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A Love Letter to Westchester County

Ten Things to Love About Raising a Family Here

By Kelly Fitzpatrick January 21, 2025

Dear Westchester County,

Although I myself grew up across the river, I knew you were the perfect place to raise a family. In celebration of Valentine's Day, here are ten things I love about calling you home, Westchester.  

  1. Your Rich History: Exploring Kykuit, Lyndhurst Mansion, and Washington Irving’s Sunnyside is like stepping into a storybook, igniting a sense of wonder in our kids as they learn about the past.
  2. The Great Outdoors: Whether hiking the trails at Teatown Lake Reservation, picnicking by the Croton Gorge Park waterfall, or playing at one of your beautiful parks, there’s always an adventure waiting to happen.
  3. Inspiring Arts and Culture: From Caramoor’s family-friendly concerts to the Hudson River Museum’s creative programs, you make learning fun for all ages.
  4. Family-Focused Fun: Playland Park’s classic rides, LEGOLAND Discovery Center’s colorful creations, and endless indoor play spaces give us year-round entertainment, rain or shine.
  5. Your Diverse Dining Scene: Whether we’re grabbing pizza after dance class or enjoying farm-to-table meals at local restaurants, your food options keep our family well-fed and happy.
  6. Vibrant Small Businesses: Your local shops, family-owned cafes, and unique boutiques remind us of the power of community. Supporting small businesses here feels like helping neighbors thrive.  Business owners in our towns become extensions of our families.
  7. A Close-Knit Community: Farmers' markets, holiday tree lightings, and community days bring neighbors together, making it easy to feel connected and supported.
  8. Proximity to NYC: We love the balance of suburban tranquility and the chance to take a quick train ride to the city for a Broadway show or museum trip with the kids.
  9. Libraries and Playgrounds: Your incredible libraries with engaging storytimes and activities, paired with well-maintained playgrounds, make every day an opportunity for fun, learning, and connection.
  10. A Bright Future: With your focus on preserving nature and creating family-friendly spaces, you ensure the next generation can love you as much as we do.

Westchester, you are more than a county—you are a place where families grow, memories are made, and nature abounds. Thank you for being the perfect backdrop for our parenting adventures.

With gratitude,
Kelly Fitzpatrick

Westchester Parent

Do you know of a family friendly event happening this season in the Armonk, Chappaqua, Millwood, Mount Kisco, Thornwood, Pleasantville, Amawalk, Bedford, Bedford Hills, Cross River, Goldens Bridge, Granite Springs, Jefferson Valley, Katonah, Lincolndale, Mohegan Lake, North Salem, Pound Ridge, Purdys, Shrub Oak, Somers, South Salem, Waccabuc, Yorktown and Yorktown Heights area and all the towns in between? Submit it to our calendar and we’ll have it listed in no time!




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