A Summertime 2019 Guide To Westchester County, New York

   

Armour-Stiner Octagon House

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. –  – Whether they’re drawn to an outdoor festival, jazz at sunset, kayaking along the Hudson or scenic outdoor dining, travelers will find ample reasons to visit New York’s Westchester County this summer. And, with its idyllic location, set between the enchanting Hudson River and serene Long Island Sound, the County is the perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life. Just 30 miles north of New York City and easily accessible by rail via Metro-North, travelers will be pleasantly surprised by the outdoor appeals of Westchester.

SUMMERTIME CELEBRATIONS:

·        For a Pops, Patriots and Fireworks celebration this Independence Day, travelers should head to Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts in Katonah. 

·        Families can enjoy a free concert series – Summer Nights on the Sound – at Harbor Island Park in Mamaroneck. It kicks off on July 4 and continues through Aug. 3.

·        Hudson River Museum will host free performances in its Amphitheater on Fridays and Saturdays from July 5 through Aug. 31. Acts include contemporary dance performances, immersive theatrical presentations of Shakespeare’s finest work, jazz, R&B concerts and tango nights.

·        Sunset Jazz Concerts begin at Lyndhurst Mansion in Tarrytown on July 11. Relax on the great lawn and enjoy cool music by top jazz artists. The concerts continue through Aug. 29.

·        Join Latin Grammy-award-winning Pedro Giraudo and his Tango Orchestra of musicians, singers, and dancers for Tango Night at Hudson River Museum in Yonkers on July 13.

·        Also, on July 13, the 15th Annual Pleasantville Music Festival takes place at Parkway Field. In addition to headliners, breakout stars and local artists, there will be a beer and wine garden, fun activities for kids and a zero-waste program to keep the Earth happy, too.

·        Caramoor's Jazz Festival is a highly anticipated highlight of Westchester’s summer events schedule. On July 20, jazz is performed by phenomenal talent, including ten-time Grammy Award Winner Eddie Palmieri, amid the lush gardens Katonah’s marquee center for music and art.  

·        Empire City Casino in Yonkers will host special events throughout the summer months including comedy nights, huge prize giveaways and a showcase by Grammy award-winning Kool & The Gang, who will bring funk to the casino on Aug. 16.

·        The 53rd Annual Moon Viewing Concert takes place at Hammond Museum and Japanese Stroll Garden in North Salem on Aug. 10. The Japanese Stroll Garden, lit by paper lanterns, is a magical setting for this ancient custom, which brings together people and traditions of the East and the West.

·        On Sept. 7, to commemorate the 240th anniversary of Burning of Bedford, the Bedford Historical Society will host a celebratory tribute on the Village Green with re-enactors, musket drills, encampment, colonial games, and more, including a grand finale bonfire on the Green.

·        One of the most prestigious and iconic equestrian sporting events in the world of international show jumping, the American Gold Cup returns to North Salem from Sept. 11 to 15. Elite equestrian athletes, horse owners, young hopefuls and enthusiastic fans will gather to enjoy the extraordinary show jumping event.

·        Jazz Fest White Plains is a celebration of jazz for music lovers of all ages. The event, which takes place from Sept. 11 to 15, has become a signature County showcase featuring both free and affordable ticketed performances.

·        As summer comes to a close, the County has a number of great events to usher in the fall, including the Fall Crafts at Lyndhurst from Sept. 13 to 15 in Tarrytown. Travelers can enjoy shopping for handmade clothing, jewelry, ceramics and art, as well as local gourmet food and drinks with plenty of fun for the little ones as well.

·        More than just a festival, Yonkers Riverfest is a celebration of community. This free event draws more than 15,000 people to Yonkers Downtown each year and will return this summer on Sept. 14.

EXPLORE WESTCHESTER THIS SUMMER

·        Take a trip to the famed Playland, in Rye, for endless family fun. Renowned for its historic rides, gorgeous beachside setting and Art Deco architecture, the park offers ample thrill rides as well as calmer, family-friendly options. Its evening fireworks display on July 4-5, July 12 and Aug. 30 are a wonderous sight, and the park hosts a Laser Light Show every Tuesday – Sunday during the season. For the first time in over a decade, visitors will be among the first to experience the park’s newest ride, which officially opens in July. The new attraction will be named by the people of Westchester County.

·        Visit the unique Armour-Stiner House in Irvington, which, for the first time in its history, is open for guided tours. The house is open Fridays through Mondays and advanced reservation is required.  

·        Be one with nature in Scarsdale at Greenburgh Nature Center, which offers an extensive platform of nature and environmental education for the benefit and enjoyment of their visitors. The center has a jam-packed schedule of family-friendly events taking place throughout the summer months including a live butterfly exhibit and a family overnight campout.

·        Hit Westchester County’s beaches, skipping the typical traffic and crowds of nearby shoreline areas. On Long Island Sound, options include Rye Town Park & Beach, and Playland Beach, both of which offer water access from Rye. On the Hudson River, Croton Point Park Beach in Croton-on-Hudson is popular for its scenic views and spacious beach, as well as its water activities including kayaking, boating and stand-up paddle boarding. Adventure seekers can explore the 508-acre Croton Point Park to discover a host of enjoyable activities that summer brings to Westchester County.

·        Bike, skate, scooter, walk, or jog on this 13.1-mile traffic-free road from White Plains to Yonkers when the Bronx River Parkway closes to cars on Sunday mornings in September. Bicycle Sundays are a beloved Westchester County tradition since 1974.

·        Explore the well-shaded climbs of Westchester, which feature some of the best hiking trails in the state. For example, Mianus River Gorge Preserve in Bedford is a trail that looms 40 feet above the Mianus River. Despite the exhilarating view, the hike is easy and perfect for the whole family. And at Croton Gorge Park in Cortlandt, an easy two-mile hike includes gorgeous vistas of the New Croton Dam.

·        Catch a birds-eye view of Westchester’s sunny skies with a Balloons Over Westchester hot air balloon ride.

SUMMERTIME STAYS & ALFRESCO DINING

With firepits for s’mores, a heated pool and a golf course, Doral Arrowwood in Rye Brook presents an abundance of fun options for families. And, this summer, the hotel is offering 15% off rooms, golf and dining. The award winning Castle Hotel & Spa, overlooking the Hudson River, is celebrating the summer with “Poolside Pairings” on Thursdays through Sept. 5. For the travelers who love to shop, Holiday Inn Express and Suites, Peekskill, just a stroll away from Charles Point Park and the Hudson River, is offering a “Shop & Drop” package to guests this summer. And, coming in September, SpringHill Suites by Marriott will open its door in the peaceful village of Tuckahoe.

Captain Lawrence Brewing Company in Elmsford unveiled its new beer hall just in time for a visit by ale-loving summertime travelers. For outdoor dining and stunning views of the Hudson River, travelers will enjoy River Market Bar and Kitchen in Tarrytown, Half Moon in Dobbs Ferry, and French-American bistro, Red Hat on the River in Irvington. Both Dolphin Restaurant and sister restaurant Café Hudson in the heart of the Yonkers Downtown Waterfront development, offer beautiful views of the river. And, for another charming sunset viewing point, travelers should consider a visit to The Boathouse in Ossining.

About Westchester County Tourism & Film

Westchester County Tourism & Film is Westchester County’s official destination marketing organization. Its mission is to generate economic benefits by enhancing the image and promoting Westchester County as a premier business and leisure destination in the Hudson Valley region. Flanked by Long Island Sound and the Hudson River, Westchester is made up of big cities, small towns, villages, farms, and miles of natural beauty. The county is easily accessible by major interstate highways and parkways, its own regional airport, Amtrak and three commuter rail lines and is home to more than 40 hotels and conference centers. For information about visiting Westchester, visit www.visitwestchesterny.com, connect on Facebook (@westchestercountytourism), Instagram (@westchestercountytourismny) and Twitter (@westchestertour), or call 1-800-833-9282.

DoubleTree By Hilton Welcomes Travelers To The Wonders Of Niagara Falls #NiagaraFallsUSA

A towering addition to downtown, the $30 million, nine-story hotel offers contemporary, upscale lodging just moments from famed attractions

NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y.  Tourists enjoying one of the world’s great natural wonders may now also indulge in contemporary and upscale lodging, with the addition of a stunning, $30 million upscale hotel in downtown Niagara Falls - DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Niagara Falls New York.

DoubleTree by Hilton, one of Hilton’s (NYSE: HLT) 13 market-leading brands, announces the opening of this upscale hotel today, which is just a short walk from breathtaking Niagara Falls. The nine-story property offers 192 modern and luxurious rooms, many overlooking the Upper Niagara River.

“With its captivating waterfalls and scenic draws, Niagara Falls is a sought-after destination for tourists all over the world,” said Dianna Vaughan, senior vice president and global head, DoubleTree by Hilton. “Whether visitors are checking-off a travel bucket list or in town for a conference, our magnificent new hotel provides guests with the world-renowned services that define our brand -- starting with our warm DoubleTree Cookie welcome.”

Just 25 miles from Buffalo Niagara International Airport, and only a short jaunt from Seneca Niagara Casino and other tourist favorites, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Niagara Falls New York treats guests to an innovative blend of contemporary design and traditional hospitality.

Each stylish guest room blends modern design with regional touches, such as bedroom furniture hand built by Amish craftsmen. Modern features include an ergonomic work desk and chair, mini-refrigerator, complimentary Wi-Fi and premium DoubleTree Sweet Dreams® Sleep Experience beds. Some rooms also come with a whirlpool, for even more relaxing comfort.

Public or private dining options abound at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Niagara Falls New York. Parkway Prime Restaurant, in the main lobby area, boasts a casual environment with an open-style floor plan. Signature dishes include Dry Rub Flank Steak and Lemon Pepper Crusted Salmon, which guests may enjoy from the outdoor patio overlooking the river. Takeout and room service are also available; or, guests may pick up snacks, sandwiches, salads, beer and wine in the convenient onsite 24-hour Made Market Pantry.

The hotel is ready to host spectacular weddings, receptions and other gatherings for up to 450 guests, thanks to nearly 14,000 square feet of meeting and banquet facilities – including the spacious Rivers Edge Ballroom. An onsite wedding coordinator is available, as are a state-of-the-art sound system, AV equipment and 24-hour business center.

In addition to the signature warm DoubleTree Cookie welcome, the hotel provides a full complement of services and DoubleTree by Hilton brand amenities, including the Wake Up DoubleTree Breakfast, an assortment of gourmet in-room tea and coffee offerings by The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf^® and a refreshing array of the Crabtree & Evelyn natural skin and body care line.

Other conveniences are a 24-hour fitness center, featuring Life Fitness equipment, an indoor heated pool with hot tub, and easy access to nearby running and hiking trails along the area’s new “riverwalk”.

“With the opening of our spectacular new hotel, we are bolstering the recent business renaissance in downtown Niagara Falls,” said Joyce Lyle-Freeman, general manager, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Niagara Falls New York. “Guests are sure to appreciate and enjoy the high-quality facilities and world-renowned service that are emblematic of the DoubleTree by Hilton brand.”

As part of the Hilton portfolio of brands, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Niagara Falls New York encourages guests to participate in Hilton HHonors, Hilton’s free-to-join loyalty program. Hilton HHonors members who book directly with Hilton save time and money and gain instant access to the benefits they care about most, including:

·         An exclusive member discount at more than 4,500 hotels worldwide.

·         Instant benefits, such as free Wi-Fi, the ability to earn and redeem Points for free nights as well as access to digital check-in with room selection and Digital Key.

·         Unforgettable, exclusive experiences, available via Points at HHonors.com/auctions, such as access to private concerts or sought-after events.

To celebrate the hotel's re-opening, Hilton HHonors members will earn an additional 1,000 HHonors Points per night or an additional 5,000 points for a three-night minimum stay from December 20, 2016 through June 20, 2017, when booking directly with Hilton. Gold and Diamond members will also enjoy free premium Wi-Fi and space-available upgrades to the hotel's exclusive Hilton HHonors floor.

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Niagara Falls New York is located at 401 Buffalo Avenue, Niagara Falls, New York 14303.

For more information, or to make a reservation, travelers may visit niagarafallsny.doubletreebyhilton.comor call 716-524-3333. The property is owned and managed by Merani Hotel Group.