A 2024 Springtime Guide to Westchester County

 

A 2024 springtime guide to Westchester County

Images: Lyndhurst Mansion in Tarrytown(top), Untermyer Gardens Conservancy in Yonkers and the Biddle House at Tarrytown House Estate in Tarrytown(bottom)

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. – March 21, 2024 – Nestled within the picturesque Hudson Valley, Westchester County is bordered by the Hudson River and Long Island Sound, offering a delightful escape for those seeking a break from the ordinary. With over 24,000 acres of parkland, Westchester showcases the vibrant renewal of spring, inviting residents and visitors alike to embrace longer, sunnier days filled with unique experiences. The following travel ideas are courtesy of Westchester County Tourism & Film:

Springtime Celebrations & Happenings:

 

• Maple Weekend is running across New York State from March 16-17 and March 23-24. Join White Oak Farm in Yorktown Heights and partake in the art of maple syrup making, enjoy family-friendly activities and savor the freshest syrup straight from the source. Admission is free, but don't miss out on purchasing tickets to the pancake breakfasts at the Yorktown Grange.

• M&M Performing Arts and Red Monkey Theater Group present “Sherlock Holmes: The Final Problem” at Lyndhurst Mansion. Directed by Melinda O’Brien, this 90-minute immersive experience features a gripping tale of the iconic detective facing his arch-nemesis, Professor Moriarty. The performance runs through March 24, taking the audience from the Carriage House to the Mansion’s second floor and concluding with a thrilling finale.

• Join the Wolf Conservation Center in North Salem for an Egg Hunt with Wolves on March 31. Learn about North American wolves, followed by a unique egg-hunt twist where Ambassador Wolves Nikai and Silas enjoy eggs.

• The Westchester Philharmonic is set to perform at the Purchase Performing Arts Center on Sunday, April 7. Immerse yourself in the "Old School, New Voice" program, showcasing timeless works by Bach, Beethoven and Mozart.

• Lyndhurst’s annual flower show, Lyndhurst in Bloom returns April 20-21, with a weekend-long expression of floral design and all things botanical. Witness talented floral designers transforming the space with stunning displays that complement the historic mansion's opulent interiors. Enjoy activities, including a plant and flower market, special lectures, landscape tours, a pop-up café by Geordanes of Irvington and workshops.

• The premiere of "BEAUTIFUL: The Carole King Musical" will grace the stage at the White Plains Performing Arts Center (WPPAC) from April 12 - May 5. In this eagerly anticipated production, audiences can revel in the captivating story of Carole King's musical journey, making it a must-see event at WPPAC during this exclusive run.
• Back by popular demand, Cross Country Center in Yonkers will host Flip Circus shows daily through April 2. Enjoy all the amazing acts including acrobatics, aerial and trapeze, clowns, jugglers, motorcycle globe, magic and more. Tickets are available here.

• Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts'spring lineup promises joy for music enthusiasts. Highlights include the Pacifica Quartet's chamber music, Baritone singer Will Liverman, pianist Myra Huang, jazz by Lakecia Benjamin & Phoenix, chamber music from Abeo Quartet and captivating performances by young artists from Caramoor's Schwab Vocal Rising Stars programs.

• Green Ossining’s 14th Annual Earth Day Festival will be held on April 20. The event will take place on the beautiful banks of the Hudson River at Louis B. Engel Waterfront Park in Ossining to honor the 54th anniversary of Earth Day.

• Experience a day of world-class live music, award-winning food and drinks, interactive art showcasing the Hudson Valley, and endless kid's entertainment at Kingsland Point Park during the first-ever Sleepy Hollow Music Festival on June 8.

 

Outdoor Escapes: 

 

• Experience the beauty of spring at Untermyer Gardens Conservancy in Yonkers. Immerse yourself in the vibrant colors of blooming flowers and enjoy the perfect springtime activity amidst the stunning landscape. Admission is free.

• Bicycle Sundays are a beloved Westchester tradition starting on May 5. Each year, more than 60,000 cyclists, joggers, and others come out to enjoy the curves and wooded scenery of the Bronx River Parkway as it’s closed to automobiles.

 

• Trails Without Limits is an adaptive hike program that allows individuals living with disabilities the opportunity to immerse themselves within Westchester County Parks—at no cost to the user—with All-Terrain Trackchairs. Individuals with their family, friends, or caregivers will experience an approximately one or two-mile guided hike.

• Boundless Adventures in Purchase is adding a kid’s course for ages 4-7 years old. With 11 total courses, little ones will find themselves challenging their boundaries as they swing, climb, balance, traverse and zip-line through treetop adventures.

• Gotham Bicycle Tours offers tours along The Empire State Trail, a 750-mile route from NYC to Westchester along former railroad lines. Highlights include the Old Croton Aqueduct Trail, offering a scenic ride past lakes, farms, historic bridges and charming towns.

• Westchester offers a haven for pickleball enthusiasts, with an array of well-maintained courts to showcase your skills. Among them is the recently added Croton Avenue Pickleball Court in Cortlandt, complementing existing facilities such as Ossining’s Joseph G. Caputo Community Center and Yorktown’s Granite Knolls Sports & Recreation Complex. Additionally, East Coast Sports & Fitness in Yorktown provides court rentals at $25 per hour for members and $45 per hour for non-members.

Seasonal Dining:

• Spring 2024 Hudson Valley Restaurant Weekis planned for April 8-24, with more than 60 restaurants participating throughout Westchester.

• Embark on a thrilling journey with the Westchester Craft Beverage Trail's free mobile passport. This curated collection leads enthusiasts to local breweries, distilleries, cideries and tap rooms, where local craft artisans introduce them to the region's finest beverages. Signing up is free and participants can earn points by checking in at participating spots, unlocking special rewards for a seamless and rewarding craft beverage trail adventure.
• French, German and Austrian cuisine harmoniously blend at Yorktown’s Nadine’s Restaurant. The inviting outdoor beer garden, accompanied by warm fire pits, sets the perfect backdrop. Dive into an eclectic menu featuring unique options like wild boar ostrich, camel meatloaf and venison Wellington for a truly unique and flavorful dining experience.

• Argonne Rose Brewing, operated by a close-knit trio of friends, stands out as a unique brewery nestled in the historic St. George Church in Mohegan Lake. Their mission is to create a community space for exceptional beer and delicious food from Chef Chris Villanova. The brewery hosts live music on Fridays and Saturdays, as well as Sunday brunch.

• Chef David DiBari's Suckling Pig Dinner at The Cookery in Dobbs Ferry starts off with a market appetizer before unveiling a whole roasted pig with seasonal sides served family-style, personally carved tableside by the chef. The feast concludes with Chef DiBari's choice of dessert.

• Ofori's World Cuisine, led by Food Network Season 35 "Chopped" finalist Chef Lawrence Ofori, offers a tantalizing blend of African, Mexican, Italian, Indian and Caribbean influences. Born in Ghana, Chef Ofori infuses his dishes with a rich mix of spices. From the ashanti fufu with spicy goat peanut soup to the adabraka kenkey served with fried red snapper and hot sauce, each dish promises an authentic Ghanaian experience. Originally a food truck near the Jefferson Mall, Ofori's restaurant in Peekskill opened last spring.

• Unlock the doors to Westchester's hidden speakeasies by whispering the secret code. Explore local favorites like Pour in Mount Kisco, Prohibition’s End in New Rochelle, Sinaloa Lounge in Elmsford, The Speakeasy at Divino in Hastings-on-Hudson and Whistling Rail in Bronxville for an exclusive look into the clandestine world of speakeasy culture.

Historic Homes & Places:

 

• Uncover Westchester's rich African American heritage with a journey through its historical sites, annual events, vibrant arts and culture scene and more. Follow the African American Heritage Trail for an enlightening exploration of the County's diverse and impactful history.

• Lyndhurst Mansion is set to reopen April 1, with many guests recognizing the historic home from HBO’s The Gilded Age, which spent nearly five weeks filming onsite. Westchester also played host to other impressive film locations for the show including The Belvedere Estate in Tarrytown, Glenview Historic Home at Hudson River Museum in Yonkers and Edith Macy Center in Briarcliff Manor.

• Explore the 23-acre Jay Estate in Rye, one of two family homes of American founding father John Jay, known for his roles as a jurist, peacemaker, governor and anti-slavery advocate. Overlooking Long Island Sound, this site is a key component of the Boston Post Road Historic District, a National Historic Landmark and a stop on Westchester County's African American Heritage Trail. Recognized as one of the top 100 attractions in the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area, the Jay Estate offers a rich blend of history and natural beauty.

• Other top historic attractions that are reopening this spring include Kykuit, The Rockefeller Estate and Philipsburg Manor in Sleepy Hollow, Washington Irving’s Sunnysidein Tarrytown, Union Church of Pocantico Hillsin Pocantico Hills and Van Cortlandt Manor in Croton-on-Hudson.

Where to Stay:

• Located in Tarrytown, the Westchester Marriott is set to unveil its refreshed look this spring, boasting revitalized guest rooms, redesigned common areas, and an enhanced dining experience at the all-new restaurant and bar, Crossings Bar and Lounge.

• Formerly the convent of the Episcopal Sisters of Saint Mary’s, The Abbey Inn & Spa in Peekskill is a springtime vision to behold in the lower Hudson Valley region, featuring upscale guest rooms, outdoor event spaces, a full-service spa, and Apropos, a Michelin Guide recommended farm-to-table restaurant and bar.

• Nestled on 26 acres of stunning grounds, Tarrytown House Estate invites guests to indulge in luxury accommodations and a plethora of leisure and recreational facilities throughout the spring season. Tarrytown House is also home to Goosefeather, a dining experience curated by acclaimed Chef Dale Talde, featuring seasonal and modern Cantonese cuisine.

• Coming in May 2024, Crotonville Hotel and Conference Center will feature 248 well-appointed guestrooms and over 70,000 square feet of meeting space. More details to come.

• Experience the reimagined Royal Regency Hotel in Yonkers, ideally situated near the scenic Hudson River, local parks, restaurants and the Empire City Casino. Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, the hotel will commemorate the milestone with special promotions throughout, culminating in a festive celebration on May 16. Guests and locals can relax at Venue, the hotel’s restaurant and lounge, offering delightful cuisine, cocktails and lively entertainment.

Easy to Reach:

• Metro-North Railroad offers a swift 35-minute commute from midtown to White Plains, with three main lines (Hudson, Harlem and New Haven) serving the east side of the Hudson River in Westchester. Amtrak also serves Westchester with stops at Yonkers, New Rochelle and Croton-on-Hudson.

 

• Positioned just north of New York City, Westchester County enjoys proximity to three major airports, including Westchester County Airport in White Plains (HPN) with direct flights to key markets nationwide.

 

• Westchester County Airport’s Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program ensures a positive travel experience for passengers with hidden disabilities and accessibility needs. By wearing a discreet sunflower lanyard, travelers can inform airport staff and others of their disability, promoting a supportive environment for all passengers.

Westchester County Tourism & Film is Westchester County’s official destination marketing organization. Its mission is to generate economic benefits by enhancing the image and promoting Westchester County as a premier business and leisure destination in the Hudson Valley region. Flanked by Long Island Sound and the Hudson River, Westchester is made up of big cities, small towns, villages, farms, and miles of natural beauty. The county is easily accessible by major interstate highways and parkways, its own regional airport, Amtrak and three commuter rail lines and is home to more than 40 hotels and conference centers. For information about visiting Westchester, visit

www.visitwestchesterny.com, connect on Facebook (@westchestercountytourism), Instagram (@westchestercountytourismny) and Twitter (@westchestertour), or call 1-800-833-9282.