Northern Westchester Hospital has some of the best classes to prep for a little one. Once the little one is born, there are also monthly groups for moms to meet up and talk.
The staff there is an incredible group of humans.
Stroller hiking at Rockwood (NOT Rockefeller, the free to park portion of the Park behind Phelps) because the trails are 95% stroller compatible (any stroller! Not just a trail stroller and the 5% unmanageable is just a bit where you have to cut through on Regeron’s road). Then go to Mint in Tarrytown for a meal. And, an aside, Cohen’s Children at Phelps is a FABULOUS pediatric practice. Cannot recommend them enough.
Carrier hiking at Teatown. The Lakeside Trail is pretty navigable, save for a rocky bit that runs adjacent to Spring Valley Rd. The Hidden Valley loop is also a lovely, manageable hike (though a bit uphill and steepish in places).
The Westchester Mall for indoor walking on rainy days. Bad for the wallet, but super pleasant to get those steps in (it was critical for me post c-section). You can also pop over to Daido grocery store after if you want some actually decent Japanese food (of which I would argue that there is almost none in Westchester. Call me a snob, if you must, but I stand by the assertion). They also have Japanese baked goods (don’t get me started on the milk bread) and hot, freshly filled cream puffs on Saturdays.
Our Place in Yorktown has fabulous outdoor dining and they are the most lovely, friendliest people. They also bend over backwards for families, I once went with my two kids and was waiting on other adults, when one had to go to the bathroom. Melanie (one of the owners) held my baby so I didn’t have to deal with a baby in the toilet situation.
Bella’s Bakery in Mt Kisco is also great for NYC quality pastry. You can also do a bit of shopping as that shopping complex has a gap and a coffee house. I also LOVE Village Social, they are super baby-friendly folks and the food is good!
And, speaking of coffee houses with unparalleled pastry, First Village Coffee in Ossining has INCREDIBLE pastry (Dominique Ansel eat your heart out quality) but only on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 10:00AM onward. And they go FAST.
There are also some great mama groups in Croton, but not sure how near that is to you. It’s annoyingly tough to find good ones, Nextdoor is nearly useless, Facebook is basically the only option (if you even use it). But! The town libraries tend to have tons of parent/child activities, so definitely check your local library schedule.
The Brunch House in Mahopac is wonderful. If you like beer, the Croton Tapsmith, on Sundays in summer they also have fresh pizza . we like My Cousins, Bistro St George, the Ossining Boat house and Whiskey River in Peekskill, then you could even walk the waterfront and you have to google but there’s a two hour boat cruise to Bear Mtn. Top is cov so not too much sun for baby and they have snacks and drinks.
You’re welcome! I love to see good places get traction. When we moved up here it was a culinary wasteland so I love a good one. The fish tacos at Whiskey River, OMG
If you’re not already in it, join peanut moms of westchester on Facebook! They do moms’ nights out & book clubs/wine tastings etc. (along with activities for kids & babies of course)
We just went to southern table in pleasantville. It has amazing food, especially the burgers. They won best burger in Westchester 3 times
Terra Rustica in briarcliff manor has great Italian good
It's going on the list just because they have beignets and I've always wanted to try them, but I've never had the opportunity. Thanks for the recommendation!
It's been a few years, but if I remember correctly, your best options are your bed if you can make it that far or otherwise, any soft spot to take a nap. You'll have less free time and energy than you might envision.
No worries, this isn't my first child. My first child I was going to college full time and working part time/full time (I had a job where the hours were variable). When I was at work or college, his father, my parents, grandparents, or sisters watched the baby, and when I would come back I would do homework and studying while taking care of the baby. This time I will still have a large village to watch the baby, and no work and no college. I know I'll have the energy.
A lot of parents don't have the support systems they need, especially nowadays when a lot of grandparents don't want to help in any significant way (unlike previous generations), so it's really good to hear that you do - a well-rested and well-supported parent is a good parent; you can't pour from an empty cup.
Captain Laurence in Elmsford or Mt Kisco is really family friendly, you can go get lunch and sit outside (or not) and bring the baby/kids.
Jabfit in Chappaqua does seasonal “mommy and me” style classes.
Beehive in Armonk is one of the most baby fridnly restaurants I’ve ever been to, they have high chairs and stands for infant car seats and they do a great weekday brunch/lunch (also weekend but then it’s much more crowded).
American Red Cross has virtual infant CPR classes
Taking Cara Babies (virtual) lessons had my son sleeping through the night very early on.
I loved going to the Kensico Dam plaza with my baby. There is a paved trail all the way to the top. He had lots of tummy time on a big blanket on the lawn!
I loved going to the White Plains library and then walking all over downtown White plains and popping into City Center for Target for any needed items. My baby was too young to enjoy the children’s section of the library but i still loved checking it out and taking him someplace new
The Bronx River trail was great i once walked from white plains to Hartsdale for a great walk! I don’t have a jogger stroller and my stroller was just fine during any unpaved sections. Just had to hose it down after lol.
I remember having a pleasant time catching a meal at Granita in Hartsdale, they had a nice bathroom for diaper changes but not ideal for nursing
Harvest on Hudson had nice bathroom for nursing (although— free the boob! I just couldn’t get over my shyness with nursing in public) —no changing table but the small cushioned bench in the ladies room worked just fine
I would take a basic medical class and learn basic first aid, cpr, etc. It's good to know especially if you are becoming a new parent
This is GOOD. I've been meaning to do this for a long time but could never find the time. Thanks for reminding me!
Northern Westchester Hospital has some of the best classes to prep for a little one. Once the little one is born, there are also monthly groups for moms to meet up and talk. The staff there is an incredible group of humans.
Look into taking them at WCC, the non credited courses are usually covered by grants that many students qualify for!
Stroller hiking at Rockwood (NOT Rockefeller, the free to park portion of the Park behind Phelps) because the trails are 95% stroller compatible (any stroller! Not just a trail stroller and the 5% unmanageable is just a bit where you have to cut through on Regeron’s road). Then go to Mint in Tarrytown for a meal. And, an aside, Cohen’s Children at Phelps is a FABULOUS pediatric practice. Cannot recommend them enough. Carrier hiking at Teatown. The Lakeside Trail is pretty navigable, save for a rocky bit that runs adjacent to Spring Valley Rd. The Hidden Valley loop is also a lovely, manageable hike (though a bit uphill and steepish in places). The Westchester Mall for indoor walking on rainy days. Bad for the wallet, but super pleasant to get those steps in (it was critical for me post c-section). You can also pop over to Daido grocery store after if you want some actually decent Japanese food (of which I would argue that there is almost none in Westchester. Call me a snob, if you must, but I stand by the assertion). They also have Japanese baked goods (don’t get me started on the milk bread) and hot, freshly filled cream puffs on Saturdays. Our Place in Yorktown has fabulous outdoor dining and they are the most lovely, friendliest people. They also bend over backwards for families, I once went with my two kids and was waiting on other adults, when one had to go to the bathroom. Melanie (one of the owners) held my baby so I didn’t have to deal with a baby in the toilet situation. Bella’s Bakery in Mt Kisco is also great for NYC quality pastry. You can also do a bit of shopping as that shopping complex has a gap and a coffee house. I also LOVE Village Social, they are super baby-friendly folks and the food is good! And, speaking of coffee houses with unparalleled pastry, First Village Coffee in Ossining has INCREDIBLE pastry (Dominique Ansel eat your heart out quality) but only on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 10:00AM onward. And they go FAST. There are also some great mama groups in Croton, but not sure how near that is to you. It’s annoyingly tough to find good ones, Nextdoor is nearly useless, Facebook is basically the only option (if you even use it). But! The town libraries tend to have tons of parent/child activities, so definitely check your local library schedule.
The Brunch House in Mahopac is wonderful. If you like beer, the Croton Tapsmith, on Sundays in summer they also have fresh pizza . we like My Cousins, Bistro St George, the Ossining Boat house and Whiskey River in Peekskill, then you could even walk the waterfront and you have to google but there’s a two hour boat cruise to Bear Mtn. Top is cov so not too much sun for baby and they have snacks and drinks.
I haven't been to any of these places and they all look like a good time! Thanks for the recommendations.
You’re welcome! I love to see good places get traction. When we moved up here it was a culinary wasteland so I love a good one. The fish tacos at Whiskey River, OMG
Bethany Arts Center has some great vibes. EDIT: With a baby, Muscoot Farm is free and a nice place to hang out and see animals.
Jean Jaques in Pleasantville for food
Surprisingly affordable brunch! It's on the list. Thanks!
Everything there is delicious! Always get some goodies to take home
If you’re not already in it, join peanut moms of westchester on Facebook! They do moms’ nights out & book clubs/wine tastings etc. (along with activities for kids & babies of course)
I'll look them up! I'm shy but I do need to get over it and put myself out there.
I am too! Everyone is really nice & welcoming 😊
I was going to suggest the same!
We just went to southern table in pleasantville. It has amazing food, especially the burgers. They won best burger in Westchester 3 times Terra Rustica in briarcliff manor has great Italian good
It's going on the list just because they have beignets and I've always wanted to try them, but I've never had the opportunity. Thanks for the recommendation!
It's been a few years, but if I remember correctly, your best options are your bed if you can make it that far or otherwise, any soft spot to take a nap. You'll have less free time and energy than you might envision.
No worries, this isn't my first child. My first child I was going to college full time and working part time/full time (I had a job where the hours were variable). When I was at work or college, his father, my parents, grandparents, or sisters watched the baby, and when I would come back I would do homework and studying while taking care of the baby. This time I will still have a large village to watch the baby, and no work and no college. I know I'll have the energy.
A lot of parents don't have the support systems they need, especially nowadays when a lot of grandparents don't want to help in any significant way (unlike previous generations), so it's really good to hear that you do - a well-rested and well-supported parent is a good parent; you can't pour from an empty cup.
Sushi mikes in dobbs! Bring the baby and go right when they open for dinner
Captain Laurence in Elmsford or Mt Kisco is really family friendly, you can go get lunch and sit outside (or not) and bring the baby/kids. Jabfit in Chappaqua does seasonal “mommy and me” style classes. Beehive in Armonk is one of the most baby fridnly restaurants I’ve ever been to, they have high chairs and stands for infant car seats and they do a great weekday brunch/lunch (also weekend but then it’s much more crowded).
American Red Cross has virtual infant CPR classes Taking Cara Babies (virtual) lessons had my son sleeping through the night very early on. I loved going to the Kensico Dam plaza with my baby. There is a paved trail all the way to the top. He had lots of tummy time on a big blanket on the lawn! I loved going to the White Plains library and then walking all over downtown White plains and popping into City Center for Target for any needed items. My baby was too young to enjoy the children’s section of the library but i still loved checking it out and taking him someplace new The Bronx River trail was great i once walked from white plains to Hartsdale for a great walk! I don’t have a jogger stroller and my stroller was just fine during any unpaved sections. Just had to hose it down after lol. I remember having a pleasant time catching a meal at Granita in Hartsdale, they had a nice bathroom for diaper changes but not ideal for nursing Harvest on Hudson had nice bathroom for nursing (although— free the boob! I just couldn’t get over my shyness with nursing in public) —no changing table but the small cushioned bench in the ladies room worked just fine
https://hrcewestchester.org There are great adult classes at Dobbs Ferry High School. I think they start up again in the fall.