We all love our own little cozy corners of Westchester. There are so 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 awesome 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.
Katonah is a hamlet in the town of Bedford in Northern Westchester, about 44 miles north of Manhattan. It is conveniently located off I-684 and the Saw Mill Parkway, with its own stop on Metro-North. The railroad lets you off right onto Katonah Avenue, where you’ll see a variety of shops and restaurants in immediate walking distance.
The town has a pretty neat history. In 1893, Katonah was scheduled to be demolished to make way for the Croton Dam and a reservoir to be built for New York City’s expanding water system. Instead of losing their town, they chose to move it. Many buildings and houses were physically moved to a new plot of land. The “new” Katonah is partially comprised of relocated structures.
What to Do
Muscoot Farm is a perfect day out for the whole family. Over 50 animals live on the farm, including cows, horses, donkeys, sheep, goats, chickens, turkeys, ducks, and pigs. You can walk right up to their pens or into their barns. Alternatively, if you are up for a hike, there are six miles of scenic trails. Muscoot hosts special events and educational programs, including sugaring, bird walks, and “Run the Farm,” a five-mile trail race and a children’s race, both held annually in October. Farmer’s Markets are present every Sunday from May through November.
Visit historic buildings, including the milk house, the ice house, and the carriage house. The hiking trails and grounds are open from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and admission is free for families and individuals. You can bring in food or visit the concession stand, which is open during the season. Another great aspect about a visit to Muscoot is that it doesn’t have to be an all-day commitment, as a typical visit lasts about 1 to 2 hours.
Katonah Museum of Art is an excellent venue for art enthusiasts of all ages, offering numerous educational programs. The museum features a “Learning Center” with hands-on activities and workshops designed for children aged three and above. It’s an activity space for children to enjoy art projects, create their own sculptures, paintings, and collages, make wearable art, and read stories about art. Children learn about art through games, puzzles, and various other activities. The museum even exhibits creations by local elementary school students.
Caramoor is a performing arts center set on a beautiful 90-acre estate. It was gifted to the public as a center for music and art by Walter Rosen, a philanthropist, and his wife, Lucie Rosen. They wanted a place to entertain their friends from around the world, and as a result, Caramoor was born.
It hosts a diverse range of musical performances, including symphonic, opera, chamber, jazz, and American roots music. Caramoor also mentors young musicians and provides educational programs for children. Visitors can tour the historic Rosen House, enjoy picnics, and experience concerts in unique venues, such as the Venetian Theater and Spanish Courtyard.
Where to Eat
If you know Katonah at all, you must know King Kone. King Kone borders Katonah and Somers, and is undoubtedly a staple in Northern Westchester. Finish up a Little League game? Let’s go to King Kone. Finish up a family day at the pool? Let’s go to King Kone. Nothing to do at night? Let’s go to King Kone. Generous servings of delicious, soft-serve ice cream and a wide variety of scooped ice cream, including a few sugar-free and low-fat options. Oh, and if you’re in the mood for some tasty fried food? Let’s go to King Kone. Lots to choose from in this category, too. My son is obsessed with the fried pickles. Don’t get overwhelmed by the lines. These guys know what they are doing, and the lines move quickly.
The Whitlock, with its deep connection to Katonah and the broader Westchester community, shines through in its strong commitment to supporting local vendors. Native New Yorker and Executive Chef Eric Lapkin took over in 2023 and has added a new flair to the dishes, with influences from Spain, France, and Portugal. Boasting a warm ambiance of a modern farmhouse, there are plenty of options that catch the eye, such as Red Snapper, Vegetable Pot Pie, Cheesy Baked Ricotta Gnocchi, and Wasabi Tuna Salad. The brunch menu includes Lobster BLT Roll, Lemon Ricotta Dutch Baby, Huevos Rancheros, and Cinnamon Bread Pudding French Toast. And the dessert menu? It’s tough to imagine choosing just one option!
Jay Street Bistro serves up fresh, locally inspired fare in a laid-back setting, with a full bar to toast any occasion. A variety of options includes breakfast plates (the good old B.E.C.), brunch items, sandwiches, soup, salads, and a kids’ menu. And as the daughter of a Brooklyn boy, the “NY Egg Cream” shouted at me from the menu! Specialty milkshakes include Cookies and Cream, a Root Beer float, and a Chocolate Cherry Pepsi float. A great option for relaxed gatherings with friends and family, with outside seating ideally situated for people-watching.
Katonah is known for keeping its town homey, artsy, and casual, and its history shows that it is not particularly interested in bringing in large chain stores and restaurants, especially in the downtown area. While Tazza Café has a local presence in other Westchester towns, the Katonah location is my favorite. They offer a great variety of coffee and hot beverage specialties, including crème brûlée and chai tea lattes. All baking is done on the premises, with a wide range of choices available. Tazza Café offers a nice breakfast menu, featuring omelets, oatmeal, pancakes, and acai bowls, as well as a full lunch menu with sandwiches, wraps, salads, and a children’s menu. Low-fat and gluten-free options are available.
And a quick shout out to La Familia Katonah, where the pizza is so good that, for my daughter, they’ve ruined pizza from anywhere else!
Where to Shop
Charles Department Store is a family-owned and operated small business located in the heart of downtown Katonah, having been in operation since 1924. They take pride in a highly curated product selection and impeccable customer service. The shop sells apparel, footwear, and accessories for both men and women, as well as original homeware products, and some outdoor goods and furniture. Kelly Ranieri is the first female sole proprietor of the store, which her great-grandfather originally discovered! What a great story of legacy!
Selling a vast range of goods and services, such as automotive needs, office supplies, pet supplies, storage and organization, gardening, sporting goods, electronics, and fireplace expertise, Kelloggs & Lawrence covers your full scope of hardware needs. The store also sells a complete line of outdoor camping gear, including apparel, tents, and sleeping bags. Also selling indoor and outdoor toys and games, food, and snacks, Kelloggs & Lawrence is very much like a General Store – perfect for one-stop shopping for family and household products.
Katonah has a variety of boutiques catering to women, men, and children, including Catherine H., & James, Nine by Ash, Our North, and Fado. Since Katonah is a perfect walking town, it’s easy to spend the day strolling store by store through the neighborhood.
Katonah Reading Room
This store fits every category: What to Do, Where to Eat, and Where to Shop!
For a bit of history, the Katonah Reading Room and Little Joe’s, both owned by the Menzies family, have been mainstays and favorites in Katonah for many years. Unfortunately, as a result of the pandemic, the Katonah Reading Room closed its doors in the Spring of 2020. Little Joe’s did remain open; however, in a turn of events, the Menzies family decided to combine their operations at the former Katonah Reading Room location.
In March 2021, the Reading Room reopened its doors as a new space, featuring the best of Little Joe’s. All the faves came along – ice cream, milkshakes, coffee, tea, baked goods, and smoothies – and of course, books, toys, and gifts. The Katonah Reading Room is now officially a bookstore for all ages, featuring a full coffee bar.
Think – cozy getaway, a warm cup of coffee paired with a flaky scone, and a fresh novel waiting to be explored. And if you don’t see the item you are looking for, don’t hesitate to ask the owners about special orders.
The town of Katonah truly fosters the importance of community. The Katonah Village Improvement Society and the Katonah Chamber of Commerce jointly sponsor “Katonah for the Holidays” each year. This includes a fun and festive parade, late-night shopping, live music, and treats throughout town. This all culminates with Community Day, which is all about giving back. Keep an eye on their websites for events in November and December each year.
Katonah has become a destination in Northern Westchester for shopping, dining, and has a welcoming vibe. For the most part, the stores in the downtown area of Katonah do not stay open late, so be sure to check their hours of operation. Stop by any of the stores, restaurants, and venues, and you’ll be received with open arms. Katonah is a great town with fun for the whole family.
