taxes lower than other towns in Westchester.

Shopping

Main Street in Armonk is home to Hickory and Tweed, a venerable name that has for decades properly clothed residents for outdoor pursuits. Francophile shoppers love to browse at La Dentelliere which offers European linens, housewares and accessories while Table D’Hote has an eclectic selection of tabletop and glassware from around the world.

Restaurants

Armonk’s restaurant scene includes Kira Sushi and Made in Asia for Japanese, David Chen for Chinese and Gavi, Opus 465 and Marc Charles Steakhouse for meat eaters.

Recreation

Armonk is located in the town of North Castle, which has strong recreation department and offers a variety of activities for residents of every age. The Armonk Outdoor Art Show in October is a well-attended annual event that is sponsored by the Friends of North Castle Public Library.

Armonk Real Estate

Learn more in our Armonk Town Guide or review the latest Armonk Real Estate Market Report.

Out and About in Cold Spring

0 Comments By Gay Prizio on April 1st, 2010
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Cold Spring is the day tripper’s paradise. Accessible by train or car (only an hour from Grand Central Terminal) Cold Spring offers a wide range of things to do that make it both a destination and a joy to call home. The rampant volunteerism keeps safe this community of neighbors, many whom originate from New York City. They are attracted to the area of shady streets and Colonial and Victorian homes in a spectacular setting of mountains and the majestic Hudson.  Outside the village historic area, country roads wind through the hamlets of Garrison and North Highlands, where homes offer hidden havens to residents seeking privacy and solitude.

Activities

Main_Street,_Cold_Spring_NYThe Hudson River borders this historic town and Storm King Mountain sits along the western bank of the river, making Cold Spring ideal for kayaking, boating, and hiking.  For those with less energy but just as much town enthusiasm, Cold Spring’s Main Street, lined with 1800s historic structures, offers an array of specialty shops and antique stores such as Jane Krenach Antiques, the Cold Spring Antiques Center and a variety of restaurants to satisfy any palette. Riverview, Cathryn’s and Le Bouchon are a few favorites.  

Cold Spring Real Estate

Cold Spring real estate is sought by both year-round and weekend residents. The town’s population is under 10,000 and zoning outside the village historic area generally allows for multi-acre parcels. Cold Spring homes include historic Victorians and a walk-to-everything lifestyle. Weekend lake cottages start in the $300s, and vertiginous river view contemporaries with multi-million dollar price tags dot the landscape.  Open land is protected through three land preservation organizations active in preserving the town’s beauty and natural resources while controlling the risk of overdevelopment. 

To find out more about, visit Houlihan Lawrence’s Cold Spring Town page or review the Cold Spring Market Report (Haldane school district).

Out and About in Chappaqua

0 Comments By Gay Prizio on March 19th, 2010
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Chappaqua comes from the Algonquin word Shah-pah-qa and means the “rattling land”.  To residents who know and love it, Chappaqua means natural beauty. Picturesque ponds dot this hamlet, which is located in the town of New Castle.

167-acre Whippoorwill Park is among the seven municipal parks in Chappaqua. Nature trails, baseball fields, tennis courts and a running track keep residents in shape while they enjoy the outdoors.

MSGArtists are truly are inspired by their environment at the Martin Stankiewicz Gallery located at 112 King Street. This innovative gallery exhibits nature as its major theme and a percentage of all sales will be donated to an organization devoted to conservation.

The charming village center, within walking distance to the Chappaqua High School, has a variety of restaurants and cafés. Le Jardin du Roi embodies the charm of Chappaqua both inside the dining room and on the ever-popular porch.  Susan Lawrence creates atmosphere and delectable food that can be eaten in the café, or catered in your home. Their cooking classes have an interesting spin and aspiring Martha’s can learn about “The Art of the Summer Dinner Party” on April 22nd.   

Chappaqua is situated 35 miles north of Manhattan with easy accessibility to Metro North, the Saw Mill Parkway and is convenient to Westchester Airport and approximately an hour’s drive to international airports.

On this spring-like weekend, take a walk through one of Chappaqua’s nature trails, have a picnic by one of the ponds, or feel the sun on your face as you window shop on Greeley Avenue.

Out and About In Bronxville

0 Comments By Gay Prizio on March 5th, 2010
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Bronxville is just one square mile, but it is filled with treasures – beautiful homes, a charming downtown, eclectic restaurants and great shopping, rolling topography, and a 28 minute ride to Midtown on Metro-North.

Bronxville borders Yonkers, Mt. Vernon, Tuckahoe and Eastchester. Two colleges, Concordia and Sarah Lawrence, give the Village a special energy that only the collegial life can generate. A local in-town farmer’s market runs from May through November and features organic produce, freshly baked bread and artisanal cheeses. With so many homes within walking distance to the Village, places like the farmer’s market, Metro-North, shopping and movies are accessible on foot.

Downtown Bronxville has English-style architecture that give the Village a distinctive and cosmopolitan feel, with a plethora of unique retail stores. Mano A Mano features beautiful glassware, pottery, furniture and dinnerware. The Silver Spoon, owned by a Bronxville native, is the go-to place for baby and children’s gifts.  Locals and students flock to Slave to the Grind for a great cup of coffee, a friendly and entertaining staff, and its 1970s vibe.  A few doors down is Underhills Crossing, a sophisticated bistro with a vibrant bar crowd and a menu of oysters that come from Maine to Washington. 

PSTEPHANIEPicturesSchoolsUpstateK-12BronxvilleSchoolcompressedIt is the sense of community and fast friendships made between cradle-to-grave residents, and transient and relocating families that make Bronxville special. Bronxville High School, located in the heart of the village, brings residents together, whether they have kids in the school or not. Concordia College sponsors cultural events that residents eagerly attend. For sport enthusiasts, the Village of Bronxville offers it own staff paddle tennis pro, numerous paddle tennis courts and The Bronxville Gentleman’s Platform Tennis League, and The Bronxville Ladies Platform Tennis League, where the love of the game is on display twelve months a year. 

Bronxville may be small, but it has wide appeal for being known as the “suburb that is endlessly copied but never matched”.

Out and About in Briarcliff Manor

0 Comments By Gay Prizio on February 19th, 2010
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Ask a resident of Briarcliff Manor what makes their town so special and they just might start humming the theme song from Cheers, because Briarcliff is indeed a town where everyone knows your name. This 5 ¾ square mile village sits along the scenic Hudson River and is situated within the Town of Ossining and the Town of Mount Pleasant.

BriarcliffChances are you will run into someone you know at Law Memorial Park, one of seven parks and three nature trails in Briarcliff. Named after Walter Law, the founder of Briarcliff Manor, Law Memorial Park is the centerpiece of this quaint village and offers residents a pool, clay tennis courts, paddle tennis courts, a playground and a beautiful two-story outdoor pavilion that can be rented for private parties. The Briarcliff Recreation department offers social activities from summer day camp and school vacation programs, to yoga classes, tennis lessons, and seniors programming. Dog obedience classes ensure that Briarcliff dogs are as friendly as the residents.

Briarcliff has a charming downtown with a wide variety of restaurants. Locals gather at Orfino’s and The Patio to catch up on the local chatter while enjoying a great meal. For heartier appetites, Flames Steakhouse serves up perfectly aged beef, succulent lobster and Caesar salad. Club Fit is the go-to spot to work out for both adults and kids after indulging in a meal at their favorite Briarcliff restaurant.

Donald Trump has brought a bit of glamour to Briarcliff with Trump National Golf Club . On number 13, a 101 foot tall waterfall pumps 5,000 gallons of water every minute. Golfers love the beauty — but hate the distraction — of this spectacular sight. 

This small community with a convivial personality is home to young and old, new residents and long-time residents alike, who enjoy their neighbors as much as they enjoy living in Briarcliff Manor.

Out and About in Bedford

0 Comments By Gay Prizio on February 12th, 2010
Tags: , , ,      Categories: Luxury Country Properties, Market Area, Out and About, Uncategorized, Westchester

It has bold-face name residents, a bed and breakfast owned by a movie star, and a picturesque village green. Bedford, which includes the hamlets of Bedford Hills, Bedford Village and Katonah, has a sense of authenticity and character that gives it it’s New England charm.farmhouseFromStreetWithSnow

The historic buildings that grace the Village Green set the tone for this Rockwellian community. Bedford Historical Society maintains 10 buildings including The Post Office, Bedford Free Library, Jackson House, and Loudsbery Building.  Galleries, shops and restaurants add sophistication and a sense of surprise.

The outdoorsperson will never tire of all ways in which to absorb the beauty of the area. Bedford Riding Lanes Association maintains 100 miles of trails and dirt for hiking and horseback riding. Drivers enthusiastically give the right of way to neighbors on horseback.

Music lovers flock to Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts, a performing arts center in Katonah. Caramoor’s outdoor music pavilion is surrounded by formal gardens and a Mediterranean style villa that houses year-round music educational programs.   The Katonah Museum of Art celebrates the visual arts with exhibitions and educational programs that explore ideas about art, culture, and society.

For foodies, there are local farms like Cabbage Hill, Daisy Hill, and Guard Hill that grow organic fruits and vegetables and are purveyors of artisanal cheeses and meats. Bedford resident Richard Gere may be lurking by the arugula or Martha Stewart could be declaring the peaches a good thing, which makes this rural area of Westchester County a pleasure for all the sense.