NY Foodie Family

Five on Friday {6-16-23}

Posted on June 16, 2023 by nyfoodiefamily@gmail.com

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Happy Friday! It’s been a week. Here are five (plus five) from this week.

1. Broken Collarbone – Friday, I thought I was going to be going to my son’s Freshman Awards Ceremony. Instead, I got a call from the school that he thought he broke his collarbone in physical education class. I raced over to the school, rode the ambulance with him to the hospital and we discovered that he was correct and did indeed break his collarbone. Unfortunately, you can’t really do much for a collarbone except let it heal on its own. So, he’s been taking Motrin for the pain and wearing a sling to immobilize his left side. Fortunately, he’s right handed and he broke his left collarbone, so he was able to take his finals and Regents exams this week.

We went to the orthopedist yesterday afternoon to discover that the bones shifted and he needed surgery ASAP. So, depending on when you are reading this, he is in surgery today getting hardware and screws put into his collarbone to realign the bones to ensure he heals properly. Not quite what we were expecting to hear at this appointment! Unfortunately, this had to happen right at the end of school/beginning of the summer. So he is going to have a very relaxed, laid-back summer.

2. Reading – This week I read Take My Hand by Dolen Perkins-Valdez. This was a 2022 Goodreads nominee for historical fiction. It’s based on true events in the 1970’s when the government decided to take away the reproductive rights of poor, black women. It was a good read and was educational, as I wasn’t even aware that this happened.

3. Cooking – This week included a track team end-of-season dinner and a Boy Scout Court of Honor ceremony and cookout, so we didn’t do a ton of cooking. We did make Roasted Cauliflower with Maple Jalapeno Glaze, Trader Joe’s Vegan Bulgogi with Kimchi Pancakes (that my daughter cooked for us) and rice and Trader Joe’s Ube Mochi Pancake Mix (box mix) with vegan sausage for a breakfast for dinner meal. Tonight we are supposed to be making Lemon Flatbread Pizzas with Hot Honey but will probably end up with takeout after my son’s surgery!

4. Watching – We finished watching Jury Duty this week and I recommend it! It was a fun show. Other than that, it was a pretty busy week and I didn’t watch much of anything else.

5. Food Tour – Saturday, my husband and I went on Joey G’s Walking Food Tour. We enjoyed small bites from different restaurants and learned about the village of Nyack. It was a fun tour! Nyack is filled with so many different restaurants and shops and you need more than one visit to take advantage of everything. I’ll have a full post coming soon.

6. Memes – This made me laugh!

Anyone else remember these scratch and sniff stickers?!

7. Yoga Dogs – I finished this Yoga Dogs puzzle this week. I still haven’t found the missing puzzle piece though!

8. Playing – Connections. This new NYT game is about categorizing groups of four words that have something in common. I still play Wordle, but this is a fun new diversion for me.

9. Awards – Even though we didn’t make it to his awards ceremony, my son received the geometry, band and Presidential Excellence award. My daughter received the Presidential Excellence award as well at her junior class awards ceremony.

10. Rainbow – We saw this rainbow Wednesday night during the Boy Scout Court of Honor. This was the most complete rainbow I’ve ever seen. Both ends were visible!

ICYMI this week on the blog:

Tuesday I posted about Innisfree Garden in Millbrook.

Sharing with Friday Favorites! Have a great weekend!

Innisfree Garden {Millbrook, NY}

Posted on June 14, 2023 by nyfoodiefamily@gmail.com

Nestled in the backroads of a suburban neighborhood in Millbrook, New York is the Innisfree Garden. As you drive through the black wrought-iron gate, you continue your journey down a one lane dirt road. Eventually, you descend upon the parking area. A small gazebo is the welcoming center for guests and where you pay the modest admission fee to enter the garden.

The Innisfree Garden comprises 185 acres of sprawling beauty. The gardens originated as the personal gardens of William Beck and his wife Marion Burt Beck. As a fan of Asian art, the Becks designed the Innisfree Garden, using the influence of Wang Wei, an 8th Century Chinese artist and garden designer.

The garden is characterized by a “cup garden” design, dubbed by Walter Beck to describe the place-making technique that Wei used in his garden design. With the help of landscape architect Lester Collins, they collaborated on the creation of this serene garden.

Tyrrel Lake is the focal point as you descend down the hill to the gardens. A 1.3 mile loop trail surrounds the lake. However, the gardens and all of its delights are predominantly scattered along the right side of the lake. The cup garden design has smaller defined gardens within the larger landscape.

There is no “right” way to visit the garden. Go wherever something captivates the eyes. You may be drawn to one of the several waterfalls or water features. Children were having fun running through the sprays of the Water Sculpture to cool off on the day of my visit. The water used in these features is collected rainwater.

You may want to take a closer look at the various flowers growing throughout the gardens. There are also a variety of trees and plants throughout the property.

One of the standouts of the garden is the Brick Terrace. Audible expressions of surprise and awe were heard as visitors came upon this structure.

The Terrace has multiple levels with several different areas to peruse. The Asian influence is most noticeable here with images of dragons and elephants etched in the walkways and stone wall panels.

The Channel Crossing Bridge enables guests to complete a loop walk around Tyrrel Lake. Keep your eyes open for fish and turtles that inhabit the lake.

Peppered throughout the gardens you will find Innisfree Chairs. These chairs are adaptations of Gerrit Rietveld’s Red Blue Chair. Furniture maker Dan Benarcik hand builds these chairs from cedar planks. Visitors can purchase a kit or a fully assembled chair that they can enjoy using in their own backyards or gardens.

The Innisfree Garden is a picturesque outdoor oasis. It’s a perfect place for a quiet and peaceful outing in the Hudson Valley.

The Details:
Innisfree Garden
362 Tyrrel Road
Millbrook, NY 12545
Website

Admission: $10/adult, $5/seniors (65+) and children (ages 5-15), Free/children 4 and under

Hours: Wednesday – Sunday, 10 AM – 5 PM and select holidays

Plan approximately 90 minutes to wander the garden.

The garden consists of uneven, rocky terrain, so sneakers are highly recommended. It is not wheelchair accessible.

The only restrooms available are a few port-a-potties adjacent to the parking lot.

Pack water/beverages and snacks. There is no food or drinks available for purchase. There are picnic tables to sit and enjoy any refreshments that you bring with you.

Restaurants nearby:
La Puerta Azul (2.1 miles) If you are looking for Mexican food, this is the place. The restaurant has been a Best of the Hudson Valley nominee and/or winner for multiple years.

Salt Point Market and Cafe (2.0 miles) If you are looking for a quick bite, stop here to grab a sandwich or slice of pizza.

Short Hills Restaurant & Diner (2.0 miles) Enjoy breakfast, burgers, pasta and more at this diner.

Millbrook Vineyards & Winery (7.5 miles) Spend the day in the area. After a visit to the garden, stop at Millbrook Vineyards for a wine tasting and jazz concert. Read our post about the winery.

Five on Friday {6-9-23}

Posted on June 9, 2023 by nyfoodiefamily@gmail.com

Happy Friday! The kids cannot wait for Monday, their last day of school. Then they go in only for their finals and Regents exams. I work during the summer….so there’s no count down for me! Here are five (plus 3) from this week.

1.Canadian Wildfires – If you’re in the northeast United States you’ve probably experienced or heard about the Canadian wildfires. This is a picture from NYC. Fortunately, we live about an hour outside the city and didn’t experience the smoke this bad. But we had a day or two of intense haze and strong smoke smells.

2. Game Night – Saturday we had a game night with my daughter’s boyfriend’s parents. We ordered takeout and then played Bananagrams and Sushi Go Party. We had a fun time!

3. Reading – This week I finished All the Dangerous Things by Stacey Willingham. This was an okay suspense read.

4. Cooking – This week’s menu included Garlic Sauce Pasta with Roasted Broccoli and Shrimp (and lots of shredded cheese!), Kung Pao Cauliflower (without the hot peppers), Burst Tomato, Prosciutto and Goat Cheese Quiche (we left out the prosciutto to make it vegetarian), chik’n sandwiches and fries and tonight we are having broccoli rabe calzones.

5. Watching – The Ted Lasso series finale. It was so good and had me in tears!

My husband and I have been watching Jury Duty on Amazon freevee. This is a mockumentary style show where everyone is an actor except one juror, Ronald Gladden. I’m so curious if there will be a big reveal at the end where he discovers it was all fake.

6. Eating – Sunday my husband and I went out for lunch at Birdsall House in Peekskill. We shared this Seitan “gyro” and cauliflower “wings”. Then we walked around Peekskill Open Studios where we got to see local artists showcasing their work.

7. New account to follow – @TraderJoesAirFry If you have an air fryer and shop at Trader Joe’s, this account is for you! They give air fryer cooking times and ratings of different TJ’s products.

8. Meme – This had me LOL! It’s funny how kids and adults see things so differently.

And I need to embrace this secret!

Sharing with Friday Favorites! Have a great weekend!

Five on Friday {6-2-23}

Posted on June 2, 2023 by nyfoodiefamily@gmail.com

Hello weekend! It was nice having the long holiday weekend. We got a lot done! Here are five (plus!) from this week.

1. Beacon Trip – Saturday we took a quick trip up to Beacon for some doughnuts from Peaceful Provisions. They are a vegan doughnut shop, but you would never know. They are delicious! We also ended up getting breakfast bagel sandwiches from The Bagel Shoppe., to counteract the sugar!

2. Reading – This week I finished Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez, which I highly recommend! Part Of Your World is the first book in the series, but it can be read as a standalone. I’ve loved every book by this author that I’ve read.

3. Cooking – This week’s menu included Greek Salad Garlic Bread, BBQ Tofu with mashed potatoes, string beans and corn on the cob, Buffalo Broccoli Pasta, Pierogies and homemade pizza.

4. Watching – My husband and I started a new-to-us show, The Peripheral on Amazon Prime. It’s a suspenseful sci-fi drama. We will hopefully be watching the final episode of Ted Lasso tonight. I’m so sad, I don’t want it to end!

5. Eating – These S’mores clusters from Trader Joe’s. They are really good!

6. Supper Club Dinner – Our supper club finally got together for a dinner out. Life has been too crazy for us to cook elaborate weekend dinners, but it was nice to finally get together again to catch up. We had dinner at Pubstreet in Pleasantville. I enjoyed my Broiled Wild Cod. You can check out our entire meal in this Instagram post.

7. Band Concert – This week was the kids’ spring band concert. I am always impressed at the caliber of their performances.

We got my daughter flowers from Trader’s Joes. They have beautiful bouquets at such a great price! We also got my son a dragon fruit plant from TJ’s for doing such an amazing job, since I couldn’t give his sister something and not him! After the concert we went to sweetFrog with a couple of their friends and parents for some frozen yogurt.

8. Catskill, NY – Monday we took a family trip to Catskill, NY. They had just debuted the cats for the annual Cat’n Around Catskill 2023. There are 65 cats around the town that have been designed/decorated by local artists. The cats will be auctioned off in September. This was one of my favorites. We also enjoyed lots of tasty eats as we walked around!

ICYMI this week on the blog:

Tuesday I posted June Events in Westchester County.

Sharing with Friday Favorites! Have a great weekend!

June Events in Westchester County

Posted on May 30, 2023 by nyfoodiefamily@gmail.com

We have rounded up some of the June Events taking place in Westchester County (and the surrounding area). There is lots to do as school ends and! Plan some summer family fun or a date night out this month!

Comedy:

Levity Live (Palisade Center – West Nyack) Enjoy a comedy show at Levity Live in June. Upcoming shows include Ian Lara (June 2-4), Mike Vecchione (June 8-10), Ms. Pat (June 16-17), Craig Conant (June 22). *Check the site for the full lineup

Yonkers Comedy Club (Yonkers) Enjoy a comedy show at the Yonkers Comedy Club. June shows include Rich Vos (June 10), Capone (June 15-17) Pierre Pierre (June 22-24), and Des Johnson (June 29).

June 2 (Brewster) A Night of Comedy at The Funny Farm at Tilly’s Table. Laugh all night with Jim Dailakis, Mark Riccadonna, and Jimmy McDonald in the Barn at The Funny Farm at Tilly’s Table. Doors open at 6:30 PM. The show starts 8 PM- 10 PM with a brief intermission. Cash bar available. Ticket includes buffet dinner. Tickets: $45 +tax/person. Ages 21+.

June 3 (Tarrytown) Stand Up Legend Bobby Collins at Tarrytown Music Hall. Comedian Bobby Collins has an ability to truthfully translate the human condition. Audiences across the country relate to his comedic characterizations as he exposes the humor of day-to-day situations as well as serving up resplendent rants on world events. A native New Yorker, Collins possesses a confidence and genuine everyman likability that can only be earned. 8 PM. Tickets: $44-$54/each.

June 10 (Tarrytown) Manhattan Comedy Night at Tarrytown Music Hall. Returning once again to the Music Hall, Manhattan Comedy Night is an evening of hilarious stand up featuring NYC comedy club veterans! Performers include Joe Praino, Alex Kumin, Ahri Findling and Lynne Koplitz. (Subject to change) 8 PM. Tickets: $34-$44/each.

June 24 (Tarrytown) Colin Quinn: Small Talk at Tarrytown Music Hall. In his latest attempt at humor, Colin breaks down the one area he’s actually gifted in: Personality. Mr. Quinn has been chatting it up with friends, family, municipal employees and counter people for his whole life and now he can teach you how to stop sucking the energy out of the room. 8 PM. Tickets: $39-$54/each.

June 25 (Peekskill) Garrison Keillor (rescheduled from April 30) at the Paramount Hudson Valley. 7 PM. Tickets: $35-$54.50. Garrison Keillor Tonight is an evening of stand-up, storytelling, audience song, and poetry. One man, one microphone. There are sung sonnets, limericks and musical jokes, and the thread that runs through it is the beauty of growing old. Despite the inconvenience, old age brings the contentment of LESS IS MORE. Your mistakes and big ambitions are behind you, nothing left to prove, and small things give you great pleasure because that’s what’s left.

Date Night/Girls Night Out:

June 7 (Rye) Paint the Masters: Maynard Dixon at the Rye Arts Center. 6:30 PM – 9 PM. This is a BYOB event. Create your very own masterpiece inspired by Dixon. In this workshop, you will learn about how the artist used colors and brushstrokes to express his feelings and emotions in his style. Choose to replicate one of his famous paintings or follow your inspiration to create your own interpretation. No experience necessary. All supplies provided. $65/person (members receive a discount)

June 13 and June 27 (Yonkers) Sip & Paint Night at the Cross County. 6:30-7:30 PM. PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. CLICK HERE! The event includes live music, wine and painting a canvas to take home! $25/person. Ages 21+

June 24 (Rye) Summer Kickoff Party at the Barley Beach House. Come kickoff the summer at the Barley Beach House. We are throwing a free party to the public to kick off the summer. Well be roasting a pig on the beach with DJ Frankie Fumach who will be accompanied by the Barley Beach Houses Hawaiian dancers. Two dance shows 3pm and 6pm.

Fairs and Festivals:

June 3-4 (Peekskill) Peekskill Open Studios. 12 PM – 5 PM. Rain or Shine. 100+ artists, 30+ studios, galleries and special exhibition spaces including the Tent Site Gallery, Off The Beaten Track at Westchester Community College, Hudson Valley MOCA, the Peekskill Clay Studios & the Field Gallery – will open their doors to the public for this year’s event. Check the website for a complete list of artists and venues.

June 3 (Valhalla) Asian-American Cultural Celebration at Kensico Dam. 12 PM-6 PM. Experience a multitude of cultures this summer without ever leaving the country. Gather your family and friends, leave your passport at home and enjoy traditions from around the world. All festivals will be held rain or shine. Seating is informal; bring blankets or folding chairs for seating on the lawn. No coolers will be allowed. Admission and parking are free.

June 3 (Port Chester) Port Chester Arts Festival. 9:30 AM – 8 PM. Check out the link to see the day’s schedule of events taking place at over 8 different sites. Visit 3+ sites to be entered in a gift basket raffle.
Join us in Port Chester, New York for a day of creativity and inspiration for all ages at the 1st Annual Port Chester Arts Festival. The festival will be a celebration of the arts groups and artists that make our town a creative hub. All events will be free and open to the public.

June 4 (Valhalla) Albanian American Cultural Celebration at Kensico Dam. 12 PM-6 PM. Experience a multitude of cultures this summer without ever leaving the country. Gather your family and friends, leave your passport at home and enjoy traditions from around the world. All festivals will be held rain or shine. Seating is informal; bring blankets or folding chairs for seating on the lawn. No coolers will be allowed. Admission and parking are free.

June 9-11 (Yonkers) Greek Festival at Prophet Elias Greek Orthodox Church. Friday: 5 PM – midnight, Saturday: 3 PM – midnight, Sunday: 12 PM – 9 PM. Enjoy Greek food, live music, Greek folk dancing, kid’s zone and more.

June 24 (Katonah) Katonah Art Walk. 3 PM – 7 PM. What’s happens during the Katonah Art Walk? Live music in our Gazebo, art galleries and shops listed on the map are open and hosting special art centric events, and inspiring pop-ups along the avenue – plus each Katonah Art Walk typically hosts a special guest food truck! There is always something interesting to see!

June 24 (Katonah) American Roots Music Festival at Caramoor. 12:30 PM. Caramoor’s annual American Roots Music Festival is back with a day overflowing with spectacular music performed throughout our grounds spanning the genres of blues, Americana, folk, and bluegrass. Spend the day in the gardens and discover the next artist you’ll add to your playlist. This day features multiple bands and ends with acclaimed singer-songwriter / ten-time Grammy-nominee Brandy Clark. Check calendar for full artist listing. Tickets: $49-$116

June 25 (Valhalla) African-American Cultural Celebration at Kensico Dam. 12 PM-6 PM. Experience a multitude of cultures this summer without ever leaving the country. Gather your family and friends, leave your passport at home and enjoy traditions from around the world. All festivals will be held rain or shine. Seating is informal; bring blankets or folding chairs for seating on the lawn. No coolers will be allowed. Admission and parking are free.

June 25 (Yorktown) Yorktown Grange Car Show. 10 AM – 4 PM. Music, activities for kids. See car, trucks and more. Admission: $5/carload.

Eat & Drink:

Taste of Westchester Cooking Demo Classes: (restaurants throughout Westchester County) Enjoy cooking demos from local chefs and then sample their creations. There is one June class: Baked by Susan (June 1).

June 2 (West Point) Zacapa Rum Pairing Dinner at The Thayer Hotel. 6 PM – 9 PM. Enjoy Chef Chris Hettinger’s beautifully crafted 5-course pairing dinner in MacArthur’s Riverview Restaurant presented along with tastings and cocktails from our partner Zacapa Rum, including Zacapa 23 Centenario, Negra Gran Reserva, Zacapa XO. Call 845.446.4731 ext. 7929 to make your reservations today! $115++ per person

June 3 (Beacon) Eat Drink Beacon Food Crawl. 3 PM – 7 PM. Featuring 20+ restaurants, eateries, shops and businesses who will offer a sampling of small bites, drinks & more. This is a great event to sample new dining offerings, get to know the latest food trends in town and explore what’s new on Main Street.
Local restaurants and eateries will offer small bites both savory and sweet for your enjoyment. Sip stops will offer a variety of beverages. Each sip stop will be hosted by a local business which means you will have a chance to check out Beacon’s shops as well as restaurants. This event celebrates the best of what Main Street Beacon has to offer. Tickets includes samples of food, drink and other popular items at some Beacon’s most desirable restaurants and businesses. Tickets: $40 + processing fee ($44.80)

June 3 (Poughquag) Hudson Valley Ciders, Seltzers and Sours at Barton Orchard. 2 PM – 6 PM. This premium event will offer an impressive lineup of over 50+ hard ciders, hard seltzers, and sour beers from across the country. From local favorites to exclusive rare options, you’ll get to sample them all!

Want to take your experience to the next level? The VIP session from 1pm-2pm is perfect for those who want to indulge in an exclusive extra hour of tasting this selection of premium beverages before general admission opens at 2pm.

But that’s not all – the festival will also feature mouth-watering food options from gourmet food trucks, delicious cider doughnuts from Barton Orchards, and live entertainment all day long. And if that’s not enough, you can also enjoy a hard cider hayride, enjoy outdoor games such as Cornhole, and explore the farm market and bakery. Tickets: $50.60/General Admission (includes processing fees), $66.46/VIP Admission (includes processing fees)

June 3 (Katonah) On the Farm Dinner at John Jay Homestead. 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM. Join us for our annual On the Farm Dinner. Guests will enjoy seasonal cocktails and farm fresh hors d’oevres before sitting down to dinner in a picturesque meadow under the stars. Purdy’s Farmer and the Fish will cater the evening; dinner will be served family style. Citigrass, a Brooklyn based blue grass band, will be providing music for the evening. Rain date of June 4th. Homesteader Table ($10,000): Table for 16, Harvester Table ($5,000): Table for 10, Harvester Ticket ($500): Reserved Seating for 1, Shepherd Ticket ($300): Open Seating for 1

June 6-10 (Westchester County) Westchester Magazine’s Wine & Food Festival. Westchester Magazine’s Wine & Food Festival is a multiday extravaganza of wine, food, chefs, restaurants, beer, and spirits, featuring tastings, parties, a burger contest, cooking exhibitions and more! Check out the site for each of the different events and ticket prices.

June 8 (Poughkeepsie) Sunset Sensations at Locus Grove. 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM. Enjoy delicious culinary samples from a local star caterer, paired with three fine tastes of wine and a wine presentation by Viscount Wines and Liquor. Round out the gorgeous evening with a tour of our heirloom kitchen garden that inspires our celebrated local chef! $35/person.

June 10 (Tarrytown) Pig Roast Pink Party at Goosefeather. 5 PM – 8 PM. Wearing pink is encouraged! Enjoy all you can eat wood fired pig roast, sweet & spicy collard greens, roasted beet salad, smoky baked beans, cheddar cornbread. Sip on bottomless “Wines Du Monde” Rose to enjoy while you lounge, listen and dance. Cash bar available. Tickets: $125/person

June 10 (Rye) Rose in Rye at the Barley Beach House. 6 PM – 9 PM. Come join us for a beautiful sunset on the Barley Beach deck. We have endless amounts of rose, GIANT charcuterie boards and the most breathtaking view of the long island sound. Feel free to bring a beach chair or blanket to relax in the sand.
Event sponsored by: Rose All Day. Tickets: $55/each

June 24 (Poughquag) Hudson Valley Food Truck Festival at Barton Orchards. 11 AM – 5 PM. With a variety of food trucks and vendors, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, so come hungry! Some food trucks include Cousins Maine Lobster, Maxs Melts, Empanada Mama, Reggae Boy Cafe and more! And that’s not all, because the festival also features live music, a farm market, vendors, a dog park, a beer garden, a petting zoo, and activities for the whole family. Tickets: $15 + processing fees

Classes & Workshops:

June 4 (Katonah) Morning Farm Chores: For Adults at Muscoot Farm. 8:30 AM – 11 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 everyone ages 15+. Participants will meet at Muscoot’s Reception Center with sturdy, closed-toe footwear.

June 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, 25 (Ossining) Wildflower Island Guided Tour at Teatown. 10 AM -11 AM or 1 PM – 2 PM, depending on the date. Visit the Jewel of Teatown: Wildflower Island is a jewel afloat in Teatown Lake. More than 200 native wildflowers, trees, and shrubs come into bloom throughout the season. Join experienced guides for a tour, providing an in-depth look at the unique ecology of this sanctuary. $10/members, $15/non-members

June 10 (Ossining) Out and About at Teatown. 10 AM – 12 PM. We’re celebrating Pride Month at Teatown! Join Teatown Educators and Wildflower Island Curator Mathew McDowell to learn about the wild world of gender and reproduction in plants as we hike. Wear appropriate hiking footwear, sun protection, and bug spray, and bring water and a snack. Limited to 30 participants. $3/members, $8/non-members.

June 11 (Katonah) Paint and Plant at Lasdon Park & Arboretum. 2 PM. Looking to spend some fun time with friends and family? You’ve come to the right place, it doesn’t matter if you can draw or not! Join Lasdon staff for a Paint and Plant workshop! Adult Sessions. Adults 16+ can let loose and create a pot that reflects their own personal style! Learn a few painting techniques to make your work of art even more special. Bring a friend or make some new ones. All participants will pot a plant to take home with their new design creation. All supplies included. Light refreshments served. Be sure to wear old clothing, or an old oversized shirt. acrylic paint will stain. $20/person.

June 11 (Katonah) Walking Tour of Early Summer Perennials at Lasdon Park & Arboretum. 11 AM – 12 PM. Enjoy the colorful perennials of early summer as you tour Lasdon’s gardens. Discover perennials you may want to add to your own gardens. The walk begins at 11:00am at the Green Kiosk entrance gate off the upper level parking lot. Call 914 864-7264 for questions or more information. Free.

Fitness:

June 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 (Yonkers) Zumba at the Cross County Center. 6:15 PM – 7 PM. Come to The Green lawn, in the center of Cross County Center for FREE Zumba Classes this summer! Instructor Guillermo Ruiz is back for another amazing year of dance excitement! Our Zumba classes are for men, women & kids, and all ages and fitness levels are welcome. Free.

June 4, 11, 18, 25 (Bronx River Parkway) Bicycle Sundays on the Bronx River Parkway. 10 AM – 2 PM. During Bicycle Sundays, the parkway is open exclusively for bicyclists, in-line skaters, scooters, walkers and joggers from Exit 22 at the Westchester County Center to Exit 4 at Scarsdale Road in Yonkers. The round-trip distance is 13 miles. The road is closed to automobiles in that stretch of parkway. Admission is free and free parking will be available in the East Lot at the Westchester County Center.

June 4, 11, 18, 25 (Yonkers) Fitness in Parks at Tibbetts Brook Park. 8 AM. Ages 16+. The new fitness area includes seven pieces of equipment that can serve up to 16 people at one time. QR codes are included on each piece of equipment to provide instruction. The fitness class will be led by certified, personal/group fitness trainer, Gina Lee and will conclude with a walk in the park. Free admission and parking.

June 7, 14 (Ossining) Women Take to the Trails at Teatown. 10 AM – 11:30 AM. Lace up your hiking boots and bond with fellow female hikers as we cruise the trails. Each hike’s location will be dependent on weather and trail conditions. For adults. Limited to 15 people per session. Free/members, $5/non-members

June 7, 14, 21, 28 (Yonkers) Yoga On the Hill at Ridge Hill. Take your yoga routine outdoors and enjoy a complimentary, weekly session on the Town Square lawn. Experience yoga every Wednesday from May to September.
Event Information:

No reservations and/or ticketing required
Guests must provide their own yoga mat
Check-in starts 15 minutes prior to the event start
This event is subject to cancellation due to weather. Cancellation notices will be posted on our social media (@shopridgehill) and website.

Loyalty Program:
Don’t forget to receive a stamp at each class. Attend 5 classes to complete your loyalty card and redeem for a Ridge Hill swag item.

June 7 (Peekskill) Jogger Lager 5K at Peekskill Brewery. 6 PM. Come celebrate global running day with Peekskill Brewery and Run PB with a 5k “fun run” and the annual release of the crisp and refreshing Jogger Lager. Meet at the Peekskill Brewery, run or walk along the beautiful Hudson River then enjoy a beer and live music! The first 100 registrants will receive a complimentary can of Jogger Lager. $5/runner, free for Run PB members.

June 17 & 18 (Scarsdale) Run Wild at Greenburgh Nature Center. 9 AM – 2 PM in 30 minute slots. Run Wild at Greenburgh Nature Center this summer! Taking place over two weekends, Run Wild is a forest run and obstacle course where you can enjoy some friendly competition while getting active out in nature. Best for ages 5-15. This is a rain or shine event! $25/members, $30/non members

June 24 (Yonkers) Yonkers Summer Kickoff Riverfront Festival. 12 PM – 5 PM. Free festival to introduce all to free kayaking, canoeing, stand-up paddle boarding and a plethora of fun environmental activities! Fish net seining, yoga, activities for kids and family, interactive drumming sessions, fun recycle art activities, free food, music and more! Hosted by: Yonkers Paddling & Rowing Club: www.yprc.org Beczak Environmental Education Center: www.beczak.org Sarah Lawrence Center for the Urban River: www.centerfortheurbanriver.org Hudson River Riders: www.hudsonriverriders.org. Reserve a free spot.

Family Fun:

June 3 & 4, 10 & 11, 17 & 18, 24 & 25 (Poughkeepsie) Fairy House Hunt at Locus Grove Estate. 10 AM – 3 PM. Fly on over for a wonderful scavenger hunt for fabulous, one-of-a-kind fairy houses hidden among the blooming flowers and historic trees at Locust Grove! Find your favorite hovels and some new abodes, as well! Don’t miss this beloved annual family event. Wear your favorite pair of wings or buy some in our Museum Shop when you arrive! Timed entrance tickets guarantee lots of space for everyone! Sponsored by Bonita Ritter/Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Hudson Valley and Sweet Frog Poughkeepsie! $10/person, Free for children under 4.

June 3, 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, 25 (South Salem) Wolves of North America at the Wolf Conservation Center. Sessions at 11 AM – 12:30 PM AND/OR 2 PM – 3:30 PM, depending on the date. Learn about the mythology, biology and ecology of wolf families and discover why it’s a special time for packs in North America. Whether the wolves are living on the Arctic tundra or the woodlands of the southwest, wolf families are out searching for prey as they care for their new pups! Guests will visit Ambassador Wolves Alawa and Nikai as well as potentially behold the WCC’s critically endangered red wolves and Mexican gray wolves too. Pre-registration is required. $15/adults, $12/children under 12.

June 3 (Katonah) Morning Farm Chores at Muscoot Farm. 8:30 AM – 11 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.

June 4 (Katonah) Soundscapes at Caramoor. 12 PM. Open your ears and discover a world of fascinating sounds through our Sonic Innovations exhibition and live performances. Thereminist Dorit Chrysler performs and leads workshops on the world’s oldest electronic instrument. Jonny Allen interprets Iannis Xenakis’ multi-percussion piece Rebonds, as well as plays and jogs between nine suspended bells in excerpts of Tom Johnson’s Nine Bells. Be enthralled as pianist Conor Hanick “prepares” a grand piano by inserting bolts, screws, bits of rubber, and other items between the strings for John Cage’s complete Sonatas and Interludes. Meet the sound artists while you explore our innovative sound art collection and enjoy a deep sensory experience for the whole family. Free event. Check the site for the schedule of events/performers.

June 9 (Yonkers) Cooking Together with Gather Culinary at Cross County Center. 6:15 PM – 7:30 PM. Cross County Center and Chef Melanie Underwood from Gather Culinary, are hosting Summer Fest Family Cooking Workshops, on The Green, in the middle of Cross County Center. Workshops are fun, interactive and educational for families and children ages 5+. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Kids will have a blast, develop autonomy, and gain essential life skills while bonding with the family. These hands-on 45-minute sessions will inspire children to explore new ingredients and flavors and develop a lifelong healthy relationship with food. Each session will be geared to a different no-bake/cook theme. The class will teach kitchen safety, cooking techniques, how to read a recipe, as well as table setting and etiquette. Price is $30 per person and includes all supplies. Pre-registration is required. (Parents must accompany children – no drop-offs, please.)

June 10 (Katonah) Animal Interactions at Muscoot Farm. 10-11 AM. Enter one of Muscoot Farm’s enclosures where you will see, touch, and learn more about an animal of the farmer’s choice! Pre-registration is required; tickets are $25 per person; for ages 8+. Please meet at the Reception Center upon arrival with sturdy, closed-toe footwear.

June 11 (Katonah) Paint and Plant at Lasdon Park & Arboretum. 10 AM. Looking to spend some fun time with friends and family? You’ve come to the right place, it doesn’t matter if you can draw or not! Join Lasdon staff for a Paint and Plant workshop! Child Session. Children ages 6 and up can design and paint their own terracotta pot. Children will pot their very own plant and learn the proper way to care for your their new plant friend so that it grows happy and healthy. All supplies included. Light refreshments served. One parent may accompany a child to assist. Any siblings must have a paid ticket to attend, even if they are not participating. Be sure to wear old clothing, or an old oversized shirt. acrylic paint will stain. $20/person.

June 17 (Katonah) Create Your Own Dinosaur Garden at Lasdon Park & Arboretum. 10 AM -12 PM or 1:30 – 3:30 PM. Children 5 – 8 years old will love creating their very own miniature dinosaur landscape in a dish. The fun starts with an entertaining tour of the Lasdon Dinosaur Garden hosted with Parks Curator Gigi Carnes. Afterwards, children will create their own prehistoric garden using succulent plants and prehistoric creatures to make their miniature gardens come to life. Pre-registration required. (sorry, no walk-ins accepted). $15/person.

Session 1: 10 a.m. – noon
Session 2: 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.

June 18 (Katonah) Big Equipment Day at Muscoot Farm. 12 PM – 3 PM. Come learn all about the machines that help a farm. Get up close with tractors, mowers, and other equipment that do some of the biggest jobs here on the farm.

June 20 (Yonkers) Ridge Kids at Ridge Hill. Parents, mark your calendars for this monthly playdate experience designed to help kids expand their imaginations while engaging in themed games & more! Ridge Kids will take place the last Tuesday of each month from May to September and tickets will be required for each event.
Events take place 10 AM -12 PM.
Schedule and ticket information:
June 20th: Muse Paintbar
Show us your artistic skills with a guided painting class.

June 24 & 25 (Katonah) Civil War Soldier Experience at Lasdon Park & Arboretum. 10 AM – 3:30 PM. Battery “B” First Rhode Island Light Artillery is returns to Lasdon Park to run the Civil War Soldier Experience. Each 2 hour session will consist of a number of fun filled, yet educational activities, demonstrations and ending with the firing a real civil war cannon. Children will witness living history while learning about the life of civil war soldiers and their families. NEW THIS YEAR! Children will create and take home their very own “thaumatrope” also known as a spinning wonder. A 19th century optical illusion toy that is an early form of animation. All materials will be included.

Suggested for children ages 7 – 12. This program will be located out of doors, so children will need to come prepared to stay outside during the camp. Participants should bring water, snacks, bug spray, sunscreen, and wear comfortable clothing for outside activities. All children participating will receive a personalized certificate and Friends of Lasdon embroidered patch. $35/child.

SELECT ONE OF 4 SESSIONS:
Saturday, June 24
10 a.m. – 12 noon
1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Sunday, June 25
10 a.m. – 12 noon
1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

June 24 (Peekskill) 3rd Annual Peekskill Pride in the Park at Pugsley Park. 1 PM – 6 PM. Enjoy drag queen story time, drag performances, pet photo contest, music, vendors, craft activities, games and more.

June 29 (Yonkers) Movie Night at Ridge Hill. Kick back, relax and enjoy a movie night in the Town Square lawn! Film classics will be shown on our jumbo screen starting at sunset on the last Thursdays of the month from May to September.

Movie Schedule:

June 29th: Encanto
July 27th: Sonic the Hedgehog 2
August 31st: Thor: Love and Thunder
September 28th: Ghostbusters: Afterlife

Event Information:

Seating is first come, first serve. Lawn chairs are prohibited on the Town Square grass area but attendees are encouraged to bring additional blankets for seating.
This event is subject to cancellation due to weather. Cancellation notices will be posted on our social media (@shopridgehill) and website.

Live Music & Performances:

The Capitol Theatre: (Port Chester) June’s lineup includes: Daryl Hall and The Daryl’s House Band (June 7), Bad Friends with Andrew Santino & Bobby Lee (June 15), Straight Up with Stassi Live: The Mommy Dearest Tour (June 17), Les Claypool’s Fearless Flying Frog Brigade (June 23) and The Fab Faux (June 24). *Check the site for the full lineup.

Emelin Theatre: (Mamaroneck) This month’s lineup includes Spaga Plays Dead(June 1), Rock Hearts (June 2), Iris Dement (June 8), Broadway’s Santino Fontana (June 9), Rachel Feinstein & Liz Miele (June 10), Sypro Gyra (June 21) and Laurel Canyon (June 23). *Check the site for the full lineup

Paramount Hudson Valley: (Peekskill) June’s lineup includes: Presley, Perkins, Lewis & Cash (June 9), Billy Bob Thornton and the Boxmasters (June 23). *Check the site for the full lineup

Tarrytown Music Hall: (Tarrytown) June’s lineup includes: Tusk – the World’s #1 Fleetwood Mac Tribute (June 2), Leonid & Friends – The World’s Best Chicago Tribute (June 11), The Fab Four – The Ultimate Beatles’ Tribute (June 17), Aimee Mann (June 21) and Eaglemania – The World’s Greatest Eagle Tribute Band (June 23). *Check the site for the full lineup

June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 (Yonkers) Music on the Hill at Ridge Hill. Start your weekends unwinding with live musical performances in the Fountain Plaza every Friday from May to September.
June Schedule:
June 2nd: The Live Experience – Glorious
June 9th: Seeing Red Band NY
June 16th: Dueling Pianos
June 23rd: The Westchester Center for Jazz
June 30th: Ariacne Trujillo Cuban Quartet

Event Information:

Seating is first come, first served. 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.

June 2 (Mahopac) What a Fool Believes – A Doobie Brothers Experience at Putnam Golf Course. 6:30 PM – 10:30 PM. Always delivering a high-energy, high-level performance, WHAT A FOOL BELIEVES – A Doobie Brothers Experience performs the full range of DOOBIE BROTHERS top hits, including some of the most complex and challenging songs performed for live audiences. Comprised of some of the best musicians and performers in the industry, WHAT A FOOL BELIEVES also introduces Sean Byrne, a world-class vocalist who is no stranger to commanding the stage. WHAT A FOOL BELIEVES – A Doobie Brothers Experience consistently delivers a remarkable show that will exceed your expectations! This is an outdoor event. Ticket includes BBQ buffet dinner and the show. Doors open at 6:30 PM. Dinner is served until 8 PM. Show takes place 8-10:30 PM. Cash bar available throughout the evening. Tickets: $36.85.

June 2 (Bedford) First Fridays: Gerard Carelli at the Bedford Playhouse. 6:30 PM. Free Event. Trombonist, singer, bandleader and former member of Ray Charles & Hector Lavoe’s Orchestras, Gerard Carelli has been fronting his own groups for more than 3 decades. They’ve entertained at galas for Caramoor, Katonah & Neuberger Museums, Lincoln Center’s Film Society and Midsummer Night Swing and at every private club and hotel in the city.

June 3 (Brewster) The Purple Xperience at Tilly Foster Farm. The Purple Xperience is a five-piece group hailing from Prince’s birthplace, Minneapolis, MN. They have been touring around the country since its inception in 2011 by Dr. Fink and front-man Marshall Charloff – bringing the greatest and most authentic production of Prince and The Revolution in the world to audiences of all generations. Since 2011 Purple Xperience has entertained well over 300 thousand fans and has shared the bill with The Time, Cameo, Fetty Wap, Gin Blossoms, Atlanta Rhythm section, and Cheap Trick. Doors open 6:30 pm. Showtime with intermission 8:00 pm-10:30 pm. Concessions will be available to purchase food throughout the evening. Cash bar.$30 + tax/general admission, $75 + tax VIP seating. $10/parking. It is recommend that you bring your own chairs and blankets. No outside food and beverages. Rain or shine event – no refunds.

June 9 (Mahopac) The Zoo at Putnam Golf Course. 6:30 PM – 10:30 PM. The Zoo has skyrocketed in popularity has been highlighted by an appearance on TRL (Total Request Live) hosted by Carson Daly, as well as appearances on MTV’s Ultimate Cover Band contest, the latter of which culminated in The Zoo reaching the prize winners’ platform. This is an outdoor event. Please bring blankets and chairs. Ticket includes BBQ buffet dinner and the show. Doors open at 6:30 PM. Dinner is served until 8 PM. Show takes place 8-10:30 PM. Cash bar available throughout the evening. Tickets: $36.85.

June 11 (Ossining) Beginner’s Ear: Nature and Music at Teatown. 10 AM – 11 AM. Join us for an outdoor concert and meditation at the serene Teatown Boat House on the Lakeside Trail. Tune your ear to nature with a short guided meditation, followed by a violin performance by Michelle Ross.

Michelle Ross is a violinist, composer and improviser of uncommon gifts and deep curiosity. A protégée of the legendary Itzhak Perlman, she has performed as guest concertmaster with a stellar range of ensembles including the Orchestre de Paris, the London Symphony Orchestra and the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, and toured as guest first violinist with the Juilliard String Quartet. She appeared on Jon Batiste’s Grammy-winning album “We Are.” For this outdoor music meditation, Michelle will draw on music from her debut album “Discovering Bach” as well as her own compositions. $20/members, $25/non-members

June 16 (Mahopac) Disco Night with Boogie Wonder Band at Putnam Golf Course. 6:30 PM – 10:30 PM. Transport yourself back to the era of chiffon dresses, polyester pants, and platform shoes and to some of the best music and vocalists ever to become part of the American music culture. This is an outdoor event. Please bring blankets and chairs. Ticket includes BBQ buffet dinner and the show. Doors open at 6:30 PM. Dinner is served until 8 PM. Show takes place 8-10:30 PM. Cash bar available throughout the evening. Tickets: $36.85.

June 21 and 28 (Yonkers) Live Music on the Green at the Cross County Center. 6:30 PM – 8 PM. Free.
6/21: The Wood Vibrations
6/28: FDR Drive Band

SHOP:

June 4, 11, 18, 25 (Katonah) Muscoot Farm’s Farmers Market – 9:30 AM -2:30 PM Muscoot’s weekly Farmers Market supports farmers and sustainable efforts in our area, featuring over 20 local vendors each week. Every Sunday until November 19th.

June 4, 11, 18, 25 (Peekskill) Peekskill Flea Market on Bank Street. 8 AM – 4 PM. Find antiques, used, collectible and handmade items.

June 10-11 (Cold Spring) Modern Makers Market at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church. Over 50 artisans, designers, and makers will be showcasing their handcrafted items. 11 AM – 5 PM. Free admission. Rain or shine event.

June 17 (Stormville) Family Yard Sale at the Stormville Flea Market. 9 AM – 3 PM. Free admission and parking. Rain or shine.

Five on Friday {5-26-23}

Posted on May 26, 2023 by nyfoodiefamily@gmail.com

Happy Memorial Day Weekend! I am excited for a long, four-day weekend. Here are five from this week.

1. Historic Peekskill Waterfront Art & Music Festival – Even though it was rainy Saturday, we ventured into Peekskill to check out the art and musical festival taking place. I cannot wait to see the finished mural that was being worked on during the event. It’s a Wizard of Oz/Peekskill mashup. This is only a small section of the building long mural.

2. Reading – This week I finished reading Life in Five Senses by Gretchen Rubin. I always find her research and self experiments interesting. However, The Happiness Project is still my favorite.

3. Cooking – This week’s menu included these Falafel Pitas, using Trader Joe’s falafel mix and Tzatziki dip. We also made Peanut Tofu Bowls, Spaghetti and Beyond Meatballs and an Asian curry, using an Ottogi packet we bought from HMart (similar to the one I linked to, but not a 3-minute curry).

4. Watching – My husband and I finished watching the series, The Last Thing He Told Me. From what I remember of the book, I think it followed it pretty closely and was well done.

5. Eating – I picked up a pint of Haagen-Dazs Black & White Cookies ice cream. I love me a good black & white cookie, but to me, this ice cream wasn’t worth the calories. So far, my favorite Haagen-Dazs flavors are the Matcha Green Tea and the Pineapple Coconut.

However, I do recommend this Everything and the Elote dip from Trader Joe’s. I dipped tortilla chips in this dip and it was delicious!

6. Puzzle – I finished this White Mountain “Words of Wisdom” puzzle in only a couple of hours over the weekend. It was rainy and the perfect time to work on it.

7. Union Church of Pocantico Hills – Last weekend we enjoyed a tour of the Union Church of Pocantico Hills. This is a historic landmark with windows created by Matisse and Chagall. Although the tour was short, the guide was very informative and I enjoyed learning more about Chagall and his work on the stained glass windows. Pictures don’t do the windows justice and the tour guide pointed out details in the work that I would have never noticed on my own.

8. NYSSMA – Friday night both of my teens participated in NYSSMA (New York State School Music Association). They both performed solos in front of a judge for a graded performance evaluation. After their performances I took them out for celebratory ice cream. We visited Joe’s Dairy Bar for the first time. My son enjoyed this raspberry milk shake and my daughter had a Dole pineapple soft serve. They got their scores back this week and they both scored extremely well!

Sharing with Friday Favorites! Have a great weekend!

Five on Friday {May 19, 2023}

Posted on May 19, 2023 by nyfoodiefamily@gmail.com

Happy Friday! Another week has flown by! Things will hopefully slow down as the end of the school year approaches. Here are five from this week.

1.Mother’s Day– it was a rare occasion that my daughter didn’t have to work and both kids were home. So, I requested that we go on a Mother’s Day family hike at the Sam’s Point Area of Minnewaska State Park.

The ice caves are currently closed, but we enjoyed some spectacular views and a nice leisurely loop hike/walk around Lake Maratanza.

2. Reading – This week I finished reading The Housemaid by Freida McFadden. This was a 2022 Goodreads Nominee for Best Mystery & Thriller, so I knew it was going to be good.

I also finished Happy Place by Emily Henry. This is her newest release and it was a quick, enjoyable read. I didn’t love it as much as Book Lovers or Beach Read, but she’s become a favorite author and I’ll read anything she writes.

3. Cooking – This week’s menu included Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta (I used Impossible Chicken tenders instead of cooking chicken breasts), Buffalo Ranch Tofu Wraps, 20 Minute Vegan Eggroll in a Bowl, Migas Breakfast Tacos and homemade pizza.

4. Watching – Saturday night my husband and I watched Nope (Amazon)….or more like he watched it and I fell asleep halfway through! We haven’t watched a movie in ages and this is why! I’m usually too tired to stay awake! We are still enjoying our Friday night viewings of the newest episodes of The Last Thing He Told Me and Ted Lasso (both on Apple TV+).

5. Eating – This Eggplant Club Sandwich from A&S Deli.

Mother’s Day, after our hike, we went to Mountain Brauhaus in Gardiner. This is a German restaurant, which is often meat heavy cuisine, but they had some great vegetarian options. My husband’s Roasted Polenta & Spargel (White Asparagus) with Fiddlehead Ferns, locally foraged Ramps, blistered Cherry Tomatoes, and local Blue Oyster & Phoenix Mushrooms in a Sherry ‘Cream’ Sauce was one of our favorites. Check out my Instagram reel to see all of the delicious things we ate!

6. Puzzle – This week I finished this 1,000 piece White Mountain “The Movies” puzzle. I’ve done this puzzle before, but I enjoy working on puzzles that I’ve already done if enough time has passed.

Sharing with Friday Favorites! Have a great weekend!

Five on Friday {May 12, 2023}

Posted on May 12, 2023 by nyfoodiefamily@gmail.com

Hello Friday! This week was a relatively relaxing week and the weather was beautiful, so I can’t complain! I hope all of the moms out there have a wonderful Mother’s Day this Sunday! Here are five from this week.

1.Time Mission – Saturday night we went back to time Mission at the Palisades Mall. The first time we visited, only 16 of the 32 rooms were finished. We returned Saturday and all of the rooms were open, like the one pictured above, which was new to us. We took my daughter and her boyfriend with us, since it’s better with more than two people and we had a fun time. You can read more about our experience at Time Mission here.

After Time Mission, we ate dinner at Yard House, where I enjoyed an order of Fish & Chips. It was late, like 9:30 PM late, and one of the few restaurants in the mall that was still open. We were impressed by the number of dishes, where you could substitute Gardein chicken and all the food we ordered was really good!

2. Reading – This week I finished reading All That Is Mine I Carry With Me by William Landay. I gave this suspense/mystery 3 stars on Goodreads. I had previously read Defending Jacob by the author and really enjoyed it, so I got this book, not knowing anything about it. Overall, it was just a meh read for me.

3. Cooking – This week’s menu included Fajita Veggie Bowls, Healthier Homemade Hamburger Helper (using Beyond Beef crumbles), Crispy Orange Tofu with rice and roasted broccoli, Beyond Burgers with fries and homemade pizza.

4. Innisfree Garden – Sunday, I ended up taking a solo trip to the Innisfree Garden in Millbrook. I’m not sure why it’s taken me so long to visit this garden. It is so beautiful!! I have a bunch of photos that I’ll share in an upcoming post.

5. Online Things:

This made me laugh!

And this I found one so relatable!

ICYMI this week on the blog:

Tuesday I posted about the Hudson Valley Summer Arts Pass.

Sharing with Friday Favorites! Have a great weekend!

2023 Hudson Valley Summer Arts Pass

Posted on May 9, 2023 by nyfoodiefamily@gmail.com

From museums and art galleries to film, live music and performances, the Hudson Valley is rich with local arts. The long, light-filled, relaxing days of summer are the perfect time to immerse yourself in outdoor concerts and theatre and to explore all that the Hudson Valley has to offer. For a limited time, five local organizations have partnered together to offer a Hudson Valley Summer Arts Pass for only $185, which covers a ton of summer fun for two people! This pass has a value of over $400, if all of the tickets were purchased separately. This includes experiences at the Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts, Historic Hudson Valley, Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival, the Jacob Burns Film Center and Storm King Art Center.

I just bought my Hudson Valley Summer Arts Pass and I’m looking forward to visiting several new-to-me venues. It’s very easy to purchase. Simply visit any of organization websites (or click here) and use the link. Once purchased, you will receive an email from each organization with information on obtaining/booking tickets. The Jacob Burns Film Center mailed the tickets and snack vouchers to my house.

This pass is available only until May 31, 2023 so purchase your pass while you can! Your Hudson Valley Summer Arts Pass includes:

Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts (Katonah, New York)
The Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts is an estate that was once owned by Walter and Lucie Rosen. Today, visitors can tour the mansion, enjoy an afternoon tea service, or enjoy one of the many musical concerts performed in the Music Room or, during the warmer months, one of the outdoor venues.

The pass includes two tickets to a concert of your choice (an $80+ value) in one of Caramoor’s open-air venues. Tickets will be emailed to you within one week of your performance.
Promotion expires 8/18/23. Only valid for events in Caramoor’s summer season. Some exclusions apply.

Historic Hudson Valley (Sleepy Hollow, New York)
Historic Hudson Valley is a not-for-profit education organization, comprised of five historic sites: Washington Irving’s Sunnyside, Union Church of Pocantico Hills, Philipsburg Manor, Van Cortlandt Manor and Kykuit, The Rockefeller Estate.

The pass includes two tickets for three historic site tours (Washington Irving’s Sunnyside, Union Church of Pocantico Hills and Philipsburg Manor). Tours can be reserved online 48 hours after purchase of your pass. An email with instructions will be sent after purchase.
Promotion expires 9/10/23. Not valid for tours of Kykuit, the Rockefeller estate or any special events.

Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival (Garrison, New York)
The Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival is a professional, non-profit theater company that has been performing since 1987. Performances take place in an outdoor, open-air Theater Tent, with views of the Hudson River. This season’s productions include Henry V, Love’s Labor’s Lost and Penelope.

The pass includes two tickets to a weekday performance of your choice. Tickets will be emailed within one week of your performance.
Promotion expires 9/17/23. Some exclusions apply.

Jacob Burns Film Center (Pleasantville, New York)
The Jacob Burns Film Center houses five movie screens and welcomes over 200,000 visitors each year. This non-profit is located in Pleasantville, New York and hosts films, special events, visiting artists and more.

The pass includes four tickets to any regular screening and two coupons for free popcorn and soda. Your tickets and coupons will be mailed within 10 days of purchase.
Promotion expires 8/31/23. Special events are not included in the offer.

Storm King Art Center (New Windsor, New York)
The pass includes admission for two on the day of your choice. Tickets may be redeemed as a two-person vehicle with parking or a pair of Storm King Shuttle tickets from Beacon Metro-North station (Sat-Sun visits only). You will receive an email from Storm King with a link to request your tickets.

Promotion expires 8/31/23. Some exclusions apply.

The Hudson Valley Summer Arts Pass is an amazing deal and a great way to enjoy some art, history and culture throughout the region this summer!

You may also enjoy checking out:

May Events in Westchester County

13 Things to do at Bear Mountain State Park

Five on Friday {May 5, 2023}

Posted on May 5, 2023 by nyfoodiefamily@gmail.com

Hello Friday! This week was super busy and flew by, but I’m still happy it’s the weekend! Here are five from this week.

1.Birthday Celebration – Saturday we were finally able to celebrate my daughter’s mid-April birthday with family. We got to see my 18 month old niece, which was such a treat!

2. Reading – This week I read Amy & Roger’s Epic Detour by Morgan Matson. Two teens are driving a car across the country and end up taking some detours off the scheduled route. I haven’t read a YA book in awhile and this was a good one. I’ve only read one of Matson’s other books, The Unexpected Everything which I really liked too.

3. Cooking – This week’s menu included these Crispy Smashed Chickpea Tortilla Wraps, Buffalo Tofu Couscous, Vegetarian Baked Ziti, and Pierogies.

We made this entire spread for the family party.

I also enjoyed this Orzo Salad with Grapes for lunch this week.

4. Watching – Saturday night we saw our high school’s production of Something Rotten. My son is a stage manager-in-training for stage crew and between the track team and the musical was not getting home until 10 PM the past two weeks! It was an amazing show and even though we have a small high school, they have a lot of talented kids!

5. National Honor Society – Wednesday night my daughter was inducted into the high school National Honor Society. She’s been working so hard throughout high school and this is a wonderful testament to all the effort that she’s put into her studies.

6. Rainbow – I went to Pilates this week at my gym and when I walked out after the class I was greeted with this rainbow!

7. Going to Bed – Sleep is always a favorite. But a recent bedtime favorite has been two of our three cats joining me for bedtime. Every night pretty much looks like this with one cat sleeping on my stomach and other by my feet!

8. Track Meet – We finished up a busy week with my son’s track meet last night. It was their senior night, where they celebrated the graduating seniors on the team.

Sharing with Friday Favorites! Have a great weekend!

Check out some recent posts:

May Events in Westchester County

13 Things to Do at Bear Mountain State Park