Summer in Westchester
Summertime, and the living is easy; or so the song goes. Here in Westchester it is not so much easy as it is spectacular. The foliage is in full bloom, the lakes and streams are fresh with fish, jumping or not, and ready for water sports from water skiing to wave running. There are all kinds festivals and activities. Westchester County offers free Movies Under the Stars, outdoors at Kensico Dam Plaza, while musical events will take place from Pelham to Salem. Playland is open for the season, and don’t forget Rye Beach, a feature of Playland, that also stands by itself as a summertime destination.
If you like fireworks, there will be no shortage of these fantastic shows throughout the county before, after and on the Fourth Of July.
There is lots to do indoors, too. You might want to stop by the Jacob Burns Film Center in Pleasantville, or maybe the Katonah Art Museum. Speaking of museums, there is also Neuberger Museum at Purchase College, and the Hudson Valley Center for Contemporary Art in Peekskill. Yonkers features the Hudson River Museum.
The Kids would certainly enjoy Fun Fusion in New Rochelle (Adults too), or Lego Land in White Plains. They might also enjoy Rockin Jump at Ridge Hill or Grand Prix Racing and the Spin Bowl in Mt. Kisco.
If you think there are no exciting activities for adults, think again. I Fly at Ridge Hill will let you feel what it’s like to float on a cushion of air, or jump out of an airplane.
Westchester is such an historic place, you won’t want to miss some of the houses and other locations from our rich past. There is the Historic Hudson Valley site at Pocantico Hills, John Jay’s Homestead in Bedford, or Lyndhurst in Tarrytown.
And as you might expect, there is lots of biking, hiking, swimming and beach going right here in Westchester. As we have said so many times, it is all right here.
You can find it right here, inside, as well, the times, places and contact information, in Westchester Guest Magazine.
The Great Outdoors
Cool lakes, plush forests and fun things to do capture only a fraction of what Westchester offers to summer visitors. From the Sound Shore, whether in Rye, Mamaroneck or New Rochelle, where you can enjoy beaches and boating; to the green lawns of Kensico Dam Plaza, host to movies and festivals; Westchester waits for you. So too do the bike paths, hiking trails, as well as county and local parks, where you can picnic or, well, go fly a kite.
Historic Places
Westchester is an historic place. If you don’t believe it, think again. Presidents Washington and Lincoln, just to name two, spoke from the steps of St. Paul’s Church, now a national historic site and cemetery in Mount Vernon, where many colonial and civil war figures are laid to rest. John Jay’s Homestead in Pocantico Hills is also open for visitors. Did you know that Benedict Arnold fled to the HMS Vulture, only a stone’s throw from Bear Mountain? General George Washington was on his way from his headquarters in White Plains.
Museums
Some folks love the summer but not the heat. Others combine their outdoor fun with indoor activities. Westchester offers plenty, particularly in the way of museums. For those struck between indoor and outdoor rituals, you may want to check out the Hudson River Museum. Others might want to visit the Katonah Art Museum or the Jacob Burns Film Center. Check inside for a listing.
Fun for the Whole Family
For starters, the whole family will enjoy the historic Rye Playland/Rye Beach destination. Rides, Ice Skating, Miniature Golf are just a few of the attractions. Over on the beach side, enjoy the Boardwalk or the Seaside Restaurants. Take the young ones to Lego Land or the whole crew to Fun-Fusion in New Rochelle or Rockin-Jump at Ridge Hill. And for the adventurer in all of us, visit the I Fly, also at Ridge Hill and see what it’s like to float, fly or fall through a jet of air. Find these and more inside.
Fireworks
Everyone enjoys Fireworks. On the Fourth of July, just about every municipality offers their own show. You can travel if you like. Some places, like Playland, offer fireworks weekly. There are also several at Kensico dam Plaza. Look inside for the display near you.
