Celebrate Tradition

Three ways to relax now that you've survived all the food and family:

Thanksgiving at Van Cortlandt Manor The main house and outbuildings are fully decorated for the holiday in period style. Costumed guides and hands-on workshops shed light on historic traditions. Friday through Sunday, 10:00 to 4:00. Van Cortlandt Manor

Jackie Mason Wash down your turkey with a little borscht (belt) and enjoy the timeless charms of Jackie Mason. Saturday, 8:00. Paramount Center For The Arts

Gumby: The Movie Catch the claymation kids classic—free of charge. Friday through Sunday, 12:00. Jacob Burns Film Center

A New Voice

The exhibition of works by the winner of the Aldrich's Emerging Artist Award, Huma Bhabha, includes Bumps in the Road (above). The exhibition also includes six works on paper. Through February 8. Aldrich Museum of Contemporary Art

The Price is...

The winner of Monday's Guess the Price is poster "a," who got it dead-on. The asking price is $749,000. The few other guesses where on the high-side—which is what I would have guessed, too. While the house is small, it is quite attractive and pretty unusual. The taxes are slightly lower than most thought, at $18,756. The house is listed with Coldwell Banker. Thanks for playing!

Pretty in Peekskill

Built in 1906, this 2,400 square foot, 3 bedroom has some great details. The house has been renovated and includes such perks as central AC and vacuum. While I'm not liking the kitchen cabinets or counters, I do dig the pressed-tin backsplash matched with the stainless appliances. The house is just steps to downtown Peekskill and the parks but is set high on the hill and—according to the listing—has "sweeping vistas" of town, river, and the highlands. On the downside, that is indeed aluminum siding on the exterior. Nonetheless, this is an awfully nice package for the price. $310,000
Prudential Rand Realty, Google Map, Live Search Map

Parisian Pastries

If you're looking for a good mille-feuilles or madeleines, Pleasantville is the place to go. According to Sunday's New York Times, Bisou Pâtisserie and Café offers "scrumptious" delights from croissant to tarts and cakes. The posters on Chowhound agree, calling the patisserie "adorable" and the food "yummy." The Bisou Pâtisserie and Café is located at 146 Bedford Road, Pleasantville.

Can You Guess the Price?

Let's play a game. Guess the current asking price of this cool concoction and I'll post the answer (and the link to the realtor's site) on Wednesday. Located in Pound Ridge, this funky home was designed by an apprentice of Frank Llyod Wright in 1959. The 2,500 square foot house has 2 bedrooms, 3 baths, vaulted ceilings, lots of wood and glass—and a big rock outcropping in the living room! The home is set on 2 nicely landscaped acres and boasts a pool. A tip is that the listing has been on the market for quite some time and the price has been reduced. For bonus points, guess the taxes, too. Google Map, Live Search Map

Weekend Events

Activities and things to do this weekend in Northern Westchester:

Origami Workshop Kids can learn the ancient paper craft. Saturday, 1:00. Hammond Museum and Japanses Stroll Garden

Farming in a Changing Climate The New York Times writer, and author of The North Pole Was Here: Puzzles and Perils at the Top of the World, Andrew Revkin discusses the impact of climate change on farmers and consumers. Saturday, 2:00. Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture

Children's Hike All ages are welcome on this hike to four different habitats. We'll search for tracks, buck rubs, bird nests and natural treasures such as deer bones and owl pellets. Saturday, 10:00. Westmoreland Sanctuary

Turtle Power Meet some turtles and enjoy making a craft to take home. Saturday, 1:00. Teatown Lake Reservation

Artifacts for Kids We will study different Native American time periods and do a dig to find and record artifacts. Saturday, 1:00. Croton Point Park

Ariel String Quartet As part of the Caramoor Classics series, the Ariel String Quartet will perform. Saturday, 7:30. Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts

Rufus Wainwright Singer and songwriter Rufus Wainwright (above) performs. Saturday, 8:00. Paramount Center for the Arts

Michael Franks Over the course of 33 years and 16 albums, Michael Franks has entertained fans with his witty lyrics and music. Saturday, 8:00. Tarytown Music Hall

Bennett Harris Enjoy the Delta blues and fingerpicking guitar style of of Bennett Harris. Saturday, 9:30 to 12:30. 12 Grapes Music and Wine Bar

Susan Kane Songwriter and singer Susan Kane sings some of her original tunes. Sunday, 1:00. Peekskill Coffee House

Let's Talk Turkey Learn about the farm’s turkeys and have fun making Thanksgiving crafts. Sunday, 1:00 to 3:00. Muscoot Farm

Poetry Reading Two poets read some of their verse. Philip Miller's six books include Cats in the House and Branches Snapping. Robert Minhinnick has written eight volumes of poetry, most recently King Driftwood. Sunday, 4:30. Hudson Valley Writer's Center

Colonial Comfort

Like last Thursday's featured property, this one seemed almost perfect until I discovered it's proximity to a highway—in this case the Taconic Parkway. But if you can cope with living pretty darn close to an off ramp, this home offers a lot. Built in 1868, the 3,600 square foot colonial has 5 bedrooms, 4 baths, and some great features. The dining room is gorgeous, and the living room looks very appealing. The house is set on 3.75 lovely acres with a pool and nice landscaping in Ossining. The house is on relatively busy Pines Bridge Road and the taxes—$20,868—are on the high side. $849,000
Houlihan Lawrence, Google Maps, Live Search Maps

Small Abstractions

The small paintings of Russell DeYoung are on exhibition at Eyebuzz Fine Art through November 26.
Image: Eyebuzz Fine Art

Budget-Friendly Bedford

If you can't afford either of the great rooms I featured yesterday, perhaps you'll be happy in this cute cape. Built in 1936, the 1,400 square foot, 3 bedroom house is chock-full of charm. The well-staged abode boasts many nice rooms and pleasing details—I especially like the living room fireplace and the cool shower. The 0.22 of an acre lot features a lovely patio. The home is located in the Stanwood section—which is mostly in Mt Kisco—and has a Bedford Corners address (and Bedford schools). $475,000
Homerica Real Estate, Google Maps, Live Search Map

More Locovore Holiday Tips

Sunday's New York Times had an article on how to find local produce and poultry for the holiday meal. In addition to Hemlock Hill Farm in Cortlandt Manor (which I featured last week), the Times recommended Near and Natural in Bedford for organic grains and baked goods, Plum Plums in Pound Ridge for organic butter and dairy products, and the farmers markets in Katonah, Ossining, Pleasantiville, and the Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture. Check out the article for more ideas.
SOURCE: The New York Times: Holiday Fixings, Locally Grown

Which Room is Greater?

1. 2.

The weather is getting cold and it is time to move indoors. But what makes the perfect room to while away the winter hours? Room 1 is listed by Houlihan Lawrence for $8,495,000 and is sold with a 5,800 square foot stunner built in 1879 and set on 12 acres landscaped by Frederic Law Olmstead. Room 2 can be found in a 7,800 square foot modern masterpiece built in 1999 and located on 6.5 acres. It is also far cheaper, at a mere $3,600,000 (Coldwell Banker). So, where would you rather spend the next few months?

Weekend Events

Activities and things to do this weekend in Northern Westchester:

The Tortoise and the Hare In this puppet theater version of the classic tale, while the tortoise gets to know the farmers in his neighborhood, the hare travels around the world and discovers how far away his food comes from. Saturday, 1:00. Ward Pound Ridge Reservation

The Adventures of Mark Twain This one-of-a-kind clay animation puts Tom Sawyer, Huck Finn, and Becky Thatcher on Twain's magical flying machine on a journey to Halley`s Comet. Saturday and Sunday, multiple showings. Jacob Burns Film Center

Tell Me Tree Even with branches bare of leaves there are ways to identify trees. Learn how to use a simple dichotomous key to unlock the identity of many woodland trees. Saturday, 1:00. Teatown Lake Reservation

Ceramics in America: 1620-1820 A Historic Hudson Valley curator will lecture on early American ceramics and give a tour of the Manor's collection of porcelain, stoneware, and earthenware. Saturday. Van Cortlandt Manor

Science Fun A research chemist will guide children through an exploration of surface tension with hands-on activities. Saturday, 10:30-11:15. Yorktown Library

Hal Holbrook in Mark Twain Tonight Nearly 50 years ago, a young actor took the stage in a tiny off-Broadway theater and introduced the world to a man they'd never forget. The actor was Hal Holbrook. The man was Mark Twain. Saturday, 8:00. Paramount Center For The Arts

Calexico A collective of musicians, Calexico explores Southwestern culture, fusing Portuguese fado, Afro-Peruvian music, jazz, country, and surf music. Saturday, 9:00. Tarrytown Music Hall

The Mojomatics Catch the authentic Chicago-style Blues of The Mojomatics as they perform an explosive array of originals and covers. Saturday, 9:00. 12 Grapes Music and Wine Bar

History Hike Enjoy a leisurely walk around the farm and learn its history. Sunday, 1:00 to 3:00. Muscoot Farm.

Indoor Farmer's Market Stay warm and get some New York State produce, meat, poultry, cheese, wine, and entertainment. Sunday, 10:00 to 3:00. Westchester County Center

Afternoon Concert Series Enjoy a performance of eclectic jazz by the Cary Brown Trio. The trio's music reflects their diverse musical heritage, from reggae to classical. Sunday, 3:00. First Presbyterian Church of Yorktown

Harold McGee The New York Times' “Curious Cook” Harold McGee talks about his ongoing research and experiments from garden to kitchen to plate. Sunday, 4:00. Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture

Bach and Strausses Works of German masters are performed at the First Presbyterian Church of Ossining. Sunday, 8:00. Collegium Westchester

So Very English

The big con here is that the house is just 150 feet from busy Route 9A. But if you can handle some traffic noise—and have over two million to spend—check out this ever so charming manor. Built in 1912, the 6,200 square foot manse has graciously spacious rooms and lovely details. The kitchen is really not my taste, but some will probably love it. With 6 bedrooms, and 5 full baths, there should be a nice spot for everyone. If not, there's also the guest cottage and a pool house (and pool, of course). All this is set on 12 gorgeous acres with a large pond and tennis courts in Ossining. While the price seems reasonable, the annual taxes—$46,483—might be hard to stomach. $2,185,000
Prudential Holmes and Kennedy, Google Map, Live Search Map

Local Flavor

If you want a bird for Thanksgiving that didn't have to fly too far, check out Hemlock Hill Farm in Cortlandt Manor. Their organic Turkeys are raised free-range on the farm's over 100 acres of pasture. You can also use My Personal Farmers, a service that delivers locally-grown and raised produce, meats, and goods.
Image: Hemlock Hill Farm

Love Shack

This small but funky cottage is tucked away in the Mount Airy Trails section of Croton. With just 1,200 square feet, the 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom abode is tight on space. But there's plenty of style in this 1957 home—not to mention large windows and a big deck overlooking the greenery. The 0.44 of an acre lot feels remote, but is a short walk into the village center. Not bad for the money. $359,900
Houlihan Lawrence, Google Maps, Live Search Maps

Oodles of Ingrid

The films of Ingrid Bergman are being celebrated at the Jacob Burns Film Center this month. Through November 26, you can catch 10 classics, from Gaslight (tonight) to Spellbound (Wednesday) to Notorious. Oh yeah—and Casablanca, too. Check the website for dates and times. Jacob Burns Film Center
Images: Jacob Burns Film Center

Composing in Cortlandt

Yesterday's New York Times had an interesting article on Copland House, the former home of the famed composer, Aaron Copland, in Cortlandt Manor. For the tenth year in a row, nine composers will take turns living in the house for 3 to 8 weeks, where they can focus on their work. The small house has recently been named a National Historic Landmark, and is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In addition to providing budding composers with a sanctuary, Copland House has a resident ensemble, Music From Copland House, which performs both locally and across the country.
SOURCE: The New York Times: For Copland Musicians, 10th Season of Seclusion and Nurture
Image: Copland House

Weekend Events

Activities and things to do this weekend in Northern Westchester:

Tiny Tots Birdfeeder Workshop Youngsters will have a great time constructing simple bird feeders out of materials you can find at home. Saturday, 1:00. Westmoreland Sanctuary

Owl Prowl Join the director of the Connecticut Audubon Society as he talks all about owls. Then join us for a walk in search of some real ones. Saturday, 7:30 to 9:30. Muscoot Farm

The Velveteen Rabbit Presented by the Enchantment Theater Company, this production tells the classic tale of a young boy and his rabbit. Saturday, 11:00 and 2:00. Ridgefield Playhouse

Tales from the Longhouse The longhouse at Cliffdale Farm is the setting for this program on the Lenape, the first people to settle in the Hudson Highlands. Listen to a native story and learn about life in a native village. Saturday, 1:00 to 2:30. Teatown Lake Reservation

Clay in Motion! A day-long program where participants will create clay figures and models and see them brought to life with cameras and computers. Models created by professional animators will be on display. Saturday, 10:00 to 3:00. Jacob Burns Film Center

Survival on the Point This program will focus on techniques of survival in the woods, including a survival activity, fire starting, and shelter building. Saturday, 1:00. Croton Point Park Nature Center

Rhythms of Nature A photographic celebration of Westchester. Saturday and Sunday, 12:00 to 4:00. Bedford Historical Hall, Westchester Land Trust

Clay Family Day Come meet writer Jeanette Winter and see original artwork from her new book. Enjoy creating a clay folk art sculpture and participating in other hands-on activities. Sunday, 1:00 to 4:00. Katonah Museum of Art

The Surprsing Story of Milk Join Anne Mendelson to celebrate her newest book Milk: The Surprising Story of Milk Through the Ages. The author will discuss the ancient heritage of yogurt and will guide participants through a tasting of different butters. Saturday, 1:00. Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture

How to Grow Herbs Indoors Lasdon’s horticulturist will discuss the growing requirements for a variety of popular herbs, and offer pointers on which ones are the best suited for indoors. Sunday, 1:00. Lasdon Arboretum

Two Guitars Gus Wieland and Brian Conigliaro of Two Guitars perform their acoustic mix of jazz and blues fusion. Sunday, 6:00 to 9:00. 12 Grapes Music and Wine Bar

Farmhouse, on the Rebound

This lovely house went to contract not so long ago—right before I got around to featuring it—but is now back on the market. (One can only guess that the would-be buyers failed to get a mortgage, now that the banks expect you to, like, have money.) Located in Cortlandt Manor (with Hendrick Hudson schools), the 1830, 3,400 square foot farmhouse is a charmer. The 3 bedroom house has a great living room, pleasant bedrooms, and details like wide-plank floorboards. There are only a handful of interior photos on the listing, and no mention of the kitchen or bathrooms, so chances are a fair amount of work is needed. The 2 acre lot looks lovely and includes a barn—but it does back up on the local school. $589,900
Prudential Richard Albert, Google Map, Live Search Map