The warm winter has helped the real estate market stay active in the Hudson Valley! Real Estate sales in March 2016 was the highest in March since 2007. Rockland and Orange Counties are seeing a healthy balanced real estate market. The average property that is well priced does not stay long on the market.

The most expensive home sold in Rockland and Orange County in March 2016 was a 4000+ square foot mini estate in Tuxedo, Orange County. It sold for $1.45 million.

We've had a very warm winter, and home sales in Westchester and Putnam County are at the level of 2006 and 2007. As you can see from the infographic, the average days on market are very low. Well priced properties are selling within a day or two of hitting the market with multiple offers!

The most popular price range of the home sales in first quarter of 2016 in Westchester County are at the $500,000 - $700,000 range. The most expensive home sold in March 2016 in Westchester County was a waterfront property in Rye, for $5.6 million.

Things to Do in Westchester and Rockland County, October 23-25, 2015

The Yonkers Film Festival, Yofi Fest, runs from October 22-25. Enjoy four days of watching and discussing movies. 

Westchester County Parks Habitat Day is on Saturday, October 24. There are walking tour of the various habitats at the preserve including meadows, forest and inter-tidal zone. Check out the events at Croton Point Nature Center, Lenoir Preserve in Yonkers, The Ward Pond Ridge Reservation, Read Wildlife Sanctuary in Rye, the Marshland Conservancy in Rye, Cranberry Lake Park Preserve, 

Halloween Festivals in Westchester County:

The Ridge Hill Shopping Center in Yonkers is holding its Harvest Fest on October 24. Cross County Shopping Center annual Halloween Spooktacular on Friday, October 25 from 5-8pm. Kids up to age 12 will enjoy a magic show, costume contest, live music, and trick or treating parade. 

The Village of Tarrytown Halloween Parade on Saturday, October 24, at 5:30pm. 

Mount Kisco Halloween Costume Carnival on Sunday, October 25 from 3-5pm. 

Halloween Festivals in Rockland County:

Nyack’s 28th annual Halloween Parade will be held on Saturday, Oct 24 at 5:30. Earlier in the day, there is a costume-optional 5k race at 9a and live music on Main Street. With an annual crowd of about 25,000 spectators, the Nyack Halloween Parade is the largest parade in New York, second only to the march in Greenwich Village.

The Suffern Halloween Parade is October 25 at 2pm. 

"Boo at the Zoo" at the Trailside Zoo at Bear Mountain State Park on October 24 from 10:30am-3pm. 

Don't forget this is the last weekend for the Oktober Fest at Bear Mountain. Also check out our list of fall festivals at our Hudson Valley Farms, and our list of Haunted Houses in the Hudson Valley. 

Things to Do in Orange and Dutchess County, October 23-25, 2015

The Chocolate Expo at the Motorcyclopedia Museum in Newburgh on Sunday, October 25 from 11am-7pm. Enjoy a yummy day and taste a variety of chocolates, baked goods, specialty foods, gelato, cheeses, wines and more from 35-80 local, regional and even some international vendors.

Candle Light Ghost Tour at the Wallkill River School of Art on Saturday and Sunday, October 24-25 from 7-9pm. It will include a a book signing and lecture by local author, Linda Zimmerman, featuring highlights from her ongoing investigation of the Patchett House. Following the lecture there will be an actual ghost investigation and seasonal refreshments. 

Eastern States Fair at the Orange County Fair Speedway 54th Annual Eastern States Weekend, this Friday to Sunday The weekend’s headline race remains the Eastern States 200, the oldest consecutively-run championship event for dirt track Modified stock cards in the country. 

Weekend Jazz Festival at SUNY Orange. The "Weekend Jazz Fest" will celebrate Latin Jazz with two consecutive evenings of concerts in the Orange Hall Theatre at SUNY Orange.

The Museum Village in Monroe is making a No Scare Halloween Weekend on Saturday, October 24 and Sunday, October 25 from 11:00AM – 4:00PM. Everyone will be able to take a Hay Ride, participate in a Scavenger Hunt and show off in a Costume Parade.

Halloween Party and Haunted House at Tymor Park in Lagrangeville on Friday, October 23 at 6pm. Enjoy games, dance, haunted house, and trick or treat. 

The sixth annual St. James' Historic Graveyard Tours in Hyde Park, across from Vanderbilt Mansion will be offered Friday and Saturday nights. It will feature professional actors in authentic period costumes--portraying 'residents' of this 200-year-old cemetery. Come stroll through the graveyard by lantern light for entertainment, education, and insights into their lives and times. 

You can also visit the historic Haunted Hugenot Street in New Paltz. 

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Things to Do in Westchester and Rockland County, October 9-12, 2015

There are several street fairs going on throughout the lower Hudson Valley this Columbus Day weekend: 

• Eastchester Columbus Day Carnival and Parade at the Lake Isle Country Club. The carnival will run from Friday, October 9 to Monday, October12. 
• Pearl River Day, Saturday October 10 from 11am-6pm. There will be live music, rides, arts and crafts, shopping and food.
• Nyack Street Fair, Sunday October 11 from 10am-5pm. 
• Yorktown Festival and Street Fair, Sunday October 11 from 11am-5pm. Held at Commerce Street/Veteran's Road. There will be live music, pet parade, and more.

The Hudson Valley’s Annual Smoke and Fire Fest features a full roster of sizzling smoked and fiery foods from spice-loving regions around the Hudson Valley. As well as amazing live music and a chili contest to knock your socks off. Saturday, October 10 at Provident Ball Park at Pomona, New York.

There are fall festivals throughout the Hudson Valley this weekend. In Westchester you will find fall fests and Columbus Day celebrations at the Greenburgh Nature Center, and the Halloween Dino train show at the Ladson Park and Arboretum.

Some of the fall festivals you will find in the mid Hudson Valley include the Hurds Farm in Modena, Harvest Moon Orchard in Brewster, Barton's Orchard in Poughquag, and more. Check out our list of U-Pick farms in the Hudson Valley for more information about different farms and festivities. 

If you are looking to shop over this Columbus Day weekend, check out our list of flea markets in the Hudson Valley. Some of the flea markets this weekend include the large Stormville Flea Market, Hastings Flea, and Beacon Flea Market. 

Things to Do in Orange and Dutchess County, October 9-12, 2015

The Village of Sugar Loaf will be holding its fall festival this weekend. As part of its fall festival, you can also enjoy its Oktoberfest, featuring American craft beers, local foods, and live music.

Every Columbus Day, the Pine Island Chamber organizes and hosts a pumpkin festival every fall with a fun-filled afternoon of activities for adults and children of all ages. It will be on October 12, 2015 from 11am-3pm.

It is Second Saturday in Beacon on October 10th. Enjoy art gallery openings, artist receptions, and culinary tastings at galleries and shops that will open until 9pm. It is also Community Free Day at the Dia at Beacon on October 10th. 

The Barnstar Antique Fair is this weekend at the Dutchess Fair Grounds in Rhinebeck. It will be on October 10 and 11. 

The Adams Markets start their Annual Harvest Fest this weekend. The Poughkeepsie festival is October 11 from 11am-4pm, the Kingston festival is October 12 from 11am-4pm, The Newburgh festival is October 17, and the Wappinger festival festival is October 18. 

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The Maker’s Market in Warwick, NY is a delightful display of Hudson Valley craftspeople and artisans. From intricate glassware and robust ceramics to copper jewelry and tie dye clothing, there is a bit of something for everyone.

The makers rotate with each market and as such, there’s a wide array of artisans featured. Warwick plays a magnificent host and is a picturesque small town backdrop. Though smaller in size, the entire market makes for a splendid day out.

You can visit the next Maker’s Market in Warwick located at Railroad Green Park on October 18th, 2015. While attending the previous market in August, I had the pleasure to connect with a variety of local artists:

Virginia Piazza Pottery Pottery & Ceramics from Beacon, NY

virginiapiazza.com

Virginia had enjoyed drawing, watercolor, printmaking and various textile processes in the past, but clay was her material! For the past 20 years her work has centered on functional ware, mostly porcelain, in a limited glaze palette. She mostly focused on simple surfaces, using one or two harmonizing glazes.

She earned a BFA degree in ceramics at the Kansas City Art Institute in 1990. She works from a studio at home in Beacon, NY since 2001. Prior to that, she lived in Brooklyn, and maintained studios in communal workshops in the Gowanus and Williamsburg areas.

Virginia taught ceramics at various places in Manhattan, including the Crafts’ Students League (YWCA), the 92nd Y, Chambers Pottery, the Clay Art Center, Port Chester, and the Garrison Art Center.

You can find Virginia's work locally at shows, including the Beacon Flea Market, Warwick Applefest, and the Hudson Valley Hullabaloo.  Her work is also sold through shops and galleries, and online through ETSY @ etsy.com/ceruleanblue Her work was included in BEST OF POTTERY, Quarry Books and 500 TEAPOTS, Lark Books.

Susan Sylvester DiGilio

Artist from Hyde Park, NY

digiliodesigns.etsy.com

From Digilio Designs

Patti Ursel: GetGlassy Kiln Fused Glass Jewelry and Gifts from Sloatsburg, NY

getglassy.com and getglassy.etsy.com 

Glassware from GetGlassy

Valerie M. Wood: Copperdoodles Handcrafted Jewelry from Poughkeepsie, NY

copperdoodles.etsy.com

Valerie is entirely self-taught in jewelry making, and have had a wonderful journey from absolute rank novice to somewhere just north of there right now. "Learning a craft this way is very humbling - it teaches you patience and reminds you that there is a whole world of knowledge out there that you can acquire, if you are willing to work at it. Oh, and I look forward to going to work everyday now."

Karen Campbell

Clothing Designer & Victorian Inspired Accessories from Warwick, New York

kpc82@warwick.net

Mary M. Bono: Snooze Crafts

Upcycled, Crocheted, and Other unique Crafts

snoozecrafts.etsy.com

Crocheting is the basis for many of Mary's handcrafted items--summer and winter hats, button bracelets, tote and handbags made from recycled plastic bags. She also offers cards, picture books and a few original illustrations,and hairbands adorned with flowers and butterflies.

Judith Hearney Jewelry from Beacon, NY

Delicate, Fine Stone Jewelry

judithhearneyjewelry.etsy.com

Julie Stevens

Silver Beak Studio Jewelry and Fine Miniatures  

silverbeakstudio.com

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Cider Mill Friends is a non-profit all-volunteer group that is restoring the historic Kimlin Cider Mill (c.1880) at 140 Cedar Avenue, Poughkeepsie, NY. Due to the group's efforts, the Mill is listed on the National and State Historic Registers, and is also a Town of Poughkeepsie Historic Landmark.

The 3rd Annual Old Fashioned Cider Tasting Event will take place on Saturday, October 10, 2015 from 11am-3pm. The event takes place at the Mill, and features special-made Kimlin Cider along with eight other local ciders, both sweet and hard. All proceeds benefit the restoration of the Kimlin Cider Mill.

A souvenir tasting glass is included with the cider tasting. A cookout meal will also be served, along with appetizers. Live music will be performed by the Roundabout Ramblers. Tours of the Mill, merchandise, raffles, entertainment, and children’s activities are also part of the event. The event is rain or shine, under a large tent.

More information: www.cidermillfriends.org 

Contact: 845-465-2516, cidermillfriends@gmail.com

Price: Free general admission, $10 cider tasting (18+) includes souvenir tasting glass for first 400 attendees, free cider tasting (<18) with paying adult, $5 cookout meal

Cider Donors: Awestruck Premium Hard Cider, Pitchfork Hard Cider, Fishkill Farms, Yankee Folly Cider, Naked Flock (Applewood Winery), Doc’s Draft Hard Cider (Warwick Valley Winery & Distillery), Wilklow Orchards, The Grand Brewery

(Photo Credit: Stephanie LaRose Photography)

Things to do in Westchester and Rockland County, October 2-4, 2015

The Peekskill Rotary hosts its 45th Annual Horse Show and Country Fair October 3 and 4 at the Blue Mountain Reservation in Peekskill. Competition and attractions will run from 9am-5pm on Saturday, and 8am-5pm on Sunday. Attractions include pony and hay rides, arts and crafts, bouncy rides, pet parade, a magician, and more.

The Bronxville Fall Sidewalk Sale will take place Friday, October 2, and Saturday, October 3, with great bargains throughout the village! Rain or shine. Hours vary by business; generally 10am – 5pm.

The Harbor Island International Beer Festival is on October 3, 2015 from noon-5pm. More than 150 breweries will be present, offering over 300 beers from around the world. There will be food vendors, live music, and seminars about beer.

The Chappaqua Children's Book Festival, October 3, 2015, 10am-4pm at Bell Middle School in Chappaqua. More than 80 renowned children's book authors and illustrators will be participating. 

The 12th annual Stone Barns Harvest Fest, October 3, 2015 10am-3pm. Festivities for the whole family include hands-on farming and food activities, live music, a food and farm market with delicious seasonal fare, a turkey parade, hayrides and more.

New City Street Fair, Sunday October 4th 10am-5pm on Main Street in New City. The festivities include a beer garden, rides, vendors, arts and crafts, food, and fun for the family.  

Ossining Chalk It Up Festival, Sunday October 4th 10am-2pm. Enjoy a day of music, crafts and food alongside amateur and professional artists painting Ossining’s Main and Spring Street sidewalks. Sponsored by the Village of Ossining’s Downtown Events Committee.

There are several ongoing fall festivities, including the Bear Mountain Oktoberfest, the Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze, and numerous fall events in Sleepy Hollow. Also see our list of Halloween haunted houses, and list of u-pick farms and fall festivals in the Hudson Valley.

Things to Do in Orange and Ulster County, October 2-4, 2015

The Woodstock Film Festival has already started, and will run through October 4, 2015. There are movie screenings throughout the Hudson Valley, and also conversations with directors and movie discussions. The opening night movie is "Remember" by Atom Egoyan, on October 1, 2015.

On the first Friday on every month, downtown Goshen hosts its Goshen Arts Walk. You can walk from business to business, enjoying local artwork and refreshments. Friday, October 2 from 6pm-9pm.

The Bethel Woods Wine Festival, October 3, from 11am-4pm. More than twenty regional wineries from the Hudson Valley and Finger Lake regions with gather at the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts. Talk to vintners, sample wines and food, and enjoy live music.

Heart of the Hudson Valley Bounty Festival, October 3 at the Cluett Schantz Memorial park in Milton, NY. Enjoy this day long event showcasing agricultural heritage and businesses. There will be farm cuisine competition, wine, crafts, entertainment, and kids fair.

Walden Harvest Fest, October 3rd, 2015. There will be over 100 craft vendors, dozens of food vendors, music and entertainment all day, children's carnival, pie eating contest, and more.

Village of Wallkill "Vision of Wallkill" Celebration, October 2-4, 2015. The activities include parades, sidewalk sale, a walk on the rail trail, bouncy house, live music, dog costume contest, and more. 

One of the largest events this weekend is the Warwick Applefest, Sunday October 4, 2015. The Applefest began in 1989, and is named one of the "Top 100 Events" in the country, with over 30,000 visitors attending. There will be over 200 craft vendors, dozens of food vendors, music and entertainment on several stages, children's carnival, farmers' market, and more.

Things to Do in Putnam and Dutchess County, October 2-4, 2015

The Rhinebeck Arts Festival, October 2-4, 2015 at the Dutchess Fairgrounds in Rhinebeck. Enjoy art and crafts from over 200 artists, live music, interactive art experiences, gourmet specialty foods, and more.

15th annual Tivoli Street Street Painting Festival, October 3, 2015. Artists can register and receive free boxes of pastels and choose their square on a first come, first choice basis. There will be live music during the festival.

Shadows on the Hudson and Mill House Brewery will hold the Riverfront Oktoberfest at Shadows Marina in Poughkeepsie on October 3 from noon-6pm. Feast on traditional German food and enjoy draft beer, and enjoy live music.

Visit the sixth annual St. James Historic Graveyard Tours that are offered on Friday and Saturday nights, October 2-24, 2015. The St. James' Historic Graveyard is over 200 years old, and is located across from the Vanderbilt Mansion in Hyde Park. 

Town of Lagrange Fall Harvest Festival, Sunday October 4, 2015 11am-4pm at Freedom Park. There will be music by the Harvest Band Crafters, food vendors, petting zoo, inflatables, kid’s activity, Halloween costume parade, hay rides & fall fun!

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Women in Larchmont know and love Pink on Palmer, a popular beauty and cosmetics store that (yes!) is located right on Palmer Avenue. Owner Judy Graham sat down with us to talk about Pink on Palmer, family and what makes a woman beautiful!

Judy’s career path first began in education, as an instructor in Central Michigan University. She and her husband are originally from Michigan. When he was transferred to New York, she stayed at home with their two daughters.

Her older daughter Abbie inspired her to develop a new career in retail business. Abbie had been working at a local store in Rye before going off to school and when she left, she encouraged her mom to take her job. Judy did and she loved it! Abbie now works for her Mom’s successful stores at the Rye PINK store.

Judy is a proud Mom and Grandma. She talks all the time about her older daughter, Abbie Durkin (mother of grandsons Graham and Archie). Judy also has another daughter Chrissie who lives in Cape Town, South Africa. Chrissie works for Mothers 2 Mothers, a non-profit organization that focuses on expecting mothers with the Aids virus. “I am so proud of both of my girls,” Judy says.

Can you please share a bit about the history of Pink on Palmer?

Pink on Palmer opened nearly 14 years ago after I had managed a similar store in Rye. I decided to strike out on my own. Never at the time did I imagine I would end up opening more stores.

Pink on Palmer has become a popular go-to beauty & cosmetics store in Larchmont. What products do women seem to always love?

There are two products that we sell more of than anything else. Devachan, hair products for people with curly hair, and Mario Badescu drying lotion (better known as the pimple cream).

Why did you select Larchmont for your location? Do most of your customers come from Larchmont or work in the area?

Again, my daughter was very involved in the location. At the time she lived in Larchmont and when she saw this spot, she called and said I had to lease this space. And it has turned out to be a great location.

Most of our customers are residents and people who work in Larchmont, but we draw from New Rochelle, Pelham, and Mamaroneck.

Summer is a time when every woman wants to look her best but heat and humidity is a real challenge. What beauty and cosmetics products do you recommend for a fresh & beautiful look?

For summer, I highly recommend self-tanners and sunscreen. The number one factor in aging skin is sun damage, so protecting your skin is not only a protection against cancer, but also aging.

Self-tanners have come a long way. They don't turn you orange and nor do they smell. I love Dr. Gross Skincare Glotion for body (a gradual self-tanner with a nice citrus scent) and Kiehls self-tanner for faster results.

Your regular customers know there is a dog bowl in front of the store, offering fresh water and you also give free dog treats. What inspired you to start doing this?

I used to bring my dogs to the store so that is probably what started it. I love dogs and have always rescued my dogs. Larchmont has a strong Pet Rescue group, and lots of residents have rescued animals.

You also have a Pink store in Rye and other stores in Westchester too. Can you tell us a bit about them?

After a few years, my daughter Abbie left her job in the City and started working with me. We brought in some accessories into PINK and did really well with them. So Abbie really wanted to open an accessory store. So we did! A space right next to PINK opened up five years ago so we started Clutch.

I have always wanted to get into Rye but waited for the right space. Oddly enough, the space where I first worked was going out of business and we took that space this January. After a major renovation we opened the end of April and we love being in Rye.

What do you think is the secret to being a beautiful woman?

Beauty, I believe, really does come from within. Kindness, humor, graciousness -- those are the ingredients for beauty not makeup. That said, I do think we feel better about ourselves when we look and feel our best. So spending a little time taking care of ourselves is time well spent.

What beauty & cosmetics products do you have in your purse right now?

I always have two lip-glosses in my purse -- one pink and one orange. And my little rollerball perfume Kai (gardenia scent) because it makes me happy!

Where do you love to eat, shop & entertain in Larchmont and throughout Westchester?

Now that I have grandsons, I go to Millers Toys and The Toy Box, both in Mamaroneck. Love them both! I don't need to do a lot of shopping since I can get pretty much all I need from our stores.

For dinner I just love the old world charm and service at Lusardis in Larchmont. Going out with the grandkids - Buddha in the Rye Ridge Shopping Center or Rye Bar and Grill- both very kid friendly.

Pink on Palmer
1907 Palmer Avenue Larchmont, NY 10538
(914) 833-8955
www.pinkonpalmer.com