Westchester County, New York is a fabulous place to visit. It’s an enchanting area of my home state that doesn’t get as much love as it deserves given its proximity to the most visited city in the world.
There are a lot of fantastic reasons why our readers should visit as soon as possible, especially with World Pride approaching next month. If you are traveling here that weekend and want to explore an area that has great dining options, comfortable places to stay and a lush history to it, then Westchester County is the place for you. Also, fun fact: it’s where Sarah Jessica Parker films her HBO hit show Divorce. Anything SJP related makes this writer a happy camper.
I shouldn’t limit our readers to just that weekend though. Westchester County is amazing all year-round. Here are five reasons why it is so spectacular.
A relaxed vibe throughout the area. Many of us city folk need a break from the hustle and bustle occasionally. Westchester County transports you to a stunning setting that is encompassed by gorgeous greenery, interesting shops and above all the feeling that you can breathe and take it all in without the noisiness you experience on a day to day basis.
Take for instance the Lyndhurst Mansion in Tarrytown. This sprawling estate was first developed almost 200 years ago and has some breathtaking views both inside each of its buildings and around its entire property. Here you can check out some of its architectural brilliance, digest its history and see how people from yesteryear lived. There are also some interesting things to see while there like an old-fashioned bowling alley and much more.
Food, food and more food. Any trip needs to include a great amount of food and drink. I’m a bear and understand the importance of this type of thing. Hehe.
Westchester County is slowly becoming a culinary mecca and a great challenger to what New York City has done for many years. The types of cuisines available in this area really knows no boundaries which is something that I greatly appreciate as a lover of all kinds of foods.
Some of the highlights that exist within Westchester County include The Rare Bit, a recently opened British gastro pub in Dobbs Ferry. They go beyond the traditional bangers and mash (sausage and mashed potatoes) and provide an excellent amount of tasty options like Braised Lamb, Carrot Curry and more.
Unique spots to lay your head at night. Westchester County forgoes the traditional hotel experience for ones that are much more interesting and one of a kind.
The Tarrytown House Estate is a great example of that. It’s a hidden gem in Tarrytown that is surrounded by luscious greenery, massive tennis courts, places to dine and dish, and more. They have individually designed buildings for you to crash in that have a much more classic take to each of them that feels extremely personalized.
Treat yourself. I’m a keen believer in the world of treating yourself. It can be done daily, weekly or monthly, but it’s good to do this in order to recharge your personal batteries and properly function again.
The Castle Hotel and Spa is a wonderful place to do this at. It’s also another fab space to stay at if you are looking for something just as unique as the Tarrytown House Estates. For one, this place is designed to look like a castle, so you’ll be living either your Super Mario or Meghan Markle fantasy once you get inside. You understand what I mean, right?
It’s truly a sight to be seen once you get there. They provide wonderful wine tastings, a scrumptious fine dining establishment called Equus and an amazing spa all located on its premises. The spa has all the amenities one could ask for, from personalized massages to facials, all in a serene space that overlooks the beauty of Westchester County.
Rock Out. Tarrytown Music Hall is a great example of what a local Madison Square Garden should be. The 843-seat music hall is one of the busiest theaters in the region, offering the best in music, theater, dance, and film, and is a cultural destination, attracting well over 85,000 people including 25,000 children on an annual basis from all over the tri-state area. Its mission is to provide quality programs in the performing arts for the general public, including performing opportunities for students and professional artists, and to preserve and restore the Music Hall, the oldest theater in Westchester.
It’s situated in an area of the city that is fantastic to walk around in, where several mom and pop shops greet you at every corner and you still get a fabulous view of the waters on every step. There’s something special about it all that makes me want to hop on the next Metro North to experience it all over again.
Overall Westchester County is a great place to visit for anyone looking to take a breather and unwind. Do yourself a favor and check out their official website for more information.
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