The History of Armonk

The hamlet of Armonk was established in the mid-1800s. Though it maintains some historic structures, Armonk has benefited from many revitalization efforts in recent decades. New developments make the town’s infrastructure more modern and efficient for a booming community. These updates have added yet another layer of character to Armonk.

It’s a small historic town with a modern feel.

Steve Nelson, who wrote the lyrics to “Frosty the Snowman” in 1950, lived in Armonk and references the village square in the song. Ever since, Armonk has celebrated “Frosty Day” in honor of the famous snowman.

Armonk School Districts

The Byram Hills Central School District enrolls students from surrounding North Castle, New Castle, Mount Pleasant, and Bedford. However, all four of its schools are located in Armonk, making the hamlet the center of education in the broader community.

Armonk Commute Times & Rail Access

Armonk Commute Times & Rail Access Armonk is only 39 miles from New York City.

Places to See and Things to Do in Armonk

As a business center and one of the most affluent neighborhoods in Westchester County, Armonk sponsors plenty of activities for people of all ages.

The Fol-de-Rol is the annual charity event that brings in business vendors, carnival rides, and a parade in order to support the local Lion’s Club chapter. The annual 5k helps to fund the local public library and other community efforts.

The main attraction is Armonk’s Town Square, right off of Main Street in the downtown district. You can stroll around, shop unique local businesses and eat all in the same area. Must-try restaurants in the square include the Armonk House, Tazza Café, and Bowls Handcrafted Salads and Soups.
The Outdoor Art Show which has taken place every September for more than 55 years draws visitors from far and near and features many local artists.
Some outdoors and recreational places include:

Larchmont & Mamaroneck, NY

The History of Larchmont and Mamaroneck

The village of Larchmont came along much later in comparison to some of the other communities in Westchester County. The land was once inhabited by the Siwanoy until the Dutch discovered it in 1661. It wasn’t established as an independent village until the 1890s. Later, it became a popular site for summer retreats and vacations.
The village of Mamaroneck was a farming community until the creation of the automobile, which made it feasible for residents to commute to and from the city. This also made it possible for the village and greater town to become a coastline resort in the summer. Robert Ripley, the founder of Ripley’s Believe It Or Not, had a home on Believe It Or Not (BION) Island right off of Taylors Lane, as did Ezio Pinza and Jonathan Winters.

Larchmont and Mamaroneck School District

Both villages are part of the greater Mamaroneck School district. The district has six different schools including four elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school and a total enrollment of about 5,300 students. The district utilizes the House Model to create small schools within each of the school buildings. This keeps classroom and grade size small to ensure the greatest impact for students at every grade level.

• Hommocks Middle School

Middle Schools (Grades 6-8):

• Mamaroneck High School

The district is also a strong proponent for the arts. It offers high school students a full four years of courses in the performing and visual arts, as well as music along with their regular studies. The Mamaroneck Central School District also keeps students engaged outside the classroom with over 50 team sports and 80 clubs in its high school alone. It’s no wonder parents are moving to Mamaroneck and Larchmont in droves.

Commute Times to the City & The Mamaroneck Train Station

A short 18 miles from the city, it’s easy to make the commute to the city. Simply take the Metro-North Railroad’s New Haven Line down to Grand Central Station. The trip takes 40 minutes, and the Mamaroneck Train Station is reasonably close to most of the residences in Larchmont and Mamaroneck.

Parking at the station is limited to 210 permit and metered spots. Usually, residents can buy an annual permit for the station’s parking garage for $626.00. Parking is free on weekends and holidays. Tickets to Grand Central Station cost $24.50 for round trips and $268.00 for monthly passes.

Places to See and Things to Do in Larchmont and Mamaroneck

There are some great local restaurants in the area. The Harbor House Coffee Shop provides a classic 1950’s style in downtown Larchmont. Napolitano’s Neighborhood Pub has some of the best pizza in all of New York State.

Chappaqua, NY

The History of Chappaqua

Founded by Quakers during the colonial period, Chappaqua is known to have a lot of history on its .45 square miles of land east of the Hudson River. Chappaqua still has an active Quaker Meeting House as well as a historic Quaker Burial Ground. Most of the current architecture was built before 1934, adding a beautiful and traditional touch that complements the vast woodlands and lakeside scenery.

The name Chappaqua originates from the Native Americans who described the valley as “the rustling land,” because all that could be heard was the wind rustling through the trees. Small as it may be, Chappaqua has been home to various political and celebrity figures. Hillary and Bill Clinton have claimed permanent residence here since the 1990’s. Horace Greeley, the acclaimed politician and editor of the New York Tribune, is another recognized figure in Chappaqua’s history and has his name honored throughout the town.

Chappaqua School District

Chappaqua is the ideal location for those who want to provide their children with some of the best education in the state. Though the school district includes students from more than just the hamlet, enrollment stays relatively stable at approximately 4,000 students between its six different schools:

• Horace Greeley High School

The students are challenged and engaged in a rigorous curriculum. Their average SAT and ACT scores remain some of the highest in the United States.  As they move up into middle school and high school, students take classes focused in core studies with the opportunity to explore various electives of their own interest. Currently, over 96% of an average 350 high school graduates each year move on to colleges and universities. 

Chappaqua Commute Times to the City & The Chappaqua Train Station

Many of Chappaqua’s residents work in New York City and often commute via the Metro-North Railroad. The station is conveniently located in downtown Chappaqua and is a convenient means of public transport for the 35-mile trek south to Grand Central Station Commuters have the luxury of looking out at the rustling woods and rolling landscapes during the 47 minutes it takes to travel to Manhattan via the express train.

Chappaqua’s train station offers almost 1200 parking spaces for daily commuters which can be reserved annually through the town for about $400 for residents and about $1100 for non-residents. Daily metered parking is also available. Round trip tickets typically run about $28 and monthly passes cost commuters about $311. With easy access to the Saw Mill River and Taconic Parkways, as well as Route 684, Chappaqua is very conveniently located and accessible.

The City of White Plains, an area of major commerce and commercial spaces, is about a 20-minute ride. Westchester County Airport is about 15 minutes away.

Places to See and Things to Do in Chappaqua

Chappaqua is rich with outdoor spaces to explore along with various recreational and community amenities. And with New York City not far away, there are endless opportunities for entertainment. Chappaqua has a multitude of parks, country clubs, and small-town eateries for everyone’s taste.

You can enjoy the bands that play at the downtown gazebo during the summer, join the popular soft-ball league for adults offered at various levels in addition to plentiful athletic and cultural offerings for children. On Saturday’s, a farmers market can be found at the train station.

Some other popular amenities locals enjoy are:

• Crabtree’s Kittle House A popular farm-to-table restaurant located at Lawrence Farms in Chappaqua. The restaurant has received various awards for its menu items and is a local favorite. Residents recognize it as an eco-conscious business with one of the largest wine cellars in the entire country.
• Le Jardin du Roi A cozy French Bistro located in the downtown area, Le Jardin du Roi is another famous eatery in Chappaqua. It is known for its BBQ and classic breakfast items. The atmosphere will make it seem like you took a short trip to France.
• Gedney Park Located on 126 acres in the Millwood Section, Gedney park features miles upon miles of hiking trails, ball fields, green spaces, playgrounds and even a sledding hill for when the weather permits.
• Croton Gorge Park One of the manmade wonders of the surrounding area, Croton Gorge Park is set below the Croton Dam. It has over 97 acres of land that residents use for fishing, hiking, cross-country skiing, and much more.
• Hardscrabble Wilderness Area This is a city-run nature reserve with over 235 acres of rolling landscapes. The pond creates an ideal hiking trail and is dog-friendly.
• New Castle Historical Society The society offers three museums for history buffs in the area. The Amstel House, the Dutch House, and the Old Library Museum provide much history on the area’s Dutch colonists, heroes of the revolution, and 19th-century American figures.

Scarsdale, NY

The History of Scarsdale

Scarsdale was named after the ancestral home of Caleb Heathcote, a rich tradesman from England, in the late 1600’s. It didn’t officially become a town until 1788. Like its green and rocky English home overseas, the name was a perfect fit for the village. Highlights from its history make it known as a site of a great battle in the Revolutionary War. This historic moment became the inspiration for James Fenimore Cooper’s novel, The Spy.

The woodsy village sits enclosed on a little more than 6.6 square miles of land with over 17 major developments. It has an estimated population of about 17,900 residents. Some of America’s greatest artists, politicians, and media performers have called Scarsdale home. Linda Eastman McCartney, Judy Garland, and Dean Rusk are only a few of nearly a hundred famous individuals who have called Scarsdale home.

Scarsdale Union-Free School District

Scarsdale’s public school district claims one of the highest standards for K-12 education. The curriculum focuses on facilitating the individual talents of each student and preparing them for the emerging forces in the world today. Scarsdale’s five elementary schools, middle school, and high school specialize in promoting students’ independent growth, leadership, and self-expression.

• Scarsdale High School

Families find the local schools to be not only rigorous but practical as they blend traditional and innovative teaching practices. Some extracurricular activities available to Scarsdale students are debate, community service, student government, and a variety of sports teams.

Scarsdale Commute Times to the City & The Scarsdale Train Station

One of Scarsdael greatest draws is it’s location easy & quick commute to Manhattan. The Metro North Harlem Line Train from the Scarsdale Train Station makes the 19 mile commute to Grand Central quick and easy. The trip to Grand Central takes about 30 minutes via the express train and round trip tickets cost $24.50 each. Monthly passes are available at $268.00 for those who plan to commute regularly.

Some residents who live in the north and east parts of Scarsdale opt to use the Hartsdale train station. The commute is lengthened by about 3 minutes from that stop. Some residents are fortunate enough to close to the train station and opt to walk. However, if parking is needed, permits can be bought annually for garage parking in either the Freightway Garage (485 spaces) or the Christie Place Garage(240 spaces). Annual permits cost $1,000 or $1,500 respectively for residents and non -residents. The remaining 77 spaces are metered. There is also Beeline Bus Service that offers another convenient transportation alternative.

Places to See and Things to Do in Scarsdale

Scarsdale is known for being a walking-friendly community. Residents enjoy the luxury of going by foot from their homes to some of the area’s attractions, which include the beautiful Tudor-style downtown area. With its own swimming complex, nature parks and trails, and upscale boutiques and recreational centers, it’s easy to find something that everyone can enjoy.

The nearby Eastchester area offers a myriad of shopping opportunities as well as access to Lake Isle for many outdoor pursuits. There’s always something going on in this village tucked away in the heart of Westchester County. The Scarsdale Teen Center is responsible for putting together community events and programming year-round. It has two planning committees that work together and on their own to keep the community engaged and lively for everyone. There’s also the Scarsdale and Edgemont New Resident’s club that sponsors popular annual events such as Oktober Fest, Holiday parties, and much more with a focus on engaging residents new and old.

If you’re new to the area, here are some places that are highly recommended for you:

• Moscato A well known Scarsdale restaurant that serves the fine Italian cuisine . It features a casual yet stylish décor with outdoor seating available. A great place for date nights or nights on the town. 
• The Bronx River Walks A 19 mile-long linear park running between the Bronx and the Kensico Dam. It’s one of the longest parks in the nation and runs parallel to the Bronx River. The paved trails are a favorite for walkers, runners, and bikers.
• The Weinberg Nature Center This 10-acre nature center features a Native American village, hiking trails, fruit orchard, and its very own Zen Garden. It’s home to a vast population of woodland creatures and is especially known as a sanctuary for birds.
• Cudner-Hyatt House A 18th century building and one of Scarsdale’s oldest structures. It’s a favorite for history buffs and houses various documents, photographs, and artifacts relating to Scarsdale’s extensive history.

The Small City of Rye, NY

The History of Rye

Formerly a village until a charter in 1942, the city of Rye is filled with landmarks that intersect with US history. It was the home and final resting place of John Jay, a founding father, 2nd Governor of NY and 1st Chief Justice of the US Supreme Court. Since the settlement of the area began at water access the towns along the Hudson River and Long Island Sound were among the first to be established. The city of Rye used to coexist within the town of Rye as a village. In its early history, it and the town of Rye were part of the state of Connecticut. The famous Amelia Earhart is one of many memorable figures to have called Rye home. Many of our founding fathers visited the city’s famous Square House.

The city of Rye alone sits on about 6 square miles of land and has a population of almost 16,000. A fifth of the land is set aside for recreation and conservation, while three-fifths is for residential single-family homes. The balance is allotted to business and commercial complexes. The town of Rye is a bit larger in population and has a bit more recreational space for its residents. Both the town and the city of Rye are located on the edge of Westchester County bordering Connecticut and Long Island Sound.

Scarsdale Union-Free School District

About 90% of the city of Rye falls within the Rye City School District. The remaining 10% of residents sit on the outlying borders of the Rye Neck School District in the town of Rye. The proximity of the two districts allows parents a certain degree of freedom in choosing the best educational institution for their children. Both districts are recognized either by the Department of Education or other leading educational organizations. They both have a record of setting outstanding achievement goals and high benchmarks for their students.

High Schools
(Grades 9-12):

• Rye High School
• Rye School of Leadership (Part of Rye High School)

• Rye Neck High School

The Rye Neck School District is comparatively smaller with only a little more than 1,600 students enrolled. However, it is one of the oldest and most successful school districts in Westchester County. Starting as far back as 1814, the Rye Neck School District has been a leader in personalized education strategies and uses the most current in teaching technologies.

Rye Commute Times to the City & The Rye Train Station

The city of Rye’s train station can be found in central downtown near the Rye Grill & Bar. The station is Metro North’s New Haven Line, and it takes about 36 minutes to make the 24-mile down to Grand Central Terminal via the express train. The route follows the coast of Long Island Sound most of the way to the city.

Round trips run about $26.50, with monthly tickets purchased for $289.The station has 675 parking spaces which are both permit and metered controlled spaces. Residents can apply for station parking permits through City Hall. Free parking is available on weekends and holidays.

Popular Places and Activities in Rye, NY

Rye’s past as a seaside resort leaves plenty of options when it comes to recreation and activities. The downtown offers both big brand shopping and small boutiques like the Rye County Store. Kids and adults will love spending an afternoon or two in The Rye Playland Amusement Park. Its deco-themed rides recall the days of wooden roller coasters and boardwalk rides & attractions as one of the living centers of theme park history. The Park is a National Historic Landmark. Rye also offers Seasonal as well as day passes for Public Beach areas to County residents.

Popular public eats include Frankie and Johnnie’s Steakhouse, the recently renovated Rye Grill & Bar, and the grab-and-go sensation June & Ho. There’s also water’s edge dining at Pier Restaurant and Tiki Bar as well as others. And don’t miss out on the dozens of outside trails, nature resorts, and beaches. Residents can choose to hit some balls at the Rye Golf Club or go to the beach.

Some other popular places are:

• The Rye Arts Center
• Rye Historical Society
• Rye Nature Center
• The Town of Rye’s Crawford Park
• The Rye Town Park and Beach
• Edith G. Read Wildlife Sanctuary

Pleasantville, NY

The History of Pleasantville

Pleasantville was inhabited by an Iroquois Tribe until the land was settled in 1695 by a Frenchman under the agency of Frederick Philipse. The village claims the historic capture of British spy Major John André, which ultimately turned the tide of the American Revolution in favor of the American forces.

Pleasantville is also rumored to have been a stop on the Underground Railroad. Prior to the construction of the Metro-North Railroad’s Harlem Line, most residents were farmers. Pleasantville has strong roots in film, music, and literature. American playwright Lillian Hellman lived here, as did detective and noir novelist Dashiell Hammett. It is also the birthplace of Reader’s Digest. The Jacob Burns Film Center located in the landmark Rome Theatre, one of the first movie theatres in Westchester County, currently features classic films, documentaries, and indie films from around the world.

Pleasantville Union Free School District

Pleasantville is served by two school districts. The first, Pleasantville’s very own Pleasantville Union Free School district, serves over 1,700 students from grades K-12. There is only one elementary school, middle school, and high school in the area due to the close proximity of residents and the size of the village. Most residents live within this school district.
The second school district is part of Mount Pleasant’s school system. Mount Pleasant Central School District enrolls around 2,000 students each academic year and has four schools. The two elementary schools are especially interesting in that they split between 2nd and 3rd grade, effectively teaching two different age groups. Most students come from the neighboring town of Mount Pleasant with a few from Pleasantville and surrounding towns and villages.

High Schools
(Grades 9-12):

• Pleasantville High School

Mount Pleasant Central School District

• Westlake High School

Mount Pleasant’s schools are members of the Tri-State Consortium along with other high-ranking school districts. They even partner with the Reading and Writing Program from Teachers College of Columbia University. Both districts offer exceptional extra and inter-curricular activities in sports, the arts, science, and community service.

Pleasantville Commute Times to the City & The Pleasantville Train Station

Pleasantville is about a 44 minute ride to Grand Central Station in New York City via the express train on Metro North’s Harlem line. The station is located downtown, and since this is the “Walking Village,” you can probably just leave your car at home instead of driving to the station.

If parking is a must, then you’ll be happy to know that it’s free to park in the downtown district for residents. The station also supplies its own 292 metered parking spaces for commuters, which are free after 3 PM and on weekends. Round trip tickets are around $28.00 for the 30-mile trek, or you can purchase monthly tickets for $311.00.

With the Saw Mill River Parkway running directly through Pleasantville, access to a network of local and state highways is simple and direct.

Places to See and Things to Do in Pleasantville

This village is a cultural center invested in the arts. Pleasantville residents are great at keeping the town active and engaged. In this “Walking Village,” it’s impossible to not feel the energy in the air. New residents will be quick to hear about the fresh produce available at the local farmers market every Saturday. And people of all ages can be found playing baseball at Parkway Field, fishing at Opperman’s Pond, and swimming at the village pool. Pleasantville is also known for its annual music festival which headlines local and international singers and bands. As you can probably guess, the summer months are full of a variety of things to do.

There are also plenty of local highlights:

• Rockefeller State Park Preserve A refreshing state park that was originally established for the horse-drawn carriages of times past. This free-of-charge nature area offers winding paths that will take you through forests, fields, and along the Pocantico River.

   

• Jacob Burns Film Center This is a popular theatre that doesn’t show the typical Hollywood titles. If you’re looking for some good oldies or something fresh and original, this is the film theatre for you.

   

• The Lil’ Chocolate Shoppe A charming and old-fashioned chocolate shop located in the business district of the village featuring delicious imported chocolates and candies.
• Graham Hills Park This is a large wooded park in Mount Pleasant that features great woodland trails and is perfect for backpackers.

The River Village of Briarcliff Manor, NY

Historical Facts about Briarcliff Manor

The land once belonged to Wappinger Native American tribes until the land was purchased by Frederick Philipse. It was later named Briarcliff Manor based on the Irish home of an ecclesiastical history professor by the name of John David Ogliby. Briarcliff Manor is mainly known for its ties to some of America’s wealthiest families. The Vanderbilts, Astors, and Rockefeller names are the most recognized of the village. The families often entertained guests and hosted parties on their estates on the banks of the Hudson River.

The Briarcliff Lodge, built in 1902, has been a popular lodging for affluent patrons such as Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt. The village still maintains most of its original infrastructure in order to keep the history alive. Briarcliff Manor has also been a location of interest for popular novels and movies such as Honeymoon and Briarcliff Manor. Its downtown was even the site of Saturday Night Live’s pilot episode in 1975.

Briarcliff Manor School Districts

Two excellent school districts serve residents of Briarcliff Manor: the Briarcliff Manor Union Free School District and the Ossining Union Free School District. Residents within Briarcliff Manor proper fall within the Briarcliff School District, whereas residents in Scarborough and Chilmark are part of the Ossining School District.

Over 1,500 students attend Briarcliff Manor’s three schools: Todd Elementary School (K-5); Briarcliff Middle School (6-8); and Briarcliff High School (9-12). The schools are proud of the world-class curriculum that places them competitively among some of the most focused and prestigious private schools in the state. The high school has many Advanced Placement, college-credited, and honors-level courses available for its achieving students, and it also boasts over 50 clubs and co-curricular programs. These programs include music, dance, sports and interior design.

Students in the Ossining School District can also hold their own when it comes to scholastic excellence. The district has five schools and an early childhood center to help get children an early start on their education careers. The school system has a high distinction when it comes to science leadership programs. It has even been awarded the title of 2012 Star Innovator and School of Distinction.

No matter which district residents are in, parents are assured a quality education for their kids!

Briarcliff Manor Commute Times to the City & The Scarborough Train Station

When commuting to NYC from Briarcliff Manor proper, you’ll have to use the nearby Scarborough Train Station. The station takes the North-Metro Hudson Line south 30 miles to reach New York City’s Grand Central Station. The bayside ride next to the river takes about an hour to reach its destination. The average round ticket costs $28.00, or regular commuters can buy a month pass for $311.00.

Parking is valet-only with a private lot set aside for additional parking. There are no metered lots at this time at Scarborough Station, but the community has put forth initiatives into making parking more available and accessible in the near future.

Places to See and Things to Do in Briarcliff Manor

Being mostly residential, Briarcliff Manor organizes activities and programs for residents of all ages. Families will find plenty of clubs and recreational facilities, and the historic downtown area offers shopping centers and boutiques.

Outdoor recreation is the most popular pastime in the area. There is a large local swimming pool that’s great for all ages. You can go fishing in Scarborough Park out on the Hudson River, and hiking and biking trails wrap around the village and along the scenic Hudson and Poncantico rivers. The classic mom-and-pop stores and eateries complete the scene for cozy small-town living.

Some popular things to do near Briarcliff include the Tarry Music Hall, the Rockefeller State Park Preserve, and the Great Jack-o Lantern Blaze in Croton on Hudson in the fall.