Archive for the 'Tarrytown' Category

Fotos on the Fly – NYC Skyline from Hudson Harbor – Tarrytown NY

One of the most exciting new construction developments is Hudson Harbor – Tarrytown NY.   I’m not normally a big fan of modern architecture, but I have to say that I really love the construction of this complex with its use of fieldstone and old wood beams.  They made it look like Stone Barns which is quite an accomplishment.  But what really makes its special are the views.

So after we saw the development, I went for a walk on the RiverWalk that runs right behind the complex.  (The complex – now in Phase II is right on the river.) and took some photos.  Basically I started with a wide-angle lens and moved to  a tele photo.

The first picture is of the Tappan Zee Bridge.  The Manhattan skyline can be faintly seen under the bridge with the wide angle. The second picture was with a zoom lens – it gives you a perspective of where the Manhattan skyline is in relation to the TZ bridge.  The final was when I zoomed in on the skyline itself.  I’ve taken photos from this perspective before, but it was such a clear – if blustery  day, that the skyline really “popped” particularly with the color of the sky.

Hope you enjoy these – they were fun to take.

Hudson Harbor Tarrytown NY - RiverWalk

 

NYC Skyline from Tarrytown NY Hudson Harbor

 

 

NYC Skyline - Tarrytown NY - Hudson Harbor

© 2012  - Ruthmarie G. Hicks – http://thewestchesterview.com – All rights reserved.

Westchester Events – Holiday Edition – Christmas Eve Services at Union Church – Pocantico Hills

Tarrytown NYUnion Church of Pocantico Hills has a rich history.  Part of the Historic Hudson Valley  – the church has is closely associated with the Rockefeller family.  It is also very famous for its stained glass windows  by Matisse and Chagall.   From the outside, the church is a chapel-sized field stone structure. Something of a classic Tudor.  But the interior windows are simply breathtaking.  The rose window by Matisse, was his last work of art.   The Chagall windows came later.  All were commissioned by the Rockefellers  as memorials to family members.

The Christmas Eve services are a way for families to come together and get away from the Christmas materialism.  Its a wonderful time to reflect about what Christmas really is all about.  Something that quite honestly seems to get lost in the process of our mall -crazed month of shopping.  The services themselves are marvelous with a mix of music, scriptures and carols and a short sermon. The church is non-denominational and welcomes one and all.  There are three Christmas Eve services, at 3:30, 7:30 and 11 PM.   The latter two services are candlelight services.

Before I sold real estate – I actually sang in that church choir.  Unfortunately working on the weekends and attending a church nearly 30 minutes from my home an office does not mix well, but I have a tremendous affinity and affection for this church and try to get there whenever I can – which sadly is not often!

  • The Event – Christmas Eve Services at Union Church
  • The Place - Union Church of Pocantico Hills 555 Bedford Rd., Tarrytown NY
  • The Time - Dec. 24 at 3:30 7:30,  and 11 PM

© 2011 – Ruthmarie G. Hicks – http://thewestchesterview.com – All rights reserved.

Fotos on the fly… The lights of the season – Tarrytown NY

Sometimes its just nice to pause and enjoy the season.  I was busy today – running around like crazy.   But at dusk I saw a display that I really loved.  This isn’t one of those over-the top displays.  It has charm and grace.  Not too much, not too little.  Its interesting because this particular display is at the steps of a church.  Nevertheless, it has more of a holiday feel, and at least to my mind, the religious overtones are missing.  Still it captures the spirit of giving and conveys a feeling of warmth and the spirit of giving.  Something sorely needed in these times where the “I’ve got mine” attitude seems to prevail in our day-to-day lives.   Anyway, here is the photo:

Tarrytown NY Church

 

©2011 – Ruthmarie G. Hicks – http://thewestchesterview.com – All rights reserved.

Fotos on the fly – Hudson River Sunset on the River Walk – Sleepy Hollow NY

Hello everyone – I was lucky enough to have my camera with me for a beautiful fiery sunset on the Hudson.  The sun just seems to set so fast at this time of year.  But it does bring to mind that for those thinking of living on or near the Hudson – that one of the perks is a brand new sunset served up every evening.  So if you are interested in living along the river…. a complex like Hudson Harbor or Ichabod’s Landing  or a single family home with westerly views – will give you a front row seat for this type of nightly display. There is something very refreshing and invigorating about simply being able to take in such sight.  It refreshes the mind and soul.

Sunset on the Hudson River - Sleepy Hollow NY

© 2011 – Ruthmarie G. Hicks – http://thewestchesterview.com – All rights reserved.

Westchester Events…Dickens’s Christmas Carol at the Old Dutch Church

Lower Westchester has  a rich history that dates back to well before the American Revolution.   The Historic Hudson Valley has done a wonderful job of bringing that history to life – particularly for Halloween since the Legend of Sleepy Hollow lends itself to quite a celebration in that season.  However, this year, they have engaged master story teller Jonathan Kruk  to recite Charles Dickens – A Christmas Carol.   The  recitation comes complete with musical accompaniment.  The event takes place in the Old Dutch Church in Sleepy Hollow on Route 9.    There is  complementary hot chocolate, cider and cookies are available at nearby Philipsburg Manor.

The Old Dutch Church - Sleepy Hollow NY

The Old Dutch Church

 

Events like this are marvelous for the entire family. Families can spend some quality time together away from the TV and computer while enjoying the season.  The Old Dutch Church is a landmark in the area.  And if you come early, you can see the famous cemetery.  This is a great way for everyone to get in touch with our rich local history while enjoying a classic Christmas tradition.

  • The Date: Sat Dec. 10 & Sat Dec 17
  • The Time: 4, 5, 6, & 7 PM
  • The Place: The Old Dutch Church – Sleepy Hollow NY (Route 9)
  • The Price: Adults -  $16 – Children under 18 -  $12,  Members get a discount of $5

Get your tickets online by following this link:   Historic Hudson Valley.  Or call 914-631-8200

 

Small Business Saturday – Stores to visit in Tarrytown NY

This is my second installment on Small Business Saturday.  Small businesses are the bedrock of our community and I’m thrilled to see that the small brick and mortars are getting some attention because Black Friday has largely become a big-box affair.   To see my first entry on small businesses  in White Plains  NY click here. You will also find more information about why small business is so important to a community.   Marie Graham also wrote a very eloquent post about the value of small business and why we should skip Black Friday and make Small Business Saturday rock.

Here are a few picks for the village of Tarrytown.   in general  Tarrytown NY has done a good job of keeping their small brick and mortars  as a dominant feature.  As a result it is a very unique village with a great deal of character and personality. The three main stores are located on Broadway (Route 9) about a block south of the main drag on Main Street whereas Coffee Labs Roasters is right in the center of town on Main Street.

Bark & Meow:

Bark & Meow is celebrating 5 years in Tarrytown. Located just a half block south of Main Street – it is easy to get to, but easy to miss if you don’t know that its there.  They have very unique products for dogs and cats including adorable collars and coats, rain jackets.  It also has a wonderful supply of dog and cat food at reasonable prices.  I’ve seen stores in other locations charging far more.  The photos below are nice stocking stuffers for both pet lovers and pets.  The dog biscuits might even tempt a human, the ornaments are terrific and that wallet makes an amazing gift.

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The Westchester RiverWalk along the Hudson River

Westchester NY – particularly southern Westchester is surrounded by water.  On the south-eastern border up to the southern tip of  Connecticut, the Long Island Sound dominates the area.   The entire span of the western side of the county borders the Hudson River.

The Westchester RiverWalk is  a 51.5 mile planned pathway that lies parallel to the river and will – when completed span the entire county.  The walk itself will actually span 14 different municipalities  and will connect village centers, many of the historic sites along the route, trills such as the Croton Aqueduct trail, as well as esplanades and boardwalks.

I have walked portions of RiverWalk with camera in hand including the areas of Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow just north of the Tappan Zee Bridge as well as the downtown Yonkers waterfront.  The slide show my vision of what the RiverWalk is all about – as seen through the lens of my camera…which is often my friendly translator!

 

For a GoogleEarth Virtual Tour of the RiverWalk -  click here.

© 2011 – Ruthmarie G. Hicks – http://thewestchesterview.com – All rights reserved.

Update on Hudson Harbor – Phase II – Tarrytown NY

 

Hudson Harbor - Tarrytown NY

Hudson  Harbor – Tarrytown NY

The last time I updated my blog on Hudson Harbor of Tarrytown NY,  Phase I townhouse sales were in full swing and the Phase II condominiums were just starting to get underway.  With Phase II now in full swing,   it is high time I updated the information on this amazing development.

Hudson Harbor  is located right on the Hudson River against a major portion of the Westchester’s Hudson River Walk -A trail  which will ultimately  extend the length of the county along the Hudson River when completed.  This development is a combination of luxury townhomes as well as condominium flats. Interspersed between the town homes will sit a complete community including shops and dining – creating  complete mini-community on the Hudson River.  Included in this package is a complete fitness center, a large out door pool both for residents only as well as guest houses for residents who have visitors.

Hudson Harbor – Tarrytown  is part and parcel of a massive effort to reclaim the riverside for residential and community use .  Public monies including a complete renovation of the train station have been committed and the end result will be a wonderful walkable community on the river – Just steps from Metro-North.

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Fotos on the fly: Mallards making waves….

Every once in a while I get an opportunity.  I was supposed to be working into the evening on Saturday, but a last minute cancellation freed me up unexpectedly.  So I decided to enjoy the last afternoon of daylight savings at the Rockefeller Preserve with Jade & Tundra in tow.  We had a nice walk around Swan Lake.  I was trying to take photos with two dogs on leashes….to say this looked clumsy was an understatement.  But I did get a couple of nice pictures that I decided to post right here.

The duck population was hard at work preparing for the cold months ahead.

This Mallard was “making tracks” or “waves” in a very purposeful way….

Rockefeller Preserve

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Fotos on the fly: It’s Halloween!

Larchmont NYHere are a few photos I have taken along the way over the past week or so  while running around the county.  Most were taken with my iPhone – as they really WERE on the fly while I was working with clients.  But its fun to see what people are doing. Halloween has become such a fun holiday in Westchester  that its getting up there with the 4th of July in terms of internet searches.

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