Spotlight on Westchester :: White Plains

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We all love our own little cozy corners of Westchester. There are 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.White Plains

White Plains is the commercial hub and county seat of Westchester. A 30-minute train ride to Manhattan, White Plains is home to over 58,000 people and offers some of the best shopping, arts, and dining in the county, as well as a more commuter-friendly atmosphere than its neighbors to the north.

What to Do

Bowlero White Plains: With 56 bowling lanes, an arcade, and lane-side food and drinks, Bowlero is fun for the entire family. You can also host a birthday party with unlimited bowling and kid-friendly features like bowling bumpers.

Ebersole Ice Rink: Ebersole Ice Rink in Delfino Park offers skate lessons for all levels, hockey teams, and public skating sessions between mid-October and late March. In addition, White Plains residents skate free on Friday afternoons.

Westchester County Center: The Westchester County Center is Westchester’s premier setting for concerts, trade shows, sporting events, conventions, seminars, and other community events. The Westchester Knicks, the exclusive NBA Development League affiliate of the NY Knicks, play all 25 home games at the Westchester County Center. I’ve taken my kids to see the Royal Hanneford Circus here. Additionally, the venue has hosted various events for all ages, including the New York Metro Reptile Show, the Harlem Globetrotters, the Nutcracker, Baby Shark Live, the Kidz Bop World Tour, and the Westchester Toy and Train Show.

White Plains Performing Arts Center: White Plains Performing Arts Center (WPPAC) showcases regional theatre, music, dance, comedy, family programming, and theatre education. With 410 seats, this state-of-the-art theatre is located in the City Center building in downtown White Plains. Past productions include Masquerade: The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber, Aida, Newsies, Beauty and the Beast, and Cabaret.

Shop until You Drop: White Plains is truly a destination when it comes to shopping.

Nothing in the county compares to The Westchester in White Plains. With some of the most high-end stores around, this mall includes Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co., and Gucci.

The Galleria has many favorite brand-name stores like Old Navy, H&M, Foot Locker, and Aeropostale for more budget-minded shoppers.

White Plains is also home to specialty and department stores like Bloomingdales, Saks Off Fifth, Nordstrom Rack, Home Goods, and The Container Store.

Outdoor Fun

Bicycle Sundays: During the warmer months, often May through October, Westchester County residents and visitors can enjoy 6.5 miles of the Bronx River Parkway from the Westchester County Center in White Plains south to Scarsdale Road in Yonkers. This free event draws 60,000 participants each year who bike, walk, and jog the route while it is closed to vehicular traffic.

Saxon Woods Park: With 700-acres, Saxon Woods Park contains an 18-hole golf course, miniature golf, the county’s largest swimming pool, a children’s aquatic playground, and the county’s only playground accessible to the disabled. The park’s trails are popular with hikers, cross country skiers, and horseback riders.

Check out Silver Lake Preserve and Cranberry Lake Preserve for more scenic hiking trails in the White Plains area.

White Plains Farmers Market: White Plains Farmers Market is open on Wednesdays from 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. on Court Street between Martine Avenue and Main Street from late April through late November. Vendors include Dr. Pickle, Hudson Valley Fish Farms, Lamar Bread, Rambling Coffee, Kariba Farms, Capital Distillery, and many others.

White Plains Outdoor Arts Festival: For over 50 years, the White Plains Outdoor Arts Festival has brought fine arts and crafts to Tibbits Park in the center of White Plains. The event features a variety of art mediums, including painting, photography, ceramics, glasswork, jewelry, textiles, and more. It also includes a free children’s art workshop and food vendors. Admission is free, and the 2022 event will take place on June 4th and 5th.

Where to Eat

Aberdeen Seafood & Dim Sum: Often recommended as the best Chinese food in the county, Aberdeen specializes in homemade dim sum and an extensive buffet-style menu with many specialty dishes. Located adjacent to the White Plains Marriott, Aberdeen is open daily for takeout and delivery.

City Limits Diner: It’s no wonder this diner is always busy. It sits at a busy interaction where Central Avenue meets Tarrytown Road and the Bronx River Parkway, across from the Westchester County Center. But it’s no ordinary diner. Owned by Livanos Restaurant Group, City Limits’ menu offerings are high quality and fresh. And like most diners, breakfast is served all day.

Emma’s Ale House: Named after the owner’s yellow lab and decorated with dog-inspired artwork, Emma’s Ale House is an upscale pub and restaurant with classic comfort food. The burgers are top-notch.

Hudson Grille: Hudson Grille serves up contemporary American fare on bustling Mamaroneck Avenue in a “casual yet elegant” setting. Enjoy their dining room or head outdoors to their beer garden.

Lily’s: Great for a girl’s night out or a date night, Lily’s is “where tapas meets the brick oven,” with craft cocktails and contemporary small plates and fresh seafood. Another mainstay on Mamaroneck Avenue, head here for dinner, lunch, brunch, or inventive drinks.

Where is your favorite spot in White Plains?

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