Not only do Christmas and Hanukkah coincide this year but the holidays fall in such a way that many companies are giving Monday as the "holiday"day off. With New Year's also falling on a Sunday, manyworkers have a rarity in their schedule: Two Mondays off in a row.
The staff here at The Journal News/lohud are no different — we also have two Mondays free (but don't worry, there will be journalists in the newsroom throughout the holidays) — so we decided to share our plans for the time off.
LIGHTS:Tour these 11 dazzling holiday light displays
SKATING:Where to ice skate in Rockland, Westchester, Putnam and beyond
NYC: Last chance for holiday store windows: A guide
NYC:10 must-do holiday experiences
From hiking and biking totacos and wolves, here are our recommendations for what to do on your free Mondays:
Check out Untermeyer's Illuminations
I plan to finally head to Yonkers to check out Untemyer Park’s Illuminations. The historic walled garden has been beautifully lit to highlight the amazing architectural elements, views of the Hudson and its gardens. The lights are only on through Jan. 9, from dusk until 8 p.m. 945 N. Broadway, Yonkers, untermyergardens.org.
—Karen Croke, Community Content Editor
Visit a wolf sanctuary
My plan is to take my kids to visit the Wolf Conservation Center in South Salem. The organization is having a "holiday howl" on Dec. 26, where we can watch the wolves "tear open" their presents. http://nywolf.org
— Jordan Fenster, Storytelling Coach
Ride the Marshlands
If the weather is warm enough and the kids are stir crazy, we like to get out for a walk to burn off some energy. One favorite spot is the Marshlands Conservancy in Rye, where you can stroll down an open field or through the woods to great views on the water at Milton Harbor. For a larger park and longer walk, the gorgeous Greenwich Point Park (also known as Tod's Point) in Greenwich, Connecticut is open to non-residents in the off-season. Marshlands is at 220 Boston Post Road, Rye; Greenwich Point Park — which also allows dogs in the winter — is at the end of Shore Road in Greenwich.
— Liz Anderson, Breaking News Editor
Ski up north
I'll be in Vermont, skiing at Mad River Glen and staying on the mountain at the White Plains Ski Club, located on Schuss Pass. madriverglen.com, whiteplainssskiclub.org
— David McKay Wilson, Tax Watch Columnist
Go to the zoo
People too often think of outdoor activities as off-limits during the winter months, but my wife and I like to take our two girls to the Bronx Zoo a couple times every winter. It's one of the best zoos in the world and is just a short drive from home. You'll usually find the park pretty empty during winter months, especially on weekdays. Sure, you won't find every animal in its enclosure, but the ones who are can be seen much more easily by little ones than when the crowds are bustling during warmer months. And if nothing else, the Bronx Zoo has plenty of smooth, wide paths for a walk on a brisk, sun-splashed winter day. Also, did I mention it's empty? Winter hours are 10 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. 2300 Southern Blvd., Bronx, https://bronxzoo.com.
— Josh Thomson, Sports Reporter/Columnist
Watch a locally filmed show
I plan to catch up on Sarah Jessica Parker’s HBO series “Divorce,” which was shot all around Westchester County last year. I missed the last several episodes because I’ve been working a breaking news shift on Sunday nights, so I’m looking forward to seeing how the series wraps up!
— Kimberly Redmond, Education Reporter
Winter Wonderland at Kensico Dam
Now that I have the time, I plan to finally make the trip to Westchester’s Winter Wonderland at Kensico Dam Plaza. This year’s event will be held under a circus-style “big top” tent, with longer shows, in addition to the 2 million plus lights, holiday music, food, shopping, ice skating, rides and attractions including circus performers, carolers and story tellers. Event runs on select dates through Jan. 2. 1 Bronx River Parkway Road, Valhalla, wwinterwonderland.com
— Michelle Almonte, Community Content Specialist
Ride the Hudson trails
The weather looks mild from the forecast, so that means I will likely bike or hike one of the area's many trails. If I bike, I likely will course through upper Bergen County, N.J., into Rockland's open roads. If I hike, a good chance I will do so along one of the Hudson River trails.
— Frank Scandale, Investigations Editor
The Cloisters
If all goes as planned, I'll be at one of my favorite places: The Cloisters, the Metropolitan Museum of Art's castle of artifacts near Fort Tryon Park, north of the George Washington Bridge. The collection is staggering, from actual cloisters — covered passageways from centuries ago France — to tapestries to altar pieces. The setting is magnificent, a castle overlooking the Hudson. 99 Margaret Corbin Drive, New York, NY 10040. 212-923-3700. Open 10 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Closed Christmas Day and New Year's Day. www.metmuseum.org.
— Peter D. Kramer, Reporter
Boscobel gardens
I plan to take a scenic drive up to Boscobel House and Gardens in Garrison. The daytime holiday guided tours of its majestic grounds and elegant rooms along with stories of early 19-century Yuletide traditions will be a treat for the whole family. Visit 10-3 p.m. daily until Dec. 31, (except Tuesday). Visit boscobel.org for tickets and more information. 1601 Route 9D, Garrison.
— Karen Roberts, Reporter
Tacos in Port Chester
I love the chance to ditch my car anytime I can, so a favorite hangout of mine is Port Chester near the train station and the movie theater. Grab a duck taco (they're gluten-free) at bartaco, a co*cktail at McShane's or a grilled pizza and beer at Coals before the show. North Main Street and Westchester Avenue.
— Anjanette Delgado, Digital Director
Play some tennis
I'll spend part of the afternoon playing platform tennis with my wife and some friends. Invented in Scarsdale in the 1930s, platform tennis is a popular winter activity in Westchester County and elsewhere across the northeast. There are at 10 public platform tennis facilities in Westchester, which you can find listed on the website of the American Platform Tennis Association, www.platformtennis.org.
— Leif Skodnick, Sports Editor
Take a drive
The Lower Hudson Valley has plenty of beautiful highways. Highways that are all almost always jam-packed with traffic, offering more stress than scenery. But the good part about the holiday season is there’s a whole lot less traffic on roads like the Taconic or the Bronx River Parkway. Strange as it may sound, driving with no particular destination in mind, or even taking the long way, has always relaxed me. So when family starts getting grating, I’ll probably hit the road.
— Matt Coyne, Reporter
Quaint downtown
We’ll be driving back down to Westchester from the Syracuse area, so we’ll likely go the longer route to make a few Hudson Valley stops along the way. One of our favorites? Rhinebeck. Great restaurants, unique boutiques and a quaint, walkable downtown.
— Jennifer Robinson, Beat Development Coach; David Robinson, Health Care Reporter
Listen to some vinyl
As someone who recently returned to listening to vinyl albums after a 25-year digital break, I hope to visit a record store in the Lower Hudson. I know of a few shops that lovers of analog music, or at least nostalgia, might want to check out (but call first to get holiday hours): Clockwork Records, 24 Main Street, Hastings 914-478-0241; Kiam Records Shop, 95 Main St., Nyack 845-353-5426; Bruised Apple Books and Music, 923 Central Ave., Peekskill (914-734-7000); and the just-opened Big Jim's Records, 3199 Albany Post Road, Room #124, Buchanan (914-645-9106). Big Jim's boasts the best selection of concert posters on the East Coast.
— Gary Stern, Engagement Editor
Hike the area
The day after Christmas I'll be meeting up with a group of friends from Westchester and Rockland counties for a 5 -mile hike through the Rockefeller State Park Preserve. The Rockefeller family's former estate spans Sleepy Hollow, Pleasantville and Briarcliff Manor. We’ll follow the Overlook Trail, circle Swan Lake and climb up Brothers’ Path leading onto the Stone Barns property, passing through pastureland where cows graze near the renowned restaurant. On the way back we’ll cross Sleepy Hollow Road and climb the Eagle Hill Trail for views of the Hudson River and the new Tappan Zee Bridge. Along the way we might catch a glimpse of horses, or even a horse-drawn carriage along the carriage roads running through the 1,600-acre preserve.
— Robert Brum, Rockland Columnist and Editor
Train show
I've wanted to go to the Botanical Gardens holiday train show for many years and plan to finally do so. This is the 25th edition. Tracks stretch nearly half a mile and run by miniature versions of 150 New York City landmarks. Online ticket purchases are ongoing with some sites offering discounts. The Botanical Gardens site offers tickets for specific dates. Its price range from $18 for kids 2-12 to $30 for adults.
— Nancy Haggerty, Sports Reporter
Tibbetts Brook Park
I like to spend my time off walking the trails at my favorite Westchester County Park, Tibbetts Brook Park in Yonkers. It's not too far from where I live and its a great escape from urban living. The lakes and woodland areas are teeming with wildlife, so remember to bring a camera and capture the beauty of nature.
— Mark Vergari, Visual Journalist
Catch a film
I will go to the noon screening of the new Star Wars "Rogue One" at Showcase Cinema de Lux at Ridge Hill in Yonkers. There are also screenings Monday at 3:15, 6:30 and 9:45. After the movie I'm walking to the nearby Elevation Burger for their signature hamburger consisting of two organic, grass-fed, free-range beef patties. The restaurant is open from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. The plain version of that burger contains 510 calories, but since it's a holiday I'm having mine with mayo, cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato and some jalapenos. I'm not doing the calorie math. Elevation Burger, 228 Market St., Yonkers
— Ernie Garcia, staff writer
Slam dunk tourney
I plan to watch some of the area's best high school basketball teams play in the annual Slam Dunk Tournament at the Westchester County Center. The home of the Westchester Knicks is renowned for hosting this holiday hoops bonanza, which features two boys games and three girls games on Monday, Dec. 26. The tournament runs through Thursday, Dec. 29. Tickets are $5 for the day. 198 Central Ave., White Plains, countycenter.biz.
— Matt Spillane, Reporter
Play some indoor golf
Were you lucky enough to get that new set of golf clubs you asked for? Can’t wait until spring to put them into play? Centennial Golf Club in Carmel has an indoor swing studio. Go take a lesson. They keep the thermostat set at 70 degrees all winter. Call the pro shop to schedule, 845-225-5700. 189 John Simpson Road.
— Mike Dougherty, Sports Reporter
The beach in winter
I love Playland and Rye Town Park's Oakland beach in the winter. The Long Island Sound view is still gorgeous and the cold bracing. You can walk the Playland pier and boardwalk and continue into Rye Town Park next door. Dogs can frolic on the Playland beach off-season. And if you like to ice skate, the Playland Ice Casino has public skating sessions on both Dec. 26 and Jan. 2. http://www.playlandice.com/ Playland, 1 Playland Parkway, Rye, http://ryeplayland.org Rye Town Park, 95 Dearborn Ave., Rye, http://www.townofryeny.com
— Michael G. Meaney, Web Producer/Audience Analyst
Take a run
I plan to go for a long run, probably around Kensico Dam so that I can get in some hill work. There always are a lot of runners and walkers at the dam and it will be festive there, making the workout even more rewarding! After that, I'll clean myself up and check out the new Barnes and Noble in Eastchester.
— Traci Bauer, Executive Editor
Walk across the bridge
After two days of festivities, I’ll be ready for a long hike outdoors. I’m fortunate to live in Croton-on-Hudson, where there are renowned hiking trails, including along the Croton and Hudson rivers. On Monday, I’ll head on foot to Westchester County’s 500-acre Croton Point Park, for my favorite 5-mile hike, which provides unobstructed vistas of both rivers, glimpses of bird- and wildlife and wide, open space guaranteed to clear the mind of holiday overload. Next Monday, I’ll head into New York City to meander through the Lower East Side and walk across the Williamsburg Bridge. Unlike the more popular and crowded Brooklyn Bridge, Williamsburg has separate lanes for bicyclists and runners/walkers, which makes for a more relaxed walk. From Grand Central, take the Lexington Avenue No. 6 train downtown to Canal Street, which will put you in the heart of Chinatown. Wend your way a mile or so along Delancey Street toward the bridge. The trip across is 1.2 miles. Once in Williamsburg, grab a restorative lunch (I recommend Diner, at 85 Broadway, http://dinernyc.com, which is open on Mondays), and, after poking through some neighborhood shops, hop on the Marcy Avenue M train to 42nd Street/Bryant Park for a short walk to Grand Central.
— Mary Dolan, News Director
See the lights
In my recent phone interview with Michael Bruno of Tuxedo Hudson Company, he told me about holiday lights that his company installed along the Route 17 corridor between Sloatsburg and Tuxedo. I’m hoping to drive by the area to take a look at the display.
— Akiko Matsuda, Reporter
Have a good breakfast
I'm going to take my wife and two daughters to breakfast at The Original Pancake House on Hamilton Avenue in White Plains. I'll have basic scrambled eggs and bacon and they'll have fancy omelets. And while all of my girls are teasing each other and laughing and arguing over silly stuff, I'll watch and smile and be happy that we're all together.
— Rich Liebson, Reporter
Get some history
Museum of the City of New York is worth a visit, particularly its exhibit "NY At Its Core: 400 Years of NYC History" The museum is at 1220 Fifth Ave. (at East 103rd Street) in Manhattan and is open 10 am to 6 pm both Mondays. Go to http://www.mcny.org/nyatit*core for more information and to buy tickets in advance.
— Jonathan Bandler, Reporter
Hike around Bear Mountain
If the weather is fair, I plan to hike Cold Spring's Breakneck Ridge or Popolopen Torne, just across the Bear Mountain Bridge. While these are two of the more challenging mountains in the area, there are plenty of trails in the Lower Hudson Valley for residents can try, such as Buttermilk Falls County Park and Blue Mountain Reservation.
— Dan Reiner, Reporter
Catch a Christmas movie
The Jacob Burns Film Center in Pleasantville will be showing Frank Capra's 1946 classic "It's A Wonderful Life" all week beginning on Christmas Day. It's one of those holiday films we've all seen a dozen times, but there's nothing like seeing it on the big screen. I plan to be there for the Dec. 26 showing. The theater is at 364 Manville Road, and showtimes are at noon. https://burnsfilmcenter.org
— Jorge Fitz-Gibbon, Investigative Reporter
Hopefully don’t shovel snow
Two Mondays off in a row is surely a rare occurrence. My first day off following Christmas is booked: I will cross the Delaware River into Pennsylvania to spend it with family, some of whom are traveling to the East Coast from the far-flung state of California. I expect the day to include laughter and delicious food. I foresee starting the first Monday of 2017 by drinking good coffee and eating homemade waffles, using the afternoon to catch up on reading, and possibly ending the day imbibing a few tipples with friends at a local, nondescript bar. What I hope is not added to my things-to-do list is shoveling out my car from several inches of snow.
— Michael D'Onofrio, Rockland County Reporter
Eat some pizza
The new pizza joint in White Plains, Pizzeria Veloce, would be a good place to try after a holiday weekend of cooking and cleaning! They are located at 19 Court Street and open Monday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., http://www.pizzeriaveloce.com
— Colleen Wilson, Education Reporter
Afternoon tea service, anyone?
I plan to visit Kathleen's Tea Room in Peekskill with my family for an afternoon tea service. I have a weakness for cucumber finger sandwiches and scones paired with Darjeeling Tea, so I'm looking forward to it! Kathleen's offers more than 60 types of tea from around the world. They're open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., at 979 Main Street., Peekskill, kathleenstroom.com
— Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy, Engagement Editor
