Westchester News: 5 Updates Families Should Know for April

4/1/16 - By Susan Miele

Keeping tabs on the changing landscapes of Westchester businesses and attractions is no small task, but we've kept our ear to the ground to help you stay in the know. Below is our news roundup for Westchester and Hudson Valley families. Read on to learn about the future of dining, kids’ clothing, FREE days and more.

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The food court at The Westchester shopping mall is getting a total makeover—in fact, radical surgery. In lieu of the standard mall fare of pizza, Chinese food and frozen yogurt will be seven new eateries in what will be named, Savor Westchester.” Not yet identified, these establishments are billed as “some of Manhattan’s most popular and notable casual dining hot spots.” Moreover, the space will include an outdoor al fresco dining terrace, a children’s play area, a demonstration kitchen, an entertainment and technology lounge and concierge services. Did this whet your appetite? You’ll have to wait until the winter. Meanwhile, the space is closed due to construction, so plan your shopping snacks accordingly.

 
Image courtesy of Simon.

Mathnasium, the math tutoring service, is opening a new location in Scarsdale on Central Avenue. Slated for an April opening, the center will offer its Mathnasium Power Math Workout (grades 1-12) and the Mathansium First Steps program for children aged 4-6. View Mathnasium's website for a special incentive to be among the first to sign up. 

Wyatt Lily, the children’s clothing boutique founded by TV personality Rachel Uchitel, has relocated from Manhattan to Scarsdale and is now open for business. The store, which has been featured in People and New York Magazine, is twice the size of its former digs, allowing more room for its spunky inventory and the addition of clothing through size 14. Added perks: camping gear and a birthday registry. 

 
Image courtesy of Wyatt Lily.

Hot diggity! Now open in Croton-on-Hudson is Hot Dippity Donuts, offering DIY mouth-watering confections of either the pre-fab variety or with customized accoutrements. It’s clear the proprietors take their donuts seriously; they even have a mission statement: "To make and serve the freshest, tastiest, and most addictive donuts in a fun, friendly atmosphere.” Donuts are hand-dipped in your choice of icing and toppings. Your family will be like kids in a candy store when they get to choose from five icings, 15 glazes, three types of sugar toppings and 10 other toppings (each donut can accommodate up to two). Either be creative or try one of the shop’s own concoctions, such as Nutella Crisp (Nutella glaze and Rice Krispies topping), Blueberry Cobbler Crunch (blueberry glaze and granola) or Peanut Butter Cup (fudge icing, chocolate chips, peanut butter drizzle), to name just a few of the delectable varieties. .

To celebrate the centennial anniversary of its founding, The National Park Service is offering various FREE days throughout 2016 at sites that typically charge admission. Though participating locations are scattered nationwide (good to know for planning your vacations), there are several such attractions in the Hudson Valley and surrounding areas, including the Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site, Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site, Martin Van Buren National Historic Site, Sagamore Hill National Historic Site, Saratoga National Historical Park and Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site. The free days are April 16-24 (National Park Week), August 25-28 (National Park Service Birthday), September 24 (National Public Lands Day) and November 11 (Veterans Day). The fee waiver includes entrance fees, commercial tour fees, and transportation entrance fees. 

 
Image courtesy of Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site

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Top image courtesy of Wyatt Lily. 

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