Jacob Burns Film Center's Edie Demas Shares Her Favorite Things About Westchester

Audience. The Jacob Burns Film Center audience comes together under one roof to form a dynamic, engaged community that I am grateful to be a
part of.

Books. Pleasantville’s Village Bookstore is a wonderful independent bookstore. They’ve gotten me out of a last-minute birthday-party jam on more than
one occasion!

Caramoor. The programming is enticing, the grounds incredible, and they’re wonderful cultural partners to the JBFC. What’s not to love?!?

Dinner at Crabtree’s Kittle House. I’ve had memorable meals here more than once.

Eyes. Westchester is easy on them, from gorgeous scenery to breathtaking historic homes to a plethora of fascinating
art exhibitions.

Farmers’ Market. The Pleasantville Farmers’ Market is always lively, with a great selection of fresh foods, fun activities, great music, and time
to socialize.

Gordon Parks. This archive and gallery in Pleasantville adds to the rich, cultural fabric of the village and the county.

Holidays. Last year, we hosted our first Thanksgiving in Pleasantville. There’s a very warm, homey feeling to the town during the holiday season, not to mention an endless culinary bounty.

Ice Cream. Penny Lick in Hastings-on-Hudson has some of the best ice cream I’ve ever tasted, including flavors you don’t easily find elsewhere, like Earl Grey and lavender truffle.

Janet Maslin. The president and a founding member of the JBFC board, Janet’s commitment to our organization, the people it serves, and the intrinsic value of watching movies together on the big screen is always inspiring.

Kimberly House. This is a great shop in Pleasantville that is gorgeously curated with items from South Africa. And they have great sale events — get on their mailing list!

Libraries. The Jacob Burns Curated Collection of films is available at Westchester libraries, and we’re thrilled to be able to partner with them.

Metro-North. It’s nice to be so connected to New York City.

Neighbors. I love having neighbors we know and see regularly. After years in NYC and LA, it’s lovely to feel like our family has connections and roots.

Outings to Stone Barns. It’s an inspirational resource on so many levels, from their Summer Nights Lecture Series to their Family Farm Tours and Harvest Fest. I always let out a joyful exhale when I first drive through the gates.

Playgrounds. Nannahagen Park in Pleasantville and Gedney Park in Chappaqua.

Quiet. Quietly reading with my kids is always a real pleasure. We are currently racing through the How to Train Your Dragon series.

RiverWalk in Tarrytown. My kids are obsessed with bikes and the river. RiverWalk combines both of these passions.

Seasonal Suppers at SPACE at Ryder Farm in Brewster. Eat great local food in a beautiful setting while witnessing new works of art coming to life.

Teatown. From their annual plant sale to camp programs to birthday parties to just simply being there. They were way ahead of the forest-bathing trend!

Usonia. How amazing to find this national historic district practically in my own backyard.

Village Social. Eating at the bar is my favorite.

Westchester County Airport. We visit out-of-state family a lot, so it’s convenient and simple to have an airport in White Plains. 

eXpletives. I love to curse, a habit I indulged in mightily during my time living in Ireland. Now that I have kids, I work hard at avoiding the lazy use of curse words, but sometimes, nothing else will do.

Yonkers’ Ridge Hill. All my favorite shopping in one place — and I can buy groceries and back-to-school clothes in the same trip.

BuZZ. I have to wrap up with a shout-out to the incredible “buzz” generated by the JBFC’s original series, special events, and guests.