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- š¦ Sunday Is National Ice Cream Day (Not That You Needed an Excuse)
š¦ Sunday Is National Ice Cream Day (Not That You Needed an Excuse)
The World Cup Final at Kensico Dam, we introduce Westchester SC's new mascot & Jack White plays The Cap
Hello, Westchester!
Has anyone else hit the point in the summer where you suddenly realize it's starting to go far too fast?
One minute the schools were closing, and the next you're mentally trying to squeeze in every beach day, concert, ice cream stop, and promise you can barely remember making.
If you're anything like us, you've probably started making an ambitious mental list of all the memories you'd still like to make before we're picking pumpkins. It's helpful to be reminded that the people we love most don't need every day to be extraordinary. Sometimes it's the ice cream after dinner or the picnic that wasn't planned that becomes the memory they keep. We hope that by giving you plenty of ideas, we can take a little of that scrambling away.
On that note, Sunday happens to be National Ice Cream Day, so if you needed an excuse... there it is. We've shared some of our favorite spots over the past year (ahemā¦ King Kone, Blue Pig & Gelateria Sorella), but we'd love to know yours, too. Just hit reply and tell us!
This weekend also comes with a reminder to take care of yourselves. Westchester is under both a Heat Advisory and an Air Quality Health Advisory, so if you're heading out, stay hydrated, take plenty of breaks in the shade or air conditioning, and keep an eye on little ones, older relatives, and anyone more vulnerable to the heat. We've included ideas for enjoying the weekend whatever the weather.
And we'd be remiss not to mention this weekendās finale to an incredible World Cup. Whether you're hoping Messi gets one more magical moment or cheering for Lamine and Spain, we'd love to know... who are you rooting for?
Who are you cheering for in the World Cup Final? |
Have a wonderful weekend!
š Around Our County
If you've ever been to a professional sporting event with little ones, you'll know the biggest star in the stadium is often the furriest. Long before they can name the starting lineup, most children can tell you exactly which giant character gave them a high five, posed for a photo, or danced in the stands. Westchester Soccer Club has officially joined that tradition.
Meet Hutch, their brand-new mascot!
He's a ram, named after the Hutchinson River Parkway, the road that has carried generations of Westchester families to Memorial Field.
The club didn't simply pick an animal out of thin air, either. Hutch was born from a fan design contest, with the ram emerging as the overwhelming favorite. According to the club, it represents how they want to play: proud, united, and willing to put their heads down and work together.
You'll first meet Hutch this Sunday at the World Cup Final Watch Party at Kensico Dam before he makes his official matchday debut on Wednesday, July 22, when Westchester SC hosts their rivals, the New York Cosmos.
From there, expect to see him popping up at community events throughout the county, becoming the club's newest ambassador... and, we suspect, the most requested photo of the season.
Hutch had one message for Loving Westchester readers:
"Come meet me on my matchday debut on July 22! I can't wait to see everybody and show the true spirit of Westchester!"
In todayās edition:
Featured eventsā¦ a mermaid party on the Hudson and an incredible World Cup comes to a close
Family funā¦ Sharkfest fun for kids in Rye
Grown ups & date nightsā¦ dine out in Dobbs and score discounted tickets at Westchesterās newest comedy club
Live music beatā¦ the time has come, Jack White pulls up to Port Chester
Worth a drive from Ardsley Car Washā¦ heads up on a star-studded charity hockey event you donāt want to miss
Community spotlightā¦ Gotta Sing returns to Ron Blacks with an 80s themed bash
Where the heart isā¦ two acres, 5,000 square feet, less than $1.5m in Katonah
And a message from our partners, WingWoman by QueenBHive, giving you, your business, or brand the visibility and support it needs, and QueenBPoker, hosting your epic game night.
Now letās get to it!
š The Pulse
Loving Westchesterās Featured Events!
ā½ World Cup Final Watch Experience
Sun., Jul. 19 | Kensico Dam Plaza, Valhalla | 12p-5p, Kickoff 3p | Free
The World Cup Final on giant screens at the base of Kensico Dam, with live entertainment and family activities from noon until the whistle. However this tournament ends, watching it with a few thousand neighbors under the dam beats watching it on your couch. Free, but you need to register.
One giant screen, one Kensico Dam, and everyone in Westchester who's watched a game this month ā
š§ Sleepy Hollow Mermaid Festival
Sun., Jul. 19 | Kingsland Point Park, Sleepy Hollow | 1p-5p | Ages 10 and up, $10; Under 10, free
An annual community celebration that supports education on and access to the Hudson River. Land- and water-based parades (with our friends Rivertowns SUP & Yoga) are part of the festivities, alongside live music, food trucks, performers, and a MerMarket.
A portion of every ticket sale goes to Riverkeeper, with a mission of protecting and restoring the Hudson ā
šŖ Circus at the Farm
Sun., Jul. 19 | Harvest Moon Farm and Orchard, North Salem | 5p-9p | $25 (3 and under free)
Stilt walkers, a magician, and a unicyclist roam the orchard before Westchester Circus Arts takes the lawn for a 90-minute outdoor show under open sky. Kids can learn to juggle and walk a tightrope from the performers themselves at 6p. Wood-fired pizza and soft serve throughout.
One of those summer nights the kids will remember ā
Hey, everybody. This is Bec. Before Loving Westchester, I spent 20 years helping businesses, brands, and community organizations build visibility and find their audience. If you're a local business owner who knows you should be showing up more online but can't find the time between running the business and everything else, that's exactly what WingWoman is for. Business and communications strategy, social content, partnerships, launches. Just the right person in your corner connecting the dots and helping you get things done.
Let's talk ā
š Whatās Happening?
Family Fun!
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š Touch-A-Truck
Fri., Jul. 17 | Outhouse Orchards, North Salem | 5p-9p | $10 (2 and under free)
The parking lot fills with dump trucks, excavators, loaders, and tractors for the little ones to experience. Live music from Andrea and the Armenian Rug Riders, plus hayrides and the barnyard.
šŖ Parents Night Out
Fri., Jul. 17 | Shake It Off, Scarsdale | 5:30p-8:30p | $35/child, $25/sibling
Drop the kids (ages 3-8) for squishy-toy crafting, games, and bounce time while you get three hours to yourself. Socks required.
š¦ Annual SHARKFEST Celebration
Sat., Jul. 18 | Westchester Children's Museum, Rye | 9:30a-5:30p | Included with admission
Track real sharks swimming in Long Island Sound just outside the door, sketch from actual shark egg cases, and sort teeth to take one home.
šø Frog Festival
Sat., Jul. 18 | Hammond Museum and Japanese Stroll Garden, North Salem | 10a | $20 adults, $15 kids
Live exotic frogs with a naturalist, a leap-frog competition, and a frog puppet show in a Japanese garden. A full morning built around the museum's favorite residents.
š¢ Turtle Tour
Sun., Jul. 19 | Rockefeller State Park Preserve, Pleasantville | 9a-11a | $4/child (parking $6)
Help a conservation steward check traps and count turtles at Swan Lake, part of real box-turtle research happening in the Preserve. Ages 5 and up.
šØ Family Day: Design and Construct
Sun., Jul. 19 | Katonah Museum of Art, Katonah | 12p-3p | $10-$15 early bird, free for members
Hands-on artmaking built around decorative arts and historic craftsmanship, with the National Association of Miniature Enthusiasts and John Jay Homestead on site. All ages and abilities.
Grown Ups & Date Nights
š Dave Hill
Fri., Jul. 17 | The Grand, Croton-on-Hudson | Doors 8p, Show 9p | $21.40+
Dave Hill from show business drops by The Grand in Croton to tell some jokes and rip some guitar solos. You might have seen him perform at Sing Sing Correctional Facility. The Atlantic called him one of the funniest people alive.
š Meet and Greet: Michael Neiman
Sat., Jul. 18 | Bedford Books, Bedford | 12p-1p | Free
Lifelong backpacker, outdoor enthusiast, and Ridgefield resident, Michael Neiman, visits Bedford Books for the release of his memoir Hello My Name is Sharkbait, detailing his trek from Georgia to Maine on the Appalachian Trail.
šÆļø Candlelight: Long Live the Rock Legends
Sun., Jul. 19 | Emelin Theatre, Mamaroneck | 8:15p | $24+
The Highline String Quartet plays Bohemian Rhapsody, Somebody to Love, and Killer Queen by candlelight at Mamaroneckās Emelin Theatre.
š½ļø Dine Out Dobbs
Sun., Jul. 19 | Downtown Dobbs Ferry | 6p-10p | Free
Downtown Dobbs Ferry comes alive with outdoor dining, live music, sidewalk sales, tastings, local art, and games.
š Tristate Comedy Club
Sat., Jul. 18 | 189 East Post Road, White Plains | 7:30p | $25+ (use LW10 for $10 off)
Comedian Dave Temple, as seen on TRU TV, AXS, and MTV, takes the stage for a set at Tristate Comedy Clubās new room in White Plains attached to ZPrime Italian Steakhouse. Use code LW10 at checkout for $10 off.
š Westchester Comedy Club
Sat., Jul. 18 | Tre Angelina, White Plains | 8p | $25 cover plus $20 food / drink minimum
Westchester Comedy Club sees four New York City comics, Turner Sparks, Alvin Williams, Dan Altano, and Ben Rosenfeld, come to perform at Tre Angelina in White Plains.
š¬ Christine: 10th Anniversary Screening
Mon., Jul. 27 | Jacob Burns Film Center, Pleasantville | 7:15p | $20 members, $25 nonmembers
Acclaimed actress Rebecca Hall joins former JBFC artists in residence director Antonio Campos for a Q&A following a screening of 2016 drama, Christine.
The Beatā¦ Westchesterās Live Music Scene
šø Jack White
Sun., Jul. 19 | The Capitol Theatre, Port Chester | Doors 6:30p, Show 8p
The White Stripes frontman and one of the most restless guitarists of his generation brings a solo show to a room that holds under 2,000 people. This is Jack White at the Cap. If you know, you already know. It's a phone-free show, so you'll actually be in it.
The White Stripes frontman's solo show, sold out for months. We've got two tickets - enter over on Instagram ā
Game nights are having a moment in Westchester, and if you've ever wanted to host a poker or casino night without the stress of figuring out the rules or rounding up chips, QueenBPoker is the answer. They come to your home, venue, office, and handle everything you may need from teaching the table to running the night. Casual, corporate, charity. No experience needed, just people who want a good time.
Plan your game night ā
š„§ Blueberry Bash
Sat.-Sun., Jul. 18-19 | Fishkill Farms, Hopewell Junction | 9a-5p | Free to attend; PYO reservation required
Pick your own certified-organic blueberries, then stay for pie, live bluegrass, a cider-bar cocktail built for the occasion, and adoptable dogs in the courtyard. Reservations sell out fast.
š¶ Bluey's Big Play
Thu., Jul. 23 | Palace Theatre, Stamford, CT | Doors 5p, Show 6p | $29.50+
The Heelers come to life as large-scale puppets in the stage version of the Emmy-winning show. Stick around after for a game of Keepy Uppy.
š 4th Annual Shoulder Check Showcase
Thu., Jul. 30 | Martire Family Arena , Fairfield, CT | Event starts at 4p, puck drop 6:30p
This oneās a must for hockey fans. An NHL All-Star caliber event for a great cause in memory of Darien high school hockey player, Hayden Thorsen. We were lucky enough to attend last year and it was as emotionally powerful as it was star-studded. Already confirmed for this yearās event: Chris Kreider, JT Miller, Adam Fox, Matt Rempe, Trevor Zegras, Gabe Perreault, and so many others. Check the above link for tickets and check here to learn more about the Shoulder Check movement.
š¦ Community Spotlight
Local events, announcements, and opportunities submitted by your Westchester neighbors
Muddy Puddles Mess Fest returns to Kiwi Country Day Camp on Saturday, August 1 from 11a to 3p. The annual fundraiser for the Ty Louis Campbell Foundation for childhood cancer research includes swimming, ziplines, a slip-n-slide, pie tosses, splatter paint, bounce houses, and Peppa Pig. Rain date is August 2. www.tickettailor.com/events/muddypuddlesprojecttylouiscampbellfoundation/2139114
Gotta Sing: '80s at Ron Blacks in White Plains! Sunday, August 2nd at 7p. Not too loud, not too long, not too late, and NOT karaoke! It's an '80s sing-along party for GenX-ers, Boomers and beyond! If you love the hits of the ā80s, you will definitely love an all-80s sing-along! That might sound like karaoke, but think of it as the opposite of karaoke: no one is handed a mic to sing all alone - we display the lyrics to the entire room and everyone sings together! And, unlike karaoke, we donāt use canned knockoff accompaniment - we play the best-known, most beloved recordings, and our guests sing along with the original artists! Come early to enjoy a great meal before the event!
Hops on the Hudson's Brews and Cruise II sets sail on September 12 from Peekskill's Charles Point Pier for a three-hour Hudson River cruise with unlimited samplings from 20-plus taps across seven NY craft breweries, food, and live music from Sundad. 21+. www.hopsonthehudson.com/event-details/brews-cruise-ii
š” Where the Heart Is
Incredible homes are listed in Westchester every week. Hereās one that caught our eye
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The Key Details: 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 5,662 square feet on 2.1 acres ($246 / square foot)
What We Love About It: Want a bit of space? You've got 5,662 square feet on over two acres, perfect for rainy days when you want distance from the kids (a built-in intercom keeps you from being fully off the grid). Two dining rooms, an extended kitchen area, and a history of holding 40+ guests make this a natural hosting spot. The mix of seclusion (bordering the Angle Fly Preserve wildlife sanctuary) and convenience (10 minutes from Katonah village) is hard to beat.
"Thank you for your emails highlighting the wonderful events happening throughout Westchester. They are such a great resource and reminder of how much Westchester has to offer." ā A Loving Westchester Reader
Loving Westchester is written by a real-life husband and wife team, completely free, and in your inbox every Tuesday and Friday. If it adds something to your week, contributions help us keep growing - including our first in-person Loving Westchester event we're working toward for the fall.
We love to hear from you ā give us a shout at [email protected] or find us on Instagram @lovingwestchester. And don't forget to forward this to a friend who's always asking "what's going on this week?"
See you out there!
