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With chic boutiques, restaurants to suit every palate, goodies for the younger set from toys to ice cream cones, galleries, salons, and a host of other enterprises housed in quaint storefronts, shopping and dining local in downtown Chappaqua is a pleasure. Whether your tastes run to antiques or modern art, practical clothing or the latest fashions, you are sure to find what you need in one of the shops along the tree-lined streets of town. The downtown area, which runs from the top of Bedford Road (Route 117) down King Street and then branches out along North and South Greeley Avenues, offers more than just shopping and dining convenience. Interspersed among the shops are lovely private homes and houses of worship with lushly landscaped lawns that border the sidewalk, making for a pleasant walking and shopping experience. Bits of history, such as the Horace Greeley House, add to the charm.

On a lovely spring day, start at the top of King Street and walk downhill along the path under lush star magnolias in bloom. Within a few feet you can purchase clothes, get marketing or spiritual advice, pick up convenience store necessities, wines and spirits, do your banking, have someone do your nails and hair (and your furry friend’s as well), get your clothes dry cleaned, grab a sandwich, pizza, or cup of coffee, dining in or to go, and you’ve just started out.

As you proceed down King Street, past beautifully maintained period homes, dentists and doctors, veterinarians and therapists, photographers and plumbers, architects and surveyors, bankers and financial planners, and a myriad of other professionals can help you out without straying beyond the boundaries of downtown Chappaqua.

As summer approaches, many restaurants have outdoor seating so meet a friend or take the family out to dine al fresco for breakfast, lunch or dinner. A new restaurant at the Chappaqua Train Station has just been opened for commuter or anytime convenience. Or grab a bite and settle in on one of the benches in the charming pocket park or up by the waterfall at the duck pond. On Wednesday nights in July, it’s time for a full-blown picnic on the ballfields by the gazebo (bring your own picnic basket or choose from the local vendors on hand) when the Summer Concert Series is in full session. And do not miss the weekly farmer’s market or the annual Sidewalk Sale!

As autumn approaches and the nesting urge takes hold, decorators, antique shops, galleries, and other home goods stores can help you complete your home decor, or simply pop into town for a bouquet of flowers to brighten up your home. Make room for new purchases by donating older items to local consignment shops, pick up a charming find at bargain prices, or get DIY advice at the local hardware store.

As winter rounds the bend, find a good book at the library to curl up with by the fire, or a sled or shovel for outdoor activity. The beachwear and sandals you purchased in summer give way to warm coats, snow boots and other outdoor wear. Beautiful cocktail dresses and finely tailored suits are also on the agenda, with sparkling jewels to round out your outfit. You might even spy one of the Clintons completing their holiday shopping.

Though it is only about a mile long, you can find nearly everything you need from shopping to dining to services in Chappaqua’s downtown district. So, before you trek off to the crowded mall, try shopping local. You will be glad you did.