Briarcliff Manor offers some of the best New York has to offer. The village is in Westchester County, less than 30 miles from Manhattan. While it’s just a drive away from the country’s most populous city, the village offers a relaxing suburban escape with plenty of nature surrounding it and a welcoming community feel.
For seniors who live at The Club at Briarcliff Manor and their family members who come to visit, there are lots of things to do in Westchester NY. From spending time in the beautiful outdoors, to arts and cultural entertainment, here are some of the top things to do in Westchester, home to Briarcliff Manor.
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Fun Things to Do in Westchester County
1. Walking, Biking & Hiking Trails
Westchester County is home to lots of walking, hiking and biking trails, which are surrounded by nature preserves, parks and picnic spots. The trails are open to cross-country skiing in the winter, as well. They include:
- Briarcliff – Peekskill Trailway, an unpaved trailway in a 12-mile linear park, for walking along vistas and views of the Hudson River
- North County Trailway, a 22-mile paved pedestrian and bicycle path
- Bronx River Pathway, featuring three paved segments that extend 9 miles in an 807-acre, linear park, suitable for walking, hiking and bicycling
- Old Croton Aqueduct Trail / State Historic Park, a 26.2-mile tree-lined trail of a 41-mile trailway along the Hudson River
- Colonial Greenway, a 15-mile unpaved trail for walking and hiking
- South County Trailway, a 14.1-mile paved pedestrian and bicycle trail
Other Village of Briarcliff Manor Trails include the Law Memorial Park Walking Path, the Pocantico Park Loop, the Kate Kennard Trail, the Pocantico Lake Trail, the North County Trailway, the Richard Wishnie Park Walking Path and the Rockefeller State Park Preserve Trails.
On Sundays in May, June and September, a 7-mile path from Yonkers to White Plains closes to vehicles from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., during which time cyclists, walkers and joggers can travel along the Bronx River Parkway. Call (914) 864-PARK(7275) for details.
2. Briarcliff Manor-Scarborough Historical Society
The Briarcliff Manor-Scarborough Historical Society seeks to preserve history and traditions of the community, through historical research and preservation of artifacts. It also offers an annual scholarship for a Briarcliff Manor High School senior.
The organization is run by volunteers and operates an office and exhibit room in the lower level of the current Village Library building. Visitors are welcome to view the historic collection of photos, books, journals, maps and other items of historic interest that are part of the archives.
3. Untermyer Gardens Conservancy
Untermyer Gardens Conservancy is a stunning public garden that sits on 46 acres. It includes diverse garden areas including a walled garden, a rock and stream garden, a rhododendron walk, a Temple of Love, color gardens and more.
In addition to self-guided and private tours, the garden also hosts community events and classes, including garden parties, lectures and concerts.
4. Senior Programs at the Town of Ossining Senior Center & Office of Elder Americans
The Joseph G. Caputo Community Center has a variety of activities and services for seniors in Westchester who want to connect with other seniors in the area. The senior center hosts fitness classes like tai chi and yoga, line dancing, bingo games, adult coloring and word puzzles, and arts and crafts classes. The senior center also offers a weekday hot lunch for a suggested donation, grocery shopping trips, discount taxi coupons, social worker assistance and other services for those ages 60 years and older.
There’s also the Unincorporated Town of Mount Pleasant Office of Elder Americans, which offers activities for residents who are at least 55 years old. Senior programs include exercise classes, art classes, trips, card games, bingo and more.
5. Jacob Burns Film Center
The Jacob Burns Film Center is a nonprofit cultural center featuring five film screens and a variety of arts programming and education. The space offers independent film showings, panels and filmmaker discussions, author and activist talks, music performances, local chef receptions and more.
6. Westchester Farm Trail
Westchester NY is home to more than a dozen farms, 13 of which are connected along the Westchester Farm Trail. The 17-mile state-designated route features orchards and farms from North Salem to Sleepy Hollow. Each farm along the trail offers unique activities for visitors, from maple syrup-making and orchard picking, to livestock interactions and hayrides.
Farms along the trail include:
- Fable
- Harvest Moon Farm & Orchard
- Hemlock Hill Farm & Market
- Hilltop Hanover Farm
- The Meadows Farm
- Muscoot Farm
- Purdy’s Farmer & the Fish
- SPACE on Ryder Farm
- Stone Barns Center for Food & Agriculture
- Stuart’s Fruit Farm
- Thompson’s Cider Mill
- White Oak Farm
Some farms offer year-round markets, while others hold special events and tours. Visit each farm’s website to see what’s happening during the various seasons.
7. Tarrytown Music Hall
The Tarrytown Music Hall hosts live concerts and theater productions in its 843-seat theater. Shows include concerts by touring musicians, operas, Broadway production titles, stand-up comedy shows and children’s theater shows. The theater also hosts special events like ghost tours and an annual holiday market.
8. Westchester Library System
The Westchester Library System includes nearly 40 libraries throughout Westchester County. Visitors can check out books, movies and music for free. You can also stop in to use an internet-connected computer, find a space to read or study, and find local resources for volunteer opportunities and senior services in the area.
Many libraries also hold community events, including meditation and movement exercise classes and lectures. There are also various educational opportunities and senior counseling services available.
9. Kykuit, the Rockefeller Estate
Kykuit, pictured above, is a historical site that’s open from May through November, for visitors to tour the former home of the Rockefeller family. The estate has 40 rooms and is handicap accessible, as well as hosts guided walking tours. Visitors can see historic art in on-site galleries, plus gardens and artifacts throughout the home.
10. Lyndhurst Mansion
Another stunning historical home to visit is Lyndhurst Mansion, a Hudson River estate that hosts historical exhibits and architectural tours. Visitors can take a guided tour or explore the grounds on a self-guided tour.
The estate includes specialty gardens, fountains and 67 acres of preserved nature. The space also hosts special holiday events, markets, concerts and more.
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Experience Life in Briarcliff Manor & Westchester NY
Briarcliff Manor in Westchester NY is an idyllic environment full of natural beauty and friendly people. There are lots of things to do in Westchester for seniors, as well as lots of on-site activities conveniently at The Club at Briarcliff Manor.
If you’re looking for independent living, assisted living, memory care or short-term care options for you or a loved one in Westchester County, find out more about Senior Lifestyle, or schedule a tour today.