Star- and Planet-Gazing
Westchester Amateur Astronomers
(877) 456-5778; www.westchesterastronomers.org
No simulated starscapes here—the Westchester Amateur Astronomers go for the real deal, hosting Saturday-night Star Parties (weather permitting) at Ward Pound Ridge in Cross River. Just bring your telescope for spectacular, unobstructed, and unlit night-sky viewing. Next Star Party: July 30 (rain date: August 6).
Turnkey Rent-a-Party
The Great American BBQ Co.
54 Gedney Way, White Plains
(914) 686-2277; www.thegreatamericanbbq.com
Wanna throw a fantastic barbecue but don’t have the time or energy for all the prep, cooking, and cleanup? The Great American BBQ Co. will dispatch one of their teams to your home, business, or other location and do it all for you. They bring everything—the grills, the sides, the tables and chairs, the utensils and paper goods, the beverages and ice—even lawn games, if you want them.
Avant-Garde Community Arts Organization
Embark Peekskill
1008 Main St, Peekskill
(914) 671-7772; www.embarkpeekskill.org
A melting pot of artistic celebration, this multicultural alliance champions socially conscious self-expression. Founders Katie Schmidt Feder and Sol Miranda (who’s in the cast of the Tina Fey Netflix series Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt) shepherd an ambitious array of workshops, professional performances, dance classes, ambient music ensembles, improv/open-mic/storytelling slams, and more.
LGBT Initiative
Forks, Corks & Cocktails
www.bjornandcompany.com/signatureevent
Launched in 2013, the annual springtime Forks, Corks & Cocktails (FC&C) has quickly grown to become the county’s signature LGBT social event of the year. Combining food from some of our trendiest restaurants, plus seasonal wines, signature cocktails, and music, FC&C—which was held this year in May at The Ritz-Carlton, Westchester—is an elegant, Manhattan-style night of socializing, dancing, and fun.
New Speaker Series
Castle Conversations at Manhattanville College
2900 Purchase St, Purchase
(914) 323-1277; www.castleconversations.org
The spectacular Reid Castle on Manhattanville’s Purchase campus plays host to a modern-day salon, where luminaries like Arianna Huffington, Dan Rather, Steve Wozniak, Danny Meyer, and others share insights and analysis on some of today’s most compelling topics.
Bowling Alley
Bowlmor White Plains
47 Tarrytown Rd, White Plains
(914) 948-2677; www.bowlmor.com/location/bowlmor-white-plains
Bowlmor is the furthest thing you can imagine from the grimy, smoky AMF bowling alley that previously occupied this space. It’s a nightclub with a DJ and a fireplace; it’s an arcade with all of the latest games; it’s a restaurant with food that’s an upgrade from the typical bowling alley. And if you won’t take our word for it, ask Justin Bieber: He stopped by to check out the lanes and games in January.
Fishing Charters
Klondike IX
78 Fort Slocum Rd, New Rochelle
(914) 738-4593; www.klondike9.com
Klondike IX’s expert crew will take you to lots of hungry and battle-worthy fish during their exciting New Ro-based launches into the Sound. They also offer educational cruises, plus a 110-foot vessel you can charter for your next floating party or event.
Movie and a Dinner Option
Picnic in the Park at The Picture House Regional Film Center
175 Wolfs Ln, Pelham
(914) 738-7337; www.thepicturehouse.org
Only in Westchester (or maybe Hollywood) could you go to dinner and a movie and be treated to a Q&A with A-list actors and directors who also might be your neighbors. Last year’s Picnic in the Park (which is an annual fundraiser for The Picture House) featured a screening of the Ryan Reynolds film Mississippi Grind, followed by a Q&A with the Bedford resident, plus a gourmet picnic dinner provided by BOW winner Alvin & Friends, dancing, an auction, and a raffle. It sold out last year, so get your tickets early for the September event.
High Tea in Your Home
The British Biscuiteer
Briarcliff Manor
(914) 512-4007; www.facebook.com/thebritishbiscuiteer
In a nod to her British heritage, gifted, self-taught baker Nicki Thorogood caters exceptional, authentic afternoon teas and high teas replete with mouthwatering scones, Victoria sandwiches, sausage rolls, trifle, and homemade clotted cream, beautifully plated and delivered with proper leaf tea at a reasonable $25 per person.
Grownup Dance Night
Tango Night at Alvin & Friends
14 Memorial Hwy, New Rochelle
(914) 654-6549; www.alvinandfriendsrestaurant.com
Hit the dance floor in style with this monthly evening event, during which couples or those flying solo can enjoy fine dining, Argentine tango dancing, special performances, and raffles. Dance maestro Mayte Vicens offers a tango class for all levels of experience, followed by an open dance floor where participants can show off their fancy footwork.
Limo Service
Armonk Limousine
200 Business Park Dr, Ste 108, Armonk
(914) 273-4466; www.armonklimo.com
From stem to stern, Armonk Limousine has you covered. Competitive rates, pristine rides, punctual chauffeurs…just book a time (online, if you prefer) and be there when they pull up. There’s a good reason Armonk Limo has been a multi-year Best Of Westchester winner.
Budding Artist Night Out
Muse Paintbar
84 Mamaroneck Ave, White Plains (914) 506-5900
265 Market St, Yonkers (914) 618-5400
Get in touch with your inner Picasso at this fun and informal White Plains paint bar, where you can kick back with a few close friends and some potent drinks as you paint your next masterpiece. Knowledgeable teachers, a laid-back attitude, and a range of beverages and snacks all make for one artsy and gratifying outing.
Live-Music Venue
Downtown Music at Grace
33 Church St, White Plains
(914) 949-0384; www.dtmusic.org
This nonprofit performing-arts organization holds its popular Noonday Concerts at Grace Episcopal Church on Wednesdays, September through June. The repertoire showcases 30 minutes of world-class music (classical to contemporary), featuring first-rate musicians (many from The Met) in an intimate setting with amazing acoustics. Feed your soul for your next Wednesday lunch!
Repurposed Historic Landmark
The Winery at St. George
1715 E Main St, Mohegan Lake
(914) 455–4272; www.thewineryatstgeorge.com
There is a remarkable contrast between the unassuming stone facade of this century-old Normandy-style church and the warmth and openness within. Much was preserved in the conversion to a wine lover’s venue, including its original name (the chapel was dedicated to George L. Heins, a famous architect and late husband of the original owner). There are 40 wines offered by the glass, plus seasonal tapas and entrées, as well as wide-ranging live entertainment.
Jazz Festival
Jazz Fest
Mamaroneck Ave and Martine Ave, White Plains
(914) 428-4220, ext 315; www.artswestchester.org/2015-jazz-fest
The annual White Plains Jazz Fest sponsored by ArtsWestchester spans six days (this year, September 20 to 25) with live music from both emerging and established acts. Listen to everything from traditional Dixieland and swing to blues, Latin, smooth, and African jazz. The fest culminates in a free, open-air five-act celebration headlined this year by Malian singer/songwriter Awa Sangho, whose influences include African, Brazilian, and jazz music.
Tarot Card Readings
Awakenings
215 Katonah Ave, #3, Katonah
(914) 232-0382; www.awakeningskatonah.com
Awaken your soul at this music-and-incense-filled sanctuary. It’s part bookstore, part gift shop, and wholly unique; head here for an eye-opening card reading with Ann-Marie. Learn that the “death” card is usually nothing to fear and how your past influences your future. You can even record your session.
Outdoor Excursions
Hudson River Expeditions
1 Annsville Cir, Peekskill
(914) 737-1202; www.hudsonriverexpeditions.com
Perched along the world’s most beautiful river, Hudson River Expeditions offers kayak, canoe, paddleboard rentals, tours, and expert instruction for everyone from the novice to the veteran paddler. Launch from bucolic locations in Peekskill and Cold Spring for a grand tour of the Hudson Highlands.
Place for Bird Watching
Marshlands Conservancy
220 Boston Post Rd, Rye
(914) 835-4466; parks.westchestergov.com/marshlands-conservancy
This picturesque sanctuary on Long Island Sound offers 147 magnificent acres and five habitats luring 300 bird species, particularly shore and migratory types. Common sights: ospreys, blue herons, snow egrets, and, on occasion, bald eagles and warblers. Open daily, dawn to dusk.
Place for Vinyl
Bruised Apple Books and Music
923 Central Ave, Peekskill
(914) 734-7000; www.bruisedapplebooks.com
There aren’t many spots in the county with as wide a selection of vinyl as Bruised Apple. Stop by this quaint little shop on a walk through funky downtown Peekskill to find records from Bob Dylan’s Highway 61 Revisited to John Coltrane’s A Love Supreme and anything in between.
Historic Cocktail Bar
Iron Vine
992 Main St, Peekskill
(914) 930-8507; www.ironvinepeekskill.com
Nearly everything in this tapas bar and restaurant—from the ceiling to the fixtures to the ironwork—was sourced from Peekskill, dating back to the 1830s. The craft-cocktail menu, however, is delightfully modern (with a nod to vintage drinks), featuring house-made ingredients and clever combinations.
New Boutique Hotel
Cambria Suites
250 Main St, White Plains
(914) 681-0500; www.cambriasuiteswhiteplains.com
If The Ritz is too, well, ritzy for your budget, but you want a stay that’s considerably above the basic hotel experience, consider the new Cambria Suites, located within walking distance of everything in downtown White Plains. The hotel offers 130 modern, spacious suites ($189 to $249). Additionally, there’s a terrace meeting space for up to 85, free airport shuttle, and guests get complimentary access to Planet Fitness next door.
Place to Spend a Saturday Afternoon
Captain Lawrence Brewing Company
444 Saw Mill River Rd, Elmsford
(914) 741-2337; www.captainlawrencebrewing.com
Make the most of a lazy Saturday in the beer garden at Captain Lawrence Brewing Company. Grab a pint of one of several award-winning craft beers and settle in for a full afternoon of free music. You can also try your hand at Jenga, bocce, or learn about the art of beer-making on one of their tours.
Foodie Night Out
A Taste of Westchester Cooking Demos/Tastings by Westchester Community College
(914) 606-6830; www.sunywcc.edu/ce
Since Westchester Community College started teaming up with local restaurants to offer these interactive and entertaining chef-led “culinary adventures” in 2002, the number of courses has gone up from 20 to more than 80. From foraging in the woods for morels and ramps with Jon Pratt of Peter Pratt’s Inn to crafting your own vegetable samosa with Navjot Arora of Chutney Masala, you’ll find both your social life and cooking knowledge increasing appreciably.
Rainy Day Activity
iFLY Indoor Skydiving at Ridge Hill
849 Ridge Hill Blvd, Yonkers
(914) 449-4359; www.iflyworld.com/westchester
Want to go skydiving but have cold feet? Try iFLY—indoor skydiving that even 3-year-olds have done. Flying around in an air tunnel is exhilarating, and your instructor provides continuous guidance for controlling your movements. At the end of the “flight,” you get a sweet flight certificate to show off your inner daredevil.
