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When I was asked to write a piece about the things I love most about Armonk, I immediately said “yes.” I have lived in this town for 21 years so I feel like I know it pretty well. So, without further ado, here’s my top ten list:

1: The Restaurants

Armonk has become known for its fabulous restaurants. We have so many new and old places, with a wide variety of cuisines from which to choose. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite for breakfast or lunch, or a more elegant dining experience where you can celebrate a special occasion, there are plenty of options.

2: The Shops

You never have to leave Armonk (unless you want to) because we pretty much have everything you could need right here. A new outfit? A haircut? An amazing cup of coffee? A picture or diploma framed? Whatever you desire, I guarantee you can find it in Armonk. And if you check out the Best of Westchester list, you might find several of your Armonk favorites on that list.

3: The Location, Location, Location

Going into Manhattan for work or for fun is pretty easy, whether you want to drive or take the train; it takes under an hour to get there. If you prefer a day in the country, we are not too far from apple-picking, antique shopping and farms. And in the winter, we are near some pretty decent skiing. Here in Armonk, we get the best of all worlds.

4: The Special Events

People come from far and wide for the annual Armonk Outdoor Art Show, the Fol de Rol, and, most recently, The Frosty Parade, which has gotten bigger and better every year since it first began in 2009. All three events are worth the trip to town and I plan on attending all of them again this year.

5: The People

I have got to say that we have some of the nicest and most compassionate people living here. Whether it’s donating money to a cause or hands-on helping, Armonkians step up. We take care of our own, as well as others.

6: The Schools

The Byram Hills School district consistently ranks highly among Westchester and New York State schools. The administrators and teachers really care about the students and do their best day in and day out. From Coman Hill to the High School, our kids receive a first-rate education. Our district’s reputation is one of the reasons people choose to live here and why home values remain high.

7: The Parks/Wampus Pond

I no longer have little kids. However, when I did, we hung out at the local parks. Lombardi and IBM have lovely playgrounds, tennis courts, basketball hoops, soccer fields, etc. And if boating is your mojo, we have beautiful Byram Lake and Wampus Pond. Every time I pass Wampus Pond I look for the two magnificent swans who have made it their home. And even though its only fall, I’m already wondering if Wampus Pond will freeze over this year—I love to walk on the ice and watch people ice fish and ice skate.

8: The History

Armonk has been around a long time. Mile Square in the center of town (officially, the Bedford Road Historic District) is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and British Major André, Benedict Arnold’s co-conspirator was held at Sands Mill in town prior to his trial. One of my favorite class trips that I chaperoned was to Smith Tavern Complex, which was built around 1779. In addition to the tavern, the complex also has a one-room schoolhouse. Having been obsessed with the “Little House on the Prairie” books when I was a kid, I loved going there and imagining what life was like hundreds of years ago. If you haven’t ever been there, you might want to check it out.

9: The Small-Town Feel

I love a place with a small town feel and we certainly have got that. People know each other by name and by sight. A few times I left my wallet home by accident and was pleasantly surprised to find that the shop owners trusted that I would come back and pay them (which I did). Store owners are happy to go above and beyond for their customers. And while we may not exactly be Mayberry, Armonk has a hometown feel. We’ve even got a gazebo and a Main Street!

10: The Access to Fitness/Wellness

Look around in the spring, summer or fall and you’ll see all the cyclists who are a testament to what a great area this is for biking. And in the winter, we have lots of indoor options for staying fit. Yoga, tennis, a gym, etc. are only a few of the places Armonk residents go to stay in shape. And if you prefer to be a little more sedentary, we do have a really nice library!

As you can see, there’s really quite a lot to love about this town we call home and I feel quite fortunate and proud to live here.

gazebo — Story and Gazebo Photo by Marianne Campolongo

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.

New Castle teens at the Goldsmith Center for Adolescent Treatment in Hawthorne where a a sports pavilion, picnic tables, and benches were dedicated, built with $25,000 the boys raised. Photo Courtesy of UJA-Federation of New York — New Castle teens at the Goldsmith Center for Adolescent Treatment in Hawthorne where a a sports pavilion, picnic tables, and benches were dedicated, built with $25,000 the boys raised.
Photo Courtesy of UJA-Federation of New York

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.