Susan Miele

Latest posts by Susan

Family-Friendly Vineyards and Hard Cider Houses in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

Submitted by Susan Miele on Mon, 10/26/2020 - 10:51am

While apple picking season is winding down, the rich orchards of Westchester and the Hudson Valley are more than one-trick ponies. Many of the orchards we flock to for farm fun also feature vineyards and hard cider houses. Some are particularly appealing to families, making a visit a fun outing for all ages.

Below we've rounded up 10 destinations for hard apple cider and wine that are suitable for kids. Once you've sampled your way through Westchester and the Hudson Valley, be sure to check out our roundup of family-friendly wineries on Long Island. We've also got plenty more seasonal picks in our Fall Fun Guide.

Westchester's Winter Wonderland Returns as Drive-Thru for 2020 Holiday Season

Submitted by Susan Miele on Wed, 10/21/2020 - 12:00pm

Westchester’s Winter Wonderland returns for a 2020 run, reimagined as a drive-thru holiday attraction to comply with COVID-19 safety guidelines. The festive, glittering seasonal display runs for five weeks and features dazzling visuals, character appearances, and the promise of a socially distant encounter with Santa.

Read on to learn more about what to expect when Kensico Dam Plaza is transformed into Westchester's Winter Wonderland Drive-Thru, plus how to reserve your tickets.

The Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze Comes to Long Island in 2020

Submitted by Susan Miele on Tue, 09/01/2020 - 2:35pm

Since 2005, the Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze has been a must-do Halloween attraction for our neighbors in Westchester County, its popularity multiplying annually along with its sizable, stunning installation. In 2020, when many attractions are on hiatus due to COVID-19, The Blaze has proven its staying power: Not only is it alive and well, but it's adding a second location at Old Bethpage Village Restoration on Long Island.

Read on for the inside scoop on Long Island's own Great Jack O' Lantern Blaze, which debuts Friday, October 2, and learn why this visually striking, aesthetically inspiring walk-through exhibit belongs on your fall bucket list. Stay tuned to our Halloween Guide for more seasonal, spooky fun.

The Best Local Ice Cream Shops in Westchester

Submitted by Susan Miele on Fri, 08/28/2020 - 12:15pm

One of the sweetest parts of summer is an outing to a local ice cream shop. Whether you're cooling down with a shake or lounging on a bench and licking a cone, these frozen treats hard to pass up.

Westchester has its fair share of independent ice cream parlors. We've rounded up 18 of our favorites below so that families can get in their "last licks" of the summer. Whether you prefer to keep things simple with traditional treats or get excited about inventive confections like donut ice-cream sandwiches, we've got the goods. Happily, our list even includes a spate of newly opened shops.

Read on for a guide to ice cream parlors in Westchester and be sure to revisit our Summer 2020 Staycation Guide to cross off any last outings before kids hit the books ... or screens.

Private Family Experiences, Tours, and Charters for Socially Distant Fun Near NYC

Submitted by Susan Miele on Tue, 08/18/2020 - 4:00pm

Five months into the coronavirus shutdown, area families are getting antsy and in need of entertainment. Though New York's numbers are looking good, the need for social distancing remains. Luckily, we're surrounded by creative operators offering private family experiences and tours that make social distancing while enjoying an out of this world excursion possible. Best of all, some of these splurge-worthy private family experiences even come to you.

Once you've had your fair share of fun at our beautiful area swimming lakes, taken a day trip or two, or even booked one of these local family-friendly camping sites, consider spicing up these last weeks of summer with a pick from our list of private family experiences.

Whether you're action-oriented and want to ride in a helicopter or are happy to have a family rendezvous with ponies, we've rounded up a variety of options. What's more, this destination-worthy list includes providers based in New York City, Long Island, Westchester County, and the Hudson Valley. Read on for a dozen options and get ready to book an unforgettable experience for your nearest and dearest.

Best Bike Rides in and Near Westchester for Family Cycling

Submitted by Susan Miele on Fri, 07/31/2020 - 9:01am

For both exercise and family bonding, a bike ride along a scenic bike path is a great way to spend a lovely day in Westchester. Whether your kids have recently ditched their training wheels or are older and ready for action, we've got a cycling destination for your clan. And, if your four-wheeled rider is ready for the big time, here are some pointers on how to help your child ride without training wheels.

Read on for more details on bike paths and trailways throughout Westchester County. For more outdoor excursions, consider embarking on one of these Hudson Valley hikes, and check out our Summer Activity Guide for more seasonal fun.

Ultimate Summer Staycation Planner for Westchester Kids: 50 Things to Do in Summer 2020

Submitted by Susan Miele on Fri, 07/03/2020 - 11:17am

While summer 2020 is bound to look different than years past, Westchester and Hudson Valley families needn't sacrifice fun. As proof, we've rounded up 50 fun summer activities for kids throughout the region. With a little creativity, local families can still enjoy scrapbook-worthy summer activities without straying too far from home.

Below we've rounded tons of things to do with Westchester kids. Whether you're looking to get out of the house or host DIY camp in your backyard, we've got the goods—from drive-in theaters to Independence Day celebrations, backyard science experiments, and more summer fun.

If this jam-packed list isn't enough, we've got tons more seasonal fun in our Summer Fun Guide plus tons of resources in our Stay-at-Home Guide, and plenty of online classes and virtual camps on our Poppins@Home microsite.

Ways to Support Local Businesses in Westchester During the Pandemic

Submitted by Susan Miele on Tue, 05/12/2020 - 3:44pm

While local businesses have raced to pivot in response to the coronavirus pandemic, and there are many ways to support Westchester businesses while optimizing time at home. We've already shared our roundup of toy stores and bookstores offering curbside pickup or local delivery, as well as where to buy groceries, and some of the local restaurants and bakeries preparing special-occasion meals. Still, many other small businesses can use help now, too.

Buying local is a win-win: Beyond being an act of compassion toward business owners and workers, keeping your green in town translates to a more robust local economy, benefiting municipal services, property taxes, and property values. Local businesses are also who we all turn to for donations to support our PTA and other local organizations.

Below we've compiled multiple ways to support local businesses. It's by no means a comprehensive county-wide list. Other ways to help include purchasing gift cards, initiating memberships with nonprofit organizations, and avoiding third-party delivery services when possible to ensure your dollars stay with the local business you're supporting. So, consider these ways to shop small and keep businesses where they belong: in your neighborhood.

And while you're showing your support for the businesses you love, we hope you'll count Mommy Poppins and our small business partners among them. You can support Mommy Poppins by sharing articles you find useful with friends or on your social media channels, checking out our directory of virtual classes, camps, and birthday parties and telling businesses you found them through Mommy Poppins. Also, as part of our effort to keep our local parent writers and this website afloat and support some of our favorite family businesses, we've created Poppins@Home, a platform for small businesses to share free and low-cost online classes and birthday parties with kids all over the country. Please consider trying a few of these fun, affordable, and creative classes—and spreading the word among your friends—as yet another way to support, uplift, and get through these challenging times together!

Susan Miele

Susan Miele

Latest posts by Susan

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