Ossining's Hot Chocolate Hits the Spot

Sunday's New York Times had a nice review of the Quimbaya Columbian Coffee House in Ossining, with special focus on their traditional Hot Chocolate. The store offers 17 varieties of chocolate drinks, as well as a number of other Columbian treats including arepas, baked goods, "killer flan," and empanadas. Why have I never been? Don't know the answer, but the solution is clear.
SOURCE: The New York Times: Fresh Hot Chocolate

What $14.5 Million Buys

I normally keep the featured properties to the lower end of the market, but sometimes it's fun to peek at the top. This new listing comes with 93.5 acres in southern Yorktown (with a Chappaqua address and Yorktown schools). Yes, 93.5 acres. The house is an 8,200 square foot 1926 honest-to-goodness mansion--nothing "Mc" about it. No interior photos are provided, so I can't comment on any details, but there are 9 bedrooms and 9 full bathrooms. There's also a pool, pool house, tennis court, and staff quarters. The taxes seem almost reasonable at $55,000. For those on a budget, the house can be purchased with just 33 acres for a more affordable $8,500,000. $14,500,000 Sally Siano & Associates Realty, Google Map

Weekend Family Fun

The Great Jack O' Lantern Blaze It's time for every body's favorite holiday event. Literally thousands of hand-carved pumpkins featuring everything from traditional Jack O'Lanterns to abstract designs. 6:30 to 10:00. Friday-Sunday. (Also Oct. 5-7, Oct. 11-14, Oct. 18-21, and Oct. 24-31.) Timed tickets available online and by phone. 631-8200. Van Cortlandt Manor

Basket Workshop The Westchester Basket Makers Guild guides this make-and-take. Call (914) 962-1058 to register. Saturday, 10:00 to 2:00. Hilltop Hanover Farm

Scarecrow Invasion Get spooked at this outdoor exhibit of scarecrows by local kids. There's also a scavenger hunt. 11:00 to 5:00, Saturday through October 31, Lyndhurst

Rhythms 'Round the World Children discover percussion instruments from around the globe and learn how they're made and used. For ages 3-12. Saturday, 11:30 and 1:00, Caramoor

Searching for Sea Glass The nature center staff explains how sea glass is formed. Saturday, 1:00, Croton Point Nature Center, Croton Point Park

Outdoor Art: Forest of Possibilities Opening day activities include furniture-making demonstrations, whittling, watching an artist sculpt the trunk of a fallen Oak, and nature walks. Saturday, Ward Pound Ridge Reservation

Fall Festival Westmoreland Sanctuary’s festival includes pony rides, a petting zoo, a bird banding presentation, and food. Sunday, Westmoreland Sanctuary

Pumpkin Pickin' Take a hayride to the farm's pumpkin patch and pick the perfect pumpkin. Saturday, Sunday, Monday, 12:00 to 3:00, Muscoot Farm

Stand-Up Art

Quasi-Random includes over fifty works by Slovenian artist Tobias Putrih. The show kicks off the Neuberger's series giving young artists their first survey exhibitions. Putrih’s sculptures often use everyday materials such as Styrofoam, packing tape, cardboard, and twist ties. Through December 9th, Nueberger Museum of Art

Fixer in the Trails

Situated in the woods of Croton's Trails section, this 1935 bungalow has a lovely setting in a good location. The 1,500 square foot 2 bedroom house is crying out for a major makeover, but it is easy to see the potential. Though the lot is small at 0.38 of an acre, one look at the large deck overlooking the woods tells you why this house may be worth saving. $459,500
Sotheby's International Realty, Google Maps

Tea Spots

I'm a coffee drinker and have never been one for tea, but one of my favorite new treats is the ginger tea at the Temptation Tea House in Mount Kisco. The soothingly suave pan-Asian restaurant has a variety of delicious dishes and a huge menu of teas. It's one of three local tea houses featured in a nice article in The North County News. The others are Kathleen's Tea Room in Peekskill and the Enjoy! Tea Room in Ossining. All three are unique, pleasant spaces perfect for an afternoon sip. If you're more of java junkie, check out the local coffee houses.
SOURCE: The North County News: Take Time for Tea, Photo: The North County News

Crow Hill Colonial

This new listing is located on lovely Crow Hill Road in Yorktown (with a Mt. Kisco address and Yorktown schools). The very attractive 1726 farm house has 2,500 square feet and 3 bedrooms. The house sounds lovely--"exposed beams...center Entrance Hall...Living Room with Fireplace......Master Bedroom with Fireplace"--but since the listing agent provided no interior pics, we have no way of knowing for sure. What we can see is that the 5.4 acre property is beautiful and heavily landscaped (nice pool). There's also a guest cottage. $1,295,000
Ginell Real Estate, Google Map

Savvy 70's

This is something that has recently become very rare--a new listing! I suppose it is a response to dropping prices in the area, but there has been a real dearth of decent additions to the market in the last few weeks. Built in 1978, this Sommers home displays all the hallmarks of it's era: a subdued exterior profile, soaring ceilings, and lots of windows. The 3,000 square foot home has 4 bedrooms, large rooms, and a nice looking pool. The 2.4 acre property is located close to Yorktown Heights shopping, minutes to lovely Lasdon Park, and about 10 minutes from the Katonah station. The biggest downside, for me at least, is that the home is on a somewhat suburban street of similar houses. $849,000 Prudential Holmes & Kennedy, Google Maps

Weekend Family Fun

Stuff to do with the little ones:
Mid Autumn Festival Celebrate the moon with paper lanterns, moon cakes, and music. Saturday, 2:00-4:00, Hammond Museum
Seining on the River As part of the Hudson River Vally Ramble, kids can wade into the water and catch, identify, and release some shoreline creatures. Saturday, 10:00, Nature Center, Croton Point Park.
Morning Farm Chores Rise and shine and help care for the farm's animals. Saturday, 8:00, Muscoot Farm
Katonah Fall Festival Old-fashioned fun on Main Street. Saturday 10:00-3:00
Fall Frolics Discover why leaves change color and then make some leafy art. Sunday, 11:00 Teatown Lake Reservation

13 Acres, Meditation Room, 1 Bedroom

Here's an interesting--and new!--listing: 13 prime acres in the Teatown area with a lake and an attractive one-bedroom structure. Originally built as a "retreat," the 2,800 square foot building has a meditation room and a small indoor pool. The 1986 house (with Croton schools) already has 3 bathrooms, but making it family-friendly will clearly take a major renovation or expansion. Nonetheless, this listing certainly has potential. As for the price, considering that 9 acres of vacant land in a less-desirable Croton location is asking $699,000, this seems reasonable. $759,000 Houlihan Lawrence, Google Map

Eye Candy

Hanover Hill Farm, Yorktown Heights. Photo by Waschoenberg.

Charm, Going Cheap

While this Cortlandt Manor beaut isn't in one of my favorite areas, it is certainly noteworthy. Dating back to 1777, the 2,000 square foot farm house has 3 bedrooms and plenty of character. The small (0.82 of an acre) lot is pretty sweet too, with mature trees and stone walls. There's also a barn with a studio. The house is in walking distance to the Blue Mountain Reservation's many trails, and is close to the Cortlandt train station, Peekskill, and Croton. $559,000
Prudential Richard Albert Realtors, Google Map

Chow and Choo Choos

One of my favorite places to take my son for lunch is PJ Kelly's restaurant in the old Peekskill train station. The food is decent (a step up from diner fare), but the real draw is the great interior and the track-side patio. The view of the river is wonderful and my son gets a thrill when the trains pass by (and I mean right by!). It's just over the tracks from Riverfront Green Park and makes a great post-playground pit stop. If you want something colder, check out Sweet Central across the street.

Open House: Peekskill Colonial

Open House: Saturday, 11:00 to 1:00. 324 Montross Avenue, Peekskill
This 1919 colonial has 1,880 square feet and 3 bedrooms. There are some some nice details and a good deal of charm. The house is on "Mortgage Hill" on a dead-end road which has a pedestrian entry into Depew Park. It's also a short walk into the art district and to the river. Sweet. $439,000
River Towns GMAC, Google Map

Pond Front Contempo

What this listing has going for it is the two L's, land and location. The house itself is a pleasant 1970 contemporary with some appealing features. At 2,900 square feet, it has 4 bedrooms and 3 baths. What's special is the 4.25 acres with pond frontage in the Mt. Airy section of Croton. The property looks lovely, and the heated pool doesn't look too shabby either. The listing has been on the market for a bit, and the price seems a tad high in the current market. $995,000
Houlihan Lawrence, Google Map

Weekend Events

Some fun for the family:
Native American Harvest Help harvest the corn, beans and squash in the Nature Center's garden and then enjoy a "green corn festival" featuring toasted ears and Native American lore. Saturday, 10:00 to 1:00, Croton Point Park
Bees: Our Food Producers A beekeeper shares the secrets of keeping bees and explains how bees help put food on your table. Saturday 1:00, Trailside Nature Museum, Ward Pound Ridge Reservation
Scarecrow Making Learn how to make a truly scary scarecrow. Bring old clothes and a hat. Pre-registration required. Sunday, 1:00 to 3:00, Muscoot Farm
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh Watch the children's classic and then join in a discussion of the movie led by an educator. Kids who bring a copy of the book get in free. Sunday, 12:00, Jacob Burns Film Center
Meet the Artist Scott Menchin, the illustrator of Wiggle, reads and signs some of his books. Sunday, 3:30, Katonah Museum of Art

Carriage House

This charming Peekskill carriage house is a treasure. Clocking in at only 1,389 square feet, the home makes up for lack of space with loads of character. The 1880 house has 3 bedrooms and has been nicely restored (including new roof, wiring, and other mechanicals). The small lot includes a sweet rear yard and is located just off of Hudson Street, a short walk to the train station and Riverfront Green Park. After much searching, I was unable to find a website for the listing agent, Dolores Leonard Ltd. They can be reached at 914-490-4069. To view the home online, use any major agency's site, such as Houlihan Lawrence. $314,500 Google Map

A New View

The work of the winner of the Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum's Emerging Artist award, Marti Cormand, is featured in a new exhibition. Cormand's pieces are traditionally painted. Through June 8, Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum

Enchanted Castle

With no new listings hitting the market, I've been looking at those that have been sitting for awhile. This 1880 Victorian on the edge of Katonah village has recently had it's price slashed (I think it was listed at 1.8, but I could be mistaken). The 3,700 square foot house has 5 bedrooms, 3 full baths, and a lot of original detail. (Get a load of that baronial fireplace mantle!) The 8 acre property looks lovely. It's near-impossible to say what is "well-priced" in this shifting market, but this one does seem like a good deal at it's current price. Agree? $1,489,000 Houlihan Lawrence, Google Map

Cutie in Kisco

Right upfront: Not only is this house on very busy Route 133, it's right next to the Saw Mill Parkway. So if you're looking for serenity and quiet: Not the place for you. If you're still interested, the 1820 house has 1,700 square feet, 3 bedrooms, and lovely details. The kitchen and bathroom are nicely updated, and the porch is ready for rocking. The property is 0.42 of an acre and is a short walk to Mt. Kisco's many pleasures. $725,000 Houlihan Lawrence, Google Map

Event Round-Up

There's so much going on this weekend, I had a very hard time picking my favorites.
Hudson River Valley Ramble This weekend kicks off the more than 160 events throughout the Hudson Valley. There's hiking, biking, walking, and paddling at a variety of locations, many in our area. Hudson River Valley Ramble
Explore the Hudson by Sail Join the Ossining Sailing Club for a 2 hour sail. Non-sailors are welcome. Saturday, 10:00 and 2:00, meet next to the Ossining Boat and canoe Club, (914) 523-4230
Native American Festival The 11th annual festival in Ridgefield's Ballard Park features tradtional music, dance, and food by members of local tribes. There will be teepees, too. Saturday, 10:00-6:00
Ferry-Go-Round Free ferry service between Ossining, Harverstraw, and Peekskill. Each village has bus service from the ferries to various events, including street fairs and a tour of Peekskill's art museum. See the website for details. Sunday, 11:00-6:00 Ferry-Go-Round
Size Matters The opening of the HVCCA's newest show, featuring 31 artists from 9 different countries. The show, XXL, focuses on monumental art. As part of Ferry-Go-Round, there will also be fun for kids, including workshops on spin art and "zine" making. Hudson Valley Center for Contemporary Art
Homestead Country Fair The John Jay Homestead's 15th annual fair includes "swimming pig races, hayrides, pony rides, a petting zoo, magician, blacksmith and henna tattoos." Can't miss that. Katonah, Sunday, 11:00-4:00 John Jay Homestead
Macro Invertebrate Mania Kids can grab a net and see what tiny creatures live in the mud. Sunday, 1:00 Teatown Lake Reservation

Art Farm

There's an interesting crop growing on over 100 acres of fields in Garrison. Collaborative Concepts at Saunders Farm features over 50 site-specific works by artists from around the world. (Shown above are Sound Sculpture by Michael Poast and Ferrosynthetic Creatures by Jim Lloyd.) The exhibition is free and is open to the public from 10:00 a.m. to dusk through October 31. For directions and lots of pictures and information on this unique event, check out Collaborative Concepts 2007.

Cool Contempo

This 1973 Croton contemporary has style--and a killer view. While the kitchen really isn't working for me, the living room more than makes up for it. At 2,500 square feet, the house has 4 bedrooms. Located off of Lounsbury Road, the 0.92 acre property has a country feel but is a short stroll to the arboretum and is close to the village and train station. Oh, and there is a nice-looking pool, too. A big draw-back is the tax bill of $18,000 (which seems quite high for a moderate-size home on a small lot). What do you think of the price? $1,195,000 Houlihan Lawrence, Google Map

9/11/07

Rising, the 9/11 memorial, at Kensico Dam.

Country Cape

I had expected a rush of new listings come September, but I was wrong. Of the shockingly small handful of additions in the last 2 weeks, this listing is a definite standout. The 1933 cape is located in Sommers (with a Katonah P.O.), near Yorktown Heights' stores and between Lasdon Park and Muscoot Farm. The home has a pleasing blend of country sweetness and contemporary coolness, with a bright and airy kitchen. At 1,923 square feet, there are 3 bedrooms and 2 renovated baths. The 2 acre property is lovely, and features a small orchard and a pool. Pretty nice. $975,000 Houlihan Lawrence, Google Map