By Colette Connolly
The Lower Westchester area might not hug the coast as is the case with Westchester’s Sound Shore communities, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun in its towns and cities during the lazy, hazy days of summer.
If you’re looking for fun activities to keep you busy over a weekend, you’ll find that there’s a lot to offer in Bronxville, Mount Vernon, Tuckahoe, and Yonkers.
Here is a look at the kinds of activities that you can do in each. Be sure to read to the end of this article for our favorite picks on where to eat, shop and relax in Lower Westchester.
Bronxville
This is perhaps Lower Westchester’s most walkable community, a charming village that includes lots of shops, restaurants, and the opportunity to veer off into nearby woodland trails.
Summer is the ideal time to enjoy Bronxville. Here are some ways you can do that.
Summer Concerts – the Bronxville Chamber of Commerce puts on several outdoor concerts that everyone can enjoy as part of its Bronxville Summer Concert Series. Concerts will be held July 21st, August 25th and September 15th. They are usually held on the Bronxville School grounds. Be sure to bring a chair and/or a blanket and enjoy!
Farmer’s Market – like other communities across Westchester, Bronxville holds a farmer’s market every Saturday morning during the summer months that supports local farmers and food artisans. The market (which is open through Thanksgiving) begins at 8 a.m. and closes at 1:30 p.m. You’ll find a wide variety of organic produce, cheese, breads, oils, and other goodies at the market each weekend.
Bronx River Pathway – if strolling around the village isn’t enough for you, how about taking a walk on the popular Bronx River Pathway? A footbridge at the beginning of the trail in Bronxville was destroyed last year due to heavy rains from Hurricane Ida. County government officials announced that it is being fully replaced, making the looped 1-mile walk around Bronxville Lake the perfect way to spend an afternoon.
Bronxville Library – if you’re looking for some quiet time during your visit to Bronxville, you’ll find it at the Bronxville Library, a Georgian-inspired building that was officially opened in 1942. The interior includes pine paneling, oriental rugs, comfortable chairs, and attractive draperies, all making it feel like a home instead of a public space. It also includes a children’s room upstairs.
Mount Vernon
Visitors to Lower Westchester will find that the City of Mount Vernon offers a lot, including open spaces and an important national historic site.
Here are some of the activities you can enjoy this summer.
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St. Paul’s Church – located on the city’s south side, this National Historic Site was once a temporary military hospital during the Revolutionary War. Learn more about the church bell, which was designed by the same foundry that cast the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia and other cool facts by taking a guided tour. Visit recreation.gov/ticket/facility/10088445 to make a reservation.
Wilson’s Woods Park – enjoy fishing, swimming, hiking, and picnicking all within this beautiful park, one of Westchester County’s oldest public spaces.
The focal point of the park is its swimming pool, which is surrounded by a beautiful old bathhouse circa 1928. A popular activity for kids is the Wilson’s Waves Waterpark. It includes an 18-foot water slide and the chance to surf on simulated waves. Wander through cascades and fountains in the water playground or just relax by the spray deck.
Be sure to show your New York State driver’s license or park pass at the gate. Park pass holders pay $8; others pay $15.
The Ice Hutch – while skating might not seem like the ideal activity for a summer weekend activity, there’s no place like it to escape the heat. The Ice Hutch is open year-round. Once inside you’ll spot the dozens of life-sized cardboard cutouts featuring everyone from Princess Diana to former Yankee Hideki Matsui.
Tuckahoe
When vast amounts of marble were found in Tuckahoe during the early 19th century, it put the sleepy little village on the map. The stone would later be used to construct many buildings, including what are now some of the region’s most beautiful homes, as well as St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City.
Here are some things you can do in Tuckahoe:
The Westchester Italian Cultural Center – this popular center located in the Generoso Pope Foundation building in Tuckahoe’s Depot Square offers a lot for anyone interested in Italian heritage, including exhibits of various artists, sculptors, and scientists, as well as language classes, films, lectures, concerts, culinary and wine tastings. Upcoming events include its Limoncello Night on June 25th and its Ricotta Gnocchi Cooking Class on July 20th. Visit wiccny.org/events for more information.
Tuckahoe Trolley – take a step back in time by taking the Tuckahoe Trolley, which was donated to the village by The Generoso Pope Foundation. The trolley runs on Fridays only from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., making several stops throughout the village. Call 914-961-3100 for a schedule of times.
Farmer’s Market – you’ll find fresh produce and other organic products at the village’s farmer’s market, open every Sunday throughout the summer in Depot Square, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Yonkers
The state’s third most populous city is blessed to be on the Hudson River shoreline. As a result, there’s plenty to enjoy in the downtown area, which is closest to the river.
Below are some of the activities you shouldn’t miss while you’re spending the weekend in Lower Westchester.
The Hudson River Museum – located on the banks of the Hudson River, the museum was founded in 1919 as a place to display works of art. Today, you can still see an array of artwork in several rotating exhibitions. The museum also houses a planetarium and on the grounds is its prized treasure, Glenview, an 1877 Gilded Age home listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Tours of the house are available on Thursdays and Fridays at 1 p.m. and on Saturdays and Sundays at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Find out more at hrm.org/
The Untermeyer Gardens Conservancy – set on 43 acres overlooking the Hudson River, this historic park is a remnant of Samuel Untermyer’s “Greystone.” While the house has long been demolished, there’s plenty more to enjoy here, including the park’s walled Indo-Persian styled garden, a small Grecian-style amphitheater, a rock-and-water construction called The Temple of Love, as well as fabulous views of the river and the Palisades from the park’s Overlook. Guided tours are offered on Sundays from April through October. You must purchase a ticket in advance by visiting untermyergardens.org/tours-242898-541140.html. Private tours are also available.
Legoland Discovery Center, Ridge Hill – if you have little ones, no visit to Lower Westchester is complete without visiting the Legoland Discovery Center in the Ridge Hill Shopping Center. The attraction includes Lego rides, a play area, a 4D cinema, and a gift shop. Visit the Legoland website for opening times and to purchase tickets – legolanddiscoverycenter.com/westchester/plan-your-day/before-you-visit/opening-times
Monster Mini Golf – mini golf, bowling, a laser maze, a virtual reality space, and other fun stuff all make this a great place to spend a few hours with the kids. Located in the Ridge Hill Shopping Center. monsterminigolf.com/yonkers
Tibbets Brook Park – this 161-acre park includes a swimming pool surrounded by a Tudor-revival style bathhouse, with two pavilions on either side, in addition to woodland walking trails, lakes, playing fields and more. The park also includes a new fitness area for visitors aged 14 and up. You must show your park pass or your New York State driver’s license to gain entry. Admission is $10 without a park pass; $5 with a pass. parks.westchestergov.com/tibbetts-brook-park
Grabbing a Bite in Lower Westchester
There’s a wide variety of restaurants and other eateries in Lower Westchester. Below you’ll find some of our favorites.
- Xaviars on the Hudson, 71 Grant Water Street, Yonkers – this waterfront restaurant is popular among Yonkers residents and visitors to the area. Offers a variety of cuisines, including French, Italian, Spanish and Asian. Great views south to New York City. xaviars.com
- Rosie’s Bistro Italiano, 10 Palmer Avenue, Bronxville – eat inside the restaurant or dine in the tent across the street and savor the excellent Italian cuisine Rosie’s continues to serve up time after time. rosiesbronxville.com
- Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana, 1955 Central Avenue, Yonkers – part of well-loved pizza chain, this is a great spot for pizza in a casual setting. Also offers a takeout service. pepespizzeria.com/all-locations
- The Bayou, 580 Gramatan Avenue, Mt. Vernon – if you’re a lover of Cajun food, head to this popular restaurant where you’ll find an array of delicious Cajun fare. Enjoy a beer and some live music while you dine. bayourestaurantny.com/
- Angelina’s, 97 Lake Avenue, Tuckahoe – a firm favorite for anyone looking for authentic Italian cuisine. This family-owned business offers a pre fixe dinner menu Monday through Thursday each week. angelinasoftuckahoe.com
- La Lanterna Restaurant and Beer Garden, 23 Gray Oaks Avenue, Yonkers – voted the best for fine dining, al fresco dining and the “Most Romantic Restaurant in Yonkers,” this cozy eatery serves up delicious Italian favorites. lalanterna.com
- Spice Village 8 Columbus Avenue, Tuckahoe – enjoy a rich variety of Indian dishes at this Tuckahoe favorite. Takeout also available. spicevillageny.com/home
- Underhills Crossing, 74 ½ Pondfield Road, Bronxville – enjoy lunch or dinner at this buzzing restaurant that promises “a Manhattan dining experience in Bronxville.” underhillscrossing.com
- Dolphin Restaurant, 1 Van Der Dock Street, Yonkers – located in an amazing waterfront location, enjoy Mediterranean seafood dishes at this Yonkers favorite. dolphinrbl.com
- Taquerio Taco Bar, 1 Van Der Dock Street, Yonkers – enjoy a taco along with a delicious Margarita or any of the other cocktails available at this popular eatery. taquerio.com/Default.aspx
- Mickey Spillane’s Restaurant & Rooftop Bar, 571 Gramatan Avenue, Mt. Vernon – a popular Irish American sports bar serving up Irish and American grub with a wide selection of draft beers. Enjoy its rooftop bar during the summer months. maggiespillanes.com
- Rio Bravo Taco and Tequila, 296 Columbus Avenue, Tuckahoe. Expect Mexican cuisine packed with exceptional flavor at this popular restaurant, as well as an array of daily specials. riobravotuckahoe.com
- Off the Hook of Yonkers, 47 North Broadway, Yonkers –fried fish dishes common in the American South are served up here, together with an array of sides, including candied yams, coleslaw, collard greens, macaroni and cheese, and black-eyed peas. off-the-hook-of-yonkers.square.site
- Pete’s Park Place Tavern, 18-20 Park Place, Bronxville – a perennial favorite, this casual restaurant serves up the best in comfort food, including its famous chicken wings. petesofbronxville.com
- Lincoln Barbecue, 68 West Lincoln Avenue, Mt. Vernon – a popular Brazilian restaurant serving terrific chicken, pork, and fish. lincolnbbqgazebo.com
- The Yard House, 237 Market Street, Yonkers – located in the Ridge Hill Shopping Center, this popular restaurant and bar serves up modern American fare. You’ll find a big selection of craft and imported beers at The Yard House. yardhouse.com/home
In addition to the above-named restaurants, here are some other great places to eat in the Lower Westchester area:
- Urban Hamlet, 124 Pondfield Avenue, Bronxville; theurbanhamlet.com
- Joe’s Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria, 9 Broad Street, Mt. Vernon; joesfleetwoodpizza.com
- Tuck’d Away Bar & Grill, 90 Yonkers Avenue, Tuckahoe; tuckedaway90.com
- Burke’s Restaurant & Bar, 645 Bronx River Road, Yonkers; burkesbar.com
- Scalini Osteria, 65 Pondfield Road, Bronxville; scaliniosteria.com
- Longhorn Steakhouse, 9055 Xavier Drive, Yonkers (at the Cross County Shopping Center); longhornsteakhouse.com/home
- Valentina’s Ristorante, 546 Gramatan Avenue, Mt. Vernon; valentinasristorante.com
- Il Bacio Trattoria, 1 Park Place, Bronxville; ilbaciotrattoria.com
- The Burrito Publano, 85 Main Street, Tuckahoe; theburritopoblano.com
- Louie & Johnnie’s Ristorante Primavera, 887 Yonkers Avenue, Yonkers; louieandjohnnies.com
- Yoshina Asian Fusion, 562 Gramatan Avenue, Mt. Vernon; yoshinoasianfusion.com
- JC Fogarty’s, 60 Kraft Avenue, Bronxville; jcfogartys.com
- Slave to the Grind, 58 Pondfield Road, Bronxville; facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057426908997
- Lange’s Deli, 94 Pondfield Road, Bronxville; langesofbronxville.com
Where to Go Shopping in Lower Westchester
- Mano a Mano, 81 Pondfield Road, Bronxville – a charming little store in the heart of Bronxville where you can find all sorts of gifts, including lots of fashion jewelry. facebook.com/MANO-A-MANO-150696944964443
- Womrath Bookshop, 76 Pondfield Road, Bronxville – browse the many titles available in this great bookstore for adults, teens, and kids. Seating available to sit and relax. womrathbooks.com
- Antiques & Consignments on Square, 4 Depot Square, Tuckahoe – you’ll find high-end designer clothing, handbags, shoes, furs, and other accessories, all at discounted prices at this popular consignment store. consignonthesquare.com
- Anna’s Attic Irish Gift Shop, 952 McClean Avenue, Yonkers – a nice selection of Irish-themed gifts at this small store in this popular Irish community, including jewelry, traditional Irish caps, car visors, rosary beads, key chains and so much more. facebook.com/Annas-attic-Irish-gift-shop-197873853756662
- The Silk Road, 101 Pondfield Road, Bronxville – find gifts for the home, accessories, clothing, jewelry and more at this great Bronxville store. thesilkroadny.com
- Candy Rox, 66 Pondfield Road, Bronxville – a one-of-a-kind candy store in Bronxville that can be turned into cool gifts for the candy lover. candyrox.com
- Bronxville Wines & Spirits, 98 Pondfield Road, Bronxville – join a tasting and then purchase a bottle of wine at this popular wine store in Bronxville. To reserve, call 914-337-5090. com
- Pandora, 8000 Mall Walk, Yonkers (Cross County Shopping Center) & 168 Market Street, Yonkers (Ridge Hill Shopping Center) – choose from a wide variety of charm bracelets and other jewelry, as well as gifts from this popular store in two Yonkers locations. us.pandora.net
- Cross County Shopping Center, 8000 Mall Walk, Yonkers, and Ridge Hill Shopping Center, 1 Ridge Hill Blvd., Yonkers – both outdoor malls offer a variety of shopping experiences for visitors to Lower Westchester. Both include boutiques, specialty stores, large chain stores, and restaurants.
Relax in Lower Westchester
- Posh Beauty Boutique, 118 Pondfield Road, Bronxville – experience the ultimate in relaxation at this centrally located Bronxville spa that offers body therapies and skincare. poshbronxville.com
- Hand & Stone Massage & Facial Spa, 8 Second Street, Yonkers (Ridge Hill Shopping Center) – avail of Swedish massage, deep tissue and sports massages at this Yonkers spa. handandstoneyonkers.com
- Relax Day Spa, 111 Lake Avenue, Tuckahoe – specializing in different types of deep tissue pain massage as well as a variety of beauty treatments. relaxdayspa.business.site
- Kerin MedSpa & Laser Center, 115 Main Street, Suite 305, Tuckahoe – avail of non-invasive and minimally-invasive anti-aging treatments at this Tuckahoe spa. Coolsculpting, injectables and more are also available. com
- Hair Dimensions, 850 Bronx River Road and 471 Tuckahoe Road, Yonkers, – stop by for hair and nail services, as well as skin treatments at this popular award-winning salon. hairdimensionsalons.com
- New Sage Nail & Spa, 52 Pondfield Road West, Bronxville – avail of a relaxing manicure or pedicure at this popular salon in Bronxville. Walk in or call 914-346-8120 for an appointment.
- Mai’s Nail Lounge, 2350 Central Park Avenue, Yonkers – expect classic and spa manicures and pedicures, as well as nail enhancement and waxing at Mai’s Nail Lounge. mainailny.com
- Bronxville Wellness Sanctuary, 14 Studio Arcade, Bronxville – feel like new after stopping into this Bronxville spa. Energy healing, therapeutic bodywork, lymphatic massage, and cupping are among the treatments that are offered. bronxvillewellness.com
- Skin Confident Beauty and Skin Spa, 1 Pondfield Road West, Suite 3B, Bronxville – advanced facial treatments will help you look your best. skinconfidentspa.com
- Princess Nail Salon, 625 Tuckahoe Road, #4, Yonkers – get your manicure or pedicure in this calming and relaxing environment in Tuckahoe. princess-nail-salon-yonkers.edan.io
If you find yourself in Lower Westchester this summer, be sure to check out our fun, helpful suggestions.
