Culture in Westchester County

February 19th, 2009

Westchester County is not only for the outdoorsman; in addition to its natural beauty and limitless outdoor adventure, the region is brimming with culture. Although the Big Apple is so accessible, you don’t necessarily need to go to New York City to have fun when you live in Westchester County; from world-class shopping and dining to arts, theater, and historical tours, exciting Westchester County attractions can be found around every corner. The growing city of White Plains, for example, has long been a retail center for the county, and is home to such major department stores as Bloomingdale’s, Macy’s, and Neiman Marcus, as well as high-end designers Salvatore Ferragamo, David Yurman, Louis Vuitton, and Gucci. Shopping in White Plains is great for those who crave a bit of 5th Avenue, but for that special one-of-a-kind find, many of the smaller Westchester County communities, such as Katonah, Pelham, and Tarrytown, feature eclectic antique stores, gift shops, and art galleries with items that can’t be found elsewhere. For the feel of Broadway outside of the big city, Westchester boasts a variety of performing arts venues throughout the county, where residents can enjoy a range of entertainment, from small community plays to international productions. Theatre hotspots in Westchester County include venues such as the White Plains Performing Arts Center, the Bendheim Performing Arts Center of Scarsdale, and the Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts in Katonah. The Caramoor Center is particularly famous for its annual 8-week Caramoor International Music Festival, which welcomes thousands of locals and visitors to experience the world’s finest classical, operatic and jazz artists.

Westchester County, NY

February 19th, 2009

When relocating to New York State, some people decide to search for homes in Westchester County simply because it is so conveniently located within the New York City Metropolitan Area. But other homebuyers choose Westchester County because it offers an incredibly rewarding lifestyle, rich with natural and cultural attractions, recreation and entertainment.
Known as the “Gateway to the Hudson River Valley,” Westchester County is well loved for its beautiful scenery and ample opportunities for outdoor recreation. The region, just minutes away from the concrete jungle of New York City, boasts over 50 parks and recreational areas, including acres upon acres of green space, miles of trails, and plenty of lakes and streams for your favorite water sport, whether it’s sailing on the Hudson or fishing the Long Island Sound. Hiking and biking in Westchester County is a favorite local pastime; the region not only offers more than 4 major trailways, such as the impressive 22-mile North County Trailway and 36-mile South County Trailway, but also three scenic mountain biking and horseback riding trails. Golf lovers can enjoy more than 50 Westchester County golf courses, public and private, including the six beautifully manicured county-operated courses at Dunwoodie, Mohansic, Hudson Hills, Saxon Woods, Maple Moor, and Sprain Lake.