For those who want to enjoy a bit of outdoor exercise – there are many romantic places to walk and enjoy the winter wonderland.

My suggestions would include -

1. The ever amazing Rockefeller Preserve – The Preserve is open daily until dusk and the walking the trails is wonderful no matter what time of year it is.

2. Kingsland Point Park in Sleepy Hollow and Pierson  Park in Tarrytown.  The Hudson River gets the sunsets  – so going near dusk will assure you of nature serving up a colorful display.

3. If you prefer salt water – Manor Park in Larchmont provides a wonderful backdrop for a romantic walk.  You don’t get the blazing sunsets – but the views are spectacular none the less.

4.  For those who like to skate – the Playland Ice Casino is offering

• DJ Party Night on Friday night  – from 8:45-11PM
• Saturday Night Grooves – on Saturday from 8:45-11 PM
• Sunday Family Skate  from 1:30 – 5 PM

Westchester Restaurants  – Fine Dining for your Valentine:

Equus Restaurant – at  Castle on the Hudson in Tarrytown –   is offering Valentines full course dinners on Saturday, Sunday and Monday.  – Pricey but worth it

Sweet Grass Grill - in Tarrytown offers seasonal organic fare.  Excellent food and near the Hudson River for those who want to enjoy romantic sunsets.

X2O Xaviars -  Yonkers  – Wonderful Sunset views. Contemporary  American cuisine with vaulted ceilings and 3 glass walls to ensure that the water views can be enjoyed by all.

Chat 19 – in Larchmont – American Cuisine – casual yet upscale.  Personally, I love Chat 19.  It was one of fathers favorite restaurants and he was a 23 year resident of Larchmont.   Take a walk in Manor Park and enjoy a wonderful meal.

Le Provencal Bistro -  in Mamaroneck. A wonderful French Bistro. Admittedly, I have not been there personally, but have heard nothing but good things.

Legal Sea Food – White Plains NY – For those who are craving seafood – Legal Seafood in White Plains is a popular destination with fresh fish and shell fish – variety is never an issue.

Massa Italian Restaurant and Wine Bar -  in Scarsdale at the 5 corners on Weaver Street.  Classical Italian menu with an emphasis on seafood.   Vaulted ceiling and  Old-World charm.

Half Moon in Dobbs Ferry - American Cuisine – casual dining and magnificent river views including the Manhattan skyline.

Zitoune - Mamaroneck – Moroccan cuisine – for a change of pace with a nouveau twist.  Once again – I’ve heard good things from foodies – so I’m going by word of mouth – no pun intended.

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

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.

The restaurant offers breakfast, lunch and dinner. The fare is distinctly Italian and includes their famous panini sandwiches, espresso, a wide variety of coffee drinks and ice creams. Via Quadronno adds White Plains, NY to its very select group of markets that includes the upper east side of Manhattan, Tokyo, Hong Kong and Miami.

The restaurant is open from 8 AM on weekdays with the kitchen closing at 10:30 PM. On the weekends, the hours are 9 AM to 11:30 PM.  Indoor dining seats 80 while the outdoor dining area pictured below seats 60 additional patrons during the warmer weather.  Reservations can be made on-line at www.opentable.com.

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