Archive for the 'Things to do and see in Westchester' Category
Over the past several years, White Plains NY has created a new New Years Eve tradition. Dubbed “mini-me” Manhattan during the building boom (aka real estate bubble) of the early 200o’s, the city started its own version of the Times Square ball drop followed by fireworks. I rather enjoy the event although I firmly believe that White Plains needs to stop pretending to be NYC. There is only ONE Times Square and we need to create our own unique tradition. Also, fair warning for those who enjoy a quiet New Years Eve by the fire – this is not that type of gig. There is a tremendous party atmosphere. Personally, I’m more of a “by the fire” type myself, but I really do like fireworks displays too….
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Yes, I know its not all that PC to call them Christmas lights, but most of the lights that are out are Christmas lights – so I’m just going to call them what they are! Whatever you call them and no matter what your religion, the lights are always fun for the whole family. I remember driving around with my parents as a child looking for light displays everywhere we went. Some nights we actually went on “Christmas Light Expeditions”. We would go out in search of lights. Photographing the lights was a bit of a challenge.
The pictures never seemed to turn out the way we expected them to! But I’m going to give it a shot and post as many photos of holiday lights as I can this year. And I will spill on the location so people can go and see for themselves….This first photo is from downtown White Plains on North Broadway. The Broadlawn is one of my favorite cooperative buildings. It has wonderful old-world charm with old growth trees in its English garden courtyard. The complex is known for its holiday decorations. Beautiful and tasteful! This is a photo of the entry.
Happy Holidays Everyone!
© 2012 – Ruthmarie G. Hicks – http://thewestchesterview.com
And now – for a complete change of pace…I know people think they know my style, but now I am going to make a U-turn away from the realistic to the slightly surreal. I wanted to put together something with unconstrained out-of control color just because it goes with the season and because – well – I can. Its also cheering after so many cold days in the dark for so many Westchester residents….So here is unbridled fall color – more than a little processed. It reminds me of when I was a kid in and in total state of exuberance I decided to use every bright colored crayon in the box.
Fall Fire ….
© 2012 – RGHicks – http://fotosonthefly.biz - All rights reserved.
The Club Car opened its doors a few months ago in Mamaroneck NY. The restaurant has received rave reviews. But for me, it is the restoration of the magnificent 1888 Romanesque building that steals the show. The building had been boarded up and deteriorating for what seemed like forever. The condition reminded me of the Tarrytown Music Hall in my youth. People shook their heads and discussions of tearing down the Music Hall were openly discussed. The restoration that ensued was well worth the effort and the same is true for the Mamaroneck NY terminal building.
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Every once in a while its fun to relive one’s childhood – at least the fun parts…Rye Playland is the perfect place to relive some of my fondest childhood memories. Whether it be my first tentative steps on ice skates in the winter or all the wonderful rides that the summer season has to offer – Rye Playland is an amazing place for children of all ages . That includes “adult” children…
But Playland is not your typical amusement park. Playland of Rye New York is a Westchester landmark. Built in 1928 the entire design was in the Art Deco style. The original design included the boardwalk and ice-skating rinks along with many rides and attractions. The park was declared a national historic landmark in 1987.
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The following is an early experiment in HDR photography to take advantage of the clouds and the color that you see at sunset. Since HDR and cloud cover, go together like ham and eggs, I decided to give it a try. The photo is taken at three exposures and then layerd through an algorithm. The boats were lined up in the water for the fireworks on the 4th of July. They were situated to take advantage of the shows that were happening on BOTH sides of the river. Irvington and Tarrytown on our side and Nyack on the western side.
© 2012 – Ruthmarie G. Hicks – http://thewestchesterview.com – All rights reserved.
Happy Independence Day everyone! Each time we celebrate the 4th of July – we tend to think of it in terms of picnics, having fun with friends, a day at the beach and fireworks. But we should never forget the perilous course our founding fathers took and the many twists and turns that could have derailed colonial independence. There were so many battles to win, so many political compromises to be made. These days I often feel as if we are throwing it all away in a fit of selfishness and a rampaging case of willful ignorance. Yet there are signs of hope. While I was on the River Walk this evening, there were young people out on the walk urging unregistered citizens to register in time for the Novemeber elections and explaining the importance of voting to those who already were registered. It was good to see since so many under 30 have become disengaged either because apathy or cynicism.
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It’s not too early to be thinking about the 4th of July celebrations in Westchester NY. Here is a fairly large, if partial list of special events for the Independence Day festivities of 2012. So here it is… I was unable to confirm if Mamaroneck NY was having its Fireman’s Carnival. I did not see it posted and budget cuts may have had an impact. If anyone knows anything about the status of that event, feel free to post it in the comments section!
So here it is – and everyone have a happy, healthy, fun and safe Independence Day…
On-Going Events:
Pirates of the Hudson:
- When: Jun 30 – July 1 and July 4-8 - Entry times at 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 PM
- Where: Philipsburg Manor – Sleepy Hollow (Route 9)
From the people that brought you Horseman’s Hollow and the Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze, we have a new event for the 4th of July. The event comes complete with musical pirates, gypsy sword dances, treasure hunts and a pirate shipwreck. There are temporary tattoos, a talking parrot – everything you need to become a genuine pirate of the New World. For more information and tickets (you must purchase them in advance) follow this link: Pirates of the Hudson.
Thursday – June 28:
White Plains Independence Day Celebration:
6PM – 10 PM – White Plains High School (North Street -White Plains) - Entertainment, rides for the kids, food, topped off by a fireworks display. Rain date: June 29.
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Every June Tarrytown NY has a Pet Parade as part of the festivities on its famous 3rd Friday events. This year was no different and I will have more on the 3rd Friday generally, but in the meantime, here are a few canine portraits that I managed to obtain while balancing one of my own dogs on a leash along with a camera.
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About a week ago I wrote a short blog about the White Plains business district. Many people don’t understand what a large commuter population White Plains NY plays host to each day of the work week.
Curb Appeal For the Business District:
One of things that make White Plains as popular a destination for businesses is that it is actually a pleasant place to work. Sometimes its the little things that make all the difference. As a real estate agent, I often harp on “curb appeal” siting landscaping, hanging plants and window boxes to create a punch of color and a visual impact. Well, it works for the business sector as well.
I took these photos last year on a bright sunny summer day in the downtown business district.
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