Below is everything you need for a quick and easy a la carte meal for a day of splendor in the grass or on the trails at some of Westchester County’s greenest and greatest spots.
Fuhgeddaboudit Deli, Bagel, Grill near Blue Mountain Reservation
241 Welcher Ave, Peekskill; 914.737.2800
Blue Mountain Reservation, known for its miles of biking trails, is also good for hiking, strolling, and picnics by the lake. A stone’s throw from the entrance to the park is Fuhgeddaboudit Deli, Bagel, Grill with staples and more. Start with the bagels, which can come with a variety of toppings, or go for the bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich. If you’re feeling spicy, try the hot sausage and peppers.
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Croton Mini Deli near Croton Point Park
10 Maple St, Croton-on-Hudson; 914.271.6970
The 508-acre Croton Point Park offers something for everyone with a beach, large fields, hiking trails, and even an RC aircraft field. Croton Mini Deli, only a seven-minute drive from the park, has been serving the community for over 20 years. Its famous breakfast sandwiches are a go-to, with the option to double or triple the egg. In addition, the shop has an array of cold cuts and hot buffet pickings. If you’re looking for a healthier option, Nella’s Nutri-Bar (2 Maple St, Croton-on-Hudson; 914.259.2296) is right next door and features smoothies, smoothie bowls, wraps, and salads.
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Related: There’s So Much to Do Outside at Kensico Dam Plaza
The Sandwich Spot near Kensico Dam Plaza
160 Legion Dr, Valhalla; 914.615.9662
Just as Kensico Dam is not any old dam (ICYMI: it’s 307 feet high and 1,843 feet long), The Sandwich Spot is not any old delicatessen. While offering typical deli fare, its menu plays around with traditional Italian-style sandwiches, creating some droolworthy masterpieces. For starters, the bread is made fresh daily at a local bakery, and the shop uses high-quality meats, cheeses, and produce. For something special, keep an eye out for monthly specials like April’s Piggy Al Pastor (pictured below), but don’t overlook the filet mignon sandwich or chicken vodka sandwich.
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Avitabile Deli near Tibbetts Brook Park
1016 Mclean Ave, Yonkers; 914.237.2389
Tibbetts Brook Park is an anomaly, a natural oasis in the middle of Yonkers’ urban mix. So too is Avitabile Deli, an Italian deviation from the city’s Irish enclave of Mclean Ave that’s a fitting source for picnic supplies. Dry sausage, soppressata, and prosciutto hang from the ceiling, while a deli case features 15 different homemade salads. Avitabile is best known for its milky, fresh mozzarella. People come from near and far for the deli’s chicken parm and stromboli, and it’s hard to resist the seafood salad with shrimp, calamari, octopus, and crabmeat with lemon dressing.
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The Market at Pound Ridge Square near Ward Pound Ridge Reservation
55 Westchester Ave, Pound Ridge; 914.764.5736
As Westchester County’s largest park with 4,315 acres of varied terrain and landscapes and miles of wooded trails, Ward Pound Ridge Reservation is perfect for a variety of activities, including a picnic and hike to Leatherman’s Cave. Shop The Market at Pound Ridge Square for creative, upscale deli items like the refreshing peach, bell pepper, and jicama salad, and check out the pastel rainbow cake for a picnic-worthy dessert. The old Leatherman never had it so good.
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