By Samantha Garbarini and Anthony Tornatore
Mamaroneck is full of contradictions. Italian delis and pizza shops are just as plentiful as Asian fusion restaurants and whiskey bars. Boutiques attract customers who also shop at the town’s century-old toy store. And the stretch of shore along the Sound is home to private country clubs and public parks.
Who doesn’t want a cup of coffee to start their busy day in Mamaroneck? Exactly…no one. Hence, take a trip to The Roaster Café (419 Mamaroneck Ave; 914.630.2954) for a freshly brewed coffee and a breakfast meal from the Mediterranean menu is in order. It’s impossible to go wrong with the blueberry pancakes and a Turkish latte.
View this post on Instagram
Browse the mom-and-pop shops along Mamaroneck Avenue (everything from massive floral showrooms to tiny country stores) but make a point to stop in Miller’s (335 Mamaroneck Ave; 914.698.5070). In business for nearly 100 years, this iconic, family-run toy store stocks a wide range of summer-appropriate outdoor equipment and beach gear.
View this post on Instagram
Order a classic Italian combo — thinly sliced imported meats, shredded iceberg, paper-thin rings of onion, and a splash of oil and vinegar, on a seeded hero — at Cosmo & Alex Pisano Bros. (252 Mamaroneck Ave; 914.381.4402). Then, pop next door to Boiano Bakery (258 Mamaroneck Ave; 914.698.2070) for a few of our favorite pignoli cookies. Or order a slab of ribs, some sides, house-made lemonade, and a tall stack of napkins to go from Smokehouse Tailgate Grill (320 Mamaroneck Ave; 914.341.1655).
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
Make your way to Harbor Island Park at the base of Mamaroneck Avenue. The 44-acre waterfront park is home to a slew of perfect picnic spots, plus playgrounds, tennis courts, small gardens, and winding paths along the water’s edge. As the weather warms, visitors come here to get wet (you did remember to bring a swimsuit, right?) at a short swath of sandy beach and the kid-friendly sprinkler park.
View this post on Instagram
Turn right as you exit the park, and it’s a 15-minute walk (or two-minute drive) to a cluster of niche shops along Boston Post Road. Stop by Katules (501 E Boston Post Rd; 914.341.1333) for tees, bags, and home goods printed with snarky sayings. Next door, Knit Shoppe’s (501 E Boston Post Rd; 914.630.7647) shelves are stacked high with a rainbow of high-quality yarns and knitting supplies. Then treat yourself to ganache-filled truffles and a wide selection of chocolate barks at nearby Chocolations (607 E Boston Post Rd; 914.777.3600).
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
Bar’Lees (157 Mamaroneck Ave; 914.630.7512) is one of Westchester’s hotspots for the bourbon boom. Sip a couple of the more than 100 whiskies behind the bar or opt for one of the classic cocktails. After you’ve sipped in style, take an Uber over to Walter’s (937 Palmer Ave; 914.500.5029). While lines stretch down the block at lunchtime, waits are much shorter now for the same split-and-griddled dogs slathered with mustard.
View this post on Instagram
After a long day of walking, eating, and shopping, what better way to finish it off than by sitting down and enjoying a show? The Emelin Theatre (153 Library Lane; 914.698.0098) is home to a plethora of different acts ranging from comedy and dance to family-friendly performances and movies. There is something for everyone, and all are bound to have an amazing time.
View this post on Instagram
Although there are no places to stay in Mamaroneck, you can head four miles south to New Rochelle and stay at the beautiful Radisson Hotel (1 Radisson Plaza; 914.576.3700). This four-star hotel is equipped with a fitness center, outdoor pool, light room service, and a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant, NoMa Social, on site.
Related: Here’s How to Spend a Beautiful Weekend Day in Scarsdale