What to Do This Weekend (and Beyond): Your Best Bets
News Based on facts, either observed and verified directly by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
A very cool winter carnival; cross country skiing; jazz in Ossining; celebrating Washington’s birthday; laughs with Marlon Wayans; and more
Good morning! Today is Thursday, February 17, and you are reading today’s section of Examiner+, a digital newsmagazine serving Westchester, Putnam, and the surrounding Hudson Valley.
Nancy’s Picks: This week’s three best bets
1. Greenwood Lake Winter Carnival (2/18)
Take a ride over to Greenwood Lake for their annual President’s Weekend Winter Carnival. Beginning at 5 p.m. with live entertainment, vendors, food trucks, kids ‘activities, and outdoor attractions. The annual lakeside event spans the weekend and because of its popularity offers offsite parking and shuttle service to the venue. The Carnival runs throughout the weekend and the full schedule of activities can be found on the Greenwood Lake Winter Carnival Facebook page. Included in the festivities are the polar plunge, snowball cannons, axe throwing, character interactions, including with Rascal, the Hudson Valley Renegades mascot, hot chocolate & s’mores bar, fireworks on Saturday night, and a mechanical ride daily. Event starts at 5 p.m. on Friday. Tickets available onsite or through www.eventbrite.com for $5-$400/pp.
Greenwood Lake Winter Carnival
Thomas P. Morahan Waterfront Park
7 Windermere Ave
Greenwood Lake
www.facebook.com/Gwlwintercarnival
2. Cross Country Skiing at Wethersfield Gardens
Cross country ski and enjoy the beauty and vistas along the trails at Wethersfield Gardens. If the snow melts, the trails are available for hiking and horseback riding. Day passes and season passes are available and must be placed in the window of your car. The Main House, stables, and horse pastures are not available in the winter so visitors must remain on designated paths that are clearly marked. Cross country skiing or hiking is a wonderful way to discover Wethersfield, which is comprises over 1,000 acres of the Chauncey Devereaux Stillman property and includes formal Italian gardens, wilderness gardens, the Carriage House Museum, and Wethersfield House (open June through September). Day passes available on the website only; $5 (day pass), $175 (equestrian season pass).
Wethersfield Gardens
257 Pugsley Hill Rd
Amenia
www.wethersfield.org
3. Jazz at the Lodge
Nearly every Thursday night the Ossining Elks Lodge bursts with the magnificent sound of live jazz, blues, R&B, and more. Led by guitarist Al Orlo, and featuring regional and NYC musicians, the Elks Lodge comes alive with 2 music sets from 7 – 9:30 p.m. Thursday Night Organ Groove is a must-experience evening. There are special jazz events throughout the year, culminating in the Ossining Jazz Festival, a summer weekend of legendary talent. The Elks Club bar is open for business and the vibe is very downtown NYC. Music begins at 7 p.m. $10 donation at the door for the musicians.
Jazz at the Lodge
Ossining Elks Lodge
118 Croton Ave
Ossining
www.jazzatthelodge.com
Events + Culture Calendar
Sunday, February 20
If Graves Could Speak (virtual program) Arts on the Lake (Carmel): Graves tell stories. Hear from 4 Arts on the Lake writers speak about four Putnam County gravesites and their surprising, scary, thrilling, and funny stories. In some cases, the past informs the future… from the grave. Tickets available online, $3-$13/pp, Zoom starts at 3:00 pm.
Arts on the Lake
Lake Carmel Arts Center
640 Route 52
Carmel
www.artsonthelake.org
Monday, February 21
Washington’s Birthday (#290) Celebration (New Windsor): Tour Washington’s headquarters (winter 1780-81) and celebrate the nation’s first president’s birthday at Mount Ellison House where General Henry Knox organized a planned attack on NYC. Tours throughout the day, punctuated by the firing of Revolutionary War canons. Tours on the hour from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Free.
New Windsor Cantonment State Historic Site
374 Temple Hill Rd
New Windsor
www.parks.ny.gov
Tuesday, February 22
JDJ at The Ice House (by appointment only) (Garrison): Make an appointment to see this hidden Hudson Valley art gallery gem. It is a curated contemporary art program operated by Jayne Drost Johnson in both Garrison, NY, and Tribeca. On view now is an exhibit by Samantha Rosenwald.
The Ice House
17 Mandalay Dr
Garrison
www.jdj.world.com
Wednesday, February 23
Marlon Wayans at Levity Live (West Nyack): Come out and laugh with Marlon Wayans, comedian, and Scary Movie franchise alum at Levity Live. Also known for his comedy special, “Woke-ish,” the laughs will keep coming throughout the night. Tickets: $40 for general admission, available online at www.ticketweb.com. Show starts at 7:30 pm.
Levity Live
Palisades Center
4210 Palisades Center Dr, A-401
West Nyack
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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Robert Schork is Examiner Media’s Digital Editorial Director.