Spotlight on Westchester :: Bedford

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We all love our own little cozy corners of Westchester. There are so many things to do and see, places to eat, and parks to visit. Who doesn’t love exploring the county and “finding” the kid-friendly gems! We are spotlighting some of those awesome places so that other moms can take advantage and get a glimpse into the awesomeness that is Westchester! Read all posts in our Spotlight on Westchester Series.

BedfordBedford is known for its horse farms, country estates, and famous residents (including Martha Stewart, whose farm spans over 150 acres). The Town of Bedford includes Bedford Hills, Bedford Corners, Katonah, and Bedford Village. Each area has a distinct character.

Picturesque Bedford Village offers charming shops and family-friendly activities in a bucolic setting. Here are a few features and offerings that led me to fall in love with Bedford.

What to Do

The newly renovated Bedford Playhouse is a not-for-profit community hub featuring films, arts, music, food, and drink. Westchester and, nearby, Connecticut residents flock here for new releases as well as independent and art house films. The Playhouse also offers author series, speaker events, music performances, art exhibits, educational offerings, and more. It’s a great site for private events.

A short drive from the Playhouse, you’ll find Caramoor Center for Music and Arts. With spectacular gardens and grounds, this former estate brings a rich variety of concerts and musical performances as well as educational programs.

Intimate and stunning, The Bedford Post is an eight-room luxury inn that also offers a yoga studio and two restaurants serving farm-to-table fare. Take a class at the Yoga Loft at Bedford Post on a weekend morning and you’ll inevitably be tempted by the smell of brunch at the nearby restaurants.

Just off the Village Green, the main square in town, the Bedford Free Library has been a town staple for more than a century. A variety of family-friendly programs draw local residents to this historic building.

For over four decades, the St Patrick’s Carnival in Bedford has offered full-scale rides, games, and classic carnival fare. Spanning a weekend in mid-May, the event takes place at the recently shuttered St. Patrick’s School. After skipping a year in 2020 due to COVID-19, I am hoping to see the carnival return soon. No word yet.

Head Outside

One of our favorite local playgrounds is at Bedford Village Memorial Park, which also offers a pool (town residence required), tennis courts, and platform tennis courts. Extensive fields are home to Bedford Youth Soccer and other local sports programs.

Bedford Village Memorial Park Playground

There are many local hiking trails in the area. Among the most beautiful and unique is Mianus River Gorge, which spans over 700 acres. Hiking trails lead visitors along the edge of the gorge with beautiful vegetation, waterfalls, a quarry, and a spectacular view of the Mianus River. The trails close from December 1 to April 1 for “winter rest.” Dogs and mountain bikes are prohibited at all times.

Mianus River Gorge

Inevitably while driving through Bedford you’ll pass horse farms and livestock. If you want a closer glimpse, visit Rochambeau Farm. Open Wednesday through Sunday, Rochambeau is free to visit, and, depending on the time of year, you’ll get up close to chickens, horses, goats, sheep, pigs, and rabbits. Their farm store offers fresh vegetables and a variety of local products including baked goods, artisanal cheeses, meats, preserves, and beauty, and home items.

Rochambeau Farm Store

Where to Eat

Next door to the Playhouse, Bedford234 is a great spot for a casual family dinner or a lively date night. A vast menu offers flatbreads, burgers, rice bowls, and much more.

If you think Mexican food is greasy and heavy, Truck will surely change your opinion. They grow many of the vegetables they use in their dishes right on site. Here you’ll find great margaritas, tasty tacos, and delicious guacamole, which can be served with chips and/or fresh vegetables. This is my favorite spot for a girls’ night out.

No town is complete without a pizzeria. Bedford is fortunate to have a family-owned Italian restaurant with fresh pasta and pizza at Ristorante Lucia.

If you don’t feel like cooking, both GE Brown and Bedford Gourmet provide daily prepared meal options as well as coffee and nibbles.

Where is your favorite spot in Bedford?

To read all posts in our Spotlight on Westchester series, click here.