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Happy Friday! This week flew by! I’m glad that I was able to relax this past weekend because I have a crazy weekend ahead of me! Here area quick five from this week:
1. Eating – Last weekend I enjoyed takeout from Go to Greek. I love a good falafel pita!
My husband and I also enjoyed a lunch date at Augie’s Italian. We shared fried calamari, a crab cake and this mushroom truffle pasta.
2. Reading – This week I finished reading Annie Bot by Sierra Greer. This was another book that I didn’t love, which is disappointing, since my reading time is so limited. However, I picked up two new books from the library that I am excited to start reading.
4. Watching – I’ve been watching season 1 of Life & Beth on Hulu. My husband and I tried watching this together when it first came out but we weren’t into it. Since season 2 just came out I decided to give it another try and I’ve been really enjoying it.
My husband and I watched the first episodes of Fallout (Prime) and Baby Reindeer (Netflix) this week. Very different shows! Fallout was very confusing and violent. I may give the second episode a try but will likely need to read the online episode summary again to help explain what is going on. Baby Reindeer was kind of disturbing. I’ll be continuing watching this show because I’m so intrigued. It’s based on a true story which is kind of scary.
5. Warm weatherand cute cats – It’s finally starting to warm up and actually feel like spring. We were able to open the windows a couple of days this week. Blackjack was sitting and enjoying himself in the kitchen window when Ollie had to come up and squeeze himself in. There will hopefully be lots of open window time next week when the temps are supposed to hit 81 on Monday!
The weather is warming up and I am looking forward to spending more time outside. There is so much going on this month. Check out some of the May Events taking place in Westchester County (and the surrounding area). Plan some family fun or a date night out to take advantage of all of fun!
Comedy:
Levity Live (Palisade Center – West Nyack) Enjoy a comedy show at Levity Live in May. Upcoming shows include Chris Porter (May 2-4), Steve Rannazzisi (May 9-11), Radel Ortiz (May 17-18) and D.L. Hughley (May 24-26). *Check the site for the full lineup
Yonkers Comedy Club (Yonkers) Enjoy a comedy show at the Yonkers Comedy Club. May shows include Made You Laugh! with Christy Miller, Ryan Dempsey, Ray Hada and Victoria Arnstein (May 1), NNFA Live with Dave Temple and Derek Gaines featuring Lubi Popovic (May 3-4), Humor Heals comedy show for Parkinson’s Foundation (May 11) Mike Vecchione (May 10-12), Lethal Laughs! (May 16), Juan Villareal (May 17-19), Sean Todd (May 24-26) and Vishnu Vaka (May 31-June 2). *Check the site for the full lineup
May 3 (Tarrytown) Kevin Nealon at Tarrytown Music Hall. 8 PM. Tickets: $41-$54
Kevin Nealon is an Emmy and SAG-nominated actor and comedian who sets himself apart from other comedic performers with his unique sense of humor, dry wit and likable demeanor. Nealon is best known for his nine-year stint as a cast member of NBC’s Saturday Night Live, and received critical acclaim for his role in the hit Showtime series Weeds. Kevin currently produces and hosts his digital series Hiking with Kevin, and tours his stand-up globally. He will be releasing his latest book, I Exaggerate: My Brushes with Fame (Abrams), on October 25, 2022. Part art book, part memoir — the book is full of original full-color caricatures Kevin has created along with funny, endearing personal essays about his famous friends.
Nealon’s extensive television credits include the CBS sitcom, Man With a Plan, in which he starred alongside Matt LeBlanc; Showtime’s Weeds, which ran for eight seasons and was honored at the 2006, 2007 and 2009 Golden Globes with nominations for “Best Television Series Comedy or Musical.” In 2007 and 2009, Weeds was nominated for the Screen Actors Guild Award for “Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series.” Additional television roles include two critically acclaimed stand-up specials for Showtime; and a number of appearances on Hot In Cleveland, Franklin & Bash, Monk, Curb Your Enthusiasm and Still Standing.
May 4 (Mamaroneck) Ladies ofLaughterat the Emelin Theatre. 8 PM. For over twenty years, Ladies of Laughter has served as a launching pad for female comedic talent, with past participants ranging from Amy Schumer to Melissa Rauch. Buy your tickets soon because these ladies typically sell out! Featuring Erin Jackson, Becky Veduccio, Julia Scotti and Cyndi Cecil. Tickets: $37-$47
May 16 (Peekskill) Jordan Klepper – Suffering Fools at Paramount Hudson Valley. 7:30 PM. Tickets: $35-$49.50. Best known for his work on The Daily Show and his Emmy-nominated specials, Klepper has carved out a niche for himself in the realm of political satire. From his groundbreaking coverage of the gun safety debate in “Jordan Klepper Solves Guns” to his eye-opening docuseries on activism, Klepper fearlessly dives into the heart of the political landscape.
In “Suffering Fools,” Klepper shares personal stories from his time on the road, including run-ins with Presidents, failures in the entertainment world, and encounters with the colorful characters of anarchy. With his unique blend of humor and candor, Klepper explores our universal desires and exposes our collective idiocies, offering a hilarious and insightful commentary on the absurdity of our current moment. What a foolish time to be alive.
May 25 (Larchmont) Comedy from Scratch at The Idea Kitchen. Comedy From Scratch is where you go in Westchester County to hear top comics from TV and NYC’s major clubs performing long sets on an intimate stage. Past performers include comedians from HBO, Netlfix, Colbert, SNL, the Daily Show, Letterman, the Tonight Show, Comedy Central, and more. Every month, Ben Asher’s presents comedy that reaches up into your brain with the force of a fist through the nose. Seating at 7 PM, show begins at 8 PM. $20 admission. Bring your own food and drink. May’s lineup includes Talia Reese and J-L Cauvin.
May 31 (Mamaroneck) Greg Fitzsimmons at the Emelin Theatre. 8 PM. Tickets: $40-$50. Mixing an incisive wit with scathing sarcasm, Greg Fitzsimmons has achieved success as a stand-up, an Emmy-Award-winning writer, and host on TV, radio and his own podcast, FitzDog Radio. A regular with Conan O’Brien and Jimmy Kimmel, Greg has made more than 50 visits to The Howard Stern Show.
Date Night/Girls Night Out:
May 1 (New Rochelle) Paint Night at Patsys Pizzeria. 7:15 PM. Pick your craft: wood option ($45/pp) or glass option ($35/pp). 1:1 instruction, free giveaways. No art experience required. Eat and drink while you paint (food and drink sold separately). Reservations required. Call Lisa (914) 774-2538.
May 4 (Briarcliff Manor) May the 4thPaint Night at A Maze in Pottery. 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM. Ages 15+ Get ready to celebrate May the 4th like never before with our exciting pottery class (BYOB21+)! Get ready for a fun-filled night of painting and sipping with fellow enthusiasts. And the best part? You’ll create a unique work of art, a testament to your creativity and love for Star Wars. May the 4th be with you as you embark on this galactic adventure in our Star Wars-themed sip-and-paint pottery class!Projects include: Mandalorian Dinner Plate $46.90, Yoda Salad Plate $36.90, Yoda or Darth Vader or Yoda Mug $36.90
May 5 (Mohegan Lake) Cinco De Mayo Boozy Sip & Decorate Cookie Decorating Class at Argonne Rose Brewing. 12 PM – 2 PM. $55/person. Join us on Cinco De Mayo for an afternoon of creativity and indulgence at our Sip & Decorate cookie decorating class. The Duchess of Desserts will guide you through the art of cookie decorating with hands-on instruction, all materials provided, and a complimentary drink of your choice. Limited spaces available. Grab your tickets now!
May 11 (Montgomery) Wine & Design: Amy’s Floral Succulent Garden Workshop at City Winery Hudson Valley. 3:30 PM (doors open 3 PM). $75/ticket. First Session; Succulent Garden Workshop. Design your very own succulent garden using a variety of succulents such as; echeveria, dracaena, haworthia, jade and much more. Designed in a white ceramic bowl and accented with driftwood and stones. All care instructions and supplies included.
May 17 (Briarcliff Manor) Adult Sip ‘n Paint Class: Birdhouse Votives at A Maze in Pottery. 6:15 PM – 8:00 PM. Join us for an unforgettable evening of creativity, relaxation, and socializing at our Adult Sip and Paint Pottery class! This 21+ event offers the perfect blend of artistic expression and leisure, allowing you to unleash your inner artist while enjoying your favorite beverages in a laid-back atmosphere. Bring your own bottle (BYOB) and prepare to indulge in a fun-filled pottery painting session. Our experienced instructors will guide you step-by-step of painting those charming birdhouse tea light votives, perfect for adding a touch of whimsy to any space. No prior painting or pottery experience is required—bring your enthusiasm and willingness to explore your creative side! Whether you’re a seasoned artist or a first-time painter, our class is designed to cater to all skill levels. You’ll be free to unleash your imagination and customize your birdhouse tea light votive with your unique style and color palette.PRICE: 2 Votives (Various Sizes) $49.90, 3 Votives (Various Sizes) $67.90
May 31 (Montgomery) Murder Mystery Manhattan Presents: Saturday Night Fever Drag BINGO at City Winery Hudson Valley. 7 PM (doors open at 6 PM). $40/ticket. Saturday Night Fever Tony Marinara and Stephanie Mangina reunite to open a new disco and are having a fun Bingo fundraiser to look for investors. Tony’s main squeeze, Annette, is there to knock Stephanie out of the running – or just knock her out? Steer clear of the drama, play bingo and win prizes!
Eat & Drink:
Taste of Westchester Cooking Demo Classes: (restaurants throughout Westchester County) Enjoy cooking demos from local chefs and then sample their creations. There are many May classes including: Via Veroli (May 1), Meraki Taverna (#2) (May 4), Apiary (#2) (May 7), The Horse & Hound Inn (May 9), Hayfield’s Market Cafe & Florist (May 13), AJ’s Burgers (May 14), Augustine’s Salumeria (May 18), Zwilling Cooking Studio: Chop Chop! (May 21) and TaqueRio Taco Bar (May 22).
May 2 (Pleasantville) Cheese 101 at Second Mouse Cheese Shop. 7:15 PM – 8:45 PM. $60/person. 4 simple ingredients, 5 basic categories, 1000s years’ history and a million stories. From fundamental practicalities to outrageous indulgences, artisanal cheeses fascinate us. Come learn why we all love cheese. Join Second Mouse Cheese Shop owner Ivy for an array of delicious cheese samplings, beautiful wines to pair and a hefty dose of fun insights to the world of turophilia. Cheese & Wine & Instruction are included in the price of your ticket. A good time guaranteed.
May 5 (Dobbs Ferry) Mezcal Tasting at Half Moon. 2 PM – 5 PM. No reservations required for the tasting. Free of charge. Join us for an unforgettable Mezcal tasting experience! Savor the rich flavors and cultural heritage with one of Mexico’s finest Mezcal, Arráncame la Vida from Puebla State, Mexico. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere as you sip and savor premium Mezcals, perfectly paired with delicious bites.
May 9 (Poughkeepsie) Sunset Sensations at Locust Grove Estate. 5:30-7:30 PM. $37/ticket. Sample culinary tastings from a celebrated Hudson Valley Chef, Austin Flores of Flores Food Truck, Catering, and Tapas paired with three fine tastes of wine and a wine presentation from a celebrated Hudson Valley Wine Merchant Expert! Round out the evening with a tour of our heirloom flower gardens or kitchen gardens that inspire our celebrated local chef!
May 10-11 (Catskills) Catskill Cuisine at Bethel Woods. It’s a weekend of gourmet goodness with an exciting lineup of A-list Food Network Celebrity Chefs! Mark your calendars, gather your friends and family, and join us for a weekend of unforgettable experiences. Check out the link to see the full schedule of events and to purchase tickets.
May 11 (Rye) Suds on the Sound Craft Beer Festival at Rye Town Park. 2 PM. Designated Driver Ticket: $25, General Admission $55, Premium VIP admission $125. Join us at Rye Town Park for an unforgettable day of craft beer, good vibes, and great company! Get ready to indulge in a wide variety of unique and flavorful brews from renowned breweries. Whether you’re a beer connoisseur or just looking for a fun outing, this event is perfect for you! At SUDS ON THE SOUND, you’ll have the opportunity to sample a wide range of craft beers from local and national breweries. From hoppy IPAs to smooth stouts, there’s something to satisfy every palate. Engage with fellow beer enthusiasts, learn about the brewing process, and discover new favorites.
May 16 (Pleasantville) Cheese 204: Cheese and Chocolate at Second Mouse Cheese Shop. 7:15 PM – 8:45 PM. $65/ticket. The perfect Mothers’ Day Gift! It’s CandyLand for grown-ups! None of us are strangers to the comforting qualities of some foods. Rarely, though, do we consider combining them. Cheese and chocolate may sound like odd bedfellows, but we’re thrilled to prove to you otherwise. We’ll rely mostly on dark chocolates and combine them with each of the five major cheese categories for an in-depth exploration of why these wondrously nutritious yet decadent products work so well. From fermentation, to sweet-salty balance, to infusions and probably a stiff drink or two, this’ll be a night to remember. Join Second Mouse Cheese Owner Ivy for a night of truly atypical gastronomical joy. Tickets include cheese, chocolate and all the appropriate booze.
May 21 (New Rochelle) Bartender Class at Patsy’s Pizzeria. 6-9 PM. $45/person. Join us for an exciting and interactive bartending class. Enjoy a wonderful evening learning the art of mixology, where you’ll not only craft delicious drinks but also indulge in delectable bites. Call to reserve your spot.
Adult Classes & Workshops:
May 5,12, 19, 26 (Katonah) Gardening Sundays at Lasdon Park. 10 AM – 12 PM. Enhance your gardening skills and plant knowledge by working side by side with the gardeners at Lasdon Park. Tasks include planting, watering, weeding, pruning, staking, deadheading, potting up, and more! Registration required. You must be at least 16 years or older to volunteer.
May 5 (Katonah) The Beauty of Bulbs at Lasdon Park. 1 PM – 2 PM. Free. Join Lasdon staff for a tour of the gardens in spring. View some of the thousands of bulbs planted throughout the property. See what’s in flower at this time of the year. Meet at the Entrance Kiosk. This is a rain or shine program, please dress accordingly.
May 5 (Katonah) Walking Tour of Flowering Shrubs at Lasdon Park. 11 AM – 12 PM. Free. Join a walking tour of fragrant lilacs, colorful azaleas and other spring flowering shrubs. The walk begins at 11:00 am by the Green Entrance Gate off the top level of the parking lot. No registration is necessary. Call 914 864-7264 for further information.
May 6 (Katonah) Sawmill River Audubon Bird Walk at Muscoot Farm. 8 AM – 10 AM. Come to the farm for an early morning bird walk with Anne Swaim of Saw Mill River Audubon. Wear sturdy shoes and bring binoculars. The walk leaves from the parking lot. While this guided walk is free, registration is required at www.sawmillriveraudubon.org.
May 7, 14, 21, 28 (Katonah) Gardening Tuesdays! at Lasdon Park. 10 AM. Enhance your gardening skills and plant knowledge by working side by side with the gardeners at Lasdon Park. Tasks include planting, watering, weeding, pruning, staking, deadheading, potting up, and more! Registration required. You must be at least 16 years of age. Please complete the volunteer form on the website.
May 8 (Bedford) Parenting and Safety in the Age of Fentanyl at the Bedford Playhouse. 7 PM. Tickets: $15. Fentanyl has changed the game when it comes to navigating adolescence and parenting. It has caused a record number of overdoses and left parents feeling helpless about what to do. New dangerous substances are appearing on the streets. Join us for this informative, interactive session to learn critical information about fentanyl as well as useful strategies for preventing tragic consequences. Tammi Jacobs Shulman will share her experience and expertise as a forensic scientist who specializes in controlled substances and Donna Volpitta, Ed.D. will share The Resilient Mindset Model to give insights about the brain science of decision-making, including alcohol, marijuana, and other risky decisions. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn actionable strategies for parenting in the age of fentanyl.
May 18 (Katonah) Blacksmithing Workshop at Muscoot Farm. 9 AM – 2 PM. Register for this unique full-day workshop with Master Blacksmith, Bill Fitzgerald, to make your own items in our blacksmith shop. Workshop is from 9am-2pm, so wear comfortable shoes and bring a lunch. Pre-registration and a fee are required. Workshop is available for adults 18 and older.
Family Fun:
May 2 (Yonkers) Barks & Brews at Ridge Hill. 6 PM – 8 PM. Grab your furry friends and make your way to the Ridge Hill Dog Park on the first Thursday of the month for the doggone happiest hour of all. Enjoy beer from The Bronx Beer Hall, games, dog treats and more! This event is subject to cancellation due to weather. Cancellation notices will be posted on our social media (@shopridgehill) and website.
May 2 (Briarcliff Manor) You’n’Me Class: Mother’s Day Project at A Maze in Pottery. 3:00 PM-4:00 PM. Calling all Mommies & Daddies with their little ones for Mother’s day Gift Workshop. We will help you and your child to create this beautiful dinner-size plate decorated with their foot or handprints! A great gift for mom, grandma and auntie. Kids ages: Babies and toddlers. Price: Painter $36.90+ tax
May 2 (Briarcliff Manor) Mother’s Day Gift Kids Class at A Maze in Pottery. 4:15 PM-5:15 PM. Create the best ever Mother’s Day Gift! Come and paint a fun teacup-shaped planter with us that will bring a sweet smile to your mom’s face. We will use “Make and Take” paints, so the project will be ready to take home the same day. The flower pot will be pre-glazed inside to be waterproof. We will also give you a pack of spring flowers and a soil disc so you and your mom can enjoy planting together. Ages: 6+ Price: 1 Painter $36.90+ tax, 2 Painters $66.90, 3 Painters $96.90
May 2-5, 9-12, 16-19, 23-26, 30-31 (Katonah) Patterns in Nature at Lasdon Park. 10:00 AM – 4 PM. $7-$12 Imagine stepping into an enchanting journey through six beautifully designed rooms, each one a gateway unlocking the mysteries of patterns around us. From the intricate dance of leaves and petals, symphonies of colors that seem to be painted by the wind, to the captivating designs carved into the landscape by rivers and streams — this exhibit is a treasure trove of interactive, educational, and sheer fun discoveries for the entire family. Search for butterfly patterns, solve riddles, touchscreen puzzles, and so much more!Join us for an unforgettable exploration that promises to delight, educate, and inspire minds young and old. Don’t miss this opportunity to see the world in a way you never have before, and perhaps, ignite a lifelong love for nature in your little explorers!
May 3 – 5 (Tarrytown) Spring Crafts at Lyndhurst. Friday: 10 AM – 5 PM, Saturday: 10 AM – 6 PM, Sunday: 10 AM – 5 PM. Tickets $6-$16. The Spring Craft Show by Artrider at Lyndhurst returns from May 3rd through May 5th with 200 craftspeople and makers! Shop for one-of-a-kind gifts for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, graduations, weddings, or just for yourself! Visitors can spend the day with family and friends shopping for original fashions, accessories, jewelry, home décor, furniture, photography, fine art, and functional and sculptural works in ceramics, glass, metal, wood, mixed media, and more! Plus enjoy gourmet specialties, tastings from local distilleries, craft demos, and family activities!
May 3 (Yonkers) Free First Fridays: Mariachi for May at the Hudson River Museum. 5 PM – 8 PM. Free. Celebrate the beautiful month of May—and upcoming Cinco de Mayo and Mother’s Day—with live mariachi music! Mariachi Citlalli, one of the most successful mariachi bands in New York, are third-generation performers that have been celebrating Mexican culture through their music throughout the metropolitan area since 2000. Experience traditional and contemporary sounds and rhythms of this unique and festive art form, with dancers performing selections from the Indigenous celebrations for which mariachi was named. Performances will take place at 6 and 7pm (in the HRM Courtyard, weather permitting). Enjoy our current exhibitions, as well as a bilingual art workshop with Carolina Amarillo. Cash bar.
May 4and 5 (Yonkers) Yonkers Art Weekend. Check the website for the complete schedule of events. The two-day festival is filled with exciting programs, workshops, exhibitions and much more!YAW attracts more than 10,000 visitors a year to City galleries, the Carpet Mills Arts District, Hudson River Museum and Untermyer Gardens.
May 4-5, 11-12, 18-19, 25-27 (Poughkeepsie) Fairy House Hunt at Locust Grove. 10 AM – 3PM. Tickets $10. Enjoy this fabulous outdoor scavenger hunt for whimsical and adorable Fairy Houses hidden among the blooming flowers and trees at Locust Grove! Each Fairy House celebrates a different heirloom flower or historic tree that grows on our gorgeous property. Strap on your wings and crown, and fly on over to this beloved annual family event! Fairy House happens every weekend in May and June and Monday, May 27. Tickets are non-refundable or transferable unless the event is canceled by Locust Grove.
May 4-5,11-12,18-19, 25-27 (Katonah) May Art Show at Muscoot Farm. Delight in original artwork by local artists from the Westchester Watercolor Collective. There will be a wide selection of subjects and painting styles for you to enjoy. Originals, prints, greeting cards and mugs on exhibit and for sale. Participating artists are Amy Galinko, Julie Gherardi , Lori McQueeney, Carol Rapport-Sommer and Trude Ritz.Please join us any weekend in May, as well as for the Artists Reception on Sunday, May 5 at 1pm – 3:30pm.
May 4 and 12 (Scarsdale) Target Archery Tournament at Greenburgh Nature Center. 9 AM – 12 PM and 1 PM – 4 PM. Ages 10+. $30/archer. Adults are encouraged to participate. Pre-registration is required. A family fun tournament with every archer being guaranteed at least 3 competitive rounds. New to target archery or never used a bow before – no worries as we will start the day with instructional and warm up rounds. Depending on age and experience archers will be shooting from various distances. We have everything needed includingbows, arrows, targets and prizes. Of course you can bring your own bows-compound or recurve (non-sighted bows only). Only Nature Center arrows will be used.
May 4 (Katonah) MorningFarm Chores at Muscoot Farm. 8:30 AM – 10 AM. Become a farmer for a day and join our staff as you feed, clean, and care for our animals! Pre-registration is required; $25 for a group of two; available to children ages 6 – 14. Participants will meet at Muscoot’s Reception Center with sturdy, closed-toe footwear.
May 5 (Ossining) Fine Feathered Friendsat Teatown. 11 AM – 12 PM. $5/members, $10/non-members. Spring has sprung and birds are on the wing, migrating to their breeding grounds. Meet Teatown’s favorite avian animal ambassadors, see specimens, and learn about their amazing adaptations.
May 5 (Katonah) Gifts for Mom at Lasdon Park. 2 PM – 3:30 PM. $20/participant. Come make a special gift for Mom. Participants will decorate a flowerpot before planting in it and make a handmade card. Attendance Limit: 10 Class will be held in the studio.
May 5 (Mamaroneck) Rosie Revere, Engineer & Friendspresented by Theaterworks USA at The Emelin Theatre. 11 AM and 2 PM performances. Approximate run time: 60 minutes. Recommended ages: 5-9, Tickets: $19/kids, $24/adults
Ms. Greer’s classroom includes three inquisitive out-of-the-box thinkers. Rosie Revere has big dreams. Iggy Peck has a relentless passion for architecture. And Ada Twist’s curiosity can lead her to solve any problem.
A fun musical based on the books “Rosie Revere, Engineer;” “Iggy Peck, Architect;” and “Ada Twist, Scientist” by Andrea Beaty, which spotlights the STEM curriculum (focusing on science, technology, engineering and math).
May 6, 13, 20 (Katonah) Park and Readat Muscoot Farm. 11 AM – 11:45 AM. Park and Read is a read-aloud program aimed at fostering a love for reading in children ages 3-6, taking place in picturesque Westchester County Parks. While registration is not required, it is strongly encouraged as walk-in availability may be limited.
May 8 (White Plains) Rock the Block with White Plains High school Mariachi Band Salcedo’s Latin Soul in Downtown White Plains. 5:30 – 8:30 PM. Free. Join us every second Wednesday from May through August for electrifying live music and an expanded outdoor dining experience right onto Mamaroneck Ave -no cars, just people – transforming it into White Plains’ premier Str”eat”ery!
May 12 (Katonah) Mother’s Day Tour at Lasdon Park. 10 AM – 11 AM. Free. Welcome all mothers to Lasdon, Westchester’s Public Gardens! Join one of the gardeners for a morning stroll to admire the flowering plants here. Take an hour for yourself and see our new native garden. Stroll among the lilacs! Meet at the Entrance Kiosk. This program is rain or shine, please dress appropriately.
May 12 (Katonah) Sheep Shearing Festival at Muscoot Farm. 11 AM – 3 PM. This all-day event will feature live sheep shearing, activities, vendors, and more! The event is free and is held rain or shine.
May 18 (Rye) Opening Day at Rye Playland. $39.99/admission (wristband), $29.99/junior rides admission. Please check website for days and hours.
May 18 (Yonkers) 70th Anniversary Celebration at the Cross County Center. 12 PM – 3 PM. Free. Celebrate our birthday with music and entertainment through the decades, Michael Jackson tribute, decades dancers, strolling decade entertainers, decade selfie stations, a pop-up roller rink and more!
May 18 (Croton) The Grit Ninja Gamesat Croton Point Park. Parking: $10, Competitor Ticket: $85. Check website for times – competitors are assigned a wave time. Race, swing and move through obstacle courses at Croton Point Park in Croton-on-Hudson, and compete in the first ever Grit Ninja Games, presented by The Grit Ninja, Saturday, May 18. Registration is open! Children and young adults ages nine and up can compete in various tournaments in divisions based on age. Celebrity ninjas from American Ninja Warrior and American Ninja Warrior Jr. including Daniel Gil, Vance Walker, Isaiah Thomas, and Isabella Wakeham will be available for meet and greets. The entire day will be fun for the whole family as there will be local food trucks, beginner ninja obstacles suitable for all ages, raffles, and a professional ninja racing competition for everyone to watch. Various participation, spectating and $10 parking fees apply. Rain date is Sunday, May 19.
May 18 (Ossining) Stream Sketch and Study with Illustrator Nicki Barolini at Teatown. 2 PM – 4 PM. $25/members, $30/non-members (includes materials fee and a copy of Brooke Meets a Stream Doctor). Limited to 15 participants ages 8+. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Join Illustrator Niki Barolini and Early Childhood Art Educator Caroline Erb for a stream sketch and study session inspired by Niki’s book, Brooke Meets a Stream Doctor. Look at stream health through both an artistic and scientific lens as Niki leads a watercolor session and Caroline hikes us out to Bailey Brook for data collection and testing. This program involves a gentle walk on the Lakeside Trail to Bailey Brook, so come to draw, but be prepared to get a little muddy. Please wear appropriate hiking footwear, and be sure to bring sun protection, bug spray, water, and a snack.
May 19 (Katonah) Family Tea Party at the Katonah Museum of Art. 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM. Members: $60/adult, $35/child, Non-members: $65/adult, $40, child Bring the whole family to the Katonah Museum of Art to celebrate Spring at our first annual Family Tea Party! Enjoy fancy tea sandwiches and delicious pastries from LMNOP Bakery, create your own fabulous family portrait, and make a one-of-a-kind flower project with Flowers by Estelle.
May 19 (Katonah) Sonia de Los Santos Family Concert at Caramoor. 2 PM. Tickets: $30/adults, $15/child. Just try to not smile while listening to Sonia de Los Santos sing about things like migrating birds, friendship, chocolate, and anecdotes about growing up in Mexico and her childhood dream of moving to New York. Singing in both Spanish and English, her music will get the entire family dancing in and out of their seats (oh! bring a blanket or chair!). If her rhythms from Latin America don’t make you crack a smile, her messages of global hope and connection will. This concert takes place outdoors on Friends Field. Please bring your own seating for this performance.
May 19 (Peekskill) Laurie Berkner: The Greatest Hits Solo Tour at Paramount Hudson Valley. 3 PM. Give your child an unforgettable experience that will inspire a lifelong love of music and create lasting memories with the whole F-A-M-I-L-Y! Laurie Berkner Solo concerts are a special way to give your child a chance to experience music they love, performed live. The shows are highly-acclaimed, and we welcome fans of all ages and abilities!
$1 will be added to each ticket supporting the Hudson River Sloop Clearwater. The Clearwater is recognized for its award-winning environmental education programs, through which students investigate the ecology, history, and environmental challenges of the Hudson Valley- fostering generations of environmental stewards in local communities. This collaboration is supported by Twinkle Arts for Good.
May 28 (Yonkers) Ridge Kids at Ridge Hill. 10 AM – 12 PM. Parents, mark your calendars for this monthly playdate experience designed to help kids expand their imaginations while engaging in themed games and more! Ridge Kids will take place on the last Tuesday of each month from May to September and tickets will be required for each event. Each event is designed for kids 10 and under.
May 28th: SkyZone Inviting all kiddos to jump, skip and hop! Enjoy trampoline sports, climbing and more! *Tickets go on sale May 1st
May 30 (Yonkers) Movie Night: Wish at Ridge Hill. Kick back, relax and enjoy a movie night on the South Lawn! Film classics will be shown on our jumbo screen starting at sunset on the last Thursdays of the month from May to September. Enjoy pop-up experiences from our retailers and restaurants that will be taking place prior to the start of the movie.Seating is first come, first serve. Attendees are encouraged to bring additional blankets and lawn chairs for seating. This event is subject to cancellation due to weather. Cancellation notices will be posted on our social media (@shopridgehill) and website.
May 31 (Yonkers) Teen Night: Celebrate the River at Hudson River Museum. 5:30 – 8:30 PM. Free event for high school students only. Teens—it’s your chance to take over the HRM! To celebrate our place along the Hudson River, come share your creativity and perform in a talent show, display your art in an exhibit, and show off your spoken word skills in a poetry slam. Throughout the night, jam out to our Junior Docent Jam Playlist, participate in karaoke, face painting, and fun activities in our game room, and gaze at the stars in the Planetarium. Snacks and refreshments will be served.
Live Music & Performances:
The Capitol Theatre: (Port Chester) May’s lineup includes: Let’s Sing Taylor – A Live Band Experience Celebrating Taylor Swift (May 3), Todd Rundgren (May 5), Norah Jones (May10), Turn Back the Cap 1980’s: Jessie’s Girl (May 11), The Rocket Man (May 17) Tommy Emmanuel (May 18) and Tim Dillon: American Royalty (May 24). *Check the site for the full lineup.
Caramoor (Katonah) Enjoy live music at Caramoor this month including: Abeo Quartet (May 5), Jake Blount (May 11), . *Check the site for the full lineup.
City Winery Hudson Valley (Montgomery) May’s lineup includes: Salsa Night: Featuring 7-Piece Salsa Band Cuboricua (May 3), Lotus Spirt of Santana (May 5), Free Byrd: The Lynyrd Skynyrd Tribute Band (May 10), Strawberry Fields Ultimate Beatles Brunch (May 11), Anders Osborne (May 15) and Broadway Rave (May 15).
Paramount Hudson Valley: (Peekskill) May’s lineup includes: Croce Plays Croce (May 2), Ancient Aliens LIVE: Project Earth (May 3), Southern Rock Fest ft. A Brother’s Revival and Classic Skynyrd Live! (May 4), Ghosts: Do you Believe? (May 9) Saxon & Uriah Heep: Hell Fire & Chaos The Best of British Rock and Metal (May 10), 10,000 Maniacs (May 11), Dirty Deeds – The AC/DC Experience (May 17) and The Sixties Show – The Greatest 1960’s Musical Re-creation Show on Earth (May 18). *Check the site for the full lineup.
Tarrytown Music Hall: (Tarrytown) May’s lineup includes: Ricki Lee Jones (May 2), Joan Osborne + Crash Test Dummies (May 4), The Jayhawks (May 5), Rodrigo y Gabriela w/special guest OKAN (May 9), Taconic Opera – Two Piano Concertos (May 11) Westchester Symphonic Winds – Titans (May 11), Krishna Das Benefit Concert for Tibetan Home of Hope (May 16), The Machine Performs Pink Floyd (May 24) and John Hiatt w/special guest Mark Erelli (May 31). *Check the site for the full lineup
April 12 – May 5 (White Plains) Beautiful: The Carole King Musical at the White Plains Performing Arts Center – Before she was hit-maker Carole King — she was Carole Klein, a spunky, young songwriter from Brooklyn with a unique voice. From the chart-topping hits she wrote for the biggest acts in music to her own life-changing, trailblazing success with Tapestry, Beautiful takes you back to where it all began and takes you on the ride of a lifetime.
Featuring such unforgettable classics as “You’ve Got a Friend”, “One Fine Day”, “So Far Away”,”Will You Love Me Tomorrow”, and “Natural Woman”; this Tony® and Grammy® Award-winning musical phenomenon is filled with the songs you remember and a story you’ll never forget.
Performances at 2 PM and 7:30 PM, depending on the day. Tickets $47-$65/person.
May 3, 10, 17, 31 (Yonkers) Music on the Hill at Ridge Hill. 6 PM – 8 PM. Start your weekends unwinding with complimentary concerts on Fitzgerald St. every Friday from May to September. Seating is first come, first served and guests are encouraged to bring additional chairs. This event is subject to cancellation due to weather. Cancellation notices will be posted on our social media (@shopridgehill) and website.
May 3-5 (Purchase) Purchase Dance Company Spring Dance Concert at The Purchase College Performing Arts Center. Friday 8 PM, Saturday 2 PM and 8 PM, Sunday 3 PM. The Purchase Dance Company Spring Concert celebrates our remarkable Purchase Dance Community with an exciting program of works created and staged by our esteemed faculty and alumni and performed by our professional caliber students. We are honored to pay tribute to the late Kevin Wynn, a beloved faculty member and celebrated figure in the dance community, with his captivating work Sleeping Where I Stumble (2015), staged by three talented Dance alum, Paul Giarratano, Keerati Jinakunwiphat, Claude Johnson (CJ). Celebrated Guggenheim Fellow, Dance alum, and current faculty member, Doug Varone, Artistic Director of Doug Varone & Dancers, will keep the audience riveted with Rise (1993), a dramatic contemporary work. We are thrilled to present George Balanchine’s Valse Fantaisie (1969), a classical ballet masterpiece expertly staged by Professor Bettijane Sills, former soloist with New York City Ballet. An exciting commission for Dance alum Cain Coleman, entitled Shared Generation (premiere), has enabled our students to be an integral part of the creative process as Coleman brings his artistic vision to the stage with a new contemporary piece, created expressly for this season. Join us for an unforgettable dance performance!
Art Lillard’s On Time Quartet plays jazz, swing, blues, Latin, and standards from the American Songbook. Performances by this swinging combo feature great ensemble playing along with inspired soloing. The On Time Band has performed at many venues in the greater New York area and produced a recording, It’s Time, on the Summit Records label.
Art Lillard has been playing for over thirty-five years on New York’s swing and blues circuit. He is known for his ability to “read” an audience and its changing moods. Art keeps the room hopping from the first downbeat to the very last note.
May 5 (West Point) The Kite Runner at Eisenhower Hall Theatre at West Point. 4 PM. Tickets: $48 The powerful stage production of THE KITE RUNNER tells a haunting tale of friendship spanning cultures and continents, following one man’s journey to confront his past and find redemption. Told across two decades and two continents, THE KITE RUNNER is an unforgettable journey of forgiveness, and shows us all that we can be good again.
Excercise & Fitness:
May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 (Yonkers) Yoga on the Hill at Ridge Hill. 6 PM – 7 PM. Take your yoga routine outdoors and enjoy a complimentary class on the South Lawn. Experience yoga every Wednesday from May to September. No reservations and/or ticketing required. Guests must provide their own yoga mat. Check-in starts 15 minutes prior to the event start. Sign up for our loyalty program at check-in. Attend 5 classes and have a chance to receive an exclusive swag item. This event is subject to cancellation due to weather. Cancellation notices will be posted on our social media (@shopridgehill) and website.
May 5, 12, 19 (Bronx River Parkway) Bicycle Sundays on the Bronx River Parkway. 10 AM – 2 PM. Exit 22 at the Westchester County Center to Exit 4 at Scarsdale Road in Yonkers. Only bicyclists, in-line skaters, scooters, walkers and joggers are allowed; no unauthorized motor vehicles are allowed.
May 16 (Ossining) Sunset Series Hike at Teatown. 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM. As the days lengthen, join us to soak up the extra sun for this hike series with Environmental Educator Caroline Erb. Hike around Teatown Lake and watch the sun go down from Bergman Boardwalk. Come for one or come for all to herald the coming of summer as we approach the longest day of the year. Wear appropriate hiking footwear, sun protection, and bug spray, and bring water and a snack. Limited to 15 participants. Members: $5, Nonmembers: $10
Shopping:
May 11 (Peekskill) Mother’s YAY! Market at Station Square on Railroad Avenue. 11 AM – 4 PM. Join us for our second annual Peekskill Mother’s YAY! Market at Station Square, right outside the Peekskill Train Station, just an hour from NYC. We’ve got a lineup of 30+ incredible vendors and all-day entertainment for an unforgettable local shopping experience. Entry is completely FREE, there’s plenty of free parking, nearby restaurants and bars will be open for business, and the splendor of the Hudson Valley is just steps away at Peekskill’s Riverfront Green Park. Don’t miss this spring market experience.
May 11 (Ossining) PlantFest at Teatown. 9 AM – 2 PM. Free admission. Come for inspiration, advice, and lots of beautiful new additions to make your spring gardens sing! Don’t forget to bring your gardening tools to be sharpened while you shop! If you can, bring a cart to streamline your shopping experience. Use this opportunity to be an environmental steward—carpool with friends to PlantFest!
May 11 (Tarrytown) Spring Plant Sale at Lyndhurst. 10 AM – 4 PM. Free Admission to the Plant Sale with Registration in the link above. The Floral Demo with Trish O’Sullivan is $18 per person/ 2 for $30 if you bring your Mom!10 am – 4 pm: Plant Sale with the Hudson Valley Chapter. Of the North American Rock Garden Society 11 am – 4 pm: Muriel Fleurs: Artisan floral designer selling local and seasonal cut flower bouquets with a French wildflower flair. 2 pm – 4 pm: Nick Storrs of Homegrown Nursery will sell locally grown organic vegetable plants.2 pm – 3-3:30 pm: Mother’s Day Floral Design Demonstration with Store-Bought Bouquet with Trish O’Sullivan.
May 12, 19, 26 (Katonah) Farmers Market at Muscoot Farm. 9:30 AM – 2:30 PM. Muscoot’s weekly Farmers Market supports farmers and sustainable efforts in our area, featuring over 25 local vendors each week. Every Sunday until November 17th. Beginning in May, a list of vendors and their products can be found on our website at www.muscootfarm.org.
May 18 and 19 (Katonah) Annual Plant Sale at Lasdon Park. Saturday: 9 AM – 4 PM, Sunday: 11 AM – 3:30 PM. Great selections for your vegetable and herb gardens! Everything you could want for your summer gardens is here! Rain or shine. Free Parking and Admission. Please bring your own wagon or cart. Thousands of perennials, annuals, vegetables, herbs, tropical, trees, shrubs and more! The sale will be held on the Conservatory Plaza. Thousands of items will be available on the Plaza. Enhance your landscapes, gardens, patios and decks!
Benefits and Fundraisers:
May 4 (Bedford) Bedford Playhouse Spring Benefit at the Bedford Playhouse. 6:45 PM. Ticket prices $500-$2,500. Check link for additional info. Snag your ticket to a night where glitz meets glam and minds meet magic. Hosted by the legendary Lesley Stahl, we’re tipping our hats to Joni Evans and Bob Perkins, with the mesmerizing Mentalist Oz Pearlman stealing the show (and maybe your thoughts!). With cocktails, canapes and sweet treats, grab your ticket to enchantment. But hurry, seats will vanish faster than Oz’s next trick.
May 4 (Port Chester) The Rye Arts Center Studio 51 Party With a Purpose at the Capitol Theatre. 7 PM. Tickets: $180/person. Enjoy an unforgettable evening of glitz and glamour at The Capitol Theatre. This party is our version of the iconic 70’s nightclub Studio 54 and an homage to our historic home at 51 Milton Road. Put on your Studio 54-inspired attire and Shake Your Groove Thing on our vibrant disco dance floor! Looking for a chill vibe? We’ve got you covered! Join us upstairs at the Jazz Mezz, a bespoke music and bar lounge experience. Delight your taste buds with culinary creations by OntheMarc caterers, and a top-shelf open bar!
May 18 (Katonah) An Evening of Wine at Caramoor. 6 PM. $2,500. By joining us this evening, you are contributing to the vibrant experiences that Caramoor offers, fostering a sense of discovery and inspiration among all who visit. We believe these educational programs will ignite a lasting passion for the arts within our community, nurturing creativity and curiosity for generations to come. We hope you’ll join us.
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Happy Friday! It’s been a marathon of a week since last Friday! It was a big week for my daughter! Let’s get into the details!
1. Hudson Valley Restaurant Week – Friday night I was invited to 179 Bar and Grill for HVRW. My husband and I enjoyed a delicious dinner that included the fried calamari pictured above. You can see the entire meal in this Instagram reel. I love trying new-to-me restaurants. Sadly, due to lack of time and funds, the list is much longer than I can realistically get through! However, HVRW is when you can get a great deal on a three-course lunch or dinner.
2. Reading – This week I finally finished reading Anita De Monte Laughs Last. Unfortunately, I didn’t love it as much as I hoped I would.
3. Track Meets – Saturday we spent most of the day at my son’s track meet. This was a huge, multi-school event. It was freezing and rainy. I of course didn’t dress appropriately so was pretty cold and miserable. Fortunately, Tuesday afternoon was spent at a different track meet and it was a beautiful, sunny day.
4. Birthday Dinner – Saturday evening we took my daughter and her friends out to dinner for a birthday celebration. She chose Polpettina in Eastchester. My husband and I dined separately and enjoyed a delicious dinner. These eggplant chips are our fave.
5. NYC – Sunday we drove into the city to celebrate our daughter’s actual birthday. She turned 18!!! We first made a quick stop at Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers. There are only a handful of these fast-food restaurants in New York City and none anywhere in Westchester County that I’m aware of. My son requested a stop and he rarely asks for anything. So we had to make a stop for him.
The purpose of our trip into the city was so my daughter could get a tattoo for her birthday. Her tattoo is in memory of our cat Salem who passed away over the summer. I love that the artist personalized the tattoo with my daughter’s birth flower and the flower of the month that Sal passed away. It was mom approved!
We enjoyed dinner at Bua Thai Ramen & Robata Grill. It was a very aesthetic restaurant with flowers hanging from the ceiling.
My daughter of course needed a mocktail pina colada served in a pineapple!
We shared a couple of scoops of ice cream from Van Leeuwen before heading home. We tried Honeycomb Fudge Ripple and Peaches & Cream. I think this was my first time trying Van Leeuwen’s ice cream and it was so good!
6. Bed Party – Monday my daughter’s friends came over to give her a surprise bed party for her birthday. They did such a great job!
7. Youth Court Graduation – Wednesday night my daughter had her youth court graduation. She’s been attending this program for the past 10 weeks to learn more about law and the judicial process. She can now sit on actual youth court cases. This program along with her Intro to Law Class really influenced her decision to study on a Pre-Law track.
No additional blog posts this week! Sharing with Friday Favorites. Have a great weekend!
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Happy Friday! This week was busy and this weekend is going to be even busier! Lots of fun things taking place as we celebrate my daughter’s 18th birthday. Here are five from this week:
1. Earthquake – Last Friday while I was at work I experienced my first and hopefully only earthquake. I was in my office when the floor started rumbling and everything started shaking. It lasted only a few seconds but was scary! New York does not usually get earthquakes of a noticeable 4.8 magnitude!
2. Reading – This week I didn’t finish anything. My reading time has been pretty minimal and this weekend isn’t looking great either. I feel like I’ve been reading my current read Anita de Monte Laughs Last by Xochitl Gonzalez forever!
3. Track Meet – Track meet season has started. My son had his first track meet Tuesday night, which was also their senior celebration. This year he’s mainly jumping and competing in the long jump and the triple jump.
4. Solar Eclipse – The area where we live in New York did not experience a full eclipse. However, I got glasses at work and went out to see the almost full eclipse Monday afternoon.
5. Cooking – This week’s menu was mostly quick and easy meals. I adapted this Sun Dried Tomato Pasta recipe and omitted the chicken. We made Sheet Pan Blueberry Pancakes. I don’t know why I haven’t made a pancake recipe like this until now. It’s so much quicker and easier than making individual pancakes! We also had pierogies with sauteed zucchini and Tofu in Patak’s Korma Curry Simmer Sauce with rice, roasted broccoli and Trader Joe’s garlic naan.
6. Puzzle – I did finish this Re-marks Monsters puzzle last week. It was a fun but fairly easy puzzle to complete.
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First things first: I am not a gambler. But when my husband and I were in need of a one-night getaway, Resorts World Catskills seemed like a good choice for a quick escape. Located in the Hudson Valley in Monticello, New York, it was just a little over an hour drive from northern Westchester County to the resort. I was looking for a location where, once we parked the car, we wouldn’t have to drive anywhere else. With several onsite restaurants, a pool and (of course) the casino, Resorts World Catskills checked all of the boxes.
However there are some things I wish we knew prior to our visit:
We booked a room in The Alder at Resorts World Catskills. We were unaware that this “boutique lifestyle hotel” is a completely and totally separate building from the main hotel and casino. Staying here grants guests access to the amenities at the main hotel including the indoor pool and fitness center. However, these are located in an entirely different building.
There is no indoor connector between The Alder and the main hotel and casino. To get from one building to the other, you must exit and walk a good 150 feet on the sidewalk outside. In three out of the four seasons, this isn’t a problem. When we visited during the winter and it was a brisk 32 degrees out it was quite uncomfortable. It does get colder than that in the Catskills too.
If you plan to visit the indoor pool, bring a beach bag (this bag would have been perfect!) to transport your things. We had only brought our large overnight bags for the single night stay. When we realized that we would need to walk outside to be able to access the pool, we had to wear our bathing suits under our clothing. We also had to carry our books. In warmer weather, a bathing suit cover up and flip flops may be worn, depending on how comfortable you are walking through The Alder hotel lobby and past several restaurants in the main hotel. Otherwise, there is a changing room and restrooms in the pool area.
On the few trips that we’ve made to Foxwoods (another resort casino located in Connecticut), I’ve seen every themed slot machine you can think of. Monopoly, Sex and the City, Deal or No Deal….they have them all. At Resorts World Catskills, there were no licensed slot machines. With 1,600 slot machines, there wasn’t a lack of machines. However, if you are expecting or enjoy playing a specific branded game, you will likely not find it here. For those who enjoy table games, there are plenty of Blackjack, Craps and Roulette Tables along with a variety of Poker Tables.
There are only two sit-down, full table-service restaurants at Resorts World Catskills. If you want a special night out to celebrate you can dine at the Italian-inspired steakhouse Cellaio or the Chinese restaurant, Lotus. If there is a specific time you are looking to dine, I recommend making a reservation on OpenTable. Although it wasn’t super crowded during our visit, we made a 7 PM reservation at Lotus. When we arrived for dinner, despite all of the other tables being occupied, we were seated immediately. Be sure to check the restaurant days and hours, since these restaurants are closed on certain days of the week.
Although check-in is at 4 PM, we arrived at the hotel a little earlier. Fortunately, the check-in desk had no wait, and our room was ready to go. When we walked by the check-in desk a bit later that afternoon the line was very long! The Alder has its own amenities; Dos Gatos Restaurant, a cantina-style Mexican eatery as well as a bar. There are pool tables in the lobby and Topgolf Swing Suite is also located in this building.
The main hotel and casino has two indoor pools; one is strictly for adults 21+. There is also a small fitness center and an 8,000 square foot spa. The Awana Spa has six treatment rooms, steam rooms, saunas and a relaxation lounge. I need to make sure to include a stop here on my next visit!
We only stayed one night at The Alder at Resorts World Catskills. We enjoyed twenty-four hours of quality time together, which was our main goal of the trip. For those who enjoy gambling, and want a quick getaway, Resorts World is an appealing option.
The Details: Resorts World Casino 888 Resorts World Drive Monticello, NY 12701 Website Phone: 1-833-586-9358
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Happy Friday! It’s been a relaxing and fun week. I took a couple of days off of work for a little getaway. I just wish the weather was nicer. Here are five from this week:
1. Easter Brunch – Sunday we hosted family for Easter and to have an early birthday celebration for my daughter. We had a delicious spread that included a Cheesy Egg Bake, a Croissant Bake, Apple Pie French Toast Casserole, Seasoned Roasted Red Potatoes, a ham, hot cross buns and cinnamon buns.
My daughter requested a lemon blueberry cake. I made the breakfast dishes and my husband made this cake! We also had a store bought fruit tart to serve with the cake, also at the request of the birthday girl.
2. Reading – This week I finished Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter. It was such a cute YA romance! I didn’t realize that it’s part of a series, so now I have to read the others!
3. Mohonk Mountain House – A stay at Mohonk Mountain House has been on my Hudson Valley bucket list for years. Earlier in the week the kids visited my parents in Rhode Island and my husband and I had an early anniversary celebratory getaway. We hiked, played archery, relaxed and read by the pool and had a delicious dinner and breakfast. It was a much needed relaxing overnight and I can’t wait to share more about it in a future post.
4. Watching – Tuesday night we started watching Oppenheimer. This has been on our to watch list for so long. I couldn’t commit the three hours to finishing it, so we will hopefully finish watching it this weekend.
5. 20thAnniversary – Yesterday my husband and I celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary. It’s amazing how quickly the years have flown by! We enjoyed a celebratory dinner at our favorite Westchester County restaurant Brothers Fish & Chips. As usual, we enjoyed the tasting menu where every seafood course was delicious and beautifully plated.
6. College Commitment – Finally, last Friday my daughter committed to SUNY Binghamton! It has been a long and stressful journey to this college decision. But we are excited to have another Bearcat in the family and are looking forward to her new adventure!
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I wish I had more time to read, but at this current time in my life, I don’t. During the week I try to read for 15-30 minutes before bed, depending on how tired I am. But most of my reading is done over the weekend. Last month I read four books, which averages to a book a week. It was a mixed bag of okay and really great reads. Here are my March 2024 reads with my ratings and reviews.
3 Stars:
Come and Get It by Kiley Reid (Contemporary Fiction) A fresh and provocative story about a residential assistant and her messy entanglement with a professor and three unruly students. It’s 2017 at the University of Arkansas. Millie Cousins, a senior resident assistant, wants to graduate, get a job, and buy a house. So when Agatha Paul, a visiting professor and writer, offers Millie an easy yet unusual opportunity, she jumps at the chance. But Millie’s starry-eyed hustle becomes jeopardised by odd new friends, vengeful dorm pranks and illicit intrigue. A fresh and intimate portrait of desire, consumption and reckless abandon, Come and Get It is a tension-filled story about money, indiscretion, and bad behavior.
Three Women by Lisa Taddeo (Non Fiction) Hailed as “a dazzling achievement” (Los Angeles Times) and “riveting page-turner that explores desire, heartbreak, and infatuation in all its messy, complicated nuance” (The Washington Post), Lisa Taddeo’s Three Women has captivated readers, booksellers, and critics—and topped bestseller lists—worldwide. In suburban Indiana we meet Lina, a homemaker and mother of two whose marriage, after a decade, has lost its passion. Starved for affection, Lina battles daily panic attacks and, after reconnecting with an old flame through social media, embarks on an affair that quickly becomes all-consuming. In North Dakota we meet Maggie, a seventeen-year-old high school student who allegedly has a clandestine physical relationship with her handsome, married English teacher; the ensuing criminal trial will turn their quiet community upside down. Finally, in an exclusive enclave of the Northeast, we meet Sloane—a gorgeous, successful, and refined restaurant owner—who is happily married to a man who likes to watch her have sex with other men and women. Based on years of immersive reporting and told with astonishing frankness and immediacy, Three Women is both a feat of journalism and a triumph of storytelling, brimming with nuance and empathy. “A work of deep observation, long conversations, and a kind of journalistic alchemy” (Kate Tuttle, NPR), Three Women introduces us to three unforgettable women—and one remarkable writer—whose experiences remind us that we are not alone.
Three Women was a Goodreads Choice Award Nominee for Best Nonfiction in 2019. The book delves into the sex lives of three different women. Although it’s a nonfiction book it reads like fiction. I found Maggie’s story the most interesting, as it was a court case in the local news and used real names. Ultimately, I felt like this book didn’t go anywhere.
4 Stars:
Nightwatching by Tracy Sierra (Thriller/Mystery) Home alone with her young children during a blizzard, a mother tucks her son back into bed in the middle of the night. She hears a noise—old houses are always making some kind of noise. But this sound is disturbingly familiar: it’s the tread of footsteps, unusually heavy and slow, coming up the stairs. She sees the figure of a man appear down the hallway, shrouded in the shadows. Terrified, she quietly wakes her children and hustles them into the oldest part of the house, a tiny, secret room concealed behind a wall. There they hide as the man searches for them, trying to tempt the children out with promises and scare the mother into surrender. In the suffocating darkness, the mother struggles to remain calm, to plan. Should she search for a weapon or attempt escape? But then she catches another glimpse of him. That face. That voice. And at once she knows her situation is even more dire than she’d feared, because she knows exactly who he is—and what he wants.
I had heard about this book on several book podcasts. I felt like it was advertised as a more scary, keep you up at night read than it actually was for me. It was suspenseful and engaging and a recommended read.
5 Stars:
The Women by Kristin Hannah – (Historical Fiction) An intimate portrait of coming of age in a dangerous time and an epic tale of a nation divided. Women can be heroes. When twenty-year-old nursing student Frances “Frankie” McGrath hears these words, it is a revelation. Raised in the sun-drenched, idyllic world of Southern California and sheltered by her conservative parents, she has always prided herself on doing the right thing. But in 1965, the world is changing, and she suddenly dares to imagine a different future for herself. When her brother ships out to serve in Vietnam, she joins the Army Nurse Corps and follows his path. As green and inexperienced as the men sent to Vietnam to fight, Frankie is over- whelmed by the chaos and destruction of war. Each day is a gamble of life and death, hope and betrayal; friendships run deep and can be shattered in an instant. In war, she meets—and becomes one of—the lucky, the brave, the broken, and the lost. But war is just the beginning for Frankie and her veteran friends. The real battle lies in coming home to a changed and divided America, to angry protesters, and to a country that wants to forget Vietnam. The Women is the story of one woman gone to war, but it shines a light on all women who put themselves in harm’s way and whose sacrifice and commitment to their country has too often been forgotten. A novel about deep friendships and bold patriotism, The Women is a richly drawn story with a memorable heroine whose idealism and courage under fire will come to define an era.
I don’t read a lot of historical fiction. But it’s my favorite way to learn about history. Kristin Hannah has become a recent favorite historical fiction author. I will admit that prior to reading this book, I was not very familiar with the Vietnam War. Hannah weaved the events and details of the war with an interesting storyline. This was a 5 star read for me. While difficult to read at times, it was a powerful and emotional book.
What did you read in March? Do you have any recommendations?
