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A Very ‘Giant’ Weekend Here in the Hudson Valley

0 Comments By Kerry Barger on February 3rd, 2012
Tags: , , , , , , ,      Categories: Dutchess, Events, Houlihan Lawrence News, Out and About, Putnam, Westchester

Residents across Westchester, Putnam and Dutchess counties (and all of New York and New Jersey, for that matter) have a lot to smile about this weekend, and it’s not just because of the mild temperatures and beautiful sunshine. Staten Island Chuck, our own version of Punxsutawney Phil, predicted an early spring—but do you know that he also foresaw a Giants’ Super Bowl win, too?

According to New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Chuck is right about 80 percent of the time. Sure it’s just a prediction, but you shouldn’t take an animal’s inner intuition for granted. Remember Paul the Octopus, who was 8-for-8 in predicting the 2010 World Cup’s final rounds, including the championship match? And don’t forget about Princess, the camel from Popcorn Park Zoo in New Jersey, who’s correctly predicted five of the last six Super Bowls (and has selected the Giants for a big championship win this weekend, too.)

Animal ESP aside, it’s been a painstaking two weeks for most of the Hudson Valley as media fanfare and talk of a 2008 Super Bowl replay have weighed heavily on the minds of Giants fans far and wide. Even some Jets fans have been forced to take sides when faced with the challenge of choosing between their stadium-sharing rivals or Tom Brady and his flowing locks of quarterback supremacy. In a LoHud story written by Richard Liebson, White Plains lawyer and loyal Jets fan Dave Mayeri says it’s an awful dilemma, but at the end of the day, decides he’s better off sticking with a fellow New York team.

While some Westchester residents are cringing at the thought of this year’s Super Bowl, others are ready to celebrate this Giant occasion. Yorktown Patch recently posted a story with the best spots and Super Bowl deals across Northern Westchester. What better way to wrap up the 2011—2012 NFL season with a $70 all-you-can-eat-and-drink at Brodie’s Pub in Mohegan Lake, or by dropping just 30 cents for boneless wings at South Side Grille in Yorktown. Be sure to read Liz Giegerich and Plamena Pesheva’s article to get the inside scoop.

And then there’s the power of a little friendly competition. The Poughkeepsie Journal reports that public officials across New York and Massachusetts have engaged in a football war, putting their respective states’ most famous goods on the line. According to Joseph Spector and the Journal Albany Bureau, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo will send Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick 46 cases of the state’s Greek yogurt, 46 dozen bagels from Ess-a-Bagel in Manhattan, and 46 cheesecakes from Junior’s in Brooklyn if the Pats win. And if the Giants prevail, Patrick will send Cuomo 46 Centerville Pies from The Pie Ladies, Legal Sea Foods clam chowder, and six cases of Food Should Taste Good chips.

Whether you’re a diehard fan putting everything on the line this Sunday, a sidelined aficionado whose team just didn’t cut it this year or a fair-weather football-watcher, we’ve got just one question for you: Who do YOU think will reign supreme in Indy this Sunday?

Holiday Cheer

0 Comments By Gay Prizio on December 15th, 2011
Categories: Market Area, Out and About, Westchester

Holiday Cheer means different things to different people … a warm hello to a stranger or a act of kindness kindled by the holiday season. 

Holiday Cheer 100x150 Holiday CheerTo many, holiday cheer is a universal clinking of the glass and imbibing in a cocktail that is synonymous with the holiday.  Area restaurants and their “mixologists” offer up whimsical concoctions such as a Candy Cane Martini (vodka and peppermint schnapps) at 12 Grapes Music & Wine Bar in Peekskill; Ruby Port Punch at Elements Food & Spirits in White Plains; or a Tinsel-Tini at Massa in Scarsdale.  

For beer lovers, recently opened The Yard House, in Westchester’s Ridge Hill features everything in from craft beer to blonde ale, stouts and lagers in shortys, pints, goblets, and half yards. What better present can there be for the beer aficionado.

If you are long on cheer, but short on the right words for a toast, here are a few holiday favorites to make the days memorable and special.

Out and About in Kent

0 Comments By Gay Prizio on December 7th, 2011
Tags: , ,      Categories: Market Area, Out and About, Putnam

Kent is located in north-central Putnam County, just south of Dutchess County. Kent is considered a rural region with many beautiful lakes, ponds, reservoirs and rocky mountain ranges.
Equidistant to either historic Cold Spring Village on Metro North’s Hudson Line or to Brewster on the Harlem Line, Kent has become a popular second home market.

608 Farmers Mill Rd Carmel NY 150x100 Out and About in KentAs a retreat from the hustle and bustle of New York City, Kent offers its own brand of sophistication. This 1850′s Kent farmhouse was recently featured in a home design magazine that showcases a newly designed gourmet kitchen with modern finishes that add just the right amount of edge to this historic home. This home located at 608 Farmers Mills Rd Carmel, NY is on the market and also features working shutters, a fireplace, an outdoor kitchen, and magnificent gardens designed by the landscape designer owner.

E6D80307F41D11E09392EF7CC0ED00E9 330035 1 1 Out and About in Kent Another home for sale in Kent is 57 Stonegate Ct Carmel, NY, a four-story weekender home that invites the outside in with wraparound decks on all levels. Seasonal views of the reservoir turns this tree house into a houseboat with five bedrooms, a playroom, a separate office suite with private entry, and a family and exercise room.  A summer living room and two-story living room with fireplace complete this have-it-all retreat.

If you would like to know more about Kent, please visit our Kent Town Guide on houlihanlawrence.com

Out and About in Pleasantville

0 Comments By Gay Prizio on September 29th, 2011
Tags: , , , ,      Categories: Market Area, Out and About, Westchester

What do the residents of Pleasantville do when they get cranky and cannot live up to the descriptor that defines their town? Maybe they go to the Jacob Burns Film Center, where a robust schedule of eclectic documentary and independent films are shown each day. Or they stroll their neighborhood, knowing that most schools, shopping and train stop are within walking distance of their home. 

All is pleasant in this Village, located in the Town of Mount Pleasant, just 30 miles from New York City by car or train. There are four municipal parks that encompass 50 acres, not to mention 10 acres of school district fields. Zagat-rated restaurants, like Iron Horse Grill, keep residents happy with their contemporary cuisine and converted space that formerly housed the Pleasantville train station building at the turn of the century.

A sense of place permeates Pleasantville. It was once know as Clark’s Corner, and was among the vast property holdings owned by Frederick Philipse. Pleasantville was a prosperous farming community, and became an important town on the map when the New York Central Railroad established Pleasantville as a train stop in the 1840s. 

Here is a sampling of homes for sale in Pleasantville:

100 150x112 Out and About in Pleasantville100 Beech Hill Road Pleasantville, NY is renovated Colonial, with Briarcliff Schools and recreation, is set back from the road for privacy. The long driveway brings you to this 3,333 sq ft home, and features a 2 story entry, Formal Living Room with fireplace, French doors that lead to the Formal Dining Room with fireplace. The Eat-in Kitchen has a breakfast bar, center island with a large prep sink, granite counters, range/grill.

4 150x100 Out and About in Pleasantville4 Crestview Pleasantville, NY is a beautiful Center Hall Colonial on resort-like property in sought-after neighborhood. The gourmet kitchen includes custom cabinetry, granite counters, radiant heated floors, a Viking 6-burner stove and wine cooler. Wood floors, new moldings and wainscoting throughout. All four bedrooms outfitted with Alternative Closets. 45 minutes to NYC.

12 150x112 Out and About in Pleasantville12 Suzanne Lane Pleasantville, NY is a warm and inviting home totally updated home and lives like a 5 bedroom home. Newly finished master bathroom, freshly painted, all new stainless appliances, new carpeting. Level backyard with pool site, fully landscaped, perennial gardens, Belgian block lined over-sized driveway, stone walls, canine fence surrounding entire property and more.

Visit our website, houlihanlawrence.com for a complete list of homes for sale in Pleasantville NY.

First Annual Open Studios Tour in Cold Spring, NY

0 Comments By Bobbi Egan on September 21st, 2011
Tags: , , ,      Categories: Events, Houlihan Lawrence News, Out and About, Putnam

art1 e1316016289201 First Annual Open Studios Tour in Cold Spring, NYAutumn is just around the corner and if your looking for ways to enjoy the season in a beautiful community consider a visit to Cold Spring, NY.
Cold Spring Arts is planning their first Open Studios tour on Saturday, October 1st and Sunday, October 2nd, from 12 – 6 pm. You will have an opportunity to meet approximately 30 artists from Garrison and Cold Spring  in their working environment. The tour is free to all.

Houlihan Lawrence Real Estate has reached out to the community, supporting the local arts tour. Lesli Uribe, long time Houlihan Lawrence Realtor will be exhibiting her works of art at their Cold Spring office located on 60 Main St. The office will showcase Lesli’s new series of paintings entitled “Moving”. As a Realtor and having recently sold and moved herself, Lesli explores and shares the intensity of the moving process through her art. Her studio at 27 Mountain Ave, Cold Spring is also open during the weekend.

A preview reception will be held on Friday, September 30th from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm, and will feature one work from each participating artist on exhibit at the offices of Philipstown.info located at 69 Main St in Cold Spring and The Living Room located at 103 Main Street in Cold Spring. Artists will open their spaces to the public daily from 12 pm to 6 pm on Saturday, October 1st through Sunday, October 2nd.  The open studio tour features professional artists of national and international renown working in ceramics, glass, painting, video, installation, printmaking, and sculpture. Visitors may preview the artists and plan their tour by going to www.ColdSpringArts.com.  The open studio format invites dialogue between artists and the general public.

Don’t miss this opportunity to gain access to fabulous artists in a relaxed, informal setting, witnessing their creative processes first-hand while experiencing the natural beauty of a great Hudson River destination.

Get directions. For additional information about Cold Spring, visit the Cold Spring Town Guide on our website.
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Out and About in Tuckahoe

0 Comments By Gay Prizio on September 9th, 2011
Tags: , , , ,      Categories: Out and About, Westchester

What do the New York Public Library, New York City Hall, St. Patrick’s Cathedral and The Washington Monument have in common? The marble used to build these iconic structures came from Tuckahoe, New York. In the early 19thcentury, vast amounts of glistening white marble was discovered in this Westchester County village, fueling a growth industry that attracted many immigrants. Fast forward 200 years -  the quarries are long gone but the charm of this former mining town remains.

Tuckahoe is located along the Bronx River Parkways and is a village in the Town of Eastchester. Neighboring communities include Bronxville to its south and the hamlet of Crestwood (in Yonkers) to the west.  The Village Square is a great place to take a stroll. The Metro North station takes you to Grand Central terminal in less than a half hour and is situated directly in the center of town. The Tap House is just a few steps from the station and offers thirsty commuters a selection of over seventy craft and premium beers – 14 of them taps. 

Community amenities include parks, two school districts, the Tuckahoe Public Library, the Community Center and bike and walking paths. 

Tuckahoe offers a wide variety of real estate and here are a few active listings in the area:

1 Eastway is a significant 1929 Lewis Bowman brick Tudor. High ceilings, fireplaces and gracious living plus an additional building lot make this a unique offering. 

15 Hewitt Avenue is a bright and sunny traditional Colonial surrounded by fabulous property in a coveted location. Pretty rooms throughout, family room off modern eat-in kitchen with direct access to terrace and yard. Beautiful move-in condition.

4 Crawford Drive is an expansive, unique and special Dutch Colonial. Beautifully finished from granite countertops, vaulted ceilings, 4 zone heat and picturesque breakfast area to the large formal dining room is a very versatile home!

Out and About in New York City’s Backyard

0 Comments By Gay Prizio on August 18th, 2011
Tags: , ,      Categories: Out and About, Westchester

Close proximity to New York City is one of the defining features of Westchester County. With such easy access, we often overlook that New York is an international city, and in the same category as Paris, Rome and Tokyo.

Westchester County is in the backyard of New York City and its southern most suburbs, such as Bronxville, New Rochelle and Larchmont, are less than 30 minutes to New York by train or car. It’s an easy commute for those who live in the suburbs and work in the city – once seated on the train, they have just enough time to read their e-mail and take a quick glance at the day’s cover story before the train is pulling into Grand Central Terminal, the largest train station in the world by number of platforms.

The beauty and calm of Westchester suburbs offer a welcome respite from the fast pace of the city. The transition from city mode – high energy and high density – to suburb mode – friendly faces and open space - synthesizes the comfort and convenience of straddling these two worlds on a daily basis.

Sophistication in dining, shopping and recreation is never compromised in New York City’s Backyard. Award-winning chefs and five-star restaurants are plentiful.  Madison Avenue may be unrivaled, but Westchester County has it share of fine retailers and specialty stores that are local favorites. Amenities, such as parks, golf courses, hiking and biking trails, plus the Long Island Sound and  Hudson River make Westchester both unique and desirable.

Here is look at a day in the life of a Westchester resident who commutes to New York City everyday:

Out and About in Dutchess County

0 Comments By Gay Prizio on August 4th, 2011
Tags: , , ,      Categories: Dutchess, Out and About

Dutchess County is one of the original counties of New York. It is located midway between New York City and Albany and is accessible by train, car and air. Dutchess County is nestled in the Hudson Valley and its natural landscape creates breathtaking vistas.   

This feast for the eyes is second only to the feast food-lovers experience at the Culinary Institute of America, located in Hyde Park. Great chefs of the future are trained at the CIA and diners are happy to be their test-palate at one of the CIA’s five student run restaurants. Dutchess may be one of the few counties that has “Culinary Ambassadors” —  great local chefs, farmers, and restaurateurs who promote the importance of food, farms and agriculture in our daily lives. 

History buffs can re-live their favorite historic periods in Dutchess, from the early exploration of Henry Hudson to the Gilded Age of the Vanderbilt’s and the New Deal ideals of Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt. On the cultural scene, Dutchess County is a mecca for the arts with visual, performing and dance at venues such as the Frances Lehman Loeb Center, The Center for Performing Arts at Rhinebeck and Half Moon Theatre to name just a few.

If relaxation is your goal, Dutchess County has charming bed and breakfasts, antique centers and specialty shops to help you while away the day. The gardens in Dutchess, such as Beatrix Farrand Garden at Bellefield and the Rose Garden at Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site, offer solitude, beauty and repose.

 Here is a birds-eye look at Dutchess County

Out and About in Putnam County

0 Comments By Gay Prizio on July 28th, 2011
Tags: , , , ,      Categories: Out and About, Putnam

Putnam County is located in the lower Hudson River Valley and was named in honor of Israel Putnam, a hero in the French and Indian War and a general in the American Revolutionary War. It is one of the most affluent counties in America, ranked 11th by median household income, and 47th by per-capita income, according to the 2000 census. 

Relative to Westchester County, Putnam is about half the size and includes towns such as Brewster, Carmel, Mahopac, Cold Spring, Garrison, Kent, Patterson and Putnam Valley. 

Putnam is the land of parks, ponds, paths and preserves.  Clarence Fahenstock Memorial State Park covers 14,000 acres and offers every outdoor enthusiast everything from camping, hiking, and hunting to boating, cross-country skiing and tubing.  Canopus Lake, Stillwater Lake and Pelton Pond are home to bass, pickerel and trout and is open year round. 

Putnam has a vibrant cultural community.  Art galleries can be found on farms or in quaint riverside villages. Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival makes its home under a tent theater on the grounds of the 19th century Boscobel estate in Garrison, New York, overlooking the Hudson River and has produced critically-acclaimed shows that challenge, inspire and demystify the great works of William Shakespeare. 

If you consider window-shopping a hobby, the quaint village streets of Putnam are filled with antiques stores, farmers markets, and eclectic restaurants with a dramatic view of the Hudson River as a backdrop. 

To learn more, be sure to take a look at Houlihan Lawrence Community Video.

Out and About In Westchester County

0 Comments By Gay Prizio on July 21st, 2011
Tags: , , , , ,      Categories: Out and About, Westchester

Westchester County is north of New York City with Connecticut to the east and Rockland County to the west. Westchester County is known for its beautiful communities, with towns that border both the Long Island Sound and the Hudson River.

A midsummer night dream is alive and well in Westchester County and here is a sampling of ways in which to soak in the last half of summer:  

Fireworks at Playland

Ooh and aah at the fireworks in Playland choreographed to music.  Details: Wednesdays and Fridays through Sept. 2, at 9:15 p.m. Parking is $5. Playland Park, Playland Parkway, Rye. 914-813-7010.

Holiday Lighted Boat Parade in New Rochelle 

Take in a parade of boats lit up with holiday lights as they cruise along the Long Island Sound’s shoreline with public viewing areas at Neptune and Hudson parks.

Details: July 30, 8:30-9:30 p.m. New Rochelle Municipal Marina, 22 Pelham Road, New Rochelle. 914-235-7339. 

Concerts

Summer Sounds Concert Series in New Rochelle

The Emil Paolucci Summer Concert Series continues at Hudson Park with a performance by the Silver Streaks Band, offering a variety of musical styles and sounds from different eras. Details: July 20 at 7 p.m. Hudson Park Bandshell, Hudson Park, New Rochelle.

 Jazz and dancing on Library Green in New Rochelle

Learn new dance steps while enjoying high-energy Latin music. On July 21, Nanny Assis performs samba, bossa-nova, baiao and Brazilian jazz standards. His trio will be joined by two professional samba dancers, who will offer pre-concert lessons. On July 28, Grupo Latin Vibe brings a salsa/Latin jazz show to the band stand, with pre-concert salsa lessons. 

Details: Both concerts are at 7 p.m., dance lessons at 6 p.m. In case of rain, concerts move indoors to the Ossie Davis Theater at the New Rochelle Public Library, where seating is limited. Complimentary tickets will be given out at the library starting at 6 p.m. Library Green, Ossie Davis Park, 1 Library Plaza (Lawton Street and Huguenot Street), New Rochelle. 914-632-8254.

Big Band Music on the Boardwalk at Playland 

Head to Playland Park to see Milt Gerver and his orchestra perform music from the big band era.  Details: July 22, July 29 and Aug. 5, at 7:30. Parking is $5. Playland Park, Playland Parkway, Rye. 914-813-7010 

Sunset Jazz at Lyndhurst 

Every Thursday night in August, watch the sunset overlooking the Hudson River at Lyndhurst while enjoying jazz. Concerts include the Ray Mantilla Latin Jazz Group on Aug. 4, the Louis Hayes Quartet on Aug. 11, Samba New York! (an eight- piece Brazilian samba group) on Aug. 18, and Forever Ray: Ray Charles Tribute Group on Aug. 25. Presented by Lyndhurst and Jazz Forum Arts. Details: Grounds open at 5 p.m., plenty of time to picnic on the west lawn before concerts, which are all at 6:30 p.m. Bring blankets, chairs. In case of rain, the concert will move indoors to the Carriage House tent. Lyndhurst, 635 S. Broadway (Route 9), Tarrytown. Parking is $10. 914-631-4481. www.hudsonvalley.org

12th Annual Dobbs Ferry Summer Music Series at Waterfront Park

A great lineup performs Wednesday concerts at the scenic Hudson riverfront park: Freddie Bryant Quartet on July 20, 3D Ritmo de Vida on July 27, Carrie Jackson on Aug. 3, the Jo Lawry Group on Aug. 10, and the John Hart Organ Quartet Aug. 17.

Details: All concerts are 6:30-8 p.m. Free parking in nearby Metro-North lot. In case of rain, the concert will be moved indoors at the Embassy Community Center at 60 Palisade St., Dobbs Ferry Waterfront. Waterfront Park is at the bottom of High Street. Contact Jazz Forum Arts at 914-631-1000. www.jazzforumarts.org

WorldFest 2011 in Yonkers

Go all around the world at WorldFest 2011, a concert, dance and theater series at Untermyer Park overlooking the Hudson River in Yonkers. July 23: The Yonkers Philharmonic “European” Tour; July 30: Zikrayat/Music and Dance from Egypt; Aug. 6: Connecticut Ballet; Aug. 13: An Evening of Asian Culture; Aug. 20: Actors Conservatory Theater presents “All Shook Up”; Aug. 27: The Culture and Tradition of India, and Sept. 3: The McLean Avenue Band. 

Details: All performances begin at 7:30 p.m. Bring chairs and blankets. In case of rain, call the number below to check for cancellation. 345 North Broadway, Yonkers. 914-375-3435. www.untermyer.com 

Friday night Jazz at Patriots Park in Tarrytown 

August brings jazz concerts to the park Friday nights in August: Gerry Malkin Quartet, featuring George Colligan on Aug. 5, Le Pompe Attack “Gypsy Jazz” on Aug. 12, Laura Dreer Quartet on Aug. 19, and Glacomo Gates Quartet on Aug. 26. 

Details: All concerts are 6:30-8 p.m. Patriots Park, North Broadway (Route 9), Tarrytown. Contact Jazz Forum Arts at 914-631-1000. www.jazzforumarts.org. 

Brazilian Jazz in West Harrison 

Spend your lunch break at Jazz at CHASE!, featuring Mark Morganelli and The Jazz Forum All Stars Brazil Project. The group will perform Brazilian music by Antonio Carlos Jobim, Marcos Valle, Luiz Bonfa and others, including music from the film, “Black Orpeus.” Concert is rain or shine. 

Details: Aug. 19, noon-1 p.m. Chase Bank, 106 Corporate Park Drive (off of westbound Westchester Avenue). Contact Jazz Forum Arts at 914-631-1000. www.jazzforumarts.org.

Women in Jazz at Beczak Environmental Education Center in Yonkers 

Celebrate women jazz musicians every Tuesday in August. Performances include Ginetta’s Vendetta on Aug. 2, Karolina Strassmaer and Drori Mondlak Quartet on Aug. 9, Jill McCarron Quartet on Aug. 16, and Kim Clarke and the group, MAGNETS! with Rob Scheps, Bryan Carrott and George Gray on Aug. 23 

Details: All concerts 6:30-8:30 p.m., rain or shine. 35 Alexander St., Yonkers. Contact Jazz Forum Arts at 914-631-1000. www.jazzforumarts.org. 

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