For a new home buyer, there are so many alternatives to evaluate… And one of the most important is Location. In my 25 years of experience, I can share with you the many reasons people choose the Katonah Area. As an aside, our point of reference is Katonah, but there are many small towns and hamlets in Northern Westchester that meet these similar criteria: desirable schools, natural beauty, recreation, proximity to trains and highways and small town charm.

The first remark often heard is surprise in regard to the beauty of the area and its country feel, all while being less than an hour from the city. Horse farms dot the countryside, old growth trees line our roads, farmers’ stone walls from days gone by meander through neighborhoods of all sorts. We still even have a few dirt roads. There are horse trails, biking trails, miles and miles of hiking trails, lakes and nature preserves. New York City reservoirs provide stunning view sheds, and act as a draw for fisherman, year round. Westchester County offers over 5,000 acres of park lands just minutes from Katonah: from an early 20th century gentleman’s farm (Muscoot Farm embracing nearly 800 acres), to an arboretum (Lasdon Park) to the extensive offerings of Wards Pound Ridge Reservation and the Sportsman’s Center at Blue Mountain. And within each of our towns are local parks which have swimming pools, tennis courts, ball fields and soccer fields, that host a wide variety of activities, teams, classes and camps.

Not into the outdoors? There is Caramoor, a center for summer music festivals, Jacob Burns, a state of the art film center in Pleasantville, the Katonah Art Museum, and the John Jay Homestead and more. And then there are our many fine restaurants. Among my favorites are those that are found in historic buildings with lots of charm and the innovative, artisanal food to match such as John Pratt’s Inn, Crab Tree Kittle House and John Michaels.

While the large malls are less than a half hour away, our towns focus on locally owned and operated businesses. You won’t find a Starbucks in Katonah, but you will find us at Perks or NOKA (North Katonah Ave) Joes. We are small and personal and like it that way! Be assured you can get what you want at competitive prices and with a high level of service, whether it be gifts at Weinstein’s pharmacy or hardware at the 100 year old Kellogg’s and Lawrence. And don’t worry one only need go as far as Mt. Kisco to hit the GAP, Banana Republic and the like.

Why Katonah? Because it feels like living in the country, yet we are convenient to all. Some move here to raise families and to have more living space, both indoors and out while others enjoy having easy access to a quiet weekend retreat. The point is, houses are for sale everywhere… They can be redecorated and updated to our tastes. What are special HERE are the settings and amenities that one can enjoy whether our houses are modest starters or mansions.

Behold the stately Bedford Oak (pictured). Over 500 years old, it has come to symbolize the town. Not only that but is a tree with a trust fund.

This beautiful photo is courtesy of Chris Primavera (see more of his work on FLICKR).

Jacqueline Dzaluk

I recently remembered the activity in our house growing up in preparation for Christmas. My mother had a daily question to keep us all moving forward: “What have YOU done for Christmas today?” Then the moment came when all of the wonderful gifts that she had collected for family both near and far were lovingly displayed before The Great Wrap took place.

I had this flashback last week because I walked into Katonah’s “The Gift Garage.”

A relative newcomer to Katonah Avenue, The Gift Garage, is an exciting shop. Beautifully arranged, the merchandise in The Gift Garage leads the eye from one discovery to another. I KNOW I will return there when I am expecting an impromptu or planned visit, need a hostess gift, wedding gift, housewarming gift, closing gift (a realtor here) or a special outfit for a child. Jennifer Chernus and her staff are very friendly and truly help you in your selection of the perfect gift. Jen delights in her pursuit of the unique and stylish. Her choices are of high quality and she knows her market. Her “departments” cover Home and Decor, Baby and Kidware - gifts and stunning clothing (Newborn to size 10), jewelry, and Spa essentials. There is something for everyone and every occasion. I bought a trio of pestos from Bella Cucina that were in beautiful jars and then gift wrapped in clear cello and adorned with fall colored ribbons.

Make an afternoon of it and include lunch solo or with a friend. Willy Nick’s Restaurant is a few steps away as is the Katonah Restaurant, and Pizza Station. Once again, as a Broker with Houlihan Lawrence I tell my clients “Katonah has it all!”

The Gift Garage: 29 Katonah Avenue, Katonah, NY 10536 - 914-232-2322 - www.jensgiftgarage.com

Posted By: Karen Benvin Ransom

You have heard of Soho and TriBeCa and even NoHo in New York City.

Well, here in Katonah, New York we have NoKa. When I first walked into NoKa a few years ago - at that time only a stylish gift shop on the second floor of a beautiful Victorian at 25 Katonah Avenue - I asked the engaging owner, Jennifer Cook, what that meant. “We are on the NOrthern end of KAtonah! Hence NoKa!”

Did I call it just a “stylish gift shop”? I was wrong! You will not walk in and get hit by the scent of scented ANYTHING! What you will find is the most amusing yet intelligent selection of gift items. Most of which will give you a giggle if not a full out belly laugh. Also the items are very unique as well as affordable. One would think they were created exclusively for the store. They will also do a great job of wrapping it.

If you love Retro, you will love NoKa’s! As soon as you step in onto the linoleum floors you are whisked back to the days of Ozzie & Harriet and the beloved tales of Dick & Jane and their Dog Spot. Many of the furniture pieces are for sale as well since they find unique pieces on Ebay for the store and take pieces on consignment.

Since that time,when the shop below vacated, Jennifer conquered that as well with NoKa Joe’s! They bravely meet the morning commuters (the steps to Metro North are across the way) at 5:50 in the morning with fair traded coffees and teas. They are also known for their delicious fresh Winter Soups. During the Summer they are serving Soft Serve Ice Cream as well as their many delicious lattes, cappuccino’s and imported Italian sodas until 9. A great way to stroll Katonah Avenue, sit on the benches and have a friendly chat. They also have a wide array of fun retro candies including everyone’s favorite Jelly Belly flavors.

And just for a goof, NoKa Joe’s sponsors a few funny events each year. In the fall they have their SPAM carving contest that is judged during the Fall Festival. This spring NoKa Joe’s invited friends to be extras at the Harrison Ford movie filmed at the Muscoot. Those that attended spent a creative day decorating cabbages for the ‘cabbage festival’ (and watching Harrison Ford and Rachel McAdams run their lines!)

This store is full of fun, upstairs and down. The gifts are terrific. The food is of the highest quality. The prices are great! Aside from fun, when you spend over 20 dollars, one dollar will be contributed to three local charities - your choice - actually that is MY idea of FUN!

NoKa Joe’s is open 7 days a week, opening a little before 6 am as mentioned for the commuters Monday - Friday, at 8 on Saturday and 9 on Sunday.

Posted By: Karen Benvin Ransom

Now that I have written about the heart, soul, and the large amount of things to do in our small community, it is time to give you insight to the local “one of a kind” businesses that keep our hamlet exciting and unique. We have to admit that after we have made the rounds of the latest shows in our Museums, the school and sports events, the local street fairs, it is time to relax and enjoy that guilty pleasure of Shopping. Also, you will learn how we can find most of what we need right here in Katonah.

Many years ago while I was in high school, a neighbor of ours in Sleepy Hollow Manor suggested I go with her on a ride to Katonah. Growing up, my Mom would get the four children into the Buick and travel as far North as the Bedford Barn on Rt 117. That shopping safari was either for back to school for those great sweaters or to shop for Christmas. More sweaters, please! If we were well behaved, we were then treated to the new phenomenon - McDonald’s - which was right across the street with a drive thru!

Katonah was not more than a mile away! Once there we enjoyed the Katonah Gallery then housed in the Library and “Just Looking” a wonderful clothing store that I enjoyed for many years.

You would never find McDonald’s in Katonah - we will not even stomach a Starbuck’s - we have our own Perks coffee shop. What we do have is one of a kind shops and galleries. I will introduce you to these unique establishments. It is a wonderful way to spend a weekend afternoon. Stroll Katonah Avenue, get an ice cream and relax on a bench on the shady Village Green. There is the Wooden Nickel Deli in Katonah, The Village Market and Mrs. Green’s for sandwiches, snacks, sushi and paninis. There are also great restaurants within walking distance in the village. If you have to - McDonald’s is still down the road.

“The Eclectic Collector” is the best of both - a Gallery as well as a Shop. For over 14 years, Ellie and Roger have represented more than 400 artists who have created one of a kind pieces in glass, ceramic, jewelry, wearable art, Folk Art, word art, paintings, figurative art, furniture and much more. They are currently a nominee for the Niche Award. They have wonderful relationships with their artists. Collectors and gift givers are thrilled and intrigued by their discoveries of the perfect piece whether it be fit for a mood, home, occasion, or a person. The experience is deeper than a commercial shopping trip. To find a handcrafted piece and learn about the artist behind the scenes is rewarding. They supply our community with a resource for unique original works. They also sponsor wonderful “Meet the Artists” Trunk Shows.

The upcoming one is this month featuring:

Jim LeTerneau Creator of “Hanging By A Thread” & Loretta Lam Creator of Beautiful Polymer Jewelry

Preview: Thursday Evening, June 11th, 5 - 8 PM
Friday, June 12th, 10 - 6 PM
Saturday, June 13th, 10 - 6 PM
Sunday, June 14th, 12 - 5 PM with a demonstration of Polymer Clay Jewelry by Loretta Lam at 2pm

Come and meet Ellie and Roger and the beloved pugs Winnie and Okie!

Yes, I did buy a hat there by Susan Bradford of Vermont.

THE ECLECTIC COLLECTOR
215 Katonah Avenue
Katonah, NY 10536
914.232.8700
ellie@theeclecticcollector.com
CHECK OUT OUR NEW WEBSITE!!
www.theeclecticcollector.com
M-Sat /10-6, Sun / 12-5

Posted by:Karen Benvin Ransom