If you’re tired of spending gorgeous summer days losing track of time in an indoor shopping center (where you can’t see the sun or the sky), trying to find the one shady parking spot at the local strip mall, or bouncing between three or four downtowns to find everything you need, then head down to Yonkers.
It’s home to the Cross County Shopping Center and Westchester’s Ridge Hill, both outdoor-fountain-boasting malls where you can stroll in the sun—and enjoy some summer treats—while you get your errands done. Don’t miss the summer concert series at the former; and this season’s debut farmers’ market at the latter. Here’s what else they offer.
Cross County Shopping Center
8000 Mall Walk, Yonkers
(914) 968-9570; crosscountycenter.com
Big boxes for big buys: Everyone knows the Cross County Macy’s (914-964-6680; macys.com). But other stores, like A/X Armani Exchange (914-375-7050; armaniexchange.com), Gap (914-968-0930; gap.com), and H&M (855-466-7467; hm.com), make it a great place to find on-trend clothes for both men and women. There are also at least seven shoe stores.
When the sun goes down: After all that shopping and walking and bag-carrying, you’ll really have earned a trip to Häagen-Dazs (914-963-0732; haagendazs.com), even if earlier you did get that Cinnabon (914-969-6200; cinnabon.com). Once you’ve come down from the sugar high, head over to the Multiplex Cinemas (914-376-1717).
Your kids, yourself: Send the little ones (with another adult to supervise, of course) off to GameStop (914-963-3442; gamestop.com) for new releases, while you slip into Bath & Body Works (914-969-0126; bathandbodyworks.com) for something to help you unplug.
Westchester’s Ridge Hill
1 Ridge Hill Rd, Yonkers
(914) 207-2900; westchestersridgehill.com
Big boxes for big buys: Stores that your tired feet and gas-shocked wallet will be glad to find all in one place include Lord & Taylor (914-423-1371; lordandtaylor.com), Sephora (914-376-1200; sephora.com), Whole Foods Market (914-378-8090; wholefoodsmarket.com), REI (914-410-9500; rei.com), the Apple Store (914-620-0965; apple.com), and the mall’s new UNIQLO (877-486-4756; uniqlo.com).
When the sun goes down: Among Ridge Hill’s many enticing dining options are the perfect-for-the-heat drinks and dishes at Havana Central (914-423-5500; havanacentral.com) and the suds of your choice from the Yard House (914-375-9273; yardhouse.com). You can also see the latest summer blockbusters at Showcase Cinema de Lux (914-963-3780; showcasecinemas.com).
Your kids, yourself: If you can’t get tickets to the LEGOLAND Discovery Center, take the kids to the Big Girl Playground, an outdoor playground designed by famed sculptor Tom Otterness. You, meanwhile, can get your checkup at WESTMED Medical Group (914-848-8073; westmedgroup.com).
