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Hello Friday! I cannot believe it’s already the last Friday of the month! January has gone by so fast. We got a little snow in New York on Tuesday and I got to leave work early. And there’s potential for more snow Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. In other positive news, my son’s COVID test came back negative! Thank goodness! Here are five from this week:
1. Zoom wedding: Saturday I watched my brother-in-law get married! The ceremony was over Zoom and they were married by a retired NYS supreme judge. They had their first dance and fed each other cake on camera. It was a nice, quick ceremony and we are so happy he is finally married!
2. Eating: Last weekend we ordered empanadas from Peekskill Empanadas, a new local food business that makes Colombian empanadas. They had vegan empanadas and they were so good! And such a deal at only $2 each!
We also went to Tiffany’s Restaurant in Peekskill to get this Churro milkshake! It was so good!
3. Reading: This week I’ve been reading Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah before the show comes to Netflix on February 3. I read this book back in 2008 but don’t remember any of it.
4. Watching: Last weekend we had a family movie night and watched The Florida Project on Netflix. I’m finishing up Bling Empire and slowly making my way through Bridgerton. I just don’t have a lot of time to watch TV during the week, but there’s a lot of television that I want to watch!
5. Cooking: One of our favorite meals that I cooked this week was this Crunchy Roll Bowl from Pinch of Yum. It was so easy to make and really tasty!
Check out this week’s edition of Westchester Weekly to find out where to eat, shop and play in Westchester County this week. Please check directly with the venue for the most up-to-date information.
Eat:
Yonkers Downtown Takeout Week: (Yonkers) Beginning January 25th through February 6th, eleven Yonkers restaurants are offering a special $40 takeout package. These deals have to be called in and are not available via apps.
25 North: (Mamaroneck) This Italian restaurant is offering a curbside take out special until Sunday. Use promo code: 25Northathome for 20% off your entire take out order.
Tuesday, January 26th: (Tarrytown) Chef Dale Talde’s Goosefeather is holding a Taco & Ramen Pop-up. Lobster tacos and lobster ramen will be served. $34/2 tacos and ramen, $38/3 tacos and ramen. Takeout orders were due by Sunday. However, you can dine in and write “taco pop up” in your reservation notes.
Saturday, January 30th: (Dobbs Ferry) The Cookery is offering a special Breakfast Sandwich Box available for pick-up on January 30th. Each box is $65 and serve 2-4 people. The box includes a choice of four sandwiches, crispy hash browns, a yogurt granola bowl and Cookery cold brew. Plus, there are several different add-ons available including salmon pastrami, bacon, biscuits and more.
Saturday, January 30th: (Larchmont) Starting Saturday, January 30th, Vintage 1891 in Larchmont will be serving brunch, starting at noon.
Sunday, January 31st: (Tuckahoe) From 1 PM – 5 PM on Sunday, Cousins Maine Lobster food truck will be at Broken Bow Brewery in Tuckahoe so you can fill up on all the lobster rolls while you enjoy a pint or two. (They will also be back Saturday, February 27th from 1 PM – 7 PM.)
New Menu Items:
Captain Lawrence Mount Kisco: (Mount Kisco) Only available at the Mount Kisco location, Captain Lawrence has introduced chicken & lemon grass or kale & veggie dumplings topped with red cabbage, radish and scallions tossed in a soy beer hoisin sauce.
Moderne Barn: (Armonk) Moderne Barn has added Ravioli Cacio E Pepe house-made ricotta and mushroom ravioli with pecorino romano, black truffle oil and micro greens to their menu.
Ongoing:
Downtown White Plains Restaurant Month: (White Plains) This is the last week to enjoy the first Downtown White Plains restaurant month. Through January 31st, select restaurants are offering Prix Fixe lunch ($20.95), dinner ($30.95) and 2nd tier dinner ($40.95) specials.
Shop:
Ongoing:
Saturdays: (Mamaroneck) Shop the Mamaroneck Winter Farmers Marketat Harbor Island Park from 9 AM – 1 PM. There will also be a textile recycling collection at this week’s farmers market.
Wednesdays: (Yorktown Heights) Winter Farmers Market at the Jefferson Valley MallJanuary 6 – April 7 at the Jefferson Valley Mall on the upper level near the food court. The market will take place from 1:30 – 5:30 PM every Wednesday through April 7.
Play:
Thursday, January 28th: (Mamaroneck) Modern on The Rails will be hosting trivia nights every other Thursday. Trivia is this Thursday, January 28th at 7 PM with a special trivia night snack menu available. Please make sure to call to reserve your spot (914) 777-9300.
Friday, January 29th: A Maze in Pottery “Winter (Love) Bird” Chip ‘n’ Dip Adult Online Class: (Virtual) A Maze in Pottery is hosting an online adult painting class on Friday, January 29th from 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM. The class is $34.90 and participants will paint a “Winter (Love) Bird” Chip ‘n’ Dip dish. Materials can be picked up a the store or delivered (for a charge). Registration closes 3 days before the event.
Friday, January 29th: The Pottery Factory Valentine Seascape Workshop: (Mount Kisco) On January 29th from 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM enjoy creating a valentine resin pour seascape at The Pottery Factory. Participants can bring their own beach memorabilia to include in the resin pour. Safety goggles and gloves are provided. This is a BYOB, adults only event. $49 for a 8×10 seascape frame, $59 for a 10×13 seascape frame.
Friday, January 29th: (Katonah) Jay Street Cafe holds a trivia night, every Friday night hosted by Let’s Go Trivia. Email to make your reservation, as seating is limited!
Saturday, January 30th: (Rye) Visit downtown Rye to see snowflakes decorated by kids in grades K-5 displayed in the storefronts. Participate in a snowflake scavenger hunt with snowflake cookie prizes.
Ongoing:
(January 30 – February 7): Teatown Hudson River EagleFest – This year there will be no festival at Croton Point Park. Instead, there are both virtual and limited attendance in-person events taking place January 30th – February 7th. Registration is now open for the various programs.
Yoga Classes: (Yorktown Heights) FREE yoga classes are offered at the Jefferson Valley Mall on Mondays at 10 AM, Thursdays at 10 AM, Wednesdays at 5:30 PM and Saturdays at 10 AM. Classes are held on the bottom floor in the former Gap store, across from Auntie Anne’s Pretzels. Remember to bring a yoga mat and wear a mask.
In the Area:
Sunday, January 31st: (Beacon) Sunday, January 31st is Hudson Valley Free Day at the Dia: Beacon. The museum is open 10 AM – 4 PM. Advanced registration is required.
Saturday, January 30th: (Garrison) Enjoy eagle viewing at Boscobel House and Gardens with Constitution Marsh Audubon and Putnam Highlands Audubon. Two hour time slots are available from 9 AM – 2 PM. Admission is $12/adult, $10/senior, $6/children (age 5-18), Free/children under 5. Advance registration is required. All participants must bring their own viewing equipment (binoculars, scopes, etc.) Masks are required. (This event will also take place on Saturday, February 6th.)
Upcoming:
February 6th: Bestie Bash Hearts & Crafts at Pizzazzles in the Jefferson Valley Mall. This free event takes place from 11 AM – 12:30 PM and includes a DJ, crafts, prizes and fun.
February 6th: Tapping The Trees at Muscoot Farm 10 AM – 2:30 PM, 30-minute timeslots, $20/family
February 6th: Make a Polar Bear with polymer clay workshop at The Rye Arts Center
February 7th: Quenas Restaurant 10th Anniversary Celebration 2 PM – 9 PM with a special $55 tasting menu.
February 7th – March 21st: Maple Sugaring at Muscoot Farm 10 AM – 2:30 PM, 30-minute time slots, $20/family
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Happy Friday! Did you see that title? Yes, my son is in quarantine again. He was exposed at school last week and is now in quarantine until next week. He’s getting a test today and we are keeping our fingers crossed that it’s negative.
For more exciting news, we are attending my brother-in-law’s Zoom wedding Saturday! We were supposed to be in Miami last June for the wedding. They obviously had to postpone the wedding. They’ve decided to get married now in a small ceremony with just immediate family and then hopefully have the reception in Miami next June. Here are five from the past week:
1.Eating – This week we’ve had some good eats! My husband and I shared this crispy eggplant sandwich from the Bus at Salinger’s Orchard.
We also bought this apple twist from Salinger’s Orchard and had it for breakfast Sunday morning.
We had coffee, hot cocoa and pastries from Climbing Wolf in Dobbs Ferry.
Then we had lunch at Sambal in Irvington. This crispy cauliflower was so good!
2. Reading – I am finishing up This Is My America by Kim Johnson. This is a YA mystery that explores racial injustice. It’s a very good read. Up next I will be doing a reread of Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah, since I heard it’s coming to Netflix in February. I read this book over 10 years ago and want to refresh myself before watching the series.
Photo Credit: Matt Klitscher/Amazon Studios
3. Watching – Well of course I watched the inauguration this week! It was so amazing to see our first female, African-American and Asian-American Vice President! I am hopeful that this inspires the youth of today (and especially my own children) that they can be and do anything they set their heart on! I also have one episode left of The Wilds to watch. This Amazon show is a bit like the show Lost, but with a group of teenage girls which = drama.
4. Cooking – One of our favorite meals I made this week was this Vegan Thai Peanut Ramen. I only used 1 tablespoon of the red curry paste (instead of the 4 the recipe called for!) and it was perfect for the kids. A little goes a long way but really gives great flavor to a dish.
5.Listening – Kings & Queens by Ava Max. I know this song is on the radio all the time, but I love it! It’s such a girl power, female positive song!
Check out this week’s edition of Westchester Weekly to find out where to eat, shop and play in Westchester County this week:
Eat/Drink:
25 North Ristorante: (Mamaroneck) 25 North has a special Super Bowl Sunday menu with ½ and full trays available of dishes including steak and cheese egg rolls, coconut shrimp, teriyaki tossed chips and more. Orders must be placed at least 24 hours in advance.
The Barley House: (Thornwood) The Barley House has introduced a fun, new menu item! Tacones- three different types to choose from: cool ranch Doritos shell with pulled pork, nacho cheese Doritos shell with pulled chicken and flamin hot Cheetos shell with black bean chili.
City Limits Diner: (White Plains) The City Limits Diner has curated Super Bowl party packages or you can customize your own snacks from their special menu. Orders must be placed by February 3 and payment is due at time of order.
Diner Brew Co.: (New Rochelle) In honor of Inauguration Day, Diner Brew Co. is releasing 3 new draft beers today.
Downtown White Plains Restaurant Month: (White Plains) Enjoy the first White Plains restaurant month now through January 31. Select restaurants are offering Prix Fixe lunch ($20.95), dinner ($30.95) and 2nd Tier Dinner ($40.95) specials.
Peekskill Empanadas: (Peekskill) This new Peekskill business sells homemade Colombian empanadas. All empanadas are $2 each and they currently sell seasoned beef with potatoes or seasoned chicken with potatoes. They also make vegan/vegetarian options upon request.
Samosa Shack: (deliveries Thursday – Sunday or pick-up at TASH Farmer’s Market) In honor of today’s inauguration, Samosa Shack has a special celebratory menu this week (you can get more detailed descriptions of the celebratory menu items from their Facebook page). You can order for delivery Thursday – Sunday or orders can be picked up Saturday, January 23rd at the Tarrytown And Sleepy Hollow (TASH) Farmer’s Market from 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM. $10 minimum orders.
Shop:
Lauren Boutique: (Larchmont) This week the shop is having a clothing sale with 30-50% off.
Rubysue: (Katonah) is having a 50% off sale plus you can preview their new spring arrivals.
Vintage & Vine and Auntie Liana’s Baked With Love are returning to the Jefferson Valley Mall with another pop up shop beginning Friday, January 22nd. They will be open Wednesdays 1-7 PM and Friday, Saturday and Sunday 11 AM – 7 PM.
Play:
A Maze in Pottery Puppy Adoption: (Briarcliff Manor) A Maze in Pottery is hosting a Puppy Adoption Painting Event on Friday, January 22nd from 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM. Order your puppy adoption kit that you can enjoy painting from the comfort of your home during the Zoom painting party (Zoom link will be sent after you book the class). The kit comes with a stuffed puppy, a ceramic puppy (to paint), matching colors, brush and an adoption certificate, that all comes packaged in a dog house box. Cost: $33.90 + tax/child, sibling discount = 2 projects for $60 + tax.
Papi’ restaurant Virtual Cooking Class: (online) Papi’ restaurant in White Plains is holding a virtual cooking class. Participants will learn how to make Amatriciana Pasta. The class costs $25 and makes enough for two people. The fee includes the recipe kit with all of the main ingredients, the recipe and access to the zoom link. Kits must be picked up between 12 PM and 6 PM on Thursday. The class takes place via Zoom from 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM.
The Pottery Factory Valentine Gnome Tree Workshop: (Mount Kisco) January 22 from 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM enjoy painting a Valentine Gnome Tree at The Pottery Factory. The $79.00 fee includes the gnome tree, a multi-color light pack, a star and light kit. This is a BYOB, adults only event.
The Rye Arts Center BYOB Paint Night: (Rye) Enjoy an adults only evening of painting at the Rye Arts Center. On January 21st from 6:15 PM – 9:00 PM participants can bring their own drink of choice and paint a still-life. All supplies are included. $55/person (members receive a discount). Pre-registration is required.
The Rye Arts Center Bird Book Sculpture Workshop: (Rye) Kids ages 9-12 can make a bird sculpture out of an old book at The Rye Arts Center. This workshop takes place January 23rd from 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM. Participants are asked to bring an old book (hardcover or paperback). $20/child (members receive a discount).
Winter Seeding Workshop: (Bedford Train Station) This is a free outdoor workshop on Sunday, January 24th. Participants should bring a couple gallon jugs or recycled containers that can hold 3″ of soil and be covered with a lid. Soil, native seeds and instructions will be provided and experienced gardeners will be on hand to answer questions.
Upcoming Events:
A Maze in Pottery “Winter (Love) Bird” Chip ‘n’ Dip Adult Online Class: (Virtual) A Maze in Pottery is hosting an online adult painting class on Friday, January 29th from 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM. The class is $34.90 and participants will paint a “Winter (Love) Bird” Chip ‘n’ Dip dish. Materials can be picked up a the store or delivered (for a charge). Registration closes 3 days before the event.
The Pottery Factory Valentine Seascape Workshop: (Mount Kisco) On January 29 from 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM enjoy creating a valentine resin pour seascape at The Pottery Factory. Participants can bring their own beach memorabilia to include in the resin pour. Safety goggles and gloves are provided. This is a BYOB, adults only event. $49 for a 8×10 seascape frame, $59 for a 10×13 seascape frame.
Teatown Hudson River EagleFest: This year there will be no festival at Croton Point Park. Instead, there are both virtual and limited attendance in-person events taking place January 30th – February 7th. Registration is now open for the various programs.
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Happy Friday! I am excited for the three day weekend. Not that we have anything exciting planned, just for the extra day off from work! The kids finally went back to in-person school this week, after almost two months doing virtual school only. They only go in two days, but it’s still small progress to feeling normal. As an employee of a school district, I am eligible to receive the COVID vaccine. I’m hesitant for a variety of reasons. However, I plan on sitting in on a zoom session next week with a doctor from our county Department of Health to get some more information to help me make a decision. Like I mentioned, as of now there are no huge plans, but I hope to get out and explore more of Westchester County and the Hudson Valley! Here are five from the past week:
1.Yoga With Adriene – Every year, Adriene does a 30 day yoga challenge for the month of January. My husband and I are doing “Breath” together. We are a couple of days behind but it’s been a great way for us to get some exercise together. Plus, it’s a reminder that I should be keeping up with yoga. I really do feel amazing after.
2. Dish Soap – Is it bad to gush about a dish soap?! I’ve been using this Method hollyberry dish soap since the beginning of December. Even though we’ve taken down the tree and all the decorations, the scent reminds me of Christmas.
3. Watching – This past week we had a couple of family movie nights and watched Moonlight and Mid90’s together. Yes, they are both rated R, so probably not family-friendly for everyone. I also watched Always Be My Maybe on my own, at my daughter’s recommendation. They were all good!
4. Eating – Downtown White Plains Restaurant month is taking place for the entire month of January. Last weekend we got lunch takeout from Little Drunken Chef in White Plains. This was our first time trying this restaurant and it was sooo good! These samosas were one of the appetizers in one of our three course lunches.
My daughter and I cooked Gigi’s (Hadad) pasta again last night for dinner. She made this a couple of months ago and it was actually really good!
5. Reading – I am currently reading Don’t Ask Me Where I’m From by Jennifer De Leon. This is a YA book about social justice and race issues. I’m about half-way through and am enjoying it. Once I finish reading it, I’m going to pass it along to my daughter to read.
6.Subscription Box – I meant to write about Kiwi Crate last week. We gifted our son a 3 month subscription to Kiwi Crate. He’s 12, but we got him the Eureka Crate, which is for ages 14+. His first box came and he made a ukulele that is actually playable all by himself! Kiwi Crate has a bunch of different boxes based on age/interest. They focus on STEM/STEAM and it’s a great way for him to have some unplugged time.
7. Family Hike – Last weekend we went on a family hike to a new-to-us place. Cranberry Lake Preserve in North White Plains. The trail map was a bit confusing, but we did find this quarry which was fun to walk along.
Check out this week’s edition of Westchester Weekly to find out where to eat, shop and play in Westchester County this week:
Eat:
Dough On the Go: (Larchmont) Friday, January 15th is National Bagel Day and Dough On The Go is selling an Artisanal Smoked Salmon Bagel Sandwich for $10. This sandwich will only be available Friday and must be pre-ordered.
Downtown White Plains Restaurant Month: (White Plains) Enjoy the first White Plains restaurant month now through January 31. Select restaurants are offering Prix Fixe lunch ($20.95), dinner ($30.95) and 2nd Tier Dinner ($40.95) specials.
Flour Power – (Pelham) This bake shop is having the grand opening of their new Pelham storefront on Saturday, January 16th from 9 AM – 4 PM. Stop by and show them some love!
Shop:
Hilltop Hanover Farm CSA: (Yorktown Heights) CSA shares for 2021 are going on sale in mid-January. Small shares are available for $400 and large shares for $700. These are credits that can be used throughout the season. You choose how frequently you want to shop and what you want. Support local agriculture!
Kristen Speer Photography: (Irvington) Kristin is now booking for Valentine Mini Sessions. 15 minutes – proofing gallery and 3 edited digital images for $125.
Lile Boutique Spa: (Peekskill) Visit this recently opened Skincare Boutique in Peekskill that specializes in, “preventative care, corrective treatments, and graceful aging.”
Prosper IV: (Yonkers) This Vitamin IV spa in Yonkers is having a M.L. King Day special where all drips are only $150 and members will receive a free B-12 shot with a drip.
Play:
Basic Knife Skills Class with ZWILLING Cooking Studio: (Virtual) Learn the fundamentals of good knife skills from instructor Bernard Janssen. This class is being offered Friday (January 15th: 6 PM – 7:30 PM) and Saturday (January 16th: 1 PM – 2:30 PM). The class is free but registration is required.
Discover Bedford Scavenger Hunt: (Bedford) Created by Rock Paper Scissors Events, enjoy a drivable scavenger hunt around the town of Bedford. The scavenger hunt costs $10, with 50% of every sale being donated to the Community Center of Northern Westchester. The scavenger hunt is approximately 16 miles and takes about 35 minutes to complete. The route will be available through April 2021.
Family Art Activity at the Hudson River Museum: (Yonkers) This week at the museum enjoy drawing your own landscape on a postcard. This art activity is inspired by the works of Cynthia Daignault and other artists in the Landscape Art and Virtual Travel exhibit. Packets with supplies will be provided. The activity is free with paid admission.
Hammond Museum and Japanese Stroll Garden: (online) The Hammond Museum in Katonah is hosting a free virtual event, “A Sneak Peek at Japanese Art Highlights” tonight (January 13th) at 5 PM via Facebook. Register online.
House of Sports: (Ardsley) House of Sports is holding a Holiday Camp on Monday, January 18th from 9 AM – 3 PM. There is a multi-sports camp for K-2nd grade and Basketball and Soccer camp for grades 3-8. Full-day camp costs $70/child.
The Play Group Theatre: (online) The Play Group Theatre, a theatre for children and teens, is holding a virtual performance of Clue. Performances are Saturday at 8 PM and Sunday at 2 PM. Tickets: $18/general admission, $36/family admission
Traditional Tea Ceremony at the Katonah Museum of Art: (Katonah) Discover the history and significance of a traditional tea ceremony. This is an in-person event with limited capacity. Tickets: $35/members, $40/non-members
Virtual Travel Through the Five Senses: Sound at the Hudson River Museum: (virtual) This virtual program is the second in a family program series that explores artwork through the five senses. This program’s focus is all about sound. Participants will explore a selection of Cynthia Daignault’s Light Atlas and then make a collective sound recording. The event is free, but registration is required.
Upcoming:
January 24th: Ramen Pop Up at Bread & Brine (Hastings) Other special menu items include roast peking duck, hot & sour soup, pork bao buns, cold sesame noodles and more. Pre order by Thursday, Janury 21st.
February 6-28: Young Artists 2021 at the Katonah Museum of Art. Enjoy viewing over 300 pieces of artwork created by high school seniors from more than 30 area schools.
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It’s a new year, with hopefully lots of good books in my future! I ended my year reading a total of 98 books, which surpassed my 2020 book goal of 75. I again set this year’s goodreads goal for 75 books, which seems doable. While December seems so long ago, I’m sharing my reads from last month. It was a mixed bag of different genres and mostly good reads. Here are my December reads that I’m sharing with Steph and Jana’s monthly book linkup:
3 stars:
Leave The World Behind by Rumaan Alam (October 2020, Suspense/Thriller) – A family leaves NYC for a week and rents a house out in a remote part of Long Island. A few nights into their stay the couple who owns the house arrive on the doorstep with news of a blackout in the city. Strange things start happening, but with no TV, internet or cell service, no one has any idea what is going on. This book was disappointing. I have no idea why it’s labeled suspense/thriller and even horror on goodreads. I’m not going to give away spoilers, but I hated the ending.
The Girl In The Mirror by Rose Carlyle (October 2020, Suspense/Thriller) – Two identical twins, one who has always been jealous of the other. Now she has the opportunity, to live her twin’s life and gain a huge inheritance. But can she keep the truth from being exposed? This was an okay, not very believable read for the most part. But it did have some interesting plot twists.
White Ivy by Susie Yang (November 2020, Contemporary/Suspense/Literary Fiction) – A coming age of story of a young Chinese girl who tries to fit in white suburban American. She develops a crush on a classmate, who ends up making a reappearance in her adult life. There are several plot twists, but I would not categorize this as a suspenseful read. In fact, it was such a slow read for me that I wish that I had given up on it earlier than making myself finish it.
4 stars:
In a Holidaze by Christina Lauren (October 2020, holiday/romance) – A young woman makes a plea to the universe, “Please. Show me what will make me happy.” At the annual family and friends holiday get together at a cabin in Utah, she ends up in a loop where she relives the same holiday vacation over and over. This was a cute holiday romance read. I hadn’t read a Christina Lauren book in awhile and think I’m ready to get back into some of their more recent books that I had skipped.
Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow by Jessica Townsend (October 2017, Middle Grade/Fantasy) – On the night she is supposed to die a young girl finds herself being whisked away to Nevermoor. There she discovers that she has been selected to compete for a spot in the exclusive Wundrous Society and must pass the four trials. This book has been compared to Harry Potter and I can vaguely see the connection. It’s a fun and whimsical read. I couldn’t interest my son in reading it, but I may continue the series.
When We Believed in Mermaids by Barbara O’Neal (July 2019, Contemporary Fiction) – A woman thinks that her sister is dead. But then she sees her on a news clip. So she travels from California to New Zealand to try to track her down. Will she find her? The book alternates between the two sisters POV as we discover their tragic past and secrets that they are keeping. This was an engrossing and enjoyable read.
You Should See Me in a Crown by Leah Johnson (June 2020, YA/LGBT) – A poor, black teen has big plans to go to college to become a doctor and continue playing music. But financial aid is not providing enough money for her to attend. One of the few options she has is to try to win the scholarship for Prom Queen, despite the fact that there has never been a black or queer queen in the school’s history. This book portrays modern teen life in a realistic manner. I’m jealous of the diverse YA books available to teens today, so I have to read some of them!
Happy Friday! We are officially over a week into the new year. I don’t normally talk politics on my blog and social media. However, what happened Wednesday is despicable. I am sad that my children are growing up in a world where our “President” can incite an attack on our own country. I am hopeful that the young adults and children of our country can be agents of change.
On a personal level, I see good things in store for this year and am excited for all the possibilities. Here are five from the past week:
1.New Year’s Day Hike – New Year’s Day Dana and I took a First Day Hike at F.D. Roosevelt State Park. We weren’t the only ones who had the idea, as it was surprisingly crowed. It was nice to be able to get out in nature before the bad weather hit.
2. Snow Tubing – Saturday we drove up to Windham Mountain to go snow tubing. It was cold but fun. Luckily we got there when it opened because the lines were getting really long by the time we left.
Photo Credit: Liam Daniel/Netflix
3. Watching – This week I started watching Bridgerton on Netflix. I’m loving the Gossip Girl vibes it’s giving off, but in Victorian times. I’m only halfway through episode 3, so I have some weekend catching up to do! I didn’t realize that the show was based off a book series by Julia Quinn.
4. Snacks – Since the new year started I’ve been trying to eat more clean and healthy. I found these cute sprinkles tomatoes at the grocery store. I bought a couple and have been snacking on them at work. Other healthy snacks I’ve been enjoying are cucumbers with hummus, nuts and lots of fruit – berries, grapefruit and clementines. What are some of your favorite healthy snacks? I need some new ideas!
5. Reading – I have finished two books so far already in the new year. I set my goodreads reading goal again for 75 books. I recently started Family For Beginners by Sarah Morgan. This contemporary fiction book is a bit more serious than The Tourist Attraction, which I just finished and really enjoyed!
Check out this week’s edition of Westchester Weekly to find out where to eat, shop and play in Westchester County this week:
Eat:
Bread and Brine: (Hastings-on-Hudson) The seafood restaurant is now serving brunch for dine in or take out every Saturday and Sunday.
Britt & Co. Bagels: (Online ordering, local delivery or pick-up in Greenwich, CT ) For Veganuary, Britt & Co. has made a vegan cinnamon roll bagel.
Downtown White Plains Restaurant Month: (White Plains) Enjoy the first White Plains restaurant month now through January 31. Select restaurants are offering Prix Fixe lunch ($20.95), dinner ($30.95) and 2nd Tier Dinner ($40.95) specials.
Shop:
Jane Street Sweets: (Online ordering w/delivery) Jane Street Sweets recently debuted their new winter menu which includes new cocoa bomb and cookie flavors. Order online for a Saturday delivery.
O2 Living Sanctuary: (Cross River) This day spa is offering 15% off juice cleanses and spa services now through January 16th.
Winter Farmers Market at the Jefferson Valley Mall: (Yorktown Heights) January 6 – April 7 the Jefferson Valley Mall is hosting a winter farmers market inside on the upper level near the food court. The market will take place from 1:30 – 5:30 PM every Wednesday through April 7.
Westchester County Parks Winter Scavenger Hunts: (throughout Westchester County) Visit one of Westchester County’s many parks and use their winter scavenger hunts as a guide for your hike/visit.
Snow tubing is a fun, family-friendly winter activity. There are a limited number of places in the Hudson Valley where you can enjoy this activity (check out my post for a listing of them all). Over the recent holiday break, our family traveled to Windham Adventure Park in Windham, NY to go snow tubing.
Travel
Windham Adventure Park is located in Windham, NY. This is part of the Catskill Park in Greene County. The Adventure Park is .25 miles west of the Windham Mountain skiing resort. Living in northern Westchester County, Windham Adventure Park is a two hour drive. It is one of the farther snow tubing locations in the Hudson Valley, but is a doable day trip.
Tickets
When you arrive at the park you go to the lodge to purchase your tickets. Tickets for snow tubing cost $25 per person for a 3 hour tubing session. Windham Adventure Park is the only snow tubing park that does not take reservations or allow you to pre-purchase tickets. Their website states that they, “will not sell out of tickets….purchasing tickets is based on a rolling basis so your 3-hour time block starts upon your arrival time.”
You are given a printed ticket that must be affixed to your jacket, which has the date and time of your ticket purchase. Your tubing session ends three hours after the time printed.
The Experience
Windham Adventure Park has 5, 650-foot long snow tubing lanes. However, during our visit, they were only using 3 of the lanes due to social distancing. There were also only 2 employees at a time launching the tube riders on the 3 lanes, which slowed down the process. More staff were posted at the bottom of the run, the conveyor belt, and stacking tubes at the top. When you arrive at the parking lot, you’re already right near the lodge and ticket window. You are also at the top of the hill and can start snow tubing right away.
There are no height restrictions as long as a rider can sit in the tube by himself/herself. Windham Adventure Park only has single tubes. However, the employee will attach the tube straps together so you can ride with two, three and even four connected.
Before the employees give you a push down the hill, you will be asked if you want to go straight or spin. Depending on the employee, your spin may be more energetic than others.
After you tube down the hill, there is a conveyor belt “magic carpet” that brings you back up the mountain.
We recommend arriving for the 11 AM opening. We noticed that as the day went it got more crowded and the lines got longer. At 1:40 PM, the lines were the longest of our visit (pictured above). On average, it was almost a 30 minute wait per run.
We stayed for almost the entire three hours. We had a snack break (in our car) to warm up and a bathroom break. Our visit started at 11:20 AM and we got 5 runs in.
The Lodge
There are restrooms inside the Lodge. There is also food available inside at “The Drop Zone” for purchase. They sell pizza by the slice or you can order a whole pie. They also sell chicken noodle soup, beef chili, nachos chips with cheese, chicken tenders and fries and more.
At this time, they are only accepting credit cards for payment. There is also no indoor seating available, so be prepared to eat out in the cold or in your car.
Overall
We had a fun time at Windham Adventure Park. This is great option for a last-minute snow tubing excursion since they don’t pre-sell or sell out tickets. However, be prepared for crowds and long lines.
The Details: Windham Adventure Park 360 County Route 12 Windham, NY 12496
*Call (518) 734-4300 for more information
Price: $25/person for a 3 hour tubing session
Dates/Hours: Open weekends now through February 21st and holidays. Fridays: 5 PM – 8 PM Saturdays: 11 AM – 8 PM Sundays: 11 AM – 4 PM
Tips:
*Dress warmly. One of the biggest complaints the kids had was that they were cold. We packed snow pants, but didn’t end up wearing them – which we should have. The tubes were snowy and wet.
*Try to arrive for the opening. They don’t start selling tickets until the opening time. As it gets later, it gets more crowded.
*Bring snacks/food if you don’t want to buy food from The Drop Zone. There are very few food choices in the vicinity.
The kids snowmobile track is currently closed. When available, children 6 and older and weigh less than 120 pounds, can ride Arctic Cat snowmobiles around an oval track for an additional cost.
