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Happy Friday! This week was busy and this weekend is going to be even busier! Lots of fun things taking place as we celebrate my daughter’s 18th birthday. Here are five from this week:
1. Earthquake – Last Friday while I was at work I experienced my first and hopefully only earthquake. I was in my office when the floor started rumbling and everything started shaking. It lasted only a few seconds but was scary! New York does not usually get earthquakes of a noticeable 4.8 magnitude!
2. Reading – This week I didn’t finish anything. My reading time has been pretty minimal and this weekend isn’t looking great either. I feel like I’ve been reading my current read Anita de Monte Laughs Last by Xochitl Gonzalez forever!
3. Track Meet – Track meet season has started. My son had his first track meet Tuesday night, which was also their senior celebration. This year he’s mainly jumping and competing in the long jump and the triple jump.
4. Solar Eclipse – The area where we live in New York did not experience a full eclipse. However, I got glasses at work and went out to see the almost full eclipse Monday afternoon.
5. Cooking – This week’s menu was mostly quick and easy meals. I adapted this Sun Dried Tomato Pasta recipe and omitted the chicken. We made Sheet Pan Blueberry Pancakes. I don’t know why I haven’t made a pancake recipe like this until now. It’s so much quicker and easier than making individual pancakes! We also had pierogies with sauteed zucchini and Tofu in Patak’s Korma Curry Simmer Sauce with rice, roasted broccoli and Trader Joe’s garlic naan.
6. Puzzle – I did finish this Re-marks Monsters puzzle last week. It was a fun but fairly easy puzzle to complete.
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First things first: I am not a gambler. But when my husband and I were in need of a one-night getaway, Resorts World Catskills seemed like a good choice for a quick escape. Located in the Hudson Valley in Monticello, New York, it was just a little over an hour drive from northern Westchester County to the resort. I was looking for a location where, once we parked the car, we wouldn’t have to drive anywhere else. With several onsite restaurants, a pool and (of course) the casino, Resorts World Catskills checked all of the boxes.
However there are some things I wish we knew prior to our visit:
We booked a room in The Alder at Resorts World Catskills. We were unaware that this “boutique lifestyle hotel” is a completely and totally separate building from the main hotel and casino. Staying here grants guests access to the amenities at the main hotel including the indoor pool and fitness center. However, these are located in an entirely different building.
There is no indoor connector between The Alder and the main hotel and casino. To get from one building to the other, you must exit and walk a good 150 feet on the sidewalk outside. In three out of the four seasons, this isn’t a problem. When we visited during the winter and it was a brisk 32 degrees out it was quite uncomfortable. It does get colder than that in the Catskills too.
If you plan to visit the indoor pool, bring a beach bag (this bag would have been perfect!) to transport your things. We had only brought our large overnight bags for the single night stay. When we realized that we would need to walk outside to be able to access the pool, we had to wear our bathing suits under our clothing. We also had to carry our books. In warmer weather, a bathing suit cover up and flip flops may be worn, depending on how comfortable you are walking through The Alder hotel lobby and past several restaurants in the main hotel. Otherwise, there is a changing room and restrooms in the pool area.
On the few trips that we’ve made to Foxwoods (another resort casino located in Connecticut), I’ve seen every themed slot machine you can think of. Monopoly, Sex and the City, Deal or No Deal….they have them all. At Resorts World Catskills, there were no licensed slot machines. With 1,600 slot machines, there wasn’t a lack of machines. However, if you are expecting or enjoy playing a specific branded game, you will likely not find it here. For those who enjoy table games, there are plenty of Blackjack, Craps and Roulette Tables along with a variety of Poker Tables.
There are only two sit-down, full table-service restaurants at Resorts World Catskills. If you want a special night out to celebrate you can dine at the Italian-inspired steakhouse Cellaio or the Chinese restaurant, Lotus. If there is a specific time you are looking to dine, I recommend making a reservation on OpenTable. Although it wasn’t super crowded during our visit, we made a 7 PM reservation at Lotus. When we arrived for dinner, despite all of the other tables being occupied, we were seated immediately. Be sure to check the restaurant days and hours, since these restaurants are closed on certain days of the week.
Although check-in is at 4 PM, we arrived at the hotel a little earlier. Fortunately, the check-in desk had no wait, and our room was ready to go. When we walked by the check-in desk a bit later that afternoon the line was very long! The Alder has its own amenities; Dos Gatos Restaurant, a cantina-style Mexican eatery as well as a bar. There are pool tables in the lobby and Topgolf Swing Suite is also located in this building.
The main hotel and casino has two indoor pools; one is strictly for adults 21+. There is also a small fitness center and an 8,000 square foot spa. The Awana Spa has six treatment rooms, steam rooms, saunas and a relaxation lounge. I need to make sure to include a stop here on my next visit!
We only stayed one night at The Alder at Resorts World Catskills. We enjoyed twenty-four hours of quality time together, which was our main goal of the trip. For those who enjoy gambling, and want a quick getaway, Resorts World is an appealing option.
The Details: Resorts World Casino 888 Resorts World Drive Monticello, NY 12701 Website Phone: 1-833-586-9358
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Happy Friday! It’s been a relaxing and fun week. I took a couple of days off of work for a little getaway. I just wish the weather was nicer. Here are five from this week:
1. Easter Brunch – Sunday we hosted family for Easter and to have an early birthday celebration for my daughter. We had a delicious spread that included a Cheesy Egg Bake, a Croissant Bake, Apple Pie French Toast Casserole, Seasoned Roasted Red Potatoes, a ham, hot cross buns and cinnamon buns.
My daughter requested a lemon blueberry cake. I made the breakfast dishes and my husband made this cake! We also had a store bought fruit tart to serve with the cake, also at the request of the birthday girl.
2. Reading – This week I finished Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter. It was such a cute YA romance! I didn’t realize that it’s part of a series, so now I have to read the others!
3. Mohonk Mountain House – A stay at Mohonk Mountain House has been on my Hudson Valley bucket list for years. Earlier in the week the kids visited my parents in Rhode Island and my husband and I had an early anniversary celebratory getaway. We hiked, played archery, relaxed and read by the pool and had a delicious dinner and breakfast. It was a much needed relaxing overnight and I can’t wait to share more about it in a future post.
4. Watching – Tuesday night we started watching Oppenheimer. This has been on our to watch list for so long. I couldn’t commit the three hours to finishing it, so we will hopefully finish watching it this weekend.
5. 20thAnniversary – Yesterday my husband and I celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary. It’s amazing how quickly the years have flown by! We enjoyed a celebratory dinner at our favorite Westchester County restaurant Brothers Fish & Chips. As usual, we enjoyed the tasting menu where every seafood course was delicious and beautifully plated.
6. College Commitment – Finally, last Friday my daughter committed to SUNY Binghamton! It has been a long and stressful journey to this college decision. But we are excited to have another Bearcat in the family and are looking forward to her new adventure!
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I wish I had more time to read, but at this current time in my life, I don’t. During the week I try to read for 15-30 minutes before bed, depending on how tired I am. But most of my reading is done over the weekend. Last month I read four books, which averages to a book a week. It was a mixed bag of okay and really great reads. Here are my March 2024 reads with my ratings and reviews.
3 Stars:
Come and Get It by Kiley Reid (Contemporary Fiction) A fresh and provocative story about a residential assistant and her messy entanglement with a professor and three unruly students. It’s 2017 at the University of Arkansas. Millie Cousins, a senior resident assistant, wants to graduate, get a job, and buy a house. So when Agatha Paul, a visiting professor and writer, offers Millie an easy yet unusual opportunity, she jumps at the chance. But Millie’s starry-eyed hustle becomes jeopardised by odd new friends, vengeful dorm pranks and illicit intrigue. A fresh and intimate portrait of desire, consumption and reckless abandon, Come and Get It is a tension-filled story about money, indiscretion, and bad behavior.
Three Women by Lisa Taddeo (Non Fiction) Hailed as “a dazzling achievement” (Los Angeles Times) and “riveting page-turner that explores desire, heartbreak, and infatuation in all its messy, complicated nuance” (The Washington Post), Lisa Taddeo’s Three Women has captivated readers, booksellers, and critics—and topped bestseller lists—worldwide. In suburban Indiana we meet Lina, a homemaker and mother of two whose marriage, after a decade, has lost its passion. Starved for affection, Lina battles daily panic attacks and, after reconnecting with an old flame through social media, embarks on an affair that quickly becomes all-consuming. In North Dakota we meet Maggie, a seventeen-year-old high school student who allegedly has a clandestine physical relationship with her handsome, married English teacher; the ensuing criminal trial will turn their quiet community upside down. Finally, in an exclusive enclave of the Northeast, we meet Sloane—a gorgeous, successful, and refined restaurant owner—who is happily married to a man who likes to watch her have sex with other men and women. Based on years of immersive reporting and told with astonishing frankness and immediacy, Three Women is both a feat of journalism and a triumph of storytelling, brimming with nuance and empathy. “A work of deep observation, long conversations, and a kind of journalistic alchemy” (Kate Tuttle, NPR), Three Women introduces us to three unforgettable women—and one remarkable writer—whose experiences remind us that we are not alone.
Three Women was a Goodreads Choice Award Nominee for Best Nonfiction in 2019. The book delves into the sex lives of three different women. Although it’s a nonfiction book it reads like fiction. I found Maggie’s story the most interesting, as it was a court case in the local news and used real names. Ultimately, I felt like this book didn’t go anywhere.
4 Stars:
Nightwatching by Tracy Sierra (Thriller/Mystery) Home alone with her young children during a blizzard, a mother tucks her son back into bed in the middle of the night. She hears a noise—old houses are always making some kind of noise. But this sound is disturbingly familiar: it’s the tread of footsteps, unusually heavy and slow, coming up the stairs. She sees the figure of a man appear down the hallway, shrouded in the shadows. Terrified, she quietly wakes her children and hustles them into the oldest part of the house, a tiny, secret room concealed behind a wall. There they hide as the man searches for them, trying to tempt the children out with promises and scare the mother into surrender. In the suffocating darkness, the mother struggles to remain calm, to plan. Should she search for a weapon or attempt escape? But then she catches another glimpse of him. That face. That voice. And at once she knows her situation is even more dire than she’d feared, because she knows exactly who he is—and what he wants.
I had heard about this book on several book podcasts. I felt like it was advertised as a more scary, keep you up at night read than it actually was for me. It was suspenseful and engaging and a recommended read.
5 Stars:
The Women by Kristin Hannah – (Historical Fiction) An intimate portrait of coming of age in a dangerous time and an epic tale of a nation divided. Women can be heroes. When twenty-year-old nursing student Frances “Frankie” McGrath hears these words, it is a revelation. Raised in the sun-drenched, idyllic world of Southern California and sheltered by her conservative parents, she has always prided herself on doing the right thing. But in 1965, the world is changing, and she suddenly dares to imagine a different future for herself. When her brother ships out to serve in Vietnam, she joins the Army Nurse Corps and follows his path. As green and inexperienced as the men sent to Vietnam to fight, Frankie is over- whelmed by the chaos and destruction of war. Each day is a gamble of life and death, hope and betrayal; friendships run deep and can be shattered in an instant. In war, she meets—and becomes one of—the lucky, the brave, the broken, and the lost. But war is just the beginning for Frankie and her veteran friends. The real battle lies in coming home to a changed and divided America, to angry protesters, and to a country that wants to forget Vietnam. The Women is the story of one woman gone to war, but it shines a light on all women who put themselves in harm’s way and whose sacrifice and commitment to their country has too often been forgotten. A novel about deep friendships and bold patriotism, The Women is a richly drawn story with a memorable heroine whose idealism and courage under fire will come to define an era.
I don’t read a lot of historical fiction. But it’s my favorite way to learn about history. Kristin Hannah has become a recent favorite historical fiction author. I will admit that prior to reading this book, I was not very familiar with the Vietnam War. Hannah weaved the events and details of the war with an interesting storyline. This was a 5 star read for me. While difficult to read at times, it was a powerful and emotional book.
What did you read in March? Do you have any recommendations?
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Happy Friday! Yes, I’m back after a long but much needed hiatus. Check out Monday’s post for some more info on the break and where the blog is headed. I get to enjoy the day off from work today for Good Friday. Then Sunday we are hosting a joint Easter and early 18th birthday celebration for our daughter! I’m still in disbelief that I will have a young adult soon. Here are five from this week:
1. Oliver aka “Ollie” – I need to introduce you to our newest fur pet, Ollie. We adopted him from the Briarcliff SPCA back at the end of December. He’s been a great addition to our family and has been a play buddy for our younger cat Blackjack. The two have become fast friends. Ollie is not really a cuddler. He enjoys being pet and purrs super loudly but he doesn’t like to be held. So, I was VERY surprised when I was sitting on the couch one night and he hopped up into my lap (as seen here) and then fell asleep! It doesn’t seem like a big deal, but it’s huge!
2. Reading – This week I finished reading Come and Get It by Kiley Reid. I really enjoyed her previous book, Such a Fun Age. This one was just an okay read for me.
4. Watching – My husband and I are watching the newest season (36!) of the Amazing Race. We also have been working our way through Season 2 of Fargo. I watched the first couple of episodes of Apples Never Fall (Peacock). It’s based on Liane Moriarty’s book of the same title. I haven’t read the book, as I haven’t really enjoyed her recent stuff. But I’ve heard good things about the show, so I’m giving it a try.
I’m also really excited to watch We Were The Lucky Ones (Hulu). This show is based on the book by Georgia Hunter that I have not read but is on my “Want to Read” list. Sex and the City is coming to Netflix on April 1st and I think I’m going to watch this as well. I never made it through the entire series, so this will be a good binge show.
5. Playing – As if the New York Times didn’t already suck my time with Wordle and Connections, I’ve also been playing Strands and the Mini Crossword daily. They are fun, quick ways to keep my brain engaged.
Photo c/o Olive & June
6. Colleen Hoover Nail Polish Collab – As a huge fan of Colleen Hoover, I am interested in her new nail polish collab with Olive & June. They can be purchased on the Olive & June website and at Target. You can purchase all eight shades in a set for $62 or $9 a bottle. Some of the names/shades include Lily Blooms (shimmery magenta), Same Day Next Year (shimmery sheer blue) and Island Time (shimmery sheer lilac purple). Has anyone tried these yet?
7. Craft Tacos and Tequila – Last Sunday my husband and I grabbed lunch at Craft Tacos and Tequila. The restaurant just opened last Friday. We enjoyed some appetizers and tacos, including this Bang Bang Shrimp Taco.
After a several month long hiatus, we are back with our monthly events posts! Spring is in full effect and there is lots to do this month. Check out some of the April Events taking place in Westchester County (and the surrounding area). Plan some family fun or a date night out to take advantage of all of the spring fun!
Comedy:
Levity Live (Palisade Center – West Nyack) Enjoy a comedy show at Levity Live in April. Upcoming shows include Michael Blackson (April 5-6), Sheryl Underwood (April 12-13), Alyssa Edwards (April 18), Kev Herrera (April 19-21), and Maurice Bernard “You’re Stronger Than You Know Tour” (April 24). *Check the site for the full lineup
Yonkers Comedy Club (Yonkers) Enjoy a comedy show at the Yonkers Comedy Club. April shows include Brian Scolaro (April 5-7), Carlos Sanchez (April 7), Fred Rubino (April 13) Drew Fraser (April 18-20) and Joey Vega (April 26-27).
Voted one of the top 10 comedians in New York City by The Hollywood Reporter, Modi is one of the comedy circuit’s most sought after performers. Featured on HBO, CBS, NBC, ABC, Comedy Central, Howard Stern, and E! Entertainment, Modi has received rave reviews in The New York Times, Time Out NY and The New York Post.Modi will be donating a portion of The Know Your Audience Tour proceeds to various charities focusing on bringing relief to the people of Israel.
April 18 (Peekskill) An Evening with David Sedaris at Paramount Hudson Valley. 8 PM. Tickets: $55-$79.50. Get ready to embark on a side-splitting journey into the world of humor and satire with the incomparable David Sedaris at Paramount Hudson Valley on April 18! With his razor-sharp wit and keen observations, Sedaris has earned his place as one of America’s foremost humor writers. Renowned for his hilarious personal essays and short stories, he’s penned a string of New York Times bestsellers, from “Barrel Fever” to “Calypso.” Sedaris’s unique ability to find humor in everyday life has made him a household name, and his works have been translated into 32 languages, captivating readers across the globe.
In addition to his literary prowess, Sedaris is a multi-talented artist who, along with his sister Amy Sedaris, has crafted a series of acclaimed plays that have graced prestigious stages like Lincoln Center and La Mama. Beyond the stage and page, he’s been recognized with numerous awards, including the Thurber Prize for American Humor and the Jonathan Swift International Literature Prize for Satire and Humor. With over 16 million copies of his books in print, Sedaris’s witty commentary on the human experience has left an indelible mark on the world of comedy and literature.
Join us for an evening of laughter, insight, and unforgettable storytelling as David Sedaris takes the stage at Paramount Hudson Valley. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to his world of humor, this is an event you won’t want to miss. Secure your tickets now and get ready to be engulfed in the comedic brilliance of a true master of satire and observation!
April 19 (Mamaroneck) The Daily Show Writers Comedy Tour at the Emelin Theatre. 8 PM. The brilliant comedic writers of the 24x GRAMMY winning late-night show, Kat Radley, Randall Otis and Joe Opio, are back. Tickets: $39-$49
April 20 (Port Chester) Hannah Berner Liveat the Capitol Theatre. 7 PM. Tickets: $40-$60. Hannah Berner was born in Brooklyn, New York and emerged on the comedy scene by writing, directing, editing, and acting in videos on social media and writing viral tweets. She has two podcasts, Berner Phone and Giggly Squad with over 50 million combined downloads. She was a cohost on Bravo’s Chat Room, as well as a member of Bravo’s Summer House for three seasons, and has over 4 million followers across her social media platforms. Through her viral digital series, Han on the Street, which has garnered hundreds of millions of views, she has interviewed stars such as Jennifer Lawrence, Hailey Bieber, Priyanka Chopra, Kesha, and Julia Fox. She currently is on a theater tour across America for her stand up comedy. In 2022, she was named one of Just For Laughs “New Faces Of Comedy” in Montreal. She was recently named one of Variety’s “Top Ten Comics to Watch in 2023”.
Randy Rainbow is a four-time EMMY® and GRAMMY®- nominated American comedian, producer, actor, singer, writer, satirist, host, and New York Times bestselling author, best known for his popular web series, The Randy Rainbow Show. His musical parodies and political spoofs have garnered him worldwide acclaim and four consecutive EMMY® nominations for Outstanding Short-Form Variety Series. His debut solo album, A Little Brains, A Little Talent (Broadway Records), earned him a 2023 GRAMMY® nomination for “Best Comedy Album”. Touring the U.S. with his sold-out solo musical comedy concerts, the influencer and Internet sensation’s viral comedy videos have received hundreds of millions of views across all social media and digital platforms. His fresh take on politics and current events has led to interviews and profiles by The Washington Post (magazine cover story), CBS Sunday Morning, Jimmy Kimmel Live, The Hollywood Reporter, CNN, NPR, ABC News, OUT, People, and Entertainment Weekly. As the Washington Post noted, “Randy Rainbow has found his spotlight through the Internet, emerging as a viral sensation who dispenses musical comedy salve for a divided nation.”
April 27 (Larchmont) Comedy from Scratch at The Idea Kitchen. Comedy From Scratch is where you go in Westchester County to hear top comics from TV and NYC’s major clubs performing long sets on an intimate stage. Past performers include comedians from HBO, Netlfix, Colbert, SNL, the Daily Show, Letterman, the Tonight Show, Comedy Central, and more. Every month, Ben Asher’s presents comedy that reaches up into your brain with the force of a fist through the nose. Seating at 7 PM, show begins at 8 PM. $20 admission. Bring your own food and drink. April’s lineup includes Cyrus McQueen and Jay Nog.
April 27 (Peekskill) Eric D’Alessandro at Paramount Hudson Valley. 8 PM. Tickets: $40-$75. Prepare for an exceptional night of laughter and entertainment at The Paramount Hudson Valley on April 27th, featuring the charismatic and uproariously funny Eric D’Alessandro. This New York native has left an indelible mark on comedy lovers nationwide with his unfiltered humor, compelling storytelling, and a natural flair for connecting with audiences. Rooted in his Italian-American heritage, Eric’s comedic style weaves raw, relatable narratives that resonate with everyday Americans, earning him widespread acclaim.
Date Night/Girls Night Out:
April5 (Briarcliff Manor) Sip’n’PaintCrystal Glazes Dragonfly Planter at A Maze in Pottery. 6:30 PM – 8:15 PM Come for a relaxing night of art and laughter… Bring old friends or meet new ones, and have fun painting this gorgeous planter and learning about the magic of crystal glazes. Our Creative Studio Assistant will lead you through the project step by step so that you can relax and enjoy the process. BYOB. Tickets: $54.90 + tax.
April 5 (Peekskill) Matt Fraser – America’s Top Psychic Medium at the Paramount Hudson Valley. 8 PM. Tickets: $49.50-$99.00 (different packages available). This is a LIVE taped show with LIVE audience readings. Attendees must be at least eighteen (18) years of age to attend an event. Persons under the age of eighteen (18), including lap children and infants, are prohibited from attending. Matt Fraser is America’s Top Psychic Medium, and star of the hit television series on E! Entertainment. His LIVE events, television appearances, and spiritual teachings have allowed him to bring healing, hope & laughter to a global audience of fans and followers from all around the world. From heartfelt emotional readings to stunning revelations, Matt Fraser has audiences on the edge of their seats with his outrageous personality and unique approach to mediumship.
April 11 (White Plains) Paint with a Purpose with artist Marla Beth Enowitz at The Westchester. 6:30-8:00 PM, retail level 3 next to Levi’s. $40/pp. Join artist Marla Beth Enowitz for an exclusive BYOB paint night, Thursday April 11th, 6:30-8pm. Lite Bites included! All proceeds benefit Feeding Westchester.
April 24 (Bedford) Trivia Night at Bedford Playhouse. 7 PM. Tickets $20. Trivia Night returns to the Bedford Playhouse Cafe, hosted by Rachel from Rock Paper Scissors Custom Events. Play solo or as a team and test your knowledge on a wide range of topics, including movies, music, history, geography and more. Food and drink available for sale from the bar.
Eat & Drink:
Taste of Westchester Cooking Demo Classes: (restaurants throughout Westchester County) Enjoy cooking demos from local chefs and then sample their creations. There are many April classes including: Apiary (#1) (April 2), Happiness is Catering Back Country Market and Cafe (April 4), Baked by Susan #2 (April 10), Mima Vinoteca Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar (April 15), Clock Tower Grill (April 17), Chutney Masala Indian Bistro (April 20), The 808 Bistro (April 23), Albano’s (April 25), Maria Restaurant (April 27), The Sailhouse (April 30).
April 4 (Pleasantville) Cheese 202: & Wine – with Kings Crown at Second Mouse Cheese Shop. 7:15 PM – 8:45 PM. $70/ticket includes 4 Wines (2 White, 2 Red) and 6 Cheeses to Pair them alongside. Compare and contrast and find out why Wine & Cheese are forever friends. Rarely are two provisions so intertwined, so intensely studied, so varied. and so very popular. Cheese & Wine, Wine & Cheese – whichever’s your preference, it’s understood that they belong together. Join us as we explore how wine enhances the flavor of cheese, and cheese enriches the oenophile’s experience. There are a million winning combinations, but why? What do wine and cheese have in common? How does their chemistry become magic? We’ll explore the difference between two white wines and two red wines, pairing them alongside six individual cheeses to explore this intricate and mysterious gastronomical universe of terroir, fermentation, practicality and universal appeal. 21 and over only, please. Enrollment is limited.
April 8 – April 21 (Hudson Valley) Spring Hudson Valley Restaurant Week – 150+ restaurants throughout the Hudson Valley are offering prix fixe lunches and dinners for $24.95, $29.95, $39.95, or $44.95 (price is set by participating restaurant).
April 15 – April 21 (Nyack) Nyack Feasts 2024 – During this weeklong culinary celebration, diners can choose their formats and flavors from participating restaurants offering a variety of options — such as discounts of up to 20% or special menus at special prices.Before or after you dine, pair your fare with great shopping by browsing Nyack’s eclectic and exciting retail shops and services businesses.
April 18 (Pleasantville) Cheese 101 at Second Mouse Cheese Shop. 7:15 PM – 8:45 PM. $60/person. 4 simple ingredients, 5 basic categories, 1000s years’ history and a million stories. From fundamental practicalities to outrageous indulgences, artisanal cheeses fascinate us. Come learn why we all love cheese. Join Second Mouse Cheese Shop owner Ivy for an array of delicious cheese samplings, beautiful wines to pair and a hefty dose of fun insights to the world of turophilia. Cheese & Wine & Instruction are included in the price of your ticket. A good time guaranteed.
April 20 (White Plains) Downtown White Plains Wing Walk at various restaurants. 12 PM – 5 PM. Stroll around the downtown sampling different chicken wing flavors at a variety of restaurants, then rate each one to help us determine the best wings in downtown White Plains! Sample two wings at each participating restaurant.General Admission: $25 online, $30 day-of, Children Ages 5 – 10: $15 online, $20 day-of Children Under 5: Free Ticket Time Slots: 1st Slot – 12:00PM – 2:30PM, 2nd Slot 2:30 PM – 5:00PM All tickets are non-refundable. Check out the linked site to see a list of participating restaurants.
April 26 (Peekskill) Spanish Wine Dinner at Central Peekskill. 7 PM. Enjoy 5 crafted courses paired with Spanish wines. Tickets: $125/person.
Adult Classes & Workshops:
April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 (Katonah) Gardening Tuesdays! at Lasdon Park. 10 AM. Enhance your gardening skills and plant knowledge by working side by side with the gardeners at Lasdon Park. Tasks include planting, watering, weeding, pruning, staking, deadheading, potting up, and more! Registration required. You must be at least 16 years of age. Please complete the volunteer form on the website.
April 3 (Rye) American Women Artists Art Talk at Rye Arts Center. 6 PM. $8/members, $10 General Admission. A comprehensive variety of prolific women who have helped shape the art world, presented by an equally impactful woman, Debbie Wells of ArtfulBuzz!
April 6 (Katonah) Saturday Rosen House Tour at Caramoor. 1 PM. $15/ticket. Free for members and children. We are happy to offer a few Saturday tours this spring! Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Rosen House is a work of living history. Discover the eclectic home that Caramoor founders Lucie and Walter Rosen built for music. Our knowledgeable guides will take you on a captivating journey that’s perfect for friends and families alike. Tours are approximately 45 minutes.
April 7 (Katonah) Morning Farm Chores: For Adults at Muscoot Farm. 8 AM – 10 AM. Become a farmer for a day and join our staff as you feed, clean, and care for our animals! Pre-registration is required; $25 for a group of two; available to everyone ages 15+. Participants will meet at Muscoot’s Reception Center with sturdy, closed-toe footwear.
April 7 and 21 (Katonah) The Beauty of Bulbs at Lasdon Park. 1 PM – 2 PM. Free. Join Lasdon staff for a tour of the gardens in spring. View some of the thousands of bulbs planted throughout the property. See what’s in flower at this time of the year. Meet at the Entrance Kiosk. This is a rain or shine program, please dress accordingly.
April 10 (Rye) Finding Courage: Creating Art You Love at Rye Arts Center. 10 AM – 1 PM. $40/members, $50/General Admission. Ignite your creative spark and overcome fear in a transformative 3-hour workshop for awaking new artistry. Replace limiting beliefs with empowerment. A workshop Ideal for artists and creatives seeking clarity, courage, and meaningful action. Embrace change. Speak your truth. Unleash your potential!
April 13 (Rye) Artist Talk: Silk Paintings:The Work of Berenice Pliskinat Rye Arts Center. 2 PM. A collection where vibrant colors dance across silk canvases on view in Gallery B, weaving tales of human experience and mythical wonder. Each stroke of Berenice’s brush is imbued with a depth of emotion and storytelling prowess that transports you to somewhere unexpected.
Join Hudson River Sloop Clearwater for a two-hour hike at Teatown Lake Reservation Nature Preserve to see examples of watershed protective management practices and learn about watershed protection. The program will feature Emily Edmonds-Langham from Teatown, and Tyler Van Fleet and Jessica Alba from the Watershed Agricultural Council who, throughout the walk, will explore the connections between forest health and watershed protection. Trees and forests are critical to healthy watersheds as they provide important functions including filtering rainwater and runoff and preventing erosion.
Please remember to dress for the weather and wear sturdy walking shoes or boots. Due to the presence of ticks, we recommend that you wear long, light-colored pants and socks. We also suggest bringing a hat, sunscreen, and a full reusable water bottle. Parking is available on site – please note, for non-Teatown members, the cost of parking is $7. A note on hike difficulty, trails at Teatown can range from easy to moderate, including uneven terrain. The program will require walking/standing for 2 hours. With questions about this hike or general inquiries about this hike or the Hike and Learn program more broadly, e-mail Jen Benson at jen@clearwater.org.
April 27 (Rye) Book TalkSoundtrack: Liner Notes From A Pandemic Mixtape w/Allison Cupp Relyea at Rye Arts Center. 1:30 – 2:30 PM. Free. Soundtrack: Liner Notes from a Pandemic Mixtape captures the full range of emotions, just like a favorite song. Join us for a book talk and workshop with Alison Cupp Relyea, as she shows us how we can evoke the power of music to inspire, heal, and move us.
April 27 (Katonah) Cookie Decorating Class at Muscoot Farm. 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM. Join Caitlin of CM Cookies for a fun workshop to learn all of the tips and tricks of cookie decorating. This workshops is for adults only ages 18+. Limited participation of 25. Cost is $30 per person. We will meet inside the activity building and workshop will begin promptly at 1:00 pm.
Family Fun:
March 8 – April 2 (Yonkers) Flip Circus at Cross County Center. Tickets: $30-$80. Showtimes are Monday – Friday, 7:30pm and Saturdays and Sundays, 1:00pm, 4:00pm and 7:00pm.
Join us under the big top tent, located in the north parking lot, across from Olive Garden and Longhorn Steakhouse, for these amazing acts:
Acrobatics
Aerial and Trapeze
Clowns
Jugglers
Magic
AND MORE!
April 2 (Briarcliff Manor) Easter Squishies Mini Camp & Breakfast at A Maze in Pottery. 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM. Join us for a morning of fun, pottery painting & bagels! Get ready to let your imagination run wild as you design and paint your CUTE SQUISHIES IN THE BASKET Plate. You can use it for snacks, dinner or to display. Ages: 6+ Price: 1st child $49.90+tax, 2nd child (a friend or a sibling) $47.90+tax
April 6 (Katonah) MorningFarm Chores at Muscoot Farm. 8:30 AM – 10 AM. Become a farmer for a day and join our staff as you feed, clean, and care for our animals! Pre-registration is required; $25 for a group of two; available to children ages 6 – 14. Participants will meet at Muscoot’s Reception Center with sturdy, closed-toe footwear.
April 6 (Mamaroneck) The Rainbow Fish presented by Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia at The Emelin Theatre. 11 AM and 2 PM performances. Approximate run time: 60 minutes. Recommended ages: 4-8, Tickets: $19/kids, $24/adults
Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia’s “The Rainbow Fish,” is an original stage adaptation of Marcus Pfister’s award-winning children’s story as well two of the author’s companion tales, “Rainbow Fish Discovers the Deep Sea” and “Opposites.” Mermaid Theatre has earned international acclaim for its unique interpretations of the works of Eric Carle (“The Very Hungry Caterpillar”), Leo Lionni (“Swimmy,” “Frederick” and “Inch by Inch”) and Sam McBratney (“Guess How Much I Love You”). These productions incorporate innovative puppetry, striking scenic effects, and evocative original music to provide very young audiences with an effortless introduction to the performing arts and the excitement of reading.
ABOUT THE PERFORMANCE The first of three tales introduces the most beautiful fish in the sea, whose scales shimmer in all the colors of the rainbow. He is admired – and resented – by the entire underwater world, until a clever octopus advises him to give each fish one of his scales. Further adventures follow as The Rainbow Fish finds the courage to explore the great unknown deep sea. This underworld wonderland is the perfect setting to also explore the concept of opposites.
April 6 (Katonah) Patterns in Art at Lasdon Park. 11:30 AM – 1 PM. Patterns are everywhere. After viewing Patterns of Nature, learn how they are expressed in art. This exploration is intended to deepen your understanding and connection to nature. $30/student. Class will be in the Studio. Drop off class. Attendance limit: 8
April 6 (Katonah) Rosen House Tour at Carmoor. 1 PM and 2 PM. $15/person, Free for members and children. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Rosen House is a work of living history. Discover the eclectic home that Caramoor founders Lucie and Walter Rosen built for music. Our knowledgeable guides will take you on a captivating journey that’s perfect for friends and families alike. Tours are approximately 45 minutes.
The HRM opens its doors from 2–5pm with fun and educational activities inspired by today’s once-in-a-lifetime Total Solar Eclipse. A total solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, completely blocking the face of the Sun. The sky will darken as if it were dawn or dusk. In our region, the eclipse starts at 2:30pm, approaches 91% totality at 3:25pm, and ends at 4:36pm. The next total eclipse that can be seen from our region will be in 2079!
Eclipse Viewing in the Courtyard View the eclipse’s progress with safe tools, including two solar telescopes that reveal incredible details of the Moon’s jagged silhouette and sunspots on the face of the Sun. While you wait your turn at the solar telescopes, observe the eclipse with pinhole viewers, mirror projections, exclusive HRM eclipse glasses (while supplies last), and other safe methods. Recommended for ages 8+. Please note, the Museum is not responsible for the cancellation of outdoor activities that are dependent on the weather; all general admission ticket sales are final.
Eclipse Live Stream in the Lobby Watch the eclipse live stream from locations along its path over North America, including museums, schools, and observatories, from Texas to Maine. Feeds will be displayed on the video monitor in the HRM Lobby, accompanied by a space-themed soundtrack.
Open-Door Eclipse Presentation in the Planetarium Stop by the Planetarium for an ongoing, open-door presentation on the unique nature and history of Earth’s eclipses, and why they have been so avidly watched by astronomers. We’ll use the Planetarium’s digital projection system to fly out into space and get an astronaut’s-eye-view of the event as it happens.
Capture the Moment in Greene Education Center Pose for a photo-op in front of a solar eclipse—no special glasses required!—and take a picture you’ll treasure forever (or at least until the next eclipse in 2079)!
April 12 – April 28 (Yorktown Heights) Jefferson Valley Mall Carnival by Dreamland Amusements. Free admission and free parking. Click link for carnival hours (varies by date).
ON-SALE WRISTBAND PRICING: $37 Unlimited Ride Wristbands ($35 Cash Discount) Wristbands are for persons 36” and over. Ride Heights vary – some require an adult rider with child.
RIDE TICKET PRICING: Single ticket $1.50 20 tickets $32 ($30 Cash Discount) 50 tickets (includes 1 🎟 free ride) $62 ($60 Cash Discount) Ride Tickets for sale on site daily and online
April 12 (Mamaroneck) Chris Funk, The Wonderist at the Emelin Theatre. 8 PM. Tickets: $42-$48 plus applicable fees. Magician Chris Funk, The Wonderist, has traveled the world sharing his style of magic that can only be described as refreshingly different. Join us for an interactive world-class comedy magic show with live music that Penn & Teller calls “irresistible.” A live-feed camera and interactive video ‘brings the audience up on stage and into the act’ for a shared experience that will make you believe anything is possible. Join us for this engaging and visceral multi-media experience perfect for all ages, that leaves everyone wondering, ‘how did he do that?’
April 13 (Katonah) Animal Interactions at Muscoot Farm. 10 AM – 11 AM. Join us for the opportunity to enter one of our enclosures where you will see, touch, and learn more about an animal of the farmer’s choice! Due to the nature of this program, pre-registration is required, with tickets being $25 per person, and is only available to those 8+
April 13 (Yonkers) Earth Day Event at the Cross County Center. Free. No registration required.
Cross County Center invites families to join them for a special Earth Day celebration on Saturday, April 13th, on The Green lawn, near Pandora. The fun filled afternoon will celebrate our beautiful planet complete with a strolling flower stilt walker, a DJ, and their resident Bee mascot! There will also be a special interactive Earth Day Flower Planting activity for kids, hosted by the Westchester Parks Foundation. Children of all ages will learn the importance of planting native species and how they impact local wildlife right here in Yonkers. Then, they will be given the materials to plant their own native flower seeds—some to take home, and others that will later be planted in parks by Westchester Parks Foundation’s volunteers. *No experience needed, suitable for all ages. Children 13 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
April 14 (Rye) Open Mic with the Music Academy of Westchester at the Barley Beach House. 7:30 PM. Open Mic Night at Barley Beach House hosted by Westchester Music Academy. Come show your singing, guitar or band talent. Registration closes April 7th. Spots are limited for each age group and time slots so don’t hesitate. $25 Registration fee will goes directly to The Westchester Music Academy. 4:30-6pm Children 12 and under. 6pm-7:30 pm Children 12 and up. Admission $25 which includes buffet dinner and cash bar. Fee $25 per performer (Goes directly to Westchester Music Academy). Any questions info@musicacademyofwestchester.com
April 20 (Ossining) Green Ossining’s 14th Annual Earth Day Festival at Louis Engel Waterfront Park. 10 AM – 5 PM. This event showcases organizations/businesses that best exemplify Green Ossining’s ideals.
April 20-21 (Tarrytown) Spring Flower Show at the Lyndhurst Estate. 10 AM – 4 PM. Tickets: $30/adults, $28/seniors, AAA, Military and students, $18/youth (ages 6-16), Free/ages 5 and under. Enjoy a variety of flower art installations throughout the historic mansion. Shop at the botanical market, take a walk and talk lecture, sign up for a workshop and more.
Live Music & Performances:
The Bedford Playhouse (Bedford) April’s lineup includes: Nature Sacred: Where Science Meets the Soul (April 11), An Evening with Medium Thomas John (April 13),
The Capitol Theatre: (Port Chester) April’s lineup includes: Melvin Seals and JGB (April 5), An Evening with Lotus (April 6), Goose (April 7-10), Rock the River Benefit (April 11), Ross Lynch & Rocky Lynch present the Driver Era: Live on Tour (April 26) and Del McCoury Band (April 27). *Check the site for the full lineup.
Caramoor (Katonah) Enjoy live music at Caramoor this month including: Pacifica Quartet (April 14) and Lakecia Benjamin & Phoenix (April 19). *Check the site for the full lineup.
Emelin Theatre: (Mamaroneck) This month’s lineup includes Lucy Kaplansky with Goodnight Moonshine (April 5), Broadway Spotlight (April 6), Martin Sexton (April 13), Cyrille Aimee (April 18), Lez Zeppelin (April 20) and Amythyst Kiah (April 26). *Check the site for the full lineup
Paramount Hudson Valley: (Peekskill) April’s lineup includes: So Good! The Neil Diamond Experience (April 6), Mandy Patinkin In Concert: Being Alive (April 12), BENISE – FIESTA! Emmy Award Winning Spanish Guitar and Dance Spectacular! (April 13) Start Making Sense – The Talking Heads Tribute (April 19), Best of the Eagles (April 20), Southern RockFest ft. A Brother’s Revival and Classic Skynyrd Live! (April 29) and Garrison Keillor Tonight! (April 30). *Check the site for the full lineup
The Performing Arts Center at Purchase College(Purchase) – There are a variety of different shows in April including A.I.M by Kyle Abraham (Contemporary Dance) (April 6), Westchester Philharmonic: Old School, Fresh Voice (Classical Music) (April 7), Purchase Opera: Hamlet (April 11-14), Inside Chamber Music with Bruce Adolphe (Chamber Music) (April 17) and Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center: String Magic (Chamber Music) (April 20).
Tarrytown Music Hall: (Tarrytown) April’s lineup includes: Shovels & Rope (April 6), Marty Stuart and his Fabulous Superlatives (April 13), Dionne Warwick (April 17), Ben Folds and a Piano (April 18), Paul Mecurio’s Permission to Speak (April 20) and Madison Cunningham & Juana Molina – Not That Similar Tour (April 21). *Check the site for the full lineup
Westchester Philharmonic (Various Locations – check site for times and locations) April’s lineup includes Old School, Fresh Voice: Jaime Laredo and Isabelle Durrenberger (April 7) and Dark & Stormy: String Quartets of Beethoven & Ravel (April 21).
April 5 (Bedford) First Fridays: Breakwater at the Bedford Playhouse. 6:30 -8:30 PM. Free Event. Former Bedford resident and sailboat captain Jon Flaks leads this combo of smooth, soft rock you would hear on a yacht. CSN, Van Morrison, Steely Dan, The Eagles, and plenty of one-hit wondersongs about the wind and sea.
April 12 – May 5 (White Plains) Beautiful: The Carole King Musical at the White Plains Performing Arts Center – Before she was hit-maker Carole King — she was Carole Klein, a spunky, young songwriter from Brooklyn with a unique voice. From the chart-topping hits she wrote for the biggest acts in music to her own life-changing, trailblazing success with Tapestry, Beautiful takes you back to where it all began and takes you on the ride of a lifetime.
Featuring such unforgettable classics as “You’ve Got a Friend”, “One Fine Day”, “So Far Away”,”Will You Love Me Tomorrow”, and “Natural Woman”; this Tony® and Grammy® Award-winning musical phenomenon is filled with the songs you remember and a story you’ll never forget.
Performances at 2 PM and 7:30 PM, depending on the day. Tickets $47-$65/person.
April 18 – April 21 (Purchase) Shen Yun at The Performing Arts Center at Purchase College. Shen Yun takes you on an extraordinary journey through China’s 5,000 years of divinely inspired culture. Exquisite beauty from the heavens, profound wisdom from dynasties past, timeless legends, and ethnic traditions all spring to life through classical Chinese dance, enchanting live orchestral music, authentic costumes, and patented interactive backdrops. Revisit a time when scholars and artists sought harmony with the Tao, or the “Way” of the universe, and when divine beings walked upon the earth to inspire humanity. Join us for a night filled with beauty and wisdom, courage, and hope…Experience Shen Yun! Show times vary with dates. Tickets: $89-$209
Excercise & Fitness:
April 1 (Katonah) Sawmill River Audubon Bird Walk at Muscoot Farm. 8 AM – 10 AM. Come to the farm for an early morning bird walk with Anne Swaim of Saw Mill River Audubon. Wear sturdy shoes and bring binoculars. The walk leaves from the parking lot. While this guided walk is free, registration is required at www.sawmillriveraudubon.org.
April 7 (Katonah) Spring Discovery Walk at Lasdon Park. 11 AM – 12 PM. Join a free walking tour to look for the welcoming signs of spring. We’ll be looking for new and unfolding flowering buds on trees and shrubs, spring bulbs, bird nests, and whatever nature provides us. The tour meets at 11:00am at the Green Entrance gate off the top level of the parking lot. For more information please call 914 864-7264.
April 25 (Ossining) Sunset Series Hike at Teatown. 6:30 – 8:00 PM. As the days lengthen, join us to soak up the extra sun for this hike series with Environmental Educator Caroline Erb. Hike around Teatown Lake and watch the sun go down from Bergman Boardwalk. Come for one or come for all to herald the coming of summer as we approach the longest day of the year. Wear appropriate hiking footwear, sun protection, and bug spray, and bring water and a snack. Limited to 15 participants. Members: $5, Nonmembers: $10
Shopping:
April 14 (Elmsford) Gather + Goods Community Market at Captain Lawrence Brewing Co. 11 AM – 5 PM. Free to attend. Hosted in partnership with Gather + Goods, Captain Lawrence, and Northern Westchester Moms, it’s a day to celebrate and support local artisans and businesses. Shop unique finds, savor delicious brews, and connect with your community.
Craft Tacos and Tequila opened last week in Mohegan Lake. The casual sit-down eatery occupies the space that recently housed the Dog Haus and Biergarten. The restaurant officially opened on Friday, March 22nd. When we visited this past Sunday afternoon for lunch they were still in their soft opening and working out the kinks.
This is a seat yourself eatery. There were a limited number of physical handheld menus and using the QR code menus located at the tables was encouraged. We were notified prior to ordering that there was an approximately 30-40 minute wait for food. The kitchen wasn’t quite ready for the crowds. It was a nice gesture to have the staff alert guests of the expected wait time so we could manage our expectations appropriately. My husband and I were willing to stick it out. Service was on point with friendly and attentive staff. They were constantly checking in with us and clearing plates.
The restaurant still has the same layout of the former Dog Haus restaurant. However, the walls are now adorned with bright murals and cute sayings like “Feed me tacos and tell me I’m pretty” and “Tequila may not be the answer, but it’s worth a shot.”
If you wander further into the restaurant closer to the bathrooms, you will see art hanging on the walls. The art, including paintings and photographs, are created by local area artists and has been curated by the owner. The pieces are available for purchase. (Please go see these photographs in person! The glare from the lights (and my reflection!) does not do them justice.)
The peppers themselves were very good. We felt the flavors of the toppings were a bit overpowered by the heat of the peppers and the Asian dipping sauce didn’t quite meld well with the Mexican flavors.
Mexican Caesar Salad – Romaine, Cotjia Cheese, Crispy Tortilla Strips, Pumpkin Seeds, Caesar Dressing
This salad is large enough to share and we did! It was still a challenge to reach the bottom of the bowl. It’s a pretty standard Caesar with a few twists but was tasty nonetheless.
Classic Baja Taco – Beer Battered Cod with Cabbage Slaw
A classic fish taco. The tangy slaw was a nice addition.
Bang Bang Shrimp Taco – Bang Bang Sauce, Fried Shrimp, Cabbage Slaw, Sriracha.
The Bang Bang taco was surprisingly spicy and flavorful! You could tell that the tacos are made with quality ingredients and care. Both tacos came on corn tortillas which unfortunately didn’t survive getting picked up without falling apart.
Although I am not a meat eater, online reviews note that the Korean Short Rib Taco and Birria Tacos are winners. They also offer wings in a variety of flavors.
The day of our visit the restaurant was out of several items like the Kung Pao Dumplings and the Mexican Street Corn. They offer two desserts: a Tres Leches and Churros. I had seen pictures of the churros online and was excited to end our lunch with an order, so I was a bit disappointed that they were sold out.
Since we are not big drinkers, we can’t comment on the tequila or cocktails. However, the large bar that was in Dog Haus remains. There are 12 beers on tap and they offer fountain drinks and also sell bottles of Jarritos.
Craft Tacos and Tequila is a welcome new addition to the Mohegan Lake restaurant scene. In a Facebook group post, one of the owners Andrew Hamerling noted that they are working out all of the kinks. They hope to be adding takeout soon and their goal is to give guests “a great and enjoyable experience.” However, they don’t want to take on too much, too fast. As a new restaurant, customers must give the business time to find their footing. Please be patient and give Craft Tacos and Tequila a try! We will be back soon so I can try the Mexican Street Corn and the churros!
The Details:
Craft Tacos and Tequila 3137 E. Main Street Mohegan Lake, NY 10547 (845) 915-4387
Oh hi, remember me?! How have you been? I’m sure you’ve noticed that it’s been forever since I posted anything here on the blog. It looks like I haven’t written anything in this space in over five months. It was a much needed break as I’ve been trying to figure out what I should do with this space.
Life has been busy. With one teen heading off to college in the fall and another teen who is busy with sports, activities and hanging out with friends….there’s a lot less family time. I’m thankful for all of the trips, outings and restaurants that we have visited as a family and you can read about a lot of them here on this blog. However, I can’t continue to write about family-friendly activities when realistically my kids are almost adults (wow that’s scary!) and quality family time is rare.
Being away from the blog for so long, I realized that I continue to enjoy writing. This blog started way back when I need a creative outlet. After my longer than expected hiatus I have decided to continue writing this blog. I still love to explore the Hudson Valley, so you will continue to find posts on restaurants and local attractions. I also plan to continue posting the monthly activity calendars. However, I plan to expand the blog into the wider lifestyle space and cover more topics including parenting, culture, books, entertainment, beauty, food and whatever else catches my interest and hopefully yours!
I am thankful for everyone that stops by to read my little blog and I hope that you continue to enjoy the content! Feel free to also follow me along on Instagram as well! NY Foodie Family is back!
Although October has just begun, it’s never too early to start planning your Halloween fun! Get your costume on and spend a fun fall day out with family and friends. Whether you want to get scared or have more low-key fun, there is Halloween fun for everyone. Check out our 2023 Halloween fun in the Hudson Valley guide.
*As always, please check directly with the attraction for the most up-to-date information.
Bethel Woods Peace Love & Pumpkins (Bethel, NY) Wind through our garden trails marvel at thousands of unique hand-carved jack-o-lanterns and glowing pumpkin art. Delight in displays featuring Woodstock festival icons, dinosaurs, mermaids, witches, and much more! Halfway thru the walk, take a break to enjoy a drink, get a snack, warm up by the fire, and on select nights, hear live music!
Location: Bethel Woods Center for the Arts 200 Hurd Road Bethel, NY 12720
Dates: October 13-29, 6:30 PM – 10 PM October 20 and 27 are Friday Night Frights at Peace, Love, & Pumpkins. This event is not recommended for children. The walk-thru experience gets a spooky makeover as the ghosts and ghouls come out to roam the grounds. A dark, terrifying experience that will leave you trembling as you exit – If you can make it out alive, that is!
Tickets: $25/adults 18+, $15/youth (age 3-17), Free/kids 2 and under *Price increases day of, pre-purchasing tickets recommended
Boo at the Zoo (Bronx, NY) The Bronx Zoo is continuing its annual Halloween celebration. Children can come in costume and enjoy pumpkin carving demonstrations, the candy trail, a costume parade, Halloween crafts and more. New this year is “Spooky Stories to Tickle Your Spine” and “Bones Tell a Story: Animal Skeletons.”
Location: Bronx Zoo 2300 Southern Boulevard Bronx, NY 10460
Dates: Saturdays & Sundays, September 30 – October 29, and Monday, October 9 10 AM – 5:30 PM (weekends and holidays)
Tickets: Starting at $33.95/adults (13+), $28.95/seniors (65+), $23.95/children (3-12), Free/children 2 & under *Advanced ticket purchases are required. Please see the site for their new flex pricing info. Pumpkin Nights Tickets: The walk-thru experience gets a spooky makeover as the ghosts and ghouls come out to roam the grounds. A dark, terrifying experience that will leave you trembling as you exit – If you can make it out alive, that is!Tickets: $34.95/adults, $24.95/children (3-12)
Location: Boundless Adventures 735 Anderson Hill Road Purchase, NY 10577
Dates: Saturday, October 7 Price: $55 for a 2 hour climb
Photo c/o Goosefeather
Goosefeather Halloween Party (Tarrytown, NY) Goosefeather’s annual Halloween party is back! Bring the whole family (even well-behaved pets are welcome!) for a fun-filled day of spook-tacular activities including a candy hunt (which begins promptly at 12:00PM), bounce houses, face painting, balloon artist, pumpkin decorating, and coloring station. There will also be lawn games, costume contests, raffles, and live music from Goosefeather’s resident DJ. Food and drink will be available for purchase. The event will take place on the Front Lawn; please note, in the case of inclement weather, the event will be cancelled with no rain date and tickets will be refunded.
Food Menu (beverages will be available for purchase as well):
Burgers ($10)
Hot Dogs ($5)
Beef, Chicken, Pork Skewers ($14/4 pc)
Wings ($8)
Corn ($5)
Hummus w/ Carrots ($12)
Location: Goosefeather The Tarrytown House Estate 49 East Sunnyside Lane Tarrytown, NY 10591
The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze (Croton-on-Hudson, NY) This is the Hudson Valley’s most famous fall event. Enjoy seeing thousands of hand-carved, illuminated jack O’lanterns in amazing displays of artistry. Tickets are very limited for this attraction!
Location: Van Cortlandt Manor 525 South Riverside Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520
Dates: Select Dates September 15-November 19
Tickets: Start at $24, depending on date and time *Advance reservations required, no tickets are sold onsite *Free Parking
Location: Headless Horseman Hayrides & Haunted Houses 778 Broadway, Route 9W Ulster Park, NY 12487
Dates: Opening Night September 23, 2023.
Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in October, 7 PM – 9 PM timed entry, every 15 minutes
Tickets: $64.95/person plus service charge and tax) in advance: General Admission on Sept. 30, Oct. 1, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23, 28, 29, 30 $78.90/person + tax onsite
*This event is not recommended for children under the age of 13 *Children 8 or younger will not be admitted *Children 15 or younger must be accompanied by an adult *No refunds
Special Children’s Days: “On Children’s Day, the park tones down its scare level. You will enjoy a hayride and visit friendly characters along the way. In addition, you will experience our Magic Moon Maze, Haunted Gardens, Witch Hazel’s Halloween House, Dino Zone, enjoy music, and other surprises making this the perfect outing for families with young children.”
Dates: Saturday October 7th and Saturday October 21st
11:30 AM – 4:00 PM
$21.95/person plus service charge and tax in advance $29.95/person + tax onsite
Hotel Nyack Halloween Party (Nyack, NY) Come have a night of fright in your Halloween costume and dance the night away in Hotel Nyack’s private ballroom featuring DJ Super Kiss. The party starts sharply at 8:00pm until 12:00am. Admission price includes a four-hour open bar and passed hors d’ oeuvres! We will be offering a special discounted price of $80.00+ for tickets purchased before Friday, October 13th. Tickets purchased after that date will be priced at $100.00+ Ages 21 and over only, IDs will be checked at the door. All tickets will have 8.375% New York state sales tax and 20% service charge added on at the time of checkout.
Location: Hotel Nyack 400 High Avenue Nyack, NY 10960
Date: October 28, 2023 8 PM – 12 AM Tickets: $102.70 (advance price, includes fees). $128.38 (after October 13th)
Photo: Historic Hudson Valley
Irving’s Legend (Irvington, NY) Irving’s ‘Legend’ returns reimagined this fall. Performed outdoors under the stars at Washington Irving’s Sunnyside, master storyteller Jonathan Kruk will cast a spell with dramatic performances of the classic tale. Live music and an appearance from the Headless Horseman himself make this a spooky spectacular experience for all ages.This experience is outdoors and requires walking.
Location: Washington Irving’s Sunnyside 3 W. Sunnyside Lane Irvington, NY 10533
Dates: September 29 – October 31- Friday-Sunday only + Columbus Day, October 30th and Halloween, 6:30 PM, 8:00 PM, 9:30 PM
Tickets: Prices vary depending on date/time of show. Advance tickets required.
Kevin McCurdy’s Haunted Mansion (Wappingers Fall, NY) This year, Kevin McCurdy’s Haunted Mansion presents: “Asylum” and “The Wicked Woods.” Guests will walk an almost one mile trail of Halloween horrors.
Location: 38 Sheafe Road Wappingers Falls, NY 12590
Tickets: Begin at $30 plus online ticketing fee and sales tax (dependent on day and date that you attend) *reservations are required *No refunds *Free parking *This event is not recommended for young children
Kid’s Day: October 9th. 12:30 PM – 4:30 PM. A special show for the young ones that won’t give them nightmares. Kids day entertainment includes magic shows, and activities including trick or treating with friendly monsters. General Admission: $17.50
Photo: Lake Compounce
Lake Compounce Phantom Fall Fest (Southington, CT) Phantom Fall Fest returns to Lake Compounce. Thrill all day on your favorite rides, then fright all night with even more horror around every corner. Hang on to your friends through more fog, more freaks, more FX- like the new, next-level mayhem of mAlice in Wonderland. Now, your trip down the rabbit hole is included with park admission. Plus, escape the zombie madness in new scare zones like Deadsville. This year, the scare is everywhere. Don’t miss the return of Phantom Fall Fest, with more of things that make you scream. Each Friday, Saturday and Sunday through October 29. Phantom Fall Fest at Lake Compounce 185 Enterprise Drive Bristol, CT 06010 USA – you gotta scream it to believe it.
Location: Lake Compounce Family Theme Park 185 Enterprise Drive Bristol, CT 06010
Dates: Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays – through October 29th
Tickets: $59.99, Current online price: $29.99 (limited time offer)
Photo: LEGOLAND
LEGOLAND New York Resort Brick-or-Treat Presents Monster Party (Goshen, NY) “Our signature Halloween event is better than ever! Brick-or-Treat will bewitch LEGOLAND® New York Resort with tons of candy, an all-new show line up, never-before-seen exclusive LEGO® characters, and more!”
Location: LEGOLAND New York Resort 1 LEGOLAND Way Goshen, NY 10924
Dates: Saturdays and Sundays Sept. 16 – October 29
Tickets: $47/one day theme park + Brick-or-Treat ticket, $94/at the gate Ticket + hotel packages available
Photo: Legoland Discovery Center
LEGOLAND Discovery Center Brick-or-Treat Monster Party (Yonkers, NY) There’s an awesome LEGO® Brick-or-Treat Monster Party happening this Halloween and you’re on the guest list! Join the Monsters as they take over LEGOLAND Discovery Center Westchester and watch the spook-tastic Halloween 4D Movie, ‘The Great Monster Chase! It’s non-stop Halloween party fun, with spooky Halloween decorations, amazing LEGO® activities, and a screening of the LEGO® 4D Halloween Movie. You won’t want to miss THE LEGO® party of the season! Come along and bring your best Monster moves with you.
Location: LEGOLAND Discovery Center Westchester Ridge Hill Shopping Center 39 Fitzgerald Street Yonkers, NY 10710
Dates: September 25 – November 1
Weekdays: 10 AM – 5:00 PM Weekends: 10 AM – 7:00 PM
Tickets: Prices start at $19.99
Myths and Mysteries Tour at Armour-Stiner Octagon House (Irvington, NY) “During the month of October, tours at The Armour-Stiner Octagon House transform into a more spirited experience with its ‘Myths and Mysteries’ tour. For years, local rumors have swirled around The Octagon House, implying its connection to the spirit world. Join us as we delve into the myths and mysteries of the house — from its unique dome shape resembling an ancient Roman temple, to its octagonal floor plan rooted in 19th century Phrenology, to speculations of a resident ghost, we’ll share stories from the current owners who have described their experiences of the house as something otherworldly. Come hear tales of the unexplained and uncanny events that have occurred in this magical house while experiencing the delight of this meticulously restored architectural wonder.”
Location: The Armour-Stiner House 45 West Clinton Avenue Irvington, NY 10533
Dates: Thursdays through Sundays, tours are offered multiple times throughout each day
Tickets: $29/person
Nightmare Circus(Mahopac, NY) Nightmare Circus is a family operated haunted house. “Step right up! Come inside our circus tent and enter the world of an eye-corrupting, mind-distorting funhouse, where the clowns and carnies have their own definition of fun. Nothing is what it seems in this mind-boggling maze of optical delusions, death-defying acts and remorseless maniacal clowns that will have you running for the exit. Too bad there isn’t one.”
Location: 24 Sycamore Road Mahopac, NY 10541
Dates: October 30th – Sundown – 9:30 PM October 31st – Sundown – 9:30 PM
Admission: Free *Recommended for teens and adults only.
Pumpkin Jubilee Weekend at Barton Orchards (Poughquag, NY) Celebrate everything fall at our Pumpkin Jubilee weekend!! We’ll have plenty of pumpkins for picking. Enjoy the taste of fall with our signature apple cider donuts, food trucks and Tap Room with twenty on tap! The orchard will be fully open with many apple varieties to choose from!Admission includes live music, entertainment by Magician Zach Alexander (Saturday), Reptile Encounters (Sunday), Pig Races, the Fun Park featuring our new MEGA SLIDE, Rock & Roll themed Corn Maze, unlimited Hayrides, Petting Zoo, Wooden Ship Playground, and Dog Park too!
Location: Barton Orchards 63 Apple Tree Lane Poughquag, NY 12570
Dates: October 15 & 16 – 10 AM – 6 PM
Tickets: $29.95/ ages 13+, $15/ children (ages 4 to 12) Free/Children three and under (tax included)
Photo: Pure Terror Scream Park
Pure Terror Scream Park (Monroe, NY) Pure Terror Scream Park is the Guinness World Record holder for “longest haunted house scream park in the world.” Guests walk through 13 different haunted attractions filled with characters and special effects. Pure Terror introduces 3 all-new attractions for the 2023 season! Including Jungle Rot, Pumpkin Alley, and the Monster Midway where you can get one-of-a-kind pictures with our monsters!
Location: 299 Museum Village Road Monroe, NY 10950
Tickets: – Limited online timed tickets General Admission – $59.99 + online service fee + NY sales tax
General Admission onsite – $64.74+tax – cash only *VIP upgrades available *No refunds – all sales are final
Scared by the SoundHaunted House (Yorktown Heights) “Scared by the Sound will return for the 2023 Halloween season in our brand new location! The cleanup in aisle 13 at this abandoned food market won’t be at all what you expected to find now that it’s the new home of Scared by the Sound Haunted House! We’ve relocated from last years’ Kmart building to the old Uncle G’s Market across the street. This year’s new indoor haunt location is again going to be occupied by the undead who previously called Playland Amusement Park their home for over 20 years. Those along with creatures from the Crypt, Asylum, Cemetery plus more NEW scenes eagerly await your arrival this Halloween season. With the convenience of General Admittance timed tickets that are purchased exclusively in advance and on-line, or the now available Speed Pass tickets, this year’s return of the Scared by the Sound haunted house experience will be like no other! Open rain or shine starting September 30th plus all weekends in October. Purchase your preferred night *tickets early as prime time slots will sell out fast!“
Location: 380 Downing Drive Yorktown Heights, NY 10598
Tickets: – $29/person, Speed pass: $40/person *Open rain or shine *Not recommended for children under 10 *No refunds
Tract or Treat Weekend at Barton Orchards (Poughquag, NY) Celebrate fall with costumes and candy during our Tract-Or-Treat weekend at the farm! In addition to apples and pumpkins to pick, we’ll have a costume contest for kids, adults and dogs too starting at 2:30 PM at the Main Stage! After that, kids can have fun getting candy at our Tract-Or-Treat starting at 3:00 PM! Enjoy the taste of fall with our signature apple cider donuts and food trucks too! Admission includes live music, trick-or-treat candy (while supplies last), Pig Races, the Fun Park featuring our new MEGA SLIDE, Rock & Roll themed Corn Maze, unlimited Hayrides, Petting Zoo, Wooden Ship Playground, and Dog Park too!
Location: Barton Orchards 63 Apple Tree Lane Poughquag, NY 12570
Dates: October 28 & 29 – 11 AM – 6 PM (open until 9 PM Saturday)
Photo: Westchester County Parks
Westchester County Parks Spooktacular Oktoberfest (Cross River, NY) “From 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. kids of all ages will get to trick-or-treat, visit the Haunted Sugar Shack, pet animals, go on pony rides, have snacks and more! Bring cash for pony rides and pictures with animals. The Oktoberfest area will be open from 1 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. where there will be live music, Captain Lawrence beer/food truck, Bona Bona and more.“
Location: Trailside Nature Museum at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation
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Hello Friday and hello October! It’s been a busy and exhausting couple of weeks. I didn’t have time last week to write a Five on Friday post! This past week I was home isolating with COVID for most of the week. Last night we had Back-to-School Night for my teens. Fortunately, my husband was able to go as well, so we were able to each follow one child’s schedule! I am looking forward to a three-day weekend where I can actually go out! Here are five from this week:
1. COVID – Last Friday I woke up not feeling well. I got progressively sicker throughout the day. Saturday I took a COVID test and tested positive! I’ve had to isolate at home for five days. I was cleared to return to work yesterday and have to wear a mask through the weekend. I’m feeling much better and now only have a lingering cough, like I experienced the last time that I had COVID.
2. Amazfit – I recently purchased an Amazfit Band. I’ve used a Fitbit in the past and it was okay and I don’t need or want an Apple Watch. I want to be able to track my steps and my sleep and this band has received decent reviews. So far, I’m happy with it. It gets the job done for a super affordable price. I’m not sure if coughing impacts heart rate, but I took this picture right after a coughing fit, and ten minutes later it’s down to 83.
3. Reading – Last week I was able to finish reading Their Vicious Games by Joelle Wellington. Overall, a super unbelievable YA suspense read. I also finished Everyone Here is Lying by Shari Lapena. This was an okay suspense read.
4. Eating – Last week I enjoyed this Spicy Shrimp Tempura Roll from Whole Foods.
This mushroom, roasted pepper and mozzarella sandwich from Cam’s Deli.
5. Watching – I’ve started watching Bachelor in Paradise. I got through about half of The Golden Bachelor, but it’s just not keeping my interest. I’ve also been watching Dancing with the Stars, which I normally don’t watch, plus RHONY and Real Housewives of Orange County. I’ve had a bit more time to watch television recently!
I watched the movie Champions on Prime Video. Woody Harrelson is a basketball coach who is court ordered to coach an adult special needs basketball team. It was a real feel good movie!
6. Field Hockey Games – My daughter’s field hockey team is currently 11-1. I’ve had to watch her two most recent home games streamed on my laptop but it’s still been so exciting! There are four more games to the regular season as well as her upcoming senior game. As of now, they are currently first place in their league.
7. Memes – Some posts seen on the internet this week:
8. Puzzle – I’ve been working on this Nickelodeon 90’s 3,000 piece puzzle (again) for weeks. Having to stay isolated for days gave me time to finish it. Even though two pieces are still missing, I’m keeping it, since it’s such a challenging puzzle.
Also, current situation. I’ve saved this old puzzle box to help sort pieces on whatever current puzzle I’m working on. But both my cats like to sleep in the box!
