North of the Noise Issue 3

Westchester Dining News & Real Estate

From real estate to restaurants, and everything in between—discover Westchester each month through the eyes of a foodie, former Westchester Magazine editor-in-chief, and now your neighborhood realtor. Each issue dishes on what’s new in the county dining scene, real estate market news, what to see and do, and more. It’s your insider guide to living and dining well, north of the noise.

                                      914 TO DO

Where the Great Pumpkin Really Rises

Let’s face it, that thumbsucker Linus was looking in the wrong patch.

Beyond ogling the pretty gourds and taking your Insta shots, there are also flying ghosts, fall treats and even a speakeasy.

Duck! Lest the Headless Horseman throw his fiery pumpkin head at you…

The Statue of Liberty is on view at the Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze at Van Cortlandt Manor in Croton-on-Hudson.

One of the best parts of living in Westchester is that we don’t have to travel far to experience one of the country’s top Halloween traditions. The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze  at Van Cortlandt Manor in Croton-on-Hudson lights up the season with more than 7,000 hand-carved pumpkins. This year’s new displays include New York landmarks, classic video game icons, and even a Wizard of Oz hillside—plenty of reasons to go back even if you’ve been before. The Blaze runs through November 16, with fun extras like the Gourd & Goblet Tavern and the new Headless Horseman’s Hideaway. And just down the road, Sleepy Hollow and Tarrytown bring Washington Irving’s tale to life with live performances, ghostly magic shows, and the new Twilight Village at Philipsburg Manor. We’re lucky to have all of this in our backyard—tickets go fast, so check out hudsonvalley.org.

Blaze Photos: Tom Nycz for Historic Hudson Valley 

Fall Foliage Meets Seasonal Sips

There’s nothing quite like autumn in the Hudson Valley—the crunch of leaves underfoot, bursts of color across the landscape, and the crisp air that makes a local craft drink taste even better. This season, why not pair your leaf-peeping adventures with a stop along the Westchester Craft Beverage Trail? Each of these destinations offers the perfect mix of outdoor beauty and nearby brews or ciders, making for a memorable day trip close to home.

A few favorites to explore:

Sleepy Hollow Cemetery → Bridge View Tavern (15 min. walk/5 min. drive)
Stroll historic grounds, then enjoy tavern fare and river views.

Enjoy a nature escape in Tarrytown, then end the day with stylish craft beers at Captain Lawrence. Photo by Enormous Creative.

Teatown Lake Reservation → Thompson’s Cider Mill (10 min. walk)
Hike through lakefront foliage (pictured left, photo courtesy Teatown), then reward yourself with freshly pressed cider or a microbrew.

Croton Gorge Park → Croton Tapsmith (4 min. drive) See the stunning waterfall, then share wood-fired pizza and pints.

Untermyer Gardens → Yonkers Brewing Company (10 min. drive)
Marvel at gardens in full color, then relax with house drafts and live events.

Blue Mountain Park → River Outpost Brewing Co. (6 min. drive)
Explore rugged trails, then cozy up in a taproom overlooking the Hudson.

Tarrytown Lakes Park → Captain Lawrence Brewing Co. (5 min. drive)
Wander wooded trails, then visit the Hudson Valley’s largest craft brewery.

Ossining Parks → Sing Sing Kill Brewery (10 min. walk/3 min. drive)
Follow a scenic gorge walk, then sip sustainable, community-made brews.

Graham Hills Park → Soul Brewing Company (30 min. walk/4 min. drive)
Family-friendly trails followed by small-batch pours in Mount Kisco.

Cranberry Lake Preserve → Wolf & Warrior Brewing Co. (12 min. drive)

Whether you’re planning a date, a family outing, or just some solo time in nature, these pairings are an excellent way to celebrate the season.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

                                       REAL ESTATE LISTINGS

$5,500,000

196 Furnace Dock Road, Cortlandt Manor

Jackie Gleason’s UFO House Lands Back on the Market

Sitcom legend Jackie Gleason—best known for The Honeymooners—wasn’t just a TV icon, he was also a space enthusiast with a taste for the extraordinary. His Cortlandt Manor estate, designed to resemble a flying saucer, is now on the market for $5.5 million and has 5 bedrooms, 6 baths, and 7,000 square feet of Frank Lloyd Wright meets The Jetsons.

Just an hour north of New York City and set on nearly nine acres, the property features three distinct buildings: the circular copper-roofed “mothership” home, a spaceship-inspired guest cottage, and a 1930s stone colonial known as “The Barracks.”

Gleason commissioned architect Robert Cika, a student of Frank Lloyd Wright, to bring his mid-century modern vision to life. Built in 1959, the home took five years to complete and was prefabricated in an airplane hangar by a Scandinavian shipbuilder.  Gleason spared no expense—he even purchased an Italian marble quarry to ensure enough stone for the interiors, flying artisans across the Atlantic to complete the work. His celebrity guests are rumored to have included Frank Sinatra, Joe DiMaggio, Marilyn Monroe, and Richard Nixon for his late-night parties.

The result is one of Westchester’s most unique and storied residences—a piece of both architectural and pop culture history, now awaiting its next star-struck owner.

Pictured: the Jetsons family would be right at home in the living room and kitchen (where’s Rosie the Robot?).

Photos Source: Zillow

$1,950,000

27 Dingle Ridge Road, South Salem

Stanley Tucci’s Former Northern Westchester Retreat For Sale

The 2.3-acre property features lush gardens, mature trees, a heated pool, and a barn with guest quarters or studio space.

A rare mix of history, style, and celebrity flair, this 4-bedroom, 3.5-bath Colonial Farmhouse in North Salem was once home to acclaimed actor (and foodie) Stanley Tucci. At its heart is the chef’s kitchen Tucci designed himself, outfitted with high-end appliances and flowing into the dining room, family room, and sunken living room with fireplace—perfect for entertaining. French doors lead to a wraparound porch. Offering privacy yet close to local shops and dining, it’s a home that blends charm, sophistication, and a dash of Hollywood history.

Photos Source: Zillow

Garlic Knots You Won’t Share

At most pizza spots, garlic knots feel like an afterthought—scraps of dough brushed with a little oil and sprinkled with dried herbs. Not at Amore in Katonah. Here, they’re somebody’s baby: big, pillow-y twists of dough drenched in ribbons of garlicky olive oil that seep into every soft fold. Served warm, they’re as crave-worthy as the pizza itself. If you think you know garlic knots, Amore will have you rethinking—and reaching for just one more. These are my pick for the premier garlic knots in the county. If you know of a worthy rival, LMK. And know their pizza are as good a representation of a New York pie as it gets in Northern Westchester.