Written by Isabella Aranda Garcia & Gia Miller If you think Caramoor is only for classical music lovers, think again. With five performance venues and two all-day summer festivals (Jazz Fest and American Roots), Caramoor aims to showcase a broad and diverse variety of musicians and genres from well-established to rising stars, different ages and genders, and musical acts from ...

Written by Isabella Aranda Garcia & Gia Miller For 32 years, Katonah-based CCNW has been a vital resource for neighbors in need, offering programs and services that foster self-sufficiency and improve well-being. Founded by local residents and churches, CCNW’s mission is to provide equitable access to food and clothing and offer other vital resources for individuals and families facing hardships ...

Written by Isabella Aranda Garcia & Gia Miller Whether you’re browsing for a new book, grabbing coffee with a friend or picking up a gift, Katonah Reading Room seems to have it all. This bookstore-meets-coffee-shop-meets-gift-store-meets-sweets-shop has been a favorite destination for locals in Katonah and their neighbors for over 12 years. But shopping isn’t the reason they won our community ...

Written by Isabella Aranda Garcia & Gia Miller For 44 years, Hope’s Door has empowered domestic violence victims to find safety, independence and healing. Because domestic abuse does not discriminate by gender, race, ethnicity, immigration status, sexual orientation, or financial means, neither does Hope’s Door. Serving individuals from all walks of life, Hope’s Door takes a trauma-informed approach to domestic ...

Written by Isabella Aranda Garcia & Gia Miller The magic of craftsmanship. The story behind it all. The journey of discovery. The makers. The creators. The people. That’s what The Shepherd + Co. is all about. Owner Kristin Hemick handpicks and personally tests every product in her shop to ensure each customer walks away with high-quality products they love. Although ...

Written by Isabella Aranda Garcia & Gia Miller Food: it’s what brings people together. Graze New York: it’s who brings the food. For seven years, this Bedford-based catering business has transformed gatherings of all sizes into unforgettable experiences. Graze New York specializes in bespoke boards and bites, and they’ve catered all types of events, ranging from intimate dinners to large ...

Written by Isabella Aranda Garcia & Gia Miller A hub for music lovers and food lovers alike (because who doesn’t love dinner and a show?), Uncle Cheef is one of those places that instantly becomes a favorite after the first visit. Six-time GRAMMY Award winner and The Roots saxophonist Ian Hendrickson-Smith (a.k.a. Uncle Cheef) and his wife Jenny Larisey bring ...

Written by Isabella Aranda Garcia & Gia Miller With nearly 200,000 visitors, over 300 films and more than 100 special guests annually, Jacob Burns is more than just a film house, it’s a cultural center. Their rich array of programs includes in-depth conversations with filmmakers/actors/authors/scholars, live music performances, exhibitions, custom-crafted receptions and a variety of classes for children and adults ...

Written by Isabella Aranda Garcia & Gia Miller Building a house is one thing, but making it a home is where Willow Furniture & Design (formerly Country Willow) really shines. For nearly three decades, Willow has helped Westchester residents personalize their interiors with the showroom’s high-quality furniture and on-site interior designers. We believe they say it best: “We are creative ...

Written by Isabella Aranda Garcia & Gia Miller Since 2021, Chroma Fine Art Gallery has featured local artists who are both internationally renowned and just getting started. With an ambitious program of twelve exhibitions per year, owner Rita Baunok transforms her gallery every month, creating striking yet thoughtful displays each time. Baunok, an award-winning photographer, has a keen eye for ...

Written by Isabella Aranda Garcia & Gia Miller A family-owned business spanning three generations, Albano Appliance has been around for over 70 years. The folks at Albano Appliance collaborate with everyone: architects, builders, designers and homeowners, focusing on crafting solutions that prioritize personalization rather than trends or stock recommendations. With their expansive 8,000-square-foot showroom, you’ll find a combination of high-quality ...

Written by Isabella Aranda Garcia & Gia Miller What began in 1981 as a window and door company out of a home garage in Mahopac has grown into a window, door, kitchen cabinet, window treatment and millwork specialty shop in the Somers hamlet of Granite Springs. Open to builders, remodelers, architects, designers and homeowners, Jilco’s goal is to “provide complex ...

Written by Isabella Aranda Garcia & Gia Miller In 2013, Catherine Hiriart opened the second Catherine H. on Parkway in Katonah. Now located one block over on Valley Road, this women’s clothing boutique, along with Indigo and HIM by Catherine H., both on Katonah Avenue, repeatedly hit the mark. Catherine H., which Hiriart describes as “a luxury destination where style ...

Written by Isabella Aranda Garcia & Gia Miller Mary Zipkin understands “stuff.” Big stuff, small stuff, shiny stuff, fragile stuff—they’re all part of Zipkin’s world. And for the past four years, she’s granted us the opportunity to peer inside. At The Knack Shoppe in Pound Ridge, Zipkin, who also works as a home stager and estate sale manager, sells what ...

Written by Isabella Aranda Garcia & Gia Miller For a century, Charles Department Store has been a beloved part of northern Westchester. As a fourth-generation, family-owned and operated business, they offer a curated selection of women’s and men’s clothing, footwear and housewares. Known for their in-depth product knowledge, the staff is always ready to answer questions, help customers find exactly ...

Written by Isabella Aranda Garcia & Gia Miller Founded almost 40 years ago in Saratoga Springs, G. Willikers’ Katonah location opened 12 years ago when owner Linda Ambrosino’s daughter Meghan moved to Katonah, and they agreed it would be a great spot for a second location. Selling everything from BRIO trains, Corolle dolls and Slinkies to Crazy Aaron’s Thinking Putty, ...

Written by Isabella Aranda Garcia & Gia Miller Going to the Hair Wharf is not just about the haircut—it’s an experience that many clients describe as “coming home.” For 47 years, this Katonah staple has been more than a salon; it’s a community hub where clients of all ages are welcomed with warmth and care. Whether you’re there for a ...

Written by Isabella Aranda Garcia & Gia Miller When you look good, you feel good, and Endless Beauty Aesthetics is all about enhancing your natural beauty. Offering non-invasive procedures, subtle skin treatments and personalized care, they say their goal is to help clients achieve their best selves. What sets them apart is their dedication to authenticity and self-care, offering everything ...

Written by Isabella Aranda Garcia & Gia Miller Perhaps no other local business prioritizes their customers as much as a local pharmacy, and Weinstein’s Pharmacy stands out among the rest. Although the business has changed hands over its 144-year history, customer service has always been a priority. With Haris Ahmad at the helm the past three years, he, along with ...

Written by Isabella Aranda Garcia & Gia Miller For 33 years, Marc T. Abrams, Ph.D., has provided therapeutic support to adults, families, teens and children experiencing a crisis or life transition. The list of accolades from his nominations included statements like, “he actually listens;” “he takes a personal interest in your wellbeing;” “he is knowledgeable, patient and understanding;” “he’s nonjudgmental;” ...

Written by Isabella Aranda Garcia & Gia Miller For over 14 years, Mary Smith has been on a mission: combat the feeling of “gymtimidation”(that anxiety/intimidation many new gym goers feel). Along the way, those newcomers became regulars who don’t know where they would be without her. Smith, who relocated her training business to Apex Fitness four years ago, believes in ...

Written by Isabella Aranda Garcia & Gia Miller Let’s be honest, aging well requires work. What’s easy in your 20s, isn’t as easy when you’re 55. But building strength the right way (think small muscle groups instead of big) as well as improving your balance and body awareness will keep you strong and help prevent injuries. Enter Breathe Pilates and ...

Written by Isabella Aranda Garcia & Gia Miller When The Pulse opened 20 years ago, there were only 100 dancers. Today that number has tripled thanks to the studio’s mission to provide professional dance instruction to all ages and levels while inspiring a love of dance. The studio is run by husband-and-wife duo Bill Doran and Jennifer Dell, who always ...

Written by Isabella Aranda Garcia & Gia Miller Some parents drop and run, others linger for hugs and tears, but in the end, their expectations are always the same: a warm, creative and nurturing environment for their toddlers and young children. For over 40 years, Katonah Playcare has been delivering just that. Children ages 21 months to five years learn ...

Written by Isabella Aranda Garcia & Gia Miller Jessica Watts believes people are the heart of real estate. That’s why you won’t just see beautiful houses on her social media; you’ll see stories about people in the community and tips on building equity. Watts, who says she loves people, prioritizes her clients’ emotional and mental well-being, helping them navigate the ...

Written by Isabella Aranda Garcia & Gia Miller Amy Drucker Photography has been part of our community for over 15 years, serving as a storyteller for hundreds of people’s lives. Drucker understands the importance of communication and collaboration, and she is known for making people feel at ease in front of the camera while shining a light on the beauty ...

Written by Isabella Aranda Garcia & Gia Miller Nestled on 60 picturesque acres, Hilltop Hanover is a working farm and educational hub dedicated to sustainability, biodiversity and connecting people with nature. The farm focuses on food production, sustainable agriculture, environmental and native plant restoration, accessible food systems and immersive educational programs. Nothing goes to waste at Hilltop Hanover. Their farm ...

Written by Isabella Aranda Garcia & Gia Miller For 18 years, Progressive Animal Hospital has treated dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets, chinchillas, hamsters, gerbils, mice, rats and more. Dr. Andy Frishman and his team get it: their ethical approach and genuine commitment to every pet’s well-being are what keep customers coming back for regular visits and, when needed, ...

Written by Isabella Aranda Garcia & Gia Miller If the show “Cheers” was based on a real-life restaurant, odds are it would be The Blazer. Not necessarily for the characters many of us grew to love over their 11 seasons, but for, as the theme song says, a place where everybody knows your name, and they’re always glad you came ...

Written by Isabella Aranda Garcia & Gia Miller Over the past three years, Prime Pub has become a crowd favorite. It’s the place families go after a soccer game (or any other sport), a nice spot to catch up with a friend over drinks and a great choice for dinner out with young kids. Prime Pub favorites include nachos, wings, ...

Written by Isabella Aranda Garcia & Gia Miller As part of the local scene for 47 years, Mount Kisco Seafood has a reputation for knowing their fish. Their friendly and knowledgeable staff can give suggestions on how to cook each fish as well as ideas for delicious accompaniments. And although fish is their specialty, they also offer organic local produce, ...

Written by Isabella Aranda Garcia & Gia Miller Blue Dolphin, Katonah (Tie) In 1987, two brothers from Italy took over a Greek diner on Katonah Avenue with the goal of transforming it into a trattoria-style Italian restaurant. The changes came slowly; first, they added freshly squeezed juices, then they began offering a few Italian dishes at lunch. Soon, they started ...

Written by Isabella Aranda Garcia & Gia Miller Whether you’re looking for a cozy date night, craving some comfort food after a long day or searching for top-notch sushi with the family, 10-year-old Dai Sushi is the place to go in Westchester. Considered by many a “hidden gem,” Dai Sushi is located in a small, quaint house on Pleasantville Road ...

Written by Isabella Aranda Garcia & Gia Miller What began as a pandemic pastime for Mona Lipson has transformed into a bona fide business that combines everyone’s favorite frozen treat with small local businesses. Miss Mona Makes Ice Cream stands out for its mission to “unite neighbors, strengthen communities and amplify voices all through the joy and power of ice ...

Written by Isabella Aranda Garcia & Gia Miller As the Mazzotta family (and any restaurant owner) will tell you, “longevity doesn’t happen by accident.” Providing good service and delicious pizza throughout Westchester since 1964, the owners of Amore Pizzeria & Italian Kitchen say they are “obsessed” with providing top-quality food in generous portions, over-delivering on service and setting reasonable prices ...

Written by Isabella Aranda Garcia & Gia Miller When Anne Mayhew was a young mom to three kids under the age of four, she decided she wanted to learn how to bake “really good bread.” So she did what any future entrepreneur would do: mastered sourdough while her kids slept. Soon, her friends began sampling and then buying loaves, and ...

Written by Isabella Aranda Garcia & Gia Miller In 1775, Joseph Purdy built a colonial house on six acres of land. The home was passed down from generation to generation until it became an antique shop in the 1970s. Next, several restaurants occupied the space until Purdy’s Farmer and The Fish opened in 2012. Focused on fresh food, the restaurant ...

Written by Isabella Aranda Garcia & Gia Miller While there’s great debate among residents of Katonah and Somers over which town can claim King Kone, one thing is not up for debate: it’s delicious. Opened in 1953 as a drive-up ice cream shop, King Kone was sold several times before the current owners (and, ahem, Katonah residents) purchased the establishment ...

Written by Isabella Aranda Garcia & Gia Miller In May 2023, the folks who brought us Purdy’s Farmer and The Fish opened a small takeout barbeque joint in the growing business district of Bedford Hills. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, at Br’ers BBQ, you can grab a breakfast sandwich in the morning (yes, there’s one with brisket), return for ...

Written by Isabella Aranda Garcia & Gia Miller Go for the food; stay for the drinks. Opened in 2012, Truck, which serves northern New Mexican cuisine, is known for many things—their oysters and brisket, numerous celebrity sightings, desserts featuring high-end versions of popular Hostess Cakes (Snoballs, Twinkies), and, for those ages 21 and older, their cocktails. Made with fresh seasonal ...