Archive for the 'Things to do and see in Westchester' Category

Funky Floral Arrangements in Westchester NY

Tarrytown NY Funky FlowersOver the past couple of years, I’ve been able to see and capture some very unique floral arrangements in lower Westchseter NY.  Here are some photos of my top 3 picks.   The flowers themselves though beautiful can not be described as “funky.”  However the  …shall we say ..”planters” in each of these cases is truly unique. My all time favorite is the truck.

I also rather like the “bathtub” arrangement.  I found his in the back of building just behind the Tarrytown Music Hall.   The antique cast iron tub makes for  quite a “planter.”

Both the truck and the working boot arrangements are from Carlson’s Floral and Gift. The greenhouse is located at 625 Dobbs Ferry Rd. in White Plains, right near the Sprain Brook Parkway access.  If you think their funky arrangements are intriguing – you’ll be blown away by their traditional arrangements!

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Westchester Events – Calendar of Events for Lower Westchester July 23-July 28 2010

Calendar of EventsThe weekend is rolling around again and it is time for me to put up another Westchester events calendar.  Here are some nice events for a sultry summer weekend!  The number and variety of Westchester County events always ensures that residents will never be bored.

EVERYDAY EVENTS:

Open Gym
The County Center is open to high school students for basketball, foosball, board games, knock hockey and general socializing
6 p.m. to 10 PM – Free to all
Westchester County Center
198 Central Avenue
White Plains, NY  10606
(914) 995-4050
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Tarrytown NY – 3rd Friday – Great for kids & adults alike…

Tarrytown NY Third FridayTarrytown NY is one of those river towns in Westchester that has a vibe all its own.  The streets are not rolled up at 6 PM – a night life exists.  No – its not the dynamic city-style nightlife of Manhattan or even downtown White Plains, but the village has plenty of fine dining and activities that keep people on the streets well after dark.

One of the listings on my calendar of events Westchester NY was Tarrytown’s 3rd Friday.  Yesterday was, of course the 3rd Friday of July and in spite of the blistering heat and humidity – this unique Tarrytown monthly event was well attended.  3rd Friday is a way for merchants to market their wares – offer specials and for vendors to set up booths and for everyone in general to have fun.   There is face painting, and activities for the kids, while the adults can dine or check out any number of booths that offer plenty of variety. Jewelry at one booth, tote bags at another. At the other end of the spectrum, Westchester For Change was in evidence for those looking towards the fall election and for initiatives such as an energy policy.  In short it offers something for everyone and was well attended this time.

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Westchester Events – Calendar of Events for Lower Westchester

Westchester eventsHere is your weekend Westchester events calendar.  There is certainly plenty to do this  considering that it is a relatively quiet summer weekend.  Westchester county events always have something for everyone.

Everyday Events:

Open Gym
The County Center is open to high school students for basketball, foosball, board games, knock hockey and general socializing
6 p.m. to 10 PM – Free to all
Westchester County Center
198 Central Avenue
White Plains, NY  10606
(914) 995-4050

Thursday July 15:

Flint Park Concert
July 15, 2010, 7:15pm–9:00pm
Flint Park, Bronson Ave & Locust Ave, Larchmont


Wine-coupled dinner

July 15, 2010, 7:00pm
Plates Restaurant, 121 Myrtle Blvd, Larchmont

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Events Calendar – What to do in Lower Westchester NY

Calendar of EventsWant to know the latest Westchester Events? There is plenty to do and see  so planning your calendar for Westchester County events is challenging because there is such a wealth of things to choose from – Here is a list to get you started.

Friday July 9

Build a Boat/Construya un Bote
2:30pm
Warner Library, 121 N Broadway, Tarrytown

“Living with Art Collecting Contemporary in Metro New York” 12- 5 PM
Contemporary works of art -from six metro-New York private collections.  Including work from emerging as well as established artists/
$5 for adults, $3 for students/seniors
Neuberger Museum of Art – Purchase College
735 Anderson Hill Rd.
Purchase NY
914-251-6100
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For a Fabulous 4th of July – Check Out the Following Lower Westchester Events & Stay Local

Tarrytown NY fireworksFor 4th of July Holiday events 2011 – including lots of fireworks – Click Here!

Last year I wrote a post about the 4th of July events in Lower Westchester and it was a huge success.  I even had people calling me for directions.  Although going to the city is great – the Westchester to NYC commute can be painful on a busy holiday. And there really isn’t any need -there is plenty to do right here in Westchester.  Soooooo….here’s the list for 2010.

Wednesday June 30:

Fireman’s Parade – Mamaroneck NY – Rain date – July 1

Begins at 7 PM starting near the Mamaroneck Ave. School and includes 30-40 fire departments. www.villageofmamaroneck.ny.us

63rd Annual Fireman’s Carnival – Mamaroneck NY  – June 29 – July 5  – 7 PM – Midnight

This can be somewhat pricey but very worthwhile.  If you plan to attend for more than one day you might consider buying an armband that covers you for every day.

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Surreal Spring in Westchester – Photos from Mamaroneck Ave – White Plains NY

Mamaroneck Ave - Gedney Farms - White Plains NYSurreal SpringThis has been a most unusual spring.   It’s been up to 80 and down to 30 degrees all within the space of a day or two.  We had a “hurricane without a name” that caused untold damage.  But  over the past few days we have had the most brilliant and colorful blossoms against a  background of dark cloud cover.  The light filters through the dark clouds creating an eerie and often surreal effect.  The bright spring greens and pink blossoms against the gray sky is haunting.  I finally had my camera on me.  These photos were taken in White Plains NY on Mamaroneck Ave – on the outskirts of Gedney Farms.  Years ago, White Plains Beautification  planted cherry trees along the median of the main road in White Plains.  These trees extend from the Southern tip of White Plains to the beginning of the downtown area where the median disappears.  The result is a very colorful entry point to the city for a few weeks each year. Enjoy the pictures.  I’ll be taking more!

Mamaroneck Ave - Gedney Farms - White Plains NY

© 2010 Ruthmarie G. Hicks – http://thewestchesterview.com  – All rights reserved.

Carlson’s Floral & Gift – White Plains NY

Carlson's Floral & GiftYes, these old Timberland boots were used as flower pots!  It’s an example of how out-of-the box thinking can transform something that would find its way into the the trash, can be turned into a spring time arrangement.

Whether  buying or selling Westchester NY real estate, clients often need help with curb appeal.  When selling, landscaping creates an inviting atmosphere that invites buyers into the home.  Buyers, on the other hand,  are often eager to put their own personal stamp on their gardens and may often be at a loss as to what to do or where to go.

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Via Quadronno – A White Plains restaurant imported from NYC…

White Plains Restaurant - Via Quadronno1People often ask me about fine dining in Westchester NY.  The New York City dining experience has been finding its way northward to Westchester County.  This might be news to Manhattanites – for whom Westchester has always seemed  to be some sort of backwater destination.    White Plains restaurants boast several transplants from Manhattan.   Downtown White Plains is  a location where high-end shopping and entertainment are the order of the day.  Now, there truly can only be one Manhattan – but  White Plains and other destinations in Westchester can no longer be considered truly suburban. Westchester is a mix of suburban life with NYC amenities.

To that end, one of Manhattan’s most distinctive dining attractions, Via Quadronno,   opened its doors in White Plains at the corner of Renaissance Square and Main Street – next door to the two 42 story towers that are the Ritz Carlton.   The location in the famous Art Nouveau Barr Building provides an interesting background standing next to the mirrored glass and sleek steel of the Ritz Carlton. That mix of old and new is very typical of the “new” White Plains.

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Chat 19 – a very popular Larchmont restaurant

Chat 19Larchmont restaurants are very popular places for the locals to gather.  Larchmont is very much a bedroom community – and after a long day in the city, many of the residents like to eat out.  One of my favorite places to eat in Larchmont is the famous Chat 19.  Chat 19 is one of a cohort of Westchester restaurants by Mario Fava – who saught to bring New York City to Westchester.   This is one of the most popular places to dine in Larchmont.  The place is generally packed and in the summer, the crowd spills over to the sidewalk for outdoor dining.  I particularly like eating outdoors.  Larchmont is charming and its a wonderful experience to watch the crowds on the street on a warm summer night.  Chat 19 is popular for a good reason:  the food is wonderful.  The cusine is American Grill.  The decor could best be described as So-Ho style.

The food is excellent as is the service.  I particularly enjoy the spaghetti squash where squash is shaved into “angel hair spaghetti” with diced vegitables, pine nuts and nice tomato sauce.  It may sound a bit strange but it is a wonderful meatless meal.   I’ve also enjoyed the Jambalaya which is nicely spicy without going over the top.

For more information and a menu go to www.chat19.net.

© 2010 Ruthmarie G. Hicks.  http://thewestchesterview.com. All rights reserved.