We all love our cozy little corners of Westchester. There are many things to do and see, places to eat, and parks to visit. Who doesn’t love exploring the county and “finding” the kid-friendly gems! We are spotlighting some of those incredible places so that other moms can take advantage and get a glimpse into the awesomeness that is Westchester! Read all posts in our Spotlight on Westchester Series.
If you plan on spending some time in lower Westchester, Larchmont is a great village to explore. Although technically part of the town of Mamaroneck, it has its own unique identity. The main village is charming and studded with shops and eateries, many locally owned. There are plenty of outdoor activities, creative arts, and family fun opportunities. Here are a few suggestions for spending a perfect day in Larchmont.
Things To Do
Spend some time in one of Larchmont’s many parks. Manor Park, located on Park Avenue, is open to the public from dawn until dusk and is the perfect spot to take in a morning sunrise. Take a stroll along one of the many trails, or sit on one of the stone benches carved into the rocks and look out at the boats bobbing in the harbor. Parking is available on the surrounding public streets; however, please check the street signs for any restrictions. Moms and dads should note that there’s no play equipment in this park, and picnics are also not allowed.
For parents with little ones in tow, Flint Park, located on Locust Avenue, offers a newly renovated playground, picnic benches, and several playing fields (as well as the most popular sledding hill for tots when the snow arrives!). For nature and bird lovers, the trails around the marshland at the back of the park are a great spot to bring your binoculars and look out for local wildlife.
Finally, Constitution Park, located on Larchmont Avenue (opposite Larchmont’s excellent library), features a children’s grove and playground, a sculpture garden, and a picturesque gazebo, which often hosts local bands. Constitution Park hosts numerous community events throughout the year; check the website for upcoming happenings.
If you’re looking for wet-weather ideas, DIY slime is a wonderful option when your children want to make slime but you don’t want to get it all over your new couch. They offer drop-in hours after school and on weekends and can even host your next party at their store, in your home, or in your backyard.
More options for those wanting to indulge their creative streaks include One River, an art studio offering a variety of traditional and digital art classes for kids, teens, and adults, and Plaster Palace Pottery, where kids and adults can create their own ceramic masterpieces or celebrate a pottery-themed birthday party.
For those feeling less creatively inspired, Hommocks Ice Rink offers public skate sessions and skate hire year-round. A concession stand offers a variety of beverages, savory snacks, hot chocolate, and sweet treats, accompanied by a mix of contemporary pop and nostalgic blasts from the past—plenty for everyone to enjoy!
Where To Shop
Larchmont offers numerous great shopping options and is home to a variety of locally owned and operated establishments. Five Love is a gorgeous store, filled with unique accessories, jewelry, and household accents—the perfect stop for a birthday present or a hostess gift.
J. Anderson Books offers a wide selection of books, of course, as well as literary-inspired gifts. For the book lover in your life who already has a to-be-read pile that’s toppling over, consider a Great Gatsby-inspired candle instead! J. Anderson’s also hosts author talks and book clubs—details can be found on their website.
Finally, scratch your shopping itch while giving back to the community by visiting The Golden Shoestring, Larchmont’s very own thrift store. Operating for over 60 years, The Golden Shoestring offers an extremely well-curated selection of used kids’ and adult clothing, as well as shoes, bags, jewelry, and household items. Sales benefit the Junior League of Westchester on the Sound.
Where To Eat
My favorite stop in Larchmont after an early walk through Manor Park is Sunshine Coffee Roasters on Palmer Avenue. Independently owned, Sunshine roasts and grinds their own beans, which really does result in the best coffee in town. Sit on one of the tables outside and watch the world go by as you enjoy a delicious cup of joe. And get there early, before the pastries run out!
16 Handles, newly opened on Larchmont Avenue, is the place to go for a frozen yogurt pick-me-up. Already a firm favorite with local school kids, vegan and gluten-free options make this a great choice for those with dietary restrictions. The relatively late opening time (10 p.m.) also makes this a popular choice for the teen crowd!
A welcome addition to the Larchmont dining scene is Nova Pizza Bar, which has quickly become a local favorite thanks to its delicious food (not just pizza—the salads and entrees are excellent as well) and its sophisticated cocktails. Whether you’re bringing the kids for pizza, enjoying a date night, or celebrating with friends, Nova strikes the perfect balance between relaxed and elegant.
Locals 10538 is another relatively new addition to the Larchmont dining and entertainment scene, with an event space and live music venue. Locals is a family-friendly establishment that offers sit-down dining and catering services. Visit the website for the latest information on upcoming events and operating hours.
Larchmont Tavern has been in business since 1933, and the cozy booths and vintage photographs on the walls evoke an old-world charm. Service is also old-fashioned in the best way—warm and attentive. The menu is varied, featuring family favorites like burgers, sandwiches, and fish tacos, as well as daily specials, ensuring there’s something for everyone
Billy and Pete’s Social has a great space for outdoor seating (and is also conveniently located across from Memorial Park, a fun playground where you can let your kids burn off some energy after dinner!). They offer a wide range of cocktails and drinks, gourmet Detroit-style pizzas, and some healthier options, such as their delicious grain bowls.
Heritage 147 is a great place to stop with the family after a busy day in Larchmont. Kids are welcomed with a menu that includes elevated, well-loved classics, as well as a mocktail, the “Heritage Fizz” (a delicious version of a Shirley Temple—not just for the kids!). While kids enjoy a burger on a brioche bun, or an organic chicken sandwich, mom and dad can share small plates, cheese and charcuterie platters, or modern American entrees. Don’t skip on dessert—the fresh donuts are a favorite with our family.
If you are looking for a quicker option with the kids and want to grab a slice of pizza or a pasta dish, try checking out one of the community’s most loved pizza joints; Villa Maria Pizza has been serving Larchmont since 1977, and was one of the first places my family visited when we moved to Larchmont from the UK ten years ago. I’m not sure if I was horrified or impressed by the prospect of a mac ‘n cheese pizza (it’s not done in Europe!), but I had to try it, and of course, it was delicious! “Villa,” as the locals call it, offers casual dining both inside and as take-out, and is the go-to spot for catering kids’ parties.
Larchmont is well worth the trip, especially on a bright, sunny day when you can explore the unique shops, restaurants, and activities that downtown offers, before meandering through the pretty residential streets to enjoy one of its many beautiful parks.
I also have to add that the Larchmont Pharmacy also carries anything you need while you are on your Larchmont adventure. They have saved me many times when I am in need of medical supplies or even a gift for someone. The owner is fantastic, the staff is friendly, and the store is always in perfect condition. I highly recommend stopping in if you are in the area.
You left out Sheldrake Environmental Center, a 60-acre nature preserve in Larchmont that borders New Rochelle. In addition to offering trails, woods, pond, lake, meadow, and more, our nonprofit organization offers weekly classes, half days when school is closed, special events, Scout visits, field trips, birthday parties, and more. We cater to children, families, and adults. Many of our programs are even FREE! http://www.sheldrakecenter.org
Thanks for letting us know!
Comments are closed.