December 18th – 20th: 4 Bros Pizza: (New Rochelle) Grand opening weekend for this restaurant. Sunday, there will be music by Mixx Labs. The restaurant serves pizza, calzones, wings, pasta, sandwiches, salads and more.
Saturday, December 19th: Holiday Donut Pop-up at The Cookery (Dobbs Ferry) Pre-order your donuts and cocktails now for pickup on Saturday 10 AM – 3 PM.
Penny Lick Ice Cream Collaboration – Penny Lick Ice Cream teamed up with Jeanne Muchnick, food editor at LoHud, to create LoHud Lemon Bar. This ice cream is flavored with lemon and nilla wafers and is only available for a month, so get yours now!
December 19 – 20: Holiday Market at Makers Central (Tarrytown) Shop at Makers Central last market of the year. Find handcrafted goods made by local artisans.
December 15, 2020 – January 4, 2021: (New Rochelle) Take a StoryWalk with the New Rochelle Downtown Business Improvement District, the New Rochelle Library and the City of New Rochelle. Start at the New Rochelle Public Library’s Lawton Street Drop off/Pick up entrance windows. There you will find the first few pages of the classic children’s book, The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats. A map shows where the next few pages of the book can be found. Enjoy this free, outdoor, socially distant family-friendly activity.
December 16 : Virtual Video Holiday Party: (online/Peekskill) Every Wednesday in December at 7 PM enjoy a Virtual Video Holiday Party with Cap’n Goodtimes Entertainment and Gleason’s. Order themed cocktails and food and snacks and you will get a link for the movie with your order. Movies include: December 16 – Gremlins December 23 – Classic TV Specials (Rudolph, The Grinch and more) December 30 – Trading Places
Monday, December 21:Nutcracker Party!at Breaking Ground Dance Center (Pleasantville) Little ones can enjoy a fun party that includes dance, games, crafts and a visit from the Sugar Plum Fairy. 1-3 PM for ages 3-4 and 4-6 PM for ages 5-6. Register online – $55/members, $65/non-members.
November 27 – January 3: Westchester Winter Wonderland: (Valhalla) This year’s Winter Wonderland will be a 1.2 mile drive-thru experience featuring lights and music. $25/car
Cookie decorating is a fun, indoor holiday activity! It keeps the kids entertained and you end up with a tasty treat to enjoy! I am fortunate that my kids are old enough to help make sugar cookies which we recently did. However, making the cookie dough and then letting it chill, baking the cookies, making the icing and then finally getting to decorate the cookies takes a lot of time!
Here are some of the places in Westchester County where you can purchase DIY holiday cookie decorating kits. Everything is prepped, packaged and ready so you can immediately get to the fun part, decorating! Most of these businesses require you to preorder the kits. If you want them in time to do with the kids over the holiday break, get your orders in soon! *Please check with the vendor directly for the most up-to-date prices and information.
Flowerbake by Angela: (Pelham) Flowerbake by Angela sells puzzle cookie decorating kits. You can purchase a baked cookie kit which includes an instruction sheet as well as all the cookies and icing, a dough kit – which includes a ball of cookie dough, cookie cutters, icing, parchment paper and instruction sheet or a cookie dough mix kit – which includes the sugar cookie mix, cookie cutters, icing, parchment paper and instruction sheet. Prices range between $35=$38. Available for pickup or delivery.
Sugar Mama by Kim: (New Rochelle) Kim sells DIY cookie kits that include 12 cookies, 3 bags of icing, a container of sprinkles and decorations for $35. She also sells Paint Your Own cookie kits. Each cookie is $6 each or 6 for $30. Orders are submitted via a form that can be found on her Facebook page.
Sugar & Sweets by Stacey (Yonkers) Sugar & Sweets by Stacey is selling Winter themed cookie kits. They are $39 and includes 12 cookies, 3 icings, 6 popsicle sticks and 2-3 containers of sprinkles. There are 4 different themed kits to choose from: gingerbread men and women, snowflakes and snowmen, mittens, hats and penguins and ugly sweaters. They are also selling stencil cookie kits for $33. These kits include 6 cookies and 3 paint brushes. Orders can be picked up in Yonkers or delivered.
Wildly Cakes: (White Plains) Cookie kits are $35 and include 12 baked cookies in the shape of your choice, frosting to match the theme, sprinkles and directions. Orders must be placed one week in advance. Pickup in White Plains. Delivery is available for an additional fee on a first come, first serve basis.
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Happy Friday! Is everyone else ready for the weekend too?! This weekend was busy with a LOT of errand running. I’m in charge of the fall product sales for my daughter’s Girl Scout troop. I had to pick up the troop’s orders and sort them so that parents could come pick them up. This week I had to run to the liquor store to pick up a bottle of wine to give to my co-worker for her 50th birthday. I got carded when I went to pay! Add in a library pick up, a stop at Walmart and a stop at Kohl’s and it’s been a busy week.
Last night was the first night of Hanukkah. Dana is half-Jewish and we normally celebrate Hanukkah with his mom’s side of the family….but obviously not this year. Since he and my son had Tae Kwon Do Thursday night, we are going to make latkes either tonight or tomorrow to celebrate.
The weather isn’t looking great for Saturday, so we are not sure yet what we will be doing. Our school district has gone fully remote until January. Being home all this time has been rough for the kids, so I like to get them out of the house on the weekend. Here are five from this week:
1. Cooking – My daughter requested Gigi’s (Hadid) Pasta that is trending on TikTok. Of course I told her that she had to help make it. We made some minor tweaks to this recipe and I have to admit it was pretty good!
One of our favorite meals this week was this Vegan Creamy Sausage and Potato Soup. We used Sausageless Sausage from Trader Joe’s. It doesn’t look like much from the picture, but it was delicious!
2. Watching – It is a family tradition to watch Elf every December. We watched it this past weekend and it is STILL so funny! What is your favorite Christmas movie?
3. Reading – I am slowly making my way through White Ivy. It was very hard to get into, but I’m about halfway through and it’s picked up. I have a fun looking holiday read that I’m looking forward to next!
4. Shopping – Sunday we visited the White Plains Holiday Market. We bought some treats from Flour Power and I got a candle from Two Knit Wits.
5. Eating – We made a stop at The Hummus and Pita Co. and enjoyed a Vegan Shawarma Bowl and a Falafel Laffel.
We ate these donuts from Beascakes Bakery after I found out they had sold out of Hot Cocoa Bombs.
We are enjoying Jingle Jangle from Trader Joes. It’s a delicious mix of milk chocolate and dark chocolate covered pretzels, dark chocolate covered caramel popcorn, chocolate covered Joe-Joe’s cookies, milk and dark chocolate mini peanut butter cups and milk chocolate gems.
6. Hot Cocoa Bombs – I wrote my Hot Cocoa Bombs blog post and mentioned not being able to get any in time, since most have to be pre-ordered. Jane Street Sweets reached out to me and offered to deliver me some! As I’m writing this post, we haven’t tried any yet. But we are super excited to! They have 4 different varieties: classic chocolate, gingerbread, cookies n’ cream and peppermint.
Check out this week’s edition of Westchester Weekly to find out where to eat, shop and play in Westchester County this week:
Eat:
December 12: MAD Donut Popup (White Plains) 8 AM – 12:30 PM at Memorial Brew in White Plains (250 Bryant Avenue, White Plains, NY 10605). Preorder your donuts from this week’s popup menu.
December 12: Sourdough Night Bites 123Dough Bakery Pop-up Snack Bar (Pound Ridge) From 2- 7 PM the 123Dough Bakery will be having a snack pop-up selling sourdough corn dogs and dessert pancakes.
Mangia Mondays at Public Pizza Italian Restaurant Ridge Hill. (Yonkers) From 4 PM – close enjoy 50% off the dinner menu (except steak and seafood). This offer is good for dine-in, takeout or delivery. Please check this post for more details.
Shop:
December 3 – 13: White Plains Holiday Market: (White Plains) This holiday pop up market will feature over 40 vendors.
Hot Cocoa Bombs – check out my post on where you can find this season’s hottest food trend in Westchester County!
Peekskill Brewery just launched new branded merchandise. Stock up on t-shirts and sweatshirts for the holidays.
Play:
December 11:Virtual Cooking Class with Ashley Covelli of Big Flavors (online). In this class participants will be making Sausage and Peppers, Garlicky Broccoli Rabe and Settino’s Bruschetta. (6 PM – 7 PM, $25)
December 12: Grand Holiday Illumination at Untermyer Gardens (Yonkers) The Grand Holiday Illumination begins December 12. Admission is free, but timed-entry reservations are required. Guests have 20 minutes to enjoy the garden. Tickets can be reserved for the week of Dec. 12 – 18 here. For dates, after, tickets are released on a weekly basis on Wednesdays at 8 AM.
December 13:Virtual Kids Cooking Class with Ashley Covelli of Big Flavors (online). In this class kids will be making Snickerdoodle cookies. (11:30 AM – 12: 15 PM, $15)
November 27 – January 3:Westchester Winter Wonderland: (Valhalla) This year’s Winter Wonderland will be a 1.2 mile drive-thru experience featuring lights and music.
In the Area:
December 11th & December 12th: Silent Nights at Boscobel (Garrison) Stroll the grounds of Boscobel while you enjoy the twinkling lights. 3 PM – 7 PM in two-hour time blocks. Advance reservations required. Admission: $12/adults, $10/seniors, $6/children (ages 5-18), Free/health care workers, members and children under 5
December 12:Visit with Santa at Boscobel (Garrison) Help welcome Santa in person at Boscobel. He will be on the front porch of the Historic House Museum, for socially distant visits. Guests are welcome to take pictures and talk with Santa. 11 AM – 4 PM, Admission: $12/adults, $10/seniors, $6/children (ages 5-18), Free/health care workers, members and children under 5 (Also taking place December 19)
December 13: Renegades Holiday Mart and Tree Lighting (Beacon) 3 PM – 7 PM, Shop local vendors, enjoy food trucks and watch the tree lighting. Admission is free, $5 parking
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It is almost the end of the year and I am 9 books away from reading 100 books this year! I likely won’t reach that goal, however, I surpassed my 75 book goal with flying colors. Thank you quarantine! Today I’m sharing my November reads with Steph and Jana’s Show Us Your Books linkup. If you are looking for something new to read, I highly recommend checking out this linkup. Book lover/bloggers share their monthly reads and I always get tons of new book recommendations!
3 stars
Followersby Megan Angelo – (January 2020, Contemporary/Science Fiction) This book shows the power of technology and social media and its dangerous effects. The story switches between 2015 and 2055 as it follows two characters. This was a pretty slow read for me that I thought was just “eh.”
Jingle All the Wayby Debbie Macomber – (October 2020, Christmas/ Romance) A vacation booking mistake leaves a busy real estate executive on a guided tour down the Amazon River instead of a relaxing beach resort she had requested. During the vacation she ends up forming a friendship with the ship’s naturalist. Will it lead to more? This was an okay holiday romance read.
Room-maid by Sariah Wilson – (October 2020, Contemporary romance) Madison Huntington has decided to live her own life, which means being cut off from her wealthy family. Since she can’t afford her own apartment on her teacher’s salary, she ends up agreeing to be a “room-maid” for Tyler Roth. Since he travels so often, he needs someone to help keep his apartment clean while he’s away and look after his dog. The only problem is, that she has no idea how to clean. This was a light, fluffy read. Madison and Tyler’s characters were very likable. However, Madison’s lack of real life skills was a bit annoying.
The Twelve Dates of Christmas by Jenny Bayliss – (October 2020, Christmas/Romance) Kate Turner signs up for a dating agency’s “The Twelve Dates of Christmas.” However, each holiday themed date seems to be worse than the one before. Will she find love before Christmas?
4 stars
Anxious People by Fredrik Backman – (April 2019, Contemporary Fiction) During an apartment open house, a bank robber takes the group hostage. The bank robber and hostages all have a story and learn more about themselves through the situation. I’m a Backman fan and this book didn’t disappoint.
Book Scavenger by Jennifer Chambliss Bertman – (June 2015, Middle Grade/Mystery) Garrison Griswold, creator of Book Scavenger, an online book hunt, is planning an epic new game. However, he is attacked and hospitalized right before the debut. When a 12 year old girl discovers a book, she believes it may be the first clue to the new game. She and her new friend James have to work to try to solve the puzzles. This was a fun, middle grade read. I borrowed it from the library in hope of getting my 7th grade son to read it….which he hasn’t yet.
The Book of Two Ways by Jodi Picoult – (September 2020, Contemporary Fiction) A woman surviving a plane crash reexamines her life and the two different paths that her life could have taken. There has been a lot of criticism and negative reviews for this book due to the textbook heavy information on Egyptology. I will agree that a lot of the info on the mummies, tombs and the actual The Book of Two Ways did not interest me. However, I give Picoult credit for writing a well researched book. Aside from the Egypt stuff, I also enjoyed the storyline. Picoult still remains one of my favorite authors, this book just wasn’t a favorite.
Slider by Pete Hautman – (September 2017, Middle Grade) David mistakenly charges $2,000 to his mother’s credit card. To pay his mom back before she finds out, he enters a pizza eating contest. While training for the contest he also has to watch his autistic brother. This was a fun read. I got this for my son to read, which he did and enjoyed.
Hot cocoa bombs are the current internet sensation. A hollow ball of chocolate is filled with cocoa mix and marshmallows. When you pour hot milk or water over the ball, it opens up, you stir everything and then enjoy all the chocolatey goodness. It’s fun to watch and a tasty treat!
I’ve researched where in Westchester you can find hot cocoa bombs. But, if you want to enjoy one of these homemade treats, you need to place an order now! I’ve discovered that almost every business requires preordering. The few locations that sell hot cocoa bombs onsite end up selling out very quickly! Due to lack of time, in trying to get this post out, I opted to visit Beascake’s Bakery this weekend. Sadly, when I arrived they were all sold out.
So, get your orders in now, especially if you would like the hot cocoa bombs as gifts for the holidays. As I mentioned, these treats have been VERY popular and are selling like crazy! They make a great stocking stuffer but are also great to enjoy all winter long (the snow hasn’t hit Westchester County YET, but I have a feeling we are in for a loooong winter!).
If you know of a business that should be included on this list, please send me an email!
Auntie Liana’s has a popup shop in the Jefferson Valley Mall. Her hot cocoa bombs flavors include Cocoa, White Cocoa, Peanut Butter, Unicorn, Salted Caramel, Chocolate Mint, White Chocolate Mint, Bailey’s and Red Velvet. You can buy them at the popup shop at the mall or you can contact the business via DM on Instagram or email auntielianas@yahoo.com.
Beascakes Bakery (Armonk) 575 Main Street Armonk, NY 10504 (914) 273-3612
Beascakes Bakery is selling hot cocoa bombs and their individual sugar cookies on a first come, first served basis. They are not accepting pre-orders on these items.
Bradley’s Cafe sells a variety of hot cocoa bombs. Each hot cocoa bomb is $4.75 and comes in flavors like Peppermint Caramel, Milk Chocolate w/Marshmallow, Sea Salt Caramel and Mocha.
Chocolations (Mamaroneck) 607 E. Boston Post Road Mamaroneck, NY (914) 777-3600
You can buy cocoa bombs here in singles ($7) or 4 packs ($28). They can be made with milk, dark or white chocolate. You can purchase in-store.
Custom Creations only sells chocolate hot cocoa bombs. Each cocoa bomb is $6. You can order hot cocoa bombs via DM on Instagram.
Photo courtesy of Fleetwood Bakery Shop
Fleetwood Bakery Shop (Mount Vernon) 561 Gramatan Avenue Mount Vernon, NY 10552 (914) 667-3434
The Fleetwood Bakery sells hot cocoa bombs in Chocolate, Salted Caramel, Peppermint and Maple Pecan. Each cocoa bomb is $6. Individually wrapped cocoa bombs are $7 each. They sell 2 cocoa bombs packed in a box for $15.00 or 4 cocoa bombs in a box for $28.00.
Flour and Sun Bakery (Pleasantville) 19 Washington Avenue Pleasantville, NY 10570 (914) 495-3232
Hot cocoa bombs need to be ordered at least two days in advance from Flour and Sun Bakery. They sell Classic Hot Cocoa, Peppermint (with pieces of candy cane inside), Salted Caramel and sometimes Strawberry Unicorn. Each cocoa bomb comes individually wrapped and are $5 each.
Flowerbake by Angela (Pelham) 136 Fifth Avenue Pelham, NY 10803 (914) 632-2253 info@flowerbake.com
Flowerbake by Angela is selling a set of 3 holiday hot chocolate bombs for $18.00. For an additional $5 you can get the hot cocoa bomb packaged in a special ornament case. You can mix and match with a decorated snowflake, Christmas tree or Grinch. Each bomb has “a little special something inside…” Order online and pickup in store. Items can also be shipped at an additional cost.
Hot cocoa bombs are sold in singles ($5) and in boxes of four ($20) or six that can be customizable. Choices include milk chocolate, white chocolate, dark chocolate, mint chocolate and white candy mint. Order via Facebook.
Jane Street Sweets is currently selling a 4 pack hot cocoa bomb box ($20). You can choose from classic hot cocoa, candy cane, gingerbread or cookies-n-cream. Ordering is via email, DM on Facebook or DM on Instagram. There is no pickup – local deliveries are made on Thursdays only (December 10, 17, 24 and 31).
Hot cocoa bombs are $5 each, or $6 with a chocolate spoon. Choices include Swiss Miss and Abuelita hot chocolate. At this time orders are via Instagram DM only.
The Poppery (Mt. Kisco) 255 N. Broadway Mt. Kisco, NY 10549 (914) 218-8447
The Poppery is selling Grinch, Peppermint, Salted Caramel and Nutella hot cocoa bombs. These sell for $7 each. There is also a 6 pack Chocolate Lovers Hot Cocoa Bomb box that includes 3 Nutella, Marshmallow filled hot cocoa bombs and 3 Salted Caramel, toffee bits and marshmallow filled hot cocoa bombs ($39). For those celebrating Hanukkah this week, you can get a festive blue and white decorated hot cocoa bomb. All hot cocoa bombs need to be preordered on the website.
Christmas hot cocoa bombs are $6. They can be personalized in cursive for an additional $1. Flavors include Swiss Chocolate, Abuelita, Peppermint, Pumpkin Spice and Mocha. They also have a Vegan Peppermint, using vegan chocolate. At this time orders are via Instagram DM only.
Sugar Hi (Armonk) 380 Main Street #1821 Armonk, NY 10504 (914) 273-4777
They are currently taking Christmas preorders for a holiday 6 pack ($36) that will be ready for pick up starting December, 19th. The 6 pack contains 2 peppermint white chocolate bombs and 4 milk chocolate bombs.
Sweet Delites Pastry Shop sells their hot cocoa bombs for $7.99 each. Each hot cocoa bomb is individually wrapped and decorated for Hanukkah or Christmas. They have milk chocolate hot cocoa bombs in store but white chocolate cocoa bombs can be ordered. Hot cocoa bombs are available at the shop or can be preordered.
Hot cocoa bombs are available by pre-order only. Currently, the holiday pre-sale is currently closed. I have included a link to her site, as Cari is planning to open up ordering again closer to the holidays! Flavors include classic milk chocolate, white chocolate, dark chocolate, white peppermint mocha, salted caramel and Grinch. Prices range between $5 – $6 each. She also sells a variety pack of all 6 flavors for $30. Packaging costs $1 extra for each bomb, unless they are purchased in sets of 6 or 12. All orders need to be picked up in Ossining.
Hot Cocoa bombs cost 3 for $15, 6 for $25 or 12 for $45. Flavors include white or milk chocolate with options for Nutella or caramel filling. Orders should be placed a few days in advance. The preferred ordering method is to text Lauren (contact info in the Sweets by Smooches FB page).
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Hello December and hello holiday season! It really is beginning to look a lot like Christmas! I took last Friday off from posting and relaxed over the four day Thanksgiving weekend. I hope everyone had a delicious Thanksgiving. This year, instead of celebrating in Maryland at my sister’s house (or like last year on a cruise ship!), we celebrated with just the four of us. It was a quiet but delicious day. Here are eight (added extra for missing a week!) from the past two weeks: (follow me on Instagram to see more of what we are up to!)
1.Thanksgiving – Our small Thanksgiving dinner included a Tofurkey, homemade cornbread, vegan green bean casserole, mashed potatoes, and a roasted delicata squash salad. This was our first time having a Tofurkey. It wasn’t actually bad. However, I love all the sides so much more!
2. Christmas Card – We ordered our cards from Snapfish and have them stuffed and labeled. I hope to have them mailed out this weekend!
Photo Credit: Warner Bros./Photofest
2. Watching – This week I started watching Dawson’s Creek on Netflix. I watched this show in college, where even then I thought they had an overly sophisticated vocabulary for “teens.” It brings back memories of college, where I was when the show first debuted. I also started watching a couple episodes of “The Pack” on Amazon. This reminds me of the Amazing Race with dogs.
3. Braces Off – After two years, my daughter got her braces off last week! She was so excited, as this is a huge event in a teenager’s life! ……..and then in about six months, my son gets to get his braces put on.
4. Eating – Macarons from Amanda’s Macaron Shoppe in Arlington.
Pho from Saigon Pho in Poughkeepsie.
The Portobello Burger from Shake Shack.
Jalapeño cheddar bagels from JV Hot Bagel.
5.Reading – I am currently reading two books. You Should See Me in a Crown by Leah Johnson is a YA book that I borrowed from the library for my daughter but decided to read. I also just started reading an ARC of The Good Sister by Sally Hepworth. I’ve enjoyed all of her books and am excited for this one.
6. Westchester’s Winter Wonderland – last Saturday we had a hosted visit to Westchester’s Winter Wonderland. This year due to COVID it was a drive-thru experience. It was so colorful, festive and fun.
7. Hiking – Last Friday we went hiking at Black Creek Preserve in Esopus. There is this cool suspension bridge at the very beginning of the hike and then beautiful Hudson River views at the end.
8. Cooking – these Butternut Squash Tacos with Crispy Brussels Sprouts was one of our favorite dinners this week. Unfortunately, tacos don’t photograph well. But these were so tasty!
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:
Longford’s Ice Cream: (Rye & Larchmont) Get festive and enjoy a scoop (or two!) of seasonal Peppermint Stick Ice Cream or buy an ice cream Yule log for the holidays.
Peekskill Coffee House: (Peekskill) Try the new Rainbow Cookie Latte (Raspberry, almond and chocolate flavored latte) at the Peekskill Coffee House.
Wing Things: A Takeout Pop-up at The Parlor: (Dobbs Ferry) On December 7th, The Parlor is having its first takeout pop-up featuring chicken wings. There will be six different flavors of wings by Chef Sanchez Salazar. Online pre-ordering and pickup only. Check the website for the menu.
Shop:
Coffee Lab Roasters: (Tarrytown) All month long they are offering 10% off all coffee and merchandise purchased on their website (code: DECEMBER)
Katonah Museum of Art Jewelry Show: (Katonah) This year’s show will be virtual, where you can purchase, “a diverse array of contemporary jewelry from a curated selection of artisans.” (December 1-4)
Peekskill Clay Studios Holiday Market: (Peekskill) December 5th & 6th at the Hat Factory, 11 AM – 4 PM. Shop for pottery, jewelry and other gifts at this holiday market.
White Plains Holiday Market: (White Plains) This holiday pop up market will feature over 40 vendors in individual open-air booths. (December 3 – 13) Thursday – Saturday: 11 AM – 9 PM, Sunday – Wednesday: 11 AM – 7 PM
Play:
Booze & Boughs at the Bedford Playhouse: (Bedford) Saturday, December 5th, 4 PM. Enjoy holiday themed cocktails while you participate in a wreath making class lead by designers from the Bedford Village Flower Shoppe. $150/ticket
Virtual Chamber Music Festival: (online) Saturday, December 5th at 7 PM, enjoy a screening Watch Party on YouTube of The Purchase College Conservatory of Music’s student performances. Students in the Classical Chamber Music program have recorded a series of duos over the semester for your listening enjoyment.
Virtual Video Holiday Party: (online/Peekskill) Every Wednesday in December at 7 PM enjoy a Virtual Video Holiday Party with Cap’n Goodtimes Entertainment and Gleason’s. Order themed cocktails and food and snacks and you will get a link for the movie with your order. Movies include: December 2 – Home Alone December 9 – Scrooged December 16 – Gremlins December 23 – Classic TV Specials (Rudolph, The Grinch and more) December 30 – Trading Places
Westchester Winter Wonderland: (Valhalla) This year’s Winter Wonderland will be a 1.2 mile drive-thru experience featuring lights and music. (November 27 – January 3)
If you haven’t started your holiday shopping yet….it’s time. Living in the Hudson Valley, there are some unique gifts that you can give and receive. Our Hudson Valley Holiday Gift Guide will help you find something for everyone on your list!
Magazine Subscriptions: If you want to give a gift that will last all year, give a magazine subscription to either Hudson Valley Magazine or Westchester Magazine. Both, owned by Today Media, highlight the best of the Hudson Valley and Westchester County, respectively. At just $18.97, this is an affordable gift that the recipient will enjoy all year long.
Park Passes:
On my list this year again, is a New York State Empire Pass. This pass costs $80 for the year and enables unlimited day-use vehicle entry into most of the NYS parks. Some favorite area state parks include Bear Mountain, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Minnewaska State Park. However, I see some New York state exploring in our future and think we’ll get a lot of use out of this pass in the upcoming year.
You can also gift/receive a Westchester County Park pass. If you enjoy staying closer to home, but enjoy the great outdoors, then the Westchester Park pass is a great gift option. For $180, the Family Park Pass is valid for three years from the date of issuance. The pass gives discounted admission to all pools, beaches and parking. The pass allows access to the boat launch at Glen Island Park in New Rochelle and the tennis courts at Tibbetts Brook Park in Yonkers. Plus, you get discounts for camping, golf and more.
Restaurant Gift Certificates – Now more than ever, restaurants need our business. Even though many of us may not feel comfortable dining inside, many restaurants offer takeout. Gift or ask for a certificate to your favorite restaurant.
Memberships: For another gift that recipients can enjoy all year, think about gifting a membership to one of their favorite attractions. In past years we’ve asked for and received family memberships to the Bronx Zoo, the NYBG and the Historic Hudson Valley.
Individuals and/or couples may enjoy a membership to their favorite museum or art or music institution. Memberships are available at the Hudson River Museum, Caramoor, Katonah Museum of Art and more.
Experience Gifts: If you know the interests and hobbies of your gift recipient, give them an experience gift. Because most of these experiences now require a reserved time, you may opt to give a gift card or get input from the gift receiver prior to purchasing. Below are just a few examples of experiences that can be gifted.
Boundless Adventures – For adventure seekers, give the gift of an aerial park experience. This was a fun family experience (read more here)! They sell Gift Tickets.
Thunder Ridge Ski Area – Have skiers or snow boarders on your list? They may enjoy a season pass or gift card to Thunder Ridge Ski Area.
Grand Prix New York – This attraction in Mount Kisco has go-karts, bowling, a GPX ninja course and an arcade. Gift cards are available so receivers can enjoy a visit whenever they feel comfortable going.
Homemade Gift Baskets – The Hudson Valley is filled with tons of small businesses that make everything from sweets, sauces, coffee and soaps to jewelry and tie-dyed or handknit goods. Purchase some of your favorites and create your own custom gift basket to give.
Check out this week’s edition of Westchester Weekly to find out where to eat, shop and play in Westchester County this week:
Eat:
Bona Bona Ice Cream Pop-Up at the Westchester Mall – (White Plains) This pop-up opened November 21st. You can enjoy Bona Bona’s signature meringue topped ice cream treats while you do your holiday shopping! The pop-up is located across from the Lululemon store. They will be selling ice cream sandwiches, sundaes and pints.
PB Pizza and Beer at the Jefferson Valley Mall – (Yorktown Heights) Peekskill Brewery has opened up an extension of their Peekskill production facility at the JV Mall. Visit the new restaurant on Level 2. Enjoy their selection of beers as well as pizza, wings and more. You can dine in, take out or get delivery.
Shop:
American Christmas: (Mount Vernon) The well-known Christmas Display Company is having a warehouse sale open to the public for the first time! You can shop their Christmas decorations sale November 27, 28 and December 5 from 10 AM – 5 PM.
Auntie Liana’s Baked with Love and Vintage & Vine Pop-Up Shop at the Jefferson Valley Mall: (Yorktown Heights) Enjoy Auntie Liana’s cakeballs and buy Vintage & Vine’s antique arrangements filled with live succulents. This pop-up featuring woman-owned shops will be open November 21st – December 24th.
hOMe Beauty & Wellness: (Chappaqua) The owners of Cold Spring General have opened a new store in Chappaqua. hOMe Beauty & Wellness is a wellness studio and boutique selling all kinds of beauty, wellness, home and holiday gifts.
Makers Market at Makers Central: (Tarrytown) Saturday, November 28, 11 AM -5 PM. Do some holiday shopping at the Makers Central studio and support local. This will be a socially distant, COVID conscious event. Dress warmly, as it will be similar to an outdoor market.
Play:
Westchester’s Winter Wonderland: (Valhalla) This year’s Westchester’s Winter Wonderland will be a 1.2 mile drive-thru experience featuring lights and music. (November 27 – January 3) Tickets are $25/car and are for a selected date and time.
Upcoming Events:
Katonah Museum of Art Jewelry Show: (Katonah) This year’s show will be virtual, where you can purchase, “a diverse array of contemporary jewelry from a curated selection of artisans.” (December 1-4)
White Plains Holiday Market: (White Plains) This holiday pop up market will feature over 40 vendors. (December 3 – 13)
