How to Have the Perfect Day
by Kayla Garritano
One of the great things about Westchester is that the County offers so much to do, eat, and see, even during the winter. If you’re looking to do something special this season, whether it be with a significant other, your family, or yourself, look no further than here. We’ve got a guide to help you plan the perfect day in Westchester.
Start Your Day with Breakfast
Westchester is full of cute cafes and breakfast spots. If you’re an early bird, wake up with freshly brewed coffee at a local coffee shop. A late riser? Choose a delicious brunch spot. Here are some options to start your day on the right foot.
Sunshine Roasters
12 Purdy Avenue, Rye, NY
914.848.4774
1932 Palmer Avenue, Larchmont, NY 914.341.1899
Opening as early as 6 AM during the week and 7 AM on the weekends, this is a perfect early morning spot to sip on a cup of Joe. Looking to provide the perfect cup of coffee every single time, founders John and Mike opened their first establishment in 2016. John, “a master roaster for years,” and Mike, “a man with a passion for quality coffee,” continue to roast every batch from their original shop, putting “lots of love and careful attention in each batch” and offering a variety of blends and single-origin beans to customers every day.
While sipping on one of their coffees like a regular black, espresso, latte, or cappuccino, also try something off their full menu, like avocado toast or house-made yogurt and granola bowl. Looking for lighter fare? Their baked goods section is perfect for a muffin, a sweet or savory croissant, or danish.
Fun fact: their Rye location was featured on the Apple TV series, “Your Friends and Neighbors.”
The Tasty Table
21 Campwoods Road, Ossining, NY 914.762.4000
Voted one of Yelp’s “Top 100 Brunch Spots of 2024,” this eatery is a must-try; how can you not check out a spot that’s dedicated to brunch? Inspired by the owner’s personal love for food and hospitality, you’ll want to try out their “from scratch food with a trendy twist.” Their extensive menu features a savory section, offering loaded hashbrowns, brunch pizza, avocado toast, and more, and a sweet section for pancakes, waffles, and French toast. There’s also a section for Benedicts, salads, and handhelds.
Of course, no brunch is complete without drinks. While they have a great list of coffee and teas, and even a list of milkshakes, The Tasty Table also shines when it comes to mimosas. From classic orange to unique cotton candy, lavender, or prickly pear, enjoy one or a flight of four. Their specialty mimosas include a pear spritz or a bath bomb mimosa, and you can even build your own with a bottle of prosecco.
While there are no reservations for brunch, just walk-ins, you can come with your furry friend, as their outdoor setting is dog-friendly, and they even have a special menu for them.
Embrace the Outdoors
You may be surprised to hear that Westchester is just as beautiful in the winter as it is in the summer, maybe just a bit colder. However, there are still activities to do in the winter around the county that you can take advantage of.
Wolf Conservation Center
7 Buck Run Street, South Salem, NY 914.763.2373
Embrace the wildlife at a place that believes in respect, community, and passion. At the Wolf Conservation Center, you’ll find a team of people who are looking to advance the survival of wolves by inspiring a global community through education, advocacy, research, and recovery.
During the winter, the Conservation Center has unique programs, offering visitors a rare opportunity to see the wolves during their favorite time of year. You can learn about the mythology, biology, and ecology of wolf families and discover why winter is a special season. You must register in advance to experience one of their programs.
Croton Gorge Park
35 Yorktown Road, Croton-On-Hudson, NY 914.862.5290
A 97-acre property that sits at the base of the Croton Dam, this park is serene during the winter. It boasts impressive views of the dam and spillway, and is perfect for a leisurely walk in nature. The Croton River also begins here, making for more scenic views. You can even access the top of the bridge by parking in the parking lot and taking the pedestrian foot paths up the sides of the dam.
In the winter, Croton Gorge Park is also a favorite spot for cross-country skiing and sledding. If you’re into one of those activities, feel free to join along!
Stop for Hot Chocolate
Now that you’ve been in the cold weather for a little while, it’s time to warm up with a cozy cup of cocoa.
Coffee Lab Roasters
7 Main Street, Tarrytown, NY
914.332.1479
493 New Rochelle Rd, Bronxville, NY 914.840.4106
While this spot is well-known for its detailed foam art on its lattes and cappuccinos, it also features some delicious hot chocolate. Which, you can also get art on. The magic ingredient is their sauce, steamed Black Label Ghirardelli. Add in your choice of milk, a little whipped cream if you desire, and you’ll have a perfect hot cocoa.
They also have a European-style sipping chocolate – a rich, thick, and decadent drink made from melted real chocolate and milk or cream.
The Kneaded Bread
181 N Main Street, Port Chester, NY 914.937.9489
For a decadent hot chocolate, stop at this bakery, where this popular staple comes from a giant 11-pound bar of Belgian chocolate. The chocolate is melted into this dense, luxurious lava and swirled with milk, cinnamon sticks, and vanilla. Slowly simmering in a heavy pot for several hours, it is gently stirred often for the perfect pour every time.
Grab Dinner
Take out, quick service, sit-down, oh my! The number of food options in Westchester can seem endless. But what’s great about that is there is something for everyone, from picky eaters to seafood lovers, vegetarians to carnivores.
Roof Taco
359 Mamaroneck Avenue, White Plains, NY 914.358.1880
While this Mexican restaurant is known for its exciting rooftop vibes through the summer, they don’t let the outdoors go to waste during the colder months. In fact, they embrace it. When winter settles in, the igloos come out. Whether it’s a party of two or a family outing, Roof Taco sets up an array of igloos on its rooftop.
Imagine dining as the snow falls around you, but you’re cozied up inside a heated igloo, sipping on various types of margaritas and enjoying enchiladas, tacos, or one of their tortas gigantes. All you’ve got to do is walk through their beautuilly deported hallway, take the stairs or elevator up, and you’re greeted immediately with the inside dining area. Just ask to be sat outside!
The Cookery
39 Chestnut Street, Dobbs Ferry, NY 914.305.2336
If you’re in the mood for cozy food, look no further than The Cookery. Cold winter months scream comfort, and hearty meals will meet your needs. Their most famous dish, the duck-liver cannoli, is unique and satisfying. But if that doesn’t tickle your fancy, you can try the pork osso bucco with polenta or their radiatore pasta with lamb bolognese.
For dessert? Their take on a s’more – the chocolate polenta with a salted cannoli shell and toasted marshmallow.
End the Night with Entertainment
Just because your stomachs are full doesn’t mean you have to end your perfect Westchester day just yet. Westchester is packed with entertainment spots, so it’s easy to cap your night off with a show. Local theaters supply a variety of entertainment, varying from small plays to concerts to comedy shows, and even hypnotists! You’ll find something to keep you amused through the night.
The Capitol Theatre
149 Westchester Avenue, Port Chester, NY 9914.937.4126
With its original opening in 1926, the Capitol Theater started as a dignified playhouse, showing films like Casablanca, Gone with the Wind, and The Taming of the Shrew. By the late 60s, the Capitol Theater shifted its tone to the now-popular live music era and hosted artist like Janis Joplin, Traffic, Pink Floyd, and the Grateful Dead.
Sadly, in the early 70s, a new village live entertainment ordinance shut the Theater down, causing it to decay and remain dark. That is, until the early ‘80s when the Capitol was purchased by local developer, Marvon Ravikoff, who, after renovations, opened it back up for business.
In 1984, the Capitol Theater was added to the National Register of Historic Places, and although it went through a couple more rough patches, it still rocks on til this day under Peter Shapiro’s reign. Now, see comedians like Anthony Rodia and Chelsea Handler, artists like Dropkick Murphys and David Lee Roth, or mediums such as Teresa Caputo.
Tarrytown Music Hall
13 Main Street, Floor 2, Tarrytown, NY 914.631.3390
Tarrytown Music Hall is a nonprofit and historic landmark, where their programs provide arts and education to over 100,000 people each year. Built by candy manufacturer William L. Wallace and designed by architects Theodore de Lemos and August Cordes, the Hall opened on December 12, 1885, with a then-new Gilbert & Sullivan opera titled The Mikado.
Throughout its time, the Hall went from being a successful single-screen movie theater to being threatened with turning into a parking lot, to becoming a nonprofit and a nationally recognized venue that hosts many forms of entertainment. Artists like Jon Bon Jovi and Tony Bennett have taken the stage, along with comedians like Amy Schumer and Howie Mandel, as well as many performers from other countries and cultures.
Hosting a variety of showings, Tarrytown Music Hall has something for the movie-goers and the time travelers. Families can enjoy the Music Hall’s collection of film series, ranging from Disney movies to Singing in the Rain, or live performances from Be Like Blippi. For those looking to support local theater, come see Willy Wonka Jr., a ballroom dance recital, or the Westchester Symphonic Winds.
