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.
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.
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.
Pelham, located in Southern Westchester County, is just a 28 minute train ride to Grand Central Terminal. With a short commute to Manhattan, many refer to Pelham as the first suburb north of New York City. In fact, unlike most Westchester Metro-North stations, Pelham’s is located in a residential community, and a walkable distance for those who reside in the neighborhoods of Pelham Heights and Pelham Woods.
Residents of Pelham have easy access to Pelham Bay Park, which is more than three times the size of Manhattan’s Central Park. Visitors to the park enjoy miles of bridle paths and hiking trails, Orchard Beach, the Bartow-Pell Mansion, two golf courses, and a breathtaking 13-mile saltwater shoreline that hugs Long Island Sound. Pelham Bay Park also has a wide and diverse range of plant and animal life and features prime locations to view one of nature’s most skillful hunters, the osprey.
For a bird-eye view of Pelham, take a look at our Pelham Community Video, where residents talk about what makes their town so special:
41 Third Ave Pelham NY 10803 is situated on a tree lined street in the heart of Pelham. This spacious four bedroom home boasts hard wood floors throughout, high ceilings, living room with fireplace, sunny dining room with picture window, storage closet and built-ins.
127 Highbrook Ave Pelham NY 10803 is a young, updated Colonial in Pelham Heights, in move-in condition and only minutes away from the train, schools and village. The first floor features a modern kitchen with breakfast bar, formal dining room, living room with fireplace and french doors to a private patio, office/guest room and powder room.
315 Cliff Ave Pelham NY 10803 is a rare opportunity to own a completely renovated home in one of Pelham Heights prime locations. Beautifully renovated and meticulously maintained, this four bedroom tudor features a gourmet eat-in-kitchen, new bathrooms, custom closets, central a/c, new mahogany deck, and much, much more.
To find out more about Pelham, please go to www.houlihanlawrence.com to access our Market Reports.
LaGrange is located in Dutchess County and is less than 90 minutes north of New York City. The town was named after the ancestral estate of the Marquis de Lafayette in 1828.
With long days and short nights, there is no better way to enjoy the breathtaking vistas of LaGrange than a round of golf at The Links at Union Vale. This remarkable public golf course is reminiscent of the famous links courses of Ireland and Scotland. Stephen Kay designed the course and incorporated the areas rolling landscape and sweeping views of the lush Hudson Valley into each and every hole.
Mark you calendar for the Dutchess County Fair which runs the third week in August. Crafts at Rhinebeck, the Classic Car Show, Antique Shows and a Sheep and Wool Festival and Wine and Food Festival are just some of the popular events that attract over one million patrons to the fairgrounds annually.
For a peek at life in LaGrange watch our video.
Here is a sampling of homes for sale in LaGrange:
18 Creekside Lane is an immaculate contemporary home defined by its open floor plan. An airy central great room is tied together with a two story dual sided fireplace. Situated n over 3 private acres and just minutes to the Taconic Parkway.
467 Rossway Rd is best described as pristine, private and park-like. This beautiful Colonial and its 1.9 acres of gorgeous land with bright open floor plan perfect for entertaining. Convenient to Taconic for commuters.
58 Downing Road is a builder’s own custom home, and charming blend of Contemporary / Farmhouse. Privately sited on ten acres, this home features hardwood floors, crown molding, custom woodwork throughout and a spacious country kitchen with granite and custom brick fireplaces in living room and master bedroom suite.
To find out more about LaGrange, please go to www.houlihanlawrence.com to access our Market Reports.
New Rochelle is known as “The Queen City of the Sound”. This pulsating, large community is rich in culture, art, history and education and just a 30 minute train ride to Grand Central Terminal.
History is on display at Glen Island Park and beaches. This 105-acre island is connected to New Rochelle by a drawbridge built in the 1920s. Originally built as a summer resort by John H. Starin, many features from the 1920 are in tact, such as cannons, sculptures, castles, arched openings and round towers from the days when Glen Island was a resort. Today, Glen Island Park offers picnic pavilions, open picnic areas, boat launching, pathways, a catering hall and a restaurant, formerly Glen Island Casino of Big Band era fame.
Bordering the Long Island Sound, New Rochelle features Hudson Park and Beach, located on the south end on Hudson Park Road. Opening May 29th, Hudson Park has everything you need for a summer outing – a grassy recreation area (great for Frisbee and sunbathing) with a bandshell and Long Island Sound beaches. Five Islands Park has a large grassy area, sunbather’s beach, picnic areas, pavilion, large children’s play area with equipment, outdoor amphitheater, also ideal for nature walks. A pedestrian bridge links Big and Little Harrison Island to the main Oakwood Island. This beautiful park has barbeque pits, picnic tables, benches and open air pavilions for rent and a dock for fishing.
New Rochelle enjoys a diverse roster of restaurants from The Post Road Ale, serving up fine American food in a casual setting to Coromandel, an Indian- inspired restaurant with plentiful, fresh food and generous cocktails. The New York Times recently review Alvin and Friends, which true to its name makes a first time visitor feel comfortable and welcome in this sophisticated setting that serves Southern and Caribbean food.
Take a look at Houlihan Lawrence’s Community video on New Rochelle:
New Rochelle features a wide offering of real estate from condos and co-ops to single family homes. Here are a few active listings:
294 Church Street is a ranch style home with entry hall, family room with a door to the backyard and a large basement with washer/dryer area and one car garage. A large living room, dining room, eat-in-kitchen with door to 16×20 deck complete plus 3 bedrooms and 2 1/2 baths complete this home.
120 Bon Air Avenue has old world charm with modern updates. Located ona quiet street, this home features 5 bedrooms, 3 1/2 baths, family room, powder room and full Bath and laundry first floor.
423-423 Wilmot Road is a stunning stone manor house, totally renovated in 2004 combining the best of the old and new. Original, museum quality carved plaster ceilings, beautiful sweeping staircase. Formal 30′ living room with original fireplace and bookcases,17 ‘ formal dining room. Gourmet kitchen with two granite islands, six bedrooms, all new baths.
Memorial Day is the official start of the summer season and if you are looking for something other than a parade or a cook-out, here is a sampling of some interesting Memorial Day events.
On Saturday, a tour of Trailside’s Luquer-Marble Wildflower Garden will be held. The flowers are in peak and this garden is home to over 70 species of flowers and ferns and includes some increasingly rare native plant species. Trailside Nature Museum, Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, Routes 35 & 121 South, Cross River, NY 10518, Saturday May 28.
Animals & Acrobats takes visitors back to the days of the traveling circus with fire jugglers, tumbling acrobats, rope walkers and magicians as they used to travel the countryside as a ragged band of entertainers, setting up shop at various locations in Van Cortlandt Manor. Continuous performances over the holiday weekend feature a baby bear, airborne acrobats, contortionists, and are lead by Ringmaster Jonathan Kruk. Van Cortlandt Manor, 525 South Riverside Avenue (off Route 9), Croton-on-Hudson. Saturday through Monday, 10am to 5pm.
The U.S. Marine Corps will demonstrate a helicopter search and rescue effort at Playland Park on Sunday. The West Point Concert Band will perform for Service Member Appreciation Day on Sunday at noon. Playland Beach, Playland Park, Rye.
26th Annual Memorial Day Antiques Fair features over 85 booths of antiques and collectible on at Lasdon Park & Arboretum, 2610 Amawalk Road (Rte. 35), Katonah, NY 10536. Monday 10am to 5pm
If a marching band is a must, Mamaroneck will begin its annual Memorial Day parade at 5 pm on Sunday outside the Mamaroneck Avenue School. The parade will head down Mamaroneck Avenue, turn onto Prospect Avenue and finish up at the American Legion Post 90 at 189 Prospect Avenue.
Developed by one of the founders of Bronxville Village, Lawrence Park West is an area of Yonkers with a Bronxville post office address, and shares many of the physical qualities of nearby Bronxville Village. The plots of land in Lawrence Park are often larger than many of those found in the Village of Bronxville, and the neighborhood has an estate-like quality about it. The physical beauty of the neighborhood is characterized by sweeping lawns, manicured and mature landscaping and stately homes built with quality details from the 1920’s and 30’s. “Just over the border” from Bronxville, the taxing authority is the City of Yonkers, but the amenities of Lawrence Park West rival those of Bronxville in that Lawrence Hospital is around the corner, Sarah Lawrence College is adjacent to the neighborhood and the Bronxville train station is close by.
Cedar Knolls, also within Yonkers but sharing a Bronxville address, is a designated historic district comprised of 140 homes. Each home is “architecturally distinguished” although there are contemporaries as well as homes dating from the early 1900’s. The Landmark Protection status assures the preservation of the physical beauty of the neighborhood. Cedar Knolls is also renowned for their social gatherings and active neighborhood association.
We are hosting numerous Open Houses in Lawrence Park West on Sunday, May 15 to highlight the attributes of the area.
Please visit our website for a list of all Open Houses in the Bronxville area of Yonkers.
Like most big cities, White Plains takes on a different pulse in the evening when the warm weather arrives. The streets are alive with residents and visitors happy to be sharing the warm summer night and sense of community that pervades the promenade.
Longer days and warmer temperatures make the perfect combination for al fresco dining. Mamaroneck Avenue, a main thoroughfare of White Plains, is lined with a plethora of restaurants - from pubs and sports bars to steakhouses – that offer a great meal outdoors.
Lazy Boy Saloon on Mamaroneck Avenue is a must-visit if only to see if all it accolades are true – it has been rated as One Of The Top 150 Beer Bars In The Nation, Voted “Westchester County’s hall of fame for best beer selection”, the 21st of the “56 Must Do” things in Westchester County, Best Chicken Wings and Best Place to hear music.
New to Mamaroneck Avenue is Cheeburger Cheeburger. The lines are long for this national restaurant chain day and night. Ron Blacks and Hudson Grill both offer a convivial atmosphere, a wide selection of adult beverages and food.
At the top of Mamaroneck Avenue is the Ritz-Carlton Hotel, which houses BLT Steak, a well-know Manhattan name, on the street-level of the hotel, while the top floor showcases 42, serving up contemporary American cuisine and panoramic views of Westchester.
To check out the nightlife in White Plains, take a look at our video:
If you would like to live in White Plains and be part of the action, one of these homes for sale offers a close, in town location:
302 Church Street, #1G. The Wimbledon Condominium offers superb layouts in downtown White Plains just minutes from the Ritz Carlton, transportation and shopping. All new kitchen cabinets, stainless steel appliances, hardwood floors, marble baths, concierge, gym and on-site parking.
1 Renaissance Square, #16B. URBANITE’S DELITE! Live 35 minutes from Manhattan in the sophisticated city of White Plains, located in the center of desired Westchester County. Pamper yourself with the world class services and luxurious amenities of the renowned Ritz-Carlton Hotel. Enjoy top-of-the-world views and fine dining at the 42nd floor restaurant or at other superb fine or casual dining spots in the city and surrounding suburbs. Golf, beaches, upscale shopping, movies, live theater, pubs are steps or minutes away.
10 City Place, #30A. Enjoy the life you deserve in the luxurious Trump Tower. This bright, spacious home gives you fabulous views of NYC and magnificent sunsets. This home features a large master bedroom with a walk in closet, large kitchen with granite counter tops and stainless steel appliances, marble baths and mahogony floors. Offering you all the luxury amenities: 24 hour concierge, doorman, indoor/outdoor pool, tennis courts, outdoor recreation area, fitness center and play area all within a 32 minute express train to Grand Central Station.
Mount Vernon is one of the top ten most populous cities in the state of New York. With many neighborhoods, the city is divided into 4 major sections: The Northside (neighborhoods include Fleetwood, Chester Heights, Huntswood, Estate Manor/Aubyn Estates, and Oakwood Heights); The Southside; Mount Vernon Heights; and Downtown.
Fleetwood is known as the little village in the big city. With tree-lined streets, tudor-style co-op buildings and 70 shops within a 3 block area, Fleetwood is the ultimate walking community. The Bayou, Buona Sera, Maggie Spillane’s, plus an assortment of cafes, delis and bagel shops keep residents well-fed.
The Horizon at Fleetwood, a new construction condominium, recently opened its doors for sale. The building features one- and two-bedroom homes, many with outdoor space, and a full array of amenities, including a Fitness Center, Library, Concierge, Package Room, and Rooftop Garden with 360 degree views of Westchester County and New York City.
Mount Vernon is a commuter’s dream. The city offers 3 different Metro-North stations: Mount Vernon East, Mount Vernon West and Fleetwood. The Cross County Parkway, the Bronx River Parkway, and the Hutchinson River Parkway, I-95 and I-87 are all less than a mile from Mount Vernon’s borders, and when headed south, will get you to the city by car in less than 30 minutes.
Here is a sampling of a few single family homes for sale in Mount Vernon:
44 Rockridge Road is a charming, staggered Colonial with a spacious front porch. This home boasts a living room with fireplace, Formal dining room and 3 bedrooms plus a finishable loft area with room for another full bath.
19 Palmer Avenue is a charming brick and clapboard Colonial with new central air-conditioning, and powder room on lower level, large master with bath, new slate walk leading to new entry porch.
85 Southfield Lane is a Majestic Turreted Tudor located on a sensational private and lush landscaped property with pool/gazebo/hot tub. Exceptional architectural details throughout including wood molding, stained/leaded windows. This home is one of a kind. Perfect for entertaining.
127 Highbrook Ave Pelham NY 10803
315 Cliff Ave Pelham NY 10803
302 Church Street, #1G.
10 City Place, #30A
44 Rockridge Road
19 Palmer Avenue
85 Southfield Lane
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