Weekend Events

A few ways to spice up the weekend:

The Odyssey Nobel Prize winner Derek Walcott's play interweaves Homeric and Caribbean themes. Friday and Saturday, 8:00; Sunday, 2:00. Performing Arts Center

Poetry Reading As part of the Katonah Poetry Series, Tony Hoagland reads some of his work. Sunday, 4:00. Katonah Village Library

Family First Saturday Kids and their parents can discover art together through gallery talks and related hands-on art workshops. This month's theme is seeing how artists represent landscapes in different ways. Saturday, 1:00. Neuberger Museum of Art

Eagle’s Out Come for a last view of eagles before they leave for the spring. Meet at Croton Point Park. Sunday, 9:00. Teatown Lake Reservation

The Scarborough Singers A concert featuring works by early American composers. Sunday, 3:00. Ossining Library

Build a Nest Box Children can create a home for a bluebird or a wren. Sunday, 1:30 to 3:30. Rockefeller State Park

Eric Carle Classics, on Stage The award-winning illustrator's The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Little Cloud, and The Mixed-up Chameleon (above) are brought to life in this glow-in-the-dark puppet production by the Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia. Sunday, 12:00 and 3:00. Performing Arts Center

Art Portfolio Day Got art? Regional artists are invited to bring their work in for review. Sunday, 2:00 to 6:00. Hudson Valley Center for Contemporary Art

2001: A Space Odyssey Stanley Kubric's futuristic classic comes back to the big screen. Sunday, 6:00. Tarrytown Music Hall

Best of the Unsold

With no worthwhile new listings, here is one of my picks of the previously-featured properties that is still on the market:

Given the location, land, and unusual features, I thought this house was a good deal when I featured it back in September—and I still do. The 1972 contemporary isn't much on the outside, but the 2,200 square foot interior has lots of nifty details and interesting spaces. The 3 bedroom house needs some loving, but the kitchen looks recently renovated. The spot is great, with almost 2 wooded acres just outside of Croton with winter views of the reservoir. After being off the market for a short period, the listing is now with a new agency and the price has been trimmed. $575,000
original post, Coldwell Banker, Google Map, Live Search Map

Cool Stuff for the Home

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The last few years have seen a welcome explosion of stores in the area selling a great variety of interesting and unique home goods. Whether you're looking for a vase or lamp, a chaise lounge or a couch, there are plenty of choices nearby. Here are a few of my personal favorites.

1. eb home If you love modern design, and have cash to spare, this store is heaven. With everything from Knoll originals to one-of-a-kind pieces crafted by artisans, eb home is a treasure trove of cool stuff. 200 East Main Street, Mt. Kisco. eb home

2. The Coop This small but sweet shop is a great place to find an interesting gift or special something to brighten your home. There is a nice selection of pottery, lamps, and other accessories. 103 South Division Street, Peekskill. (914) 737-2194.

3. Offerings From hand-crafted tables to unique pottery to modern glassware, this shop carries a variety of creative goods by artisans from around the country. 59 Katonah Avenue, Katonah. (914) 232-9643

4. Jenesaisquoi Home The vaulted ceilings and large windows of the restored carriage house create the perfect setting for this store's collection of modern country finds. There's an eclectic array of high-end goodies, from stylish couches to unique accessories. 56 Babbitt road, Bedford Hills. (914) 241-9083.
Photo #3: Johnson Creek Clay Studio

Village Sweetheart

The village of Katonah has loads of lovely houses, and this new listing is one of them. Built in 1900, the 2,500 square foot home is located in the heart of town. The house has 4 bedrooms, a great front porch, and a nicely renovated kitchen. The 0.17 of an acre lot has a nice patio in the rear. The house is steps to Katonah's many shops, but the yard does back up on a commercial lot. $1,095,000
Houlihan Lawrence, Google Map, Live Search Map

Snow, Beautiful Snow

Our first good snow in months was a welcome treat. Glistening trees, kids sledding, cross-country skiers zipping through the woods and across shimmering fields of white. Best of all, there was a full moon. (Few things make me as happy as the snow in moonlight.) The above photos were taken in the hamlets of Huntersville and Croton Heights in southern Yorktown.

Weekend Events

A few ways to have fun this weekend:

Create Your Habitat Children can study the importance of different animal habitats and then build their own habitat. Saturday 1:00. Croton Point Nature Center

Maple Sugar Time Two programs give kids a chance to try their hands at tree tapping:
Tappin' the Trees Learn all about tapping maple trees. Saturday and Sunday, 1:00 to 3:00. Muscoot Farm
American Indian Sugaring Find out how Native Americans developed the maple sugaring process. Kids can listen to a few stories before tapping some trees the modern way. Saturday, 1:00. Trailside Nature Museum, Ward Pound Ridge Reservation

There Will Be Blood Catch the multi-nominated movie before the Oscars. Saturday through Thursday, multiple showings. Jacob Burns Film Center

Photography Exhibit The work of Nina Weinberg Doran is on display. Saturday, 12:00 to 4:00. Eyebuzz Fine Art Gallery

Mardi Gras Party Somebody Scream NY, a Cajun and Zydeco dance series, presents Willis Prudhomme and Red Line Zydeco, along with costume contests and all the Mardi Gras trappings. Saturday, 8:00 to 11:30. Eagles Hall, 7 Old Albany Post Road, Ossining. Somebody Scream NY

Having Our Say: The Delany Sisters' First 100 Years The theater company M&M Productions performs Emily Mann's work based on the autobiography of Sarah and Elizabeth Delany. Sunday, 2:00. John C. Hart Memorial Library

Winter Wonderland Children ages 7 and up can take a hike through the woods to discover how animals survive the long winter. Afterwards, they can enjoy hot chocolate and a fun craft. Sunday, 11:00. Teatown Lake Reservation

The Tudor

Built in 1932, this 3,300 square foot Tudor on the outskirts of Ossining has an overall good vibe. The slate roof, stone patios, and nice detailing give the exterior a strong presence, and the 0.43 of an acre lot looks nicely landscaped. Inside, the 4 bedroom, 3.5 bath house has a gracious feel throughout. While the house has many pluses, a con is the high tax bill: $18,000. $799,000
Houlihan Lawrence, Google Map, Live Search Map

Best of the Unsold

Looking at the listings I've featured, I was surprised at how many have been sold. But many gems are still available. Here's one of my personal picks of the previously-featured Hot Properties still on the market:

UPDATE: A poster pointed out that this listing is in fact under contract. My apologies for not doing adequate research! And thanks to the poster!

If you liked Tuesday's Hot Property, take a look at this 1936 International Style house. Not only does the 3,200 square foot, 4 bedroom home exude cool chic, but the lovely 2 acre property is located in the stunning Teatown area, just outside of Croton. It seems like a good deal at the reduced price. There simply aren't too many early modern classics like this left. $1,099,000 Original Post, River Towns Realty GMAC, Google Map

Art of the Dance

The art in the exhibition Collaborative Compositions: A Portfolio for Merce Cunningham was created in 1974 when a group of artists were invited to produce work based on the famous choreographer's dances. The show includes Frank Stella's Furg (above), as well as pieces by John Cage, Jasper Johns, Robert Morris, Bruce Nauman, Robert Rauschenberg, and Andy Warhol. Through March 16. Nueberger Museum of Art

A Machine for Entertaining

This listing in Mt. Kisco has an intriguing mix of International Style rigor and 80's excess. While Le Corbusier's "machine for living" didn't include a spacious master bathroom or double height central gallery, the house is definitely a riff on some of the famed architect's villas. Built in 1986, the 3,200 square foot house has 4 bedrooms. The rooms are big and grand, and the expanses of glass afford nice views of the 3 wooded acres. While some buyers might want to do some updating, it's easy to see the potential for a real stunner. $1,199,000
State Wide Realty, Google Map, Live Search Map

Weekend Events

A few ways to keep everyone entertained:

Snow-Shoeing Kids can make all-weather snow-shoes out of recycled materials and then test them out with a short hike outside, snow or no snow. Ages 12 and up. Saturday, 1:00 to 3:00. 1pm-3pm. Teatown Lake Reservation

The Muppets Take Manhattan The children's classic featuring Kermit and Miss Piggy (not to mention Liza Minnelli and Joan Rivers) is sure to entertain. Saturday, 12:00. Jacob Burns Film Center

Tracking and Tracing Young scientists can learn how to identify tracks, what they tell us, and where they take us. This program also includes making plaster tracks. Saturday, 1:00. Croton Point Park Nature Center

Cortlandt Chamber Orchestra The orchestra performs “Classical All-Starts.” Saturday, 7:30. Holy Name of Mary Catholic Church, Grand Street, Croton. Cortlandt Regional Music Association

The Battling Butler Buster Keaton's classic silent movie (above) is given new energy with the live performance of the BQE Project's original score. Saturday, 8:00. Paramount Center for the Arts

Family Hands-On Activities Young museum visitors can learn more about the work and the ideas in the exhibitions when they visit the Education Center and engage in hands-on projects. Saturday and Sunday, 12:00 to 4:30. Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum

A Walking Tour of Muscoot Farm Take a stroll around the farm and learn about the history of the Main House, barns and outbuildings. Sunday, 1:00 to 3:00. Muscoot Farm

Emanuel Ax The star pianist Emanuel Ax performs a piano concerto. Sunday, 3:00. The Performing Arts Center

Farm Chores Kids and grownups can help out by doing some chores--and can learn about what it takes to run a farm. Sunday, 11:00. Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture

Victorian Virtues

This just-listed 1898 Queen Anne Victorian in Peekskill's Mortgage Hill area looks like a real beauty. The exterior features a stunning wrap-around front porch, and the interior boasts gorgeous details such as moldings and mantels. The 2,300 square foot house has 4 bedrooms and 2.5 baths. There's also an unfinished attic and a separate carriage house. The house is set on a third of an acre, but the owner is selling the adjacent quarter-acre lot with a garage for $145,000, which the buyer of the house has "right of first refusal" to purchase. Located steps from Depew Park and near the Artists District and the riverfront, this house is very appealing indeed. $479,900
River Towns Realty GMAC, Google Map, Live Search Map

Muscoot Farm

Cows, goats, turkeys, pigs, chickens, sheep and the whole farmyard menagerie are on hand for close inspection at this county-owned interpretive early 19th century farm. The original 1800's farm buildings are a joy to behold, especially the ice house, blacksmith shop, and dairy barn. Over 7 miles of user-friendly trails meander through the woods and fields of Muscoot Farm's 777 acres, offering lovely pastoral vistas and great places to take a contemplative break. Regular weekend activities let kids help to care for the animals and learn about such things as sheep shearing and candle making. There are also a number of annual events, featuring live music and games. At any time of year, Muscoot Farm is a treasure. (Click on flickr.com for more--and far better--photographs.) Muscoot Farm

Check out previous posts on Blue Mountain Reservation, the Croton Dam, the North County Trailway, local playgrounds and coffee houses, and other area Hot Spots.

Cape Mod

I love old homes with modern features and additions, but pulling off the combination can be tricky. The owners of this listing in Mt. Kisco seem to have gotten it right. The 1938 cape cod is sweet and traditional on the front, but totally modern in the rear. The interior is a blend of old and new too, with a classic living room and contemporary kitchen, bathrooms, and master. While the 3 bedroom house is relatively small at 1,700 square feet, it certainly packs a punch. The less than a quarter acre lot is located in the Stanwood section, on the shores of the Croton Reservoir. $544,900

Prudential Rand Realty, Google Map, Live Search Map