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.
© 2012 - Ruthmarie G. Hicks – http://thewestchesterview.com – All rights reserved.
Union 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.
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:
©2011 – Ruthmarie G. Hicks – http://thewestchesterview.com – All rights reserved.
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.
© 2011 – Ruthmarie G. Hicks – http://thewestchesterview.com – All rights reserved.
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 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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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.
Historic Hudson Valley is always full of action during Halloween. I’ve already posted the big events that everyone talks about – The Jack O’Lantern Blaze and Horseman’s Hollow. But there are more events on the calendar for the Halloween season….most notable:
Irving’s Legend:
Master Story Teller Jonathan Kruk tells the Legend of Sleepy Hollow as only he can at the Old Dutch Church on Route 9 in Sleepy Hollow. This popular event is selling out fast and is offered at hourly intervals from from 5 to 7 or 5-8 PM depending on the night…For details click here for Irving’s Legend.
The Time: October 16, 21-23, 27-30 at hourly intervals starting at 5PM to 7 or 8 PM depending on the date.
The Place: The Old Dutch Church of Sleepy Hollow
The Price: Adults – $16, Children under 18 – $12
Suggested for ages 10 and up.
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Ok – I like taking photos – I admit it…Any excuse to photograph towns and villages in the area will do.
One of the most picturesque towns in Westchester is Tarrytown NY. Many people fall in love with this town because of its central location and unique character. With respect to location, it doesn’t get any better than this! Located right on the Hudson River, an amazing sunset is served up every single night! Futher, Tarrytown is an express stop along the Hudson Line. Just 35 minute to Grand Central Station and you are in midtown Manhattan. With I-287, I-87 and the Tappan Zee Bridge – Tarrytown is situated for easy access to areas like White Plains and New Jersey making a commute either east or west and across the Hudson very easy to deal with. North to south there is the Saw Mill River Parkway, The Sprain Brook and the Taconic. So points north and south are also easy for commuters to access. When you live in a high density area, your lifestyle is ruled by your commute and it doesn’t get much easier than this.
The photos are from Tarrytown’s Main Street. It has a character and charm from a bygone era – yet is surprisingly New York with high-end restaurants, art galleries and entertainment. The town has a lot of unique boutiques, The Tarrytown Music Hall which has a constant stream of entertainment is pictured below. It is the oldest Music Hall in Westchester and has been largely restored to its former glory! Enjoy the photos – they were taken in the late summer and are a reflection of the character and charm of one of my favorite River Towns.
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Although I often talk about merchants in Westchester NY, I don’t often discuss specific products found in these stores. But being a dog owner with two Siberian Huskies and a Siberain/Cattle Dog mix, I am in a good position to be judging the quality of dog beds. So I can say with total confidence that I found the best dog bed EVER at Bark & Meow in Tarrytown NY.
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It was just last week that Irene ripped through the tri-state area dumping a foot of water, strong winds and leaving flooding, downed power lines, and chaos in its wake. Although Westchester NY got off pretty easy when we consider what happened elsewhere, there were sections that were heavy hit. In many ways I assumed that the River Towns and particularly the river front area would have been a prime target for damage. I heard nothing on the local news about Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow. There was some discussion of downed trees, but nothing serious. The eastern portion of the county – Mamaroneck in particular seems to have sustained a much bigger blow.
Nevertheless, it was with some trepidation that I arrived on the scene – camera in hand to take some post-Irene photos of the area. After all, the area directly abuts the Hudson River. A river known for strong currents and heavy waves. It had just sustained a direct hit from a Category 1 hurricane – nothing to sneeze at in an area that rarely sees hurricanes. But as I took out my camera and started shooting – it was truly like it had never even happened. And no – I didn’t mean to hijack the CertaPro slogan….that’s just the way it seemed to me. The next day – Saturday – I had the privilege of showing both Hudson Harbor and Ichabod’s Landing. Both complexes right on the river – but no flooding at all! It was truly like hurricane Irene had visited briefly and slipped away like a ghost in the night….and we should be duly grateful for her soft footprint on the area.
Enjoy the pics….
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