From The Editor

From The Editor

Just Do It

It still surprises me how little people know about Westchester—even if they live here. Ask a Rivertowner how to get to North Salem, and you’ll likely be met with a blank stare. Ask a Sound Shore resident what he or she knows about Vista, and you’ll probably get the response, “Where’s Vista?” (Yes, there’s a Vista in Westchester—and a Verplanck, too.)

I find this disturbing—kind of shameful, actually. Because we happen to live in an extraordinarily rich county. No, no—I’m not talking about money, though God knows, the inhabitants on the swath of land just north of the City’s borders and south of Putnam County are, or certainly many are, rich that way. I’m talking about the culture here. It is profoundly rich. All of it—not just the few neighborhoods you may know. It saddens me to think that southern-county dwellers might not experience taking in an exquisite performance on the stunning grounds of Caramoor, or that a northerner might not know the superlative, one-of-a-kind taste of a Walter’s hot dog. Or that, when out-of-towners come to visit, many of you schlep ’em into the City—after all, many of you seem to know its theaters, its restaurants, its attractions better than you know your own. Shame on you!

As the weather gets warmer, it’s time to remedy this situation. Spring and summer is the perfect time to get out and explore all our own county has to offer. 

Don’t know what they may be? Well, we’re here to help. This month, we offer our list of 56 things every Westchester resident must do—at least once—in the county. How many have you done? Ever seen the outstanding art collection at Kykuit? (If not, you’ve deprived yourself of admiring a few Picassos.) Ever checked out the celebrities giving talks at the Jacob Burns Film Center? Ever ridden the Dragon Coaster at Playland? Ever had a slice at Johnny’s Pizzeria? If you’ve had the pleasure of touring Kykuit, hearing a film director speak about his latest work at the Burns Center, spending an afternoon at Playland, sharing a Johnny’s pie with friends—and the pleasure of doing the 52 other wonderful, exciting, interesting, amusing, and entertaining things that make our county unique—well then, you’re an informed, knowledgeable, and adventurous resident. If not, pack up the kids, get in the car, and get going.

And, oh yes, if we missed a county gem or two, let us know. Visit our website (westchestermagazine.com) and check out the home page.  Who knows? You may even win a prize.

Happy exploring!

                                                            Esther Davidowitz

                                                            Editor-in-Chief

PS: Beginning April 21, we are going to be sending a wonderfully informative weekly dining newsletter to those who sign up for one. If you’re interested—and anyone interested in where to eat in the county plus what’s new and what’s the latest gossip in our kitchens will certainly want  to receive our dining newsletter—can sign up at westchester magazine.com.