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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

Also if you are in the market for a dog bed – they have the best beds around.  I have a 3 large dogs that were trashing about one bed every six months.  I bought one of these large beds about 18 months ago and it is looks like it did the day I brought it home! Yes, you pay a premium , but by the time this bed wears out – I would have gone through about 20 “bargain beds.” The variety of fabrics is also awesome – so see my blog on Bark & Meow Dog Beds if you are in the market for some comfy seating for your canine.

Whimsies:

Also on the same block as Bark & Meow – Whimsies is something of a Tarrytown institution…and with good reason.  I admit to being a bit nervous about going in.  I was afraid I would drain my bank account because of all the wonderful things I kept hearing.  It certainly is a temptation, but there is something quite literally for every price range.  From soup to nuts, you can buy som amazingly high end items or some simple stocking stuffers. The pictures below show a range from luxury soap as stocking stuffers to some very unique clocks and tiles for the home.  Sometimes indulging in a luxury item can add some punch  and change the character of an entire room.  Those clocks would be a show stopper in any kitchen as would a couple of the designer tiles added to a backsplash.  Stagers and decorators most love this store because it has an amazing variety of things that would  add  that extra “pop” to a carefully designed room.  Whimsies has a sign out that they are fully participating in Small Business Saturday.

Baby Chic:

Baby Chic is a new boutique/consignment shop for babies and toddlers.   It is located just across the street from Whimsies and has on-site parking. Lest you think this is cut -rate – guess again. They have mostly brand new items with the tags still on them.  What better way is there for getting everything you could hope for for your baby or toddler without emptying your wallet?  This is certainly a store that delivers bang for your buck Some of the clothing is nothing short of exquisite.  The store has two side-kicks in the form of  baby Isabella and their mascot – Bella – a very mellow and relaxed Samoyed.  A true family business.  Baby Chic is offering 25% off for Small Business Saturday – so you get a discount on top of a bargain.

Coffee Labs:

After all that shopping, most people will need to recharge their batteries.  There is nothing better than a great cup of coffee or a latte help give me a lift.  Coffee Labs roasters  is a very unique coffee shop that also roasts their own coffee.  Enjoy your latte and relax for a while and recharge your batteries!  Located right next to the Tarrytown Music Hall, Coffee Labs is on the main drag of Main St. just off of Route 9.

So …..everyone get out and shop local for Small Business Saturday – the local brick and mortars give a great deal to your community and they deserve your patrongage.

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

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.

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.

No matter where you look there are spectacular views – Looking south there is the Tappan Zee Bridge and the Manahattan skyline and looking north there is the Kingsland Point and the lighthouse as well as spectacular sunsets on the Hudson River.

The townhouses – resemble the New York City townhouses and remind me a great deal of Georgetown in Washington DC.  These are beautifully done with respect to the facades, layouts and amenities.   Mixing the modern open floor plan with a strong element  of old world charm and attention to detail has been done without the awkwardness that I have seen in other developments.  These units are pretty much sold out at this time.  According to the EA MLS sales continued at healthy clip throughout the summer and fall in spite of a weak economy.

The condominiums – both phase one and phase two – take their lead from famous Blue Hill restaurant at Stone Barns in nearby  Pocantico Hills.  The stonework and woodwork on the facade is very very impressive and gives the building a striking appearance seldom found modern condominium complexes.  The Lookout building which has terrace views of the Hudson River is under construction and appears to be selling well.  They have 1, 2, & 3 BR units in that complex and the building is arranged to provide river views for all.

Current Listings at Hudson Harbor – Tarrytown:

Townhouses – Phase 1: 

According to the EA MLS sales continued at healthy clip throughout the summer and fall in spite of a weak economy.  Median sales price was $1.25 million with a total of 7 sales in the six months prior  to  Nov 2011.  The price range on the sold units was from $1.15 million   to $2.375 million.  The price range was determined by the size of the unit  and the views.   There are three units under contract and one remaining on the MLS as active.  So this phase of initial sales is all but completed.   The complex defied a generally quiet housing market with brisk sales.  For those wanting a townhouse at Hudson Harbor, fear not – because there will always be resales and more town houses are planned in future phases.

Condo Flats – Phase II:

Phase I Condominiums are all but sold out but  for the Lookout Building which is Phase II sales are  well under way.    The current listings consist of 1- 3 BR units ranging in list price from $625,000 for a 1 Br/1.5 BA of over 1000 sf  to $1.165 million for a 3 BR/3BA of 2400 sf.  The building is still under construction so there is no final sales data to work with.  For the units listed the taxes range from $9684 for a 1 BR to $23,664 for the largest and highest priced 3 BR unit.  This figure does not include the STAR rebate. Maintenance fees range from $222/mo  for a 1 BR unit to $516/mo for the largest 3 BR unit. This would create an outlay of $1029 a month for a 1 BR and $2482 for the 2400 sf 3 BR.  The STAR discount would reduce that amount roughly $148/ mo in Tarrytown.  So  that would translate into $881/mo for the 1 BR and $2334 for the largest 3 BR.

For the Latest Information on Hudson Harbor Sales:

More information will be coming for the phase 2 condos which are under construction now.  For this and further updates on recent sales and new listings you can contact  me by phone – (914-374-5529) or email – (Ruthmarie.Hicks@gmail.com) – or simply fill out the form below – whichever method you prefer.   Don’t worry  – I do not sell, spam, or otherwise abuse your information!

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

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….

The pair of ducks were making a few waves of their own as they swam towards the middle of the lake:

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

In any case – enjoy the pics…

The photo below was taken at Coffee Labs in Tarrytown.  After a long day I decided to indulge in a latte and this is just as sample of Jefferson’s terrific Latte art.

Sometimes  people protest in their own unique way.  As the FASNY issue has escalated in White Plains and signs such as FASNO are springing up all over the place – some have a real sense of humor… I took this phto one night while walking the dogs.

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