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.
Up close and personal with wolves; one more winter wonderland; scenic New Year’s Day hikes; and more
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Nancy’s Picks: This week’s three best bets
1. Wolves of North America at the Wolf Conservation Center
Since I have no idea what the pandemic spike will do to New Year’s Eve celebrations, I am steering clear of that altogether and focusing on how to fill your NYE day with something fun and interesting for the entire family. A visit to the Wolf Conservation Center in South Salem is an incredible experience any time of the year but wolves in winter remind me of tales of the “old country” told by my grandmother and it is actually a wolf’s favorite time of year. Your scheduled visit will include learning the truth and dissecting the myths surrounding North American wolf packs. Meet the gray wolves and the endangered red wolves while experiencing an outdoor education program sure to change your opinion of wolves, their beauty, their role in nature, and biology. Reservations must be made in advance, programs are outdoors only, and there is a gift shop on site. $15/Adults, $12 Children 12 & under. Programming runs throughout the year.
Wolf Conservation Center
7 Buck Run
South Salem
www.nywolf.org
2. Visit Stone Barns Center in Winter
While Stone Barns Center is open year-round, each season affords visitors a different perspective. Winter happens to be a beautiful time to explore the grounds, hike, take pictures, and even bring your dog (leashed, outdoors only, and not for any programming), and observe the many landscapes and foliage changes. It is also a wonderful time to participate in some of Stone Barns Center’s signature educational programming including The Innovation Labs + The Farm. This program covers milling, baking, preservation, butchery, arts, and more in the form of tours culminating in a small bite experience. A less formal experience is lunch with a reserved lunch tray or at the Community Table. Each enables guests to enjoy the sustainable food system that Stone Barns is known for. Reservations are required (not for grounds only, but a $10 parking pass is))and prices start at $38/pp. Programming resumes on January 6 after the holidays and runs throughout the year.
Stone Barns Center
630 Bedford Rd
Tarrytown
www.stonebarnscenter.org
3. Blue Arrow Winter Wonderland
There is still time for one more holiday season extravaganza! Visit Blue Arrow Farm through mid-January for their Winter Wonderland and Holiday Lights Spectacular. The lower barn at the farm is where the fun begins with the light display followed by the magic forest walk-through light show, and the pavilion filled with (yes, still) shopping, food truck and bar, and live music. Blue Arrow Farm is a year-round destination for music, entertainment, butterfly sanctuary, apiary, farm shop featuring local products, and Blue Arrow’s own honey, an art gallery, yoga, and animal rescue. Pay at the door. Adults $10, children 2-12 $8, under 2 free. Runs through mid-January.
Blue Arrow Farm
86 Glenwood Rd
Pine Island
www.bluearrowfarm.com
Today’s supporting sponsors are the Town of Yorktown…
…and the Peekskill Business Improvement District.
Events + Culture Calendar
Saturday, January 1
First Day Hikes at NYS Parks (Multiple Locations): As if I couldn’t love NY more. First Day Hikes at most NYS parks are the greatest, healthiest way to kick off the new year! Go to www.parks.ny.gov and find a New York State Park near you, and celebrate outdoors at one of our stunning, natural gems. Hike options are guided, or self-guided, are family-friendly, and socially distanced. Free. www.parks.ny.gov
Tuesday, January 4
Skate or Learn to Skate at one of Westchester’s Oldest Skating Rinks: Murray’s Skating Center (Yonkers): Open Tuesday-Sunday since 1960, Murray’s Skating Center offers a broad schedule of public skating as well as programs for children and adults. Reservations and walk-ins accepted. Check the website for hours. $11 for adults and kids, $3 for seniors. $6 rentals; lessons priced separately.
EJ Murray Memorial Skating Center
348 Tuckahoe Rd
Yonkers
www.yonkersny.gov
Wednesday, January 5
Experience Yin Yoga at Firefly Power Yoga (Fishkill): The practice of Yin Yoga is something everyone, of every age and ability, should try. It focuses on stretches in the deep connective tissue between the muscles. Firefly Yoga Center’s 7:45 – 8:45 pm class is the perfect way to end your day; relaxed, at peace, and centered. Classes are available in-studio and online, but watch the schedule for special candlelight classes throughout the year. Reserve your spot online but walk-ins are accepted. $20 per individual class.
Firefly Power Yoga
992 Main St
Fishkill
www.fireflyfishkill.com
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.