28 WESTCHESTER GUEST MAGAZINE SPRING 2018 Great Outdoors Spring not only moves the soul, it calls us to join it, to bask in its warmth and beauty. And so, we flee the confines of home for our own renewal. Some just want to smell the roses or more to the point, witness spring’s birth by visiting the many floral gardens, available through the Garden Hill Conservancy. One Chappaqua tour stop features an incredible 13-acre garden of flowers. Others will head to Van Cortlandt Manor on one or more of the 20 evenings for a walk through LIGHTSCAPES, a nighttime festival of lights. You can even watch sheep shearing at the Sheep Shearing Day at Stone Barn Center at Pocantico Hills. If you love horses, you might want to head to the Old Salem Horse Show. Many will simply want to enjoy a visit to Rye Playland, Westchester’s own major amusement destination. And, of course, there is plenty to do for the physically active: hiking, some trails are even dog friendly; jogging races, such as the Westchester River Walk; or Spring in Westchester bike riding events, like Bicycle Sundays. Amateur astronomers won’t want to miss Astronomy Day at the Hudson River Museum. The museum also has a Kite Festival. The Fair Season Speaking of festivals, Westchester’s spring season is home to more fairs and festivals featuring more themes than one could possibly imagine. The White Plains Outdoor Arts Festival is a must-see for spring time visitors. Armonk will host the 42nd Annual Fol de Rol County Fair, featuring pet and car parades, games vendors and more. Harrison will once again host its Festa Italiana. The food alone is reason to stop by! The Tarrytown Craft, Food and Street Fair offers more than 90 vendors. Cortlandt Manor puts on their Mother Nature Spring Craft, Gift & Psychic Festival. And, of course, there are Farmers Markets too many to mention here, filled with succulent fruit, vegetables, pastries and goodies of all sorts. By Bob Maroon