· From September 16 through November 20, The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze will return to Van Cortlandt Manor in Croton-on-Hudson where the historic grounds will be filled with a magnificent display of more than 7,000 illuminated jack o ’lanterns.
· Celebrate Día de Muertos with a free family-friendly event at Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts on Oct. 16 in Katonah. The event will feature Calpulli Mexican Dance Company for a fun-filled afternoon of live music, dance, and stories, all capturing Mexico’s colorful, passionate and inviting traditions.
· Visitors can learn about the history of Lyndhurst Mansion and explore Victorian lore during the Lyndhurst After Dark experience, Oct. 21-23 and Oct. 27-30. Additionally, Lyndhurst will host Spirited Mansion Weekends Oct 22-23 and 29-30, during which guests can walk through the mansion without a guided tour, view the seasonal decorations at their own pace, and take in the wonders of the historic mansion.
· More than 200 years ago Washington Irving’s “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” introduced the world to characters like the Headless Horseman and Ichabod Crane. These days, the village of Sleepy Hollow welcomes visitors to explore the Old Dutch Church from Irving’s tale and the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, with famously historic graves, including Washington Irving, himself. At the latter, not to miss is the chance of an evening tour by lantern light, offered Friday and Saturday nights between September and November. For those that prefer the comfort of the sun’s rays, daytime tours are offered on Saturdays and Sundays in October and November. Either way, advance tickets are required.
· Visit Irving’s historic Tarrytown home, Sunnyside, for the chance to see “Irving’s Legend,” a dramatic outdoor performance by master storyteller, Jonathan Kruk. Complete with live music by Jim Keyes and an appearance from the Headless Horseman, this performance is sure to thrill audiences of all ages all October long.
· For years, local rumors have swirled around The Armour-Stiner Octagon House, implying connections between the eight-sided home and the spirit world. This September and October, visitors to Irvington can visit the historic site with a Myths and Mysteries Tour.
Fall Festivities:
· The Fall Family Festival will return to Rye’s Jay Heritage Center on Oct. 1 with plenty of family-friendly activities including hayrides, a petting zoo, old-fashioned cornhole and ring toss, guided tours, and scavenger hunts.
· Family Fun Day returns to Yonkers’ Untermyer Gardens Conservancy on Oct. 9 with entertainment and tours of this public garden of national significance.
· A Railroad Avenue Makers Market debuts at the Peekskill Metro North train station on Sept. 10, open every Saturday into late December, spotlighting the best of Hudson Valley maker culture.
· Farms of all kinds are located in Westchester County, offering fall activities like apple picking and wagon rides. Many of the farms in Westchester are family-owned and operated, some dating back 300 years. Among those to consider are Harvest Moon Farm and Orchard in North Salem, Stuart’s Fruit Farm in Granite Springs and Wilkens Fruit & Fir Farm in Yorktown Heights. Each farm brings its own personality to the party – at Harvest Moon, for example, visitors can find everything from live music, BBQ, and a pumpkin patch to other memorable experiences. For a private farm experience, reserve a visit to Faraway Farm Alpacas, Yorktown Heights’ home to a colorful herd of alpacas where guests can meet and learn about alpacas, Icelandic Horses and donkeys. After the tour, visitors can browse the farm store, specializing in everything alpaca such as homegrown yarn and handmade alpaca garments. Tip: the by-reservation-only format makes Faraway Farm Alpacas a truly unique spot to capture family photos.
Music:
· ArtsWestchester will host two White Plains festivals this fall including JazzFest White Plains from Sept. 14-18, featuring live jazz music including Joey Alexander and Buster Williams, and The Serious Fun Arts Fest which will feature five days of public art, concerts, gallery openings, family artmaking and more from Oct. 12-26.
· Nine-time Grammy-awarded jazz trumpeter and composer Randy Brecker will perform October 7-8 at Jazz Forum in Tarrytown. Brecker has helped shape the sound of jazz, R&B and rock for more than four decades and will perform a quintet featuring Ada Rovatti.
· The legendary Capitol Theatre in Port Chester is commemorating its 10-year reopening anniversary this fall. Sept. 23 is officially proclaimed The Capitol Theatre Day in the village, and the season’s performances include such notable artists as The National, Pink Floyd’s Nick Mason, ZZ Top, Steve Vai and nine nights with Grateful Dead co-founder Phil Lesh.
Leaf Peeping and Flora Fun:
· Croton Gorge Park in Cortlandt is the perfect place to spend an afternoon on an easy two-mile hike that includes gorgeous vistas of the New Croton Dam and its autumnal color palette.
· For next-level leaf peeping, 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.
· An Enchanted Forest event comes to Teatown Lake Reservation in Ossining Oct. 28-30. Other nature preserves and parks for fall foliage include Greenburgh Nature Center in Scarsdale, Edith G. Read Wildlife Sanctuary in Rye, Rockefeller State Park in Pleasantville, and Tarrytown RiverWalk.
· Celebrate the change of seasons above ground with Wings Air during a helicopter tour. Guests can soar above the Hudson Valley for a bird’s-eye view of Westchester County’s colorful foliage and spot landmarks including the Kenisco Dam in Valhalla and Kykuit, the Rockefeller Estate in Sleepy Hollow.
Fall Dining & Drinks:
· Hudson Valley Restaurant Week returns Nov. 7-20, 2022, with new tiered pricing to explore the best of lunch and dinner in Westchester, ranging from $24.95 to $44.95.
· The outdoor patio at Rye’s Frankie & Johnnie’s Steakhouse is great for a cool fall gathering.
· The Tasty Table will be featuring fall menu items made from scratch such as pumpkin pancakes and blood orange mimosas. Stop by this Ossining eatery and mention the fall guide to Westchester County for a 10 percent discount on food.
· Grab a bite at Horsefeathers in Tarrytown, a Westchester staple since 1981. With 100 different menu items offered daily, there is something to delight every palate.
· Michelin-rated RaaSa in Elmsford is the County’s premier Indian fine dining destination. Featuring traditional Indian fare with a modern twist, RaaSa celebrates all the tastes of India and is created by Michelin Star and James Beard Foundation-recognized Chef Peter Beck.
· Westchester’s craft beverage scene continues to thrive, from distilleries to craft breweries, a cidery and even a micro-winery. For sunny days, Peekskill Brewery boasts a Hudson Riverfront location and dog-friendly Outdoor Biergarten (with live music Thursday-Saturday), as does Broken Bow Brewery in Tuckahoe (be sure to try to Pumpkin Spiced Octoberfest lager). During a visit to the iconic Sleepy Hollow, be sure to check out The Bridgeview Tavern, which is another outdoor gem.
· For a warming caffeine boost, stop by Sunshine Coffee Roasters in Larchmont for small batches and quality coffee. Or try The Good Witch Coffee Bar in Hastings-on-Hudson for flat whites, icy cold brews, spicy egg sandwiches, and wild bagels.
Developing a healthy lifestyle requires a conscious effort and consistency. It proves beneficial in many ways, including preventing diabetes and high blood pressure, boosting your confidence, and helping you stay fit. A healthy lifestyle involves various little steps, from diet to regular checkups. According to research, almost 78% of Americans have regular health checkups, indicating how much being healthy is a priority. Do you want to develop a healthy lifestyle but don’t know where to start? Here are some healthy habits to consider.
- Good oral hygiene
While considering ways to stay healthy, many overlook the role of having good dental health. However, practicing good oral hygiene can significantly impact your overall well-being. It starts with building daily habits like brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing. It’s best to also avoid excessively sugary foods to reduce the likelihood of tooth decay. Aside from that, regular visits to the dentist are also vital. Before visiting the dentist, you can search online for the best dentist in your area and book an appointment in advance. Experts recommend visiting the dentist at least once or twice a year for the best results, so keep this in mind.
- Effective weight management
While visiting the doctor for your routine checkups, it’s also best to check your weight. Doing this will help determine your body mass index, guiding you in maintaining a healthy lifestyle to lower your risk of developing heart disease and type 2 diabetes, among others. You can also effectively manage your weight through regular exercise. You don’t need to do anything strenuous to stay in shape. Staying active for even a few minutes a day can go a long way in keeping your heart, mind, and body healthy. Additionally, remember that what you eat can significantly affect your weight. Therefore, you should be conscious of what you eat, incorporating more elements such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains into your diet.
- Regular blood and cholesterol checks
Regular medical checkups can help you easily identify whether any changes in your body need immediate attention. Doing this becomes increasingly essential as you grow older. You can start by regularly checking your blood glucose level to determine whether you’re diabetic or prediabetic. Additionally, you can avoid heart disease and stroke by constantly monitoring your cholesterol levels. This way, you’ll know what to eliminate from your diet and what to include more. Aside from your blood sugar and cholesterol, remember to check your blood pressure to prevent hypertension. If you have a family history of high blood pressure or diabetes, it’s best to do these checks regularly to be safer.
- Good skincare
Believe it or not, how you take care of your skin is also a crucial aspect of a healthy lifestyle. Your skin is a vital body organ and deserves tender loving care. Paying close attention to your skin will help you identify early enough if there’s anything wrong, such as skin discoloration, acne, and so on. Additionally, practice daily skin care habits, including moisturizing, using sunscreen when outdoors, and drinking water regularly. You should also be conscious of the products you use on your skin to ensure they are not too harsh for your skin type.
- Regular cancer screening
Although many people are apprehensive about this step, it’s always best to regularly screen for cancer, especially breast cancer, cervical cancer, and prostate cancer. As the popular saying goes, early detection saves lives. Knowing your condition will help you adopt the necessary steps as early as possible and help your body recover. Getting tested at least once a year can go a long way, but you can consult your doctor to determine what’s best for you. If your workplace also does these screening exercises regularly, consider taking advantage of them.
- Quality sleep
Getting quality sleep can reduce stress and, in turn, reduce the risk of high blood pressure and other stress-related conditions. It’s best to put away distractions such as your phone and other devices, reducing your screen time before bed to help you unwind after a busy day. You can also dim your lights and play relaxing background music to calm you. You should also avoid eating or drinking caffeine right before bed.
A healthy lifestyle goes beyond focusing on only one aspect such as weight. It involves your overall well-being and affects other aspects of your daily life. Applying the above-listed tips with consistency and discipline will improve your quality of life and help you enjoy good health.