Our Best Bets for This Weekend (and Beyond): What to Do and Where to Go
News Based on facts, either observed and verified directly by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Last-minute holiday treats and trees; ice skating at Bear Mountain; horseback riding lessons and trail rides; New Rhythm and Blues Quartet performs; and more
Good morning! Today is Thursday, December 23, and you are reading today’s section of Examiner+, a digital newsmagazine serving Westchester, Putnam, and the surrounding Hudson Valley.
Today’s Examiner+ is sponsored by Greca Mediterranean Kitchen+ Bar in White Plains.
Nancy’s Picks: This week’s three best bets
1. Shen Yun at the Bushnell Theater
Experience the majesty and beauty of classical Chinese dance and music presented by the Shen Yun Performing Arts Company at one of the final 2021 performances. Every dance tells a story and the costumes and rhythm reflect the rich Chinese culture and expression “before communism”. Over 5,000 years of culture and civilization meet on the stage of every performance. A wonderful post-Christmas event. Sunday, Dec. 26 at 2:00 pm. Tickets: $92-182; must be purchased on the www.shenyun.com website
The Bushnell Theater
166 Capitol Ave
Hartford, CT
www.shenyun.com
2. Ice Skating at Bear Mountain Ice Rink
Spend the day outdoors ice skating at Bear Mountain Ice Rink where families have been skating together, taking lessons, and enjoying the quintessential Hudson Highlands landscape, views, and park for decades. Rentals are available for figure skating only, and lessons may be scheduled in advance on the website. The rink is outdoors, dress accordingly and refreshments are available at the vending machines. Open daily Monday through Friday 9 am – 5 pm, Saturday from 10 am – 5 pm, closed Sunday through March 6, weather permitting. Admission: $5, Children 4 and under are free. Parking $10, skate rentals $10.
Bear Mountain Ice Rink
Route 9W North
Bear Mountain
www.bearmountainicerink.org
3. Horseback Riding at Hollowbrook Family Riding Center
Learn to ride (at any age) or sign up for lessons and trail rides at Hollowbrook Family Riding Center. The seasonal school vacation is a great time to learn, sharpen skills, and experience Western-style horseback riding. For over 35 years the team at Hollowbrook has been introducing and developing riders and they offer a variety of programs for the week between Christmas and New Year’s Eve. There is an outdoor and an indoor rink so that weather does not interfere.
Hollowbrook Riding Academy
890 Peekskill Hollow Rd
Putnam Valley
www.hollowbrookriding.com
Today’s supporting sponsors are the Town of Yorktown…
…and the Peekskill Business Improvement District.
Events + Culture Calendar
Friday, December 24
Visit Cockburn Farm for your last-minute holiday treats and tree! (Garrison): Last-minute Christmas tree decisions and crafty seasonal gift purchases can still be made at Cockburn Farm up until Christmas Eve. Spend the day exploring this traditional tree farm for fun and holiday photo ops. Free admission.
www.cockburnfarm.com
Saturday, December 25
Stroll the Walkway Over the Hudson on Christmas Day (Poughkeepsie): After the gifts, brunch, and festivities, the Walkway is just the spot to get fresh air high above the Hudson River, explore the views, and get your steps in! Dress festively, bring your dog, and extend the spirit of the season on this gem of a state park. Open 7 am to sunset. Free.
www.walkway.org
Monday, December 27
NRBQ (New Rhythm and Blues Quartet) at Daryl’s House (Pawling): NRBQ has spanned generations and is still pleasing audiences as it had when founded in 1965. No better spot to enjoy their timeless repertoire than at Daryl’s House. (Since both NRBQ and Hall & Oates were part of my college’s concert series, I think it’s a sign to not miss this show). Showtime: 7:00 pm, Tickets: $30-40 online.
www.darylshouseclub.com
Thursday, December 30
Spend the day exploring The Met Cloisters (Fort Tryon Park, NYC): Spend the day walking back in time to medieval Europe at the Met Cloisters. Choose from three “journeys” to explore, all featuring a different perspective: The Builders’ Tale, Gardeners’ Tale, or the Artists’ Tale. Each path takes one through stunning examples of medieval European art and architecture in a peaceful space overlooking the Hudson River and the Palisades. Reserve your time online. Tickets $25.
www.metmuseum.org
Born and raised in Westchester, Nancy Sorbella’s lifestyle stories have been featured in several local and regional publications where she has also been a style and community columnist. She is the resident wordsmith for the Arthritis Foundation of NY and the Community Engagement Director by day, spending her free time exploring and experiencing the Hudson Valley. Follow Nancy for more of her adventures on Instagram @DetoursColumnist, Twitter @jsorbella, or on Facebook at Nancy Niskin Sorbella.
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