freeARTSweekend - Dec. 3-5th 2010

ARTSWESTCHESTER has organized an impressive three-day event of free activities in Westchester County on Dec. 3rd-5th. The activities encompass a wide-variety of arts including dance, music, film, storytelling, crafts, and art/cultural museums. Here are a sample of activities that peaked my interest:

FRIDAY
If only I didn't have to work Friday I would check out the free adult jazz dance class from 9:30-11am offered by Evolve Dance in Tarrytown, NY

SATURDAY
I love being crafty so I may just check out the Book Making workshop at the Mt. Vernon Library from 1-2:30 this Saturday. 

SUNDAY
I am super interested in the P.A.M Band Robotic Musicians performance at the ArtsWestchester location in White Plains. Not only are there several performances in the afternoon but there is also a lecture and, it sounds like, an opportunity to play the instruments.

To see the entire list of over forty free things to do this week visit: freeARTSweekend

Nature walk at Cranberry Lake Preserve

This weekend I was lucky enough to have my Mom visit. While we really wanted to do something to get into the Christmas spirit, all the events I could find are taking place in December. But when I saw a posting for the "Great Turkey Walk-off" at Cranberry Lake Preserve I thought it was the perfect way to exercise off our holiday food indulgences.

The nature preserve is large (190-acres) with 4 trails. The trails are fairly easy to navigate but with all the fallen leaves covering the path this time of year we had to look down a lot to make sure we didn't trip over hidden rocks. Cranberry Lake is the obvious focal point of the preserve and the paths take you right down to the water's edge. According to the History Trail pamphlet the lake was formed by glaciers 18,000 years ago and the lake is named after the abundance of cranberries that grow on the south end of the lake.

You can learn more about Cranberry Lake Preserve on the Westchester County Parks website and download a copy of the trail map. One of the best things about this county park: it's free!

Field - a hip Larchmont boutique

 

A wallet I purchased from Field

Black Friday is finally upon us and I think the most-fitting first entry I could write today would focus on shopping. So I chose to feature a fabulous little boutique in Larchmont, NY called Field. This store is quite small but packed in every corner are beautiful displays of home goods and accessories. I love this store because the products selected by owner Gunda Sabel-Sheehan remind me of the same fabulous items I read about in design blogs.


Field is located at 2095 Boston Post Road, Larchmont, NY. http://www.fieldny.com/
Happy shopping!

A call for adventure in Westchester

What do you do when you're in your mid-20's, childless and living in Westchester, NY? You could follow my initial lead: complain and become a hermit. Or you could also follow my new lead: seek out the unexpected.

I've lived in Westchester County for three years now after moving here with my husband when he transferred to SUNY Purchase. You can imagine our surprise when google maps showed us an image of SUNY Purchase surrounded by 6 country clubs and golf courses. "Where's the college town?" we exclaimed. (A little secret: there isn't one). Initially we experienced culture shock (and price tag shock) and while we still feel tragically hip for this place, we try to forge a niche for ourselves within the community.

Recently I have met some amazing women who expressed some similar sentiments about settling down in Westchester. This blog is inspired by my experience and the experience of other young Westchestarians who are searching for unique experiences and novel places to shop, eat and socialize.

This blog will highlight my novel experiences in Westchester, including stores, eateries and entertainment that I've discovered. I also want to highlight other people's discoveries and encourage you to send me ideas to include in my posts.

Happy adventures!
Gina