Day Trip: Exploring Katonah
A fun outing with old school shopping, live music and a fabulous art museum.
The baker wipes her hands on a flour-covered denim apron and waits for my order. I can’t decide which sandwich to take. She chooses for me, and hands over a long, crispy baguette with ham and cheese slathered with butter. We find a seat at the red cafe table on the sidewalk outside, under an umbrella which protects from the light drizzle. I take a bite. She chose wisely.
I am in Katonah, NY. Even though I live not that far away in Irvington, and I’ve been to the Katonah Art Museum plenty of times, I never spent time in the actual town. So, on a rainy day in June, when we had tickets to a Divining Rod concert at Caramoor, my husband, a couple of friends and I decided to turn it into a full day and explore as much as we could…
Early Yayoi Kusama works at The Katonah Museum of Art
Katonah Museum of Art
This is a small but very impactful museum space, with shows that are always sophisticated. Even when I know of the artist ahead of time, I always end up learning way more than I anticipated. I have never been disappointed. On an earlier visit, I discovered Bisa Butler, known for her vibrant quilts of African American portraits. Another time, the exhibit featured only female Abstract Expressionists. And, I am always drawn to the Rothko room, a small gallery hidden in the back that rotates in one painting or artwork at a time. It’s my favorite spot to sit down and ignore my phone. We spent about an hour this morning checking out how Joseph Cornell and Yayoi Kusama not only inspired each other but were very good friends. Who knew?
Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts
Next, we made our way to Caramoor, an indoor/outdoor venue that hosts concerts, music festivals, and dance performances in a beautiful setting of more than 90 acres, with gardens and picnic spots scattered throughout. Because of rain, Divining Rod had to move the lunchtime concert to their Venetian Theater, a 1500-seat tented outdoor auditorium. The sound turned out to be phenomenal, and it was super fun to see our friends and neighbors on stage (Divining Rod is a local Irvington band). I can’t wait to go back for the Jazz festival this weekend and just bought tickets to see Mary Carpenter in August. You can check out their upcoming lineup here.
After the show, we walked the grounds, taking time to peer in and out of the gardens. Eventually, we made our way to Katonah Avenue, which is basically the town’s Main Street. We were hungry!
Sandwiches at LMNOP Bakery
LMNOP Bakery
LMNOP Bakery was on everyone’s list when I asked area friends for suggestions. And for good reason! Beyond the aforementioned delicious ham sandwich, they are churning out freshly baked goods all day long from their upstairs kitchen – cacio & pepe kale scones, basil mint pound cake and many kinds of sourdough loaves. Make sure to take home a scone for tomorrow’s breakfast.
Charles’s Department Store
After lunch, we wandered in and out of the shops. Charles’s is an old fashioned department store that sells clothing, footwear and modern housewares. I bought a new French press, since mine broke earlier that morning (don’t you wish it was easier to get glass replacements?). There was a good variety of Chilewhich placemats, Birkenstocks in every color and a ton of Patagonia.
Kellog & Lawrence
A 135-year old hardware store with so many items you didn’t know you needed. Besides typical hardware store stuff, they sell pet supplies, hydroflasks and puzzles. You will find SillyPutty next to DeWalt Drills or Men’s polos next to Weber grills. It called to mind the Olson’s General Store from Little House on the Prairie, with all the little wooden drawers lining the walls. True one-stop shopping.
Wild Fig Flower Shop
Wild Fig Flower Shop The space is jam-packed with beautifully-arranged bouquets. There is definitely a very talented and creative artist at work here. I wanted to buy up every single bunch I could carry, but decided to come back when they wouldn’t get soaked in the rain.
Catherine H.
Many friends swear by this shop for its carefully-edited collection of women's clothing, featuring brands such as Kristensen Du Nord, Fly London and Transit.
Squires
This shop is bursting at the seams with men’s, women’s and kid’s clothes along with a huge selection of shoe brands. It’s sadly the case that most things can be found cheaper online, but if you are looking for old-fashioned personal service and a huge selection, this is the place.
Gather, the home goods shop with a Beachy-meets-Dansish vibe
Gather
I am a sucker for a perfectly-curated modern home goods store, so naturally Gather was calling my name. It’s got a beachy-meets-Danish design vibe inside, making me wistful for our trip to Copenhagen earlier this summer. Minimalist objects from local artisans like jewel-toned glassware, earthy linen napkins in many, many shades, creative porcelain pitchers and hand-dipped beeswax candles.
Ruby Sue
This women's clothing and accessories shop has the same owner as Gather, but features basics with a little extra something. I picked up an Autumn Candle for a friend’s birthday (hope she liked it!).
Katonah Pasta
By the time we got home, I was exhausted from the day's adventure. (Yep, sourcing day trips for our Go Love NY clients is a tough job!). So I was especially relieved we made that last stop into Katonah Pasta to pick up something for dinner. Here, fresh pasta is made everyday for purchase plus a bunch of local restaurants.
Digging into Cavatelli and a simple tomato sauce was a perfect way to end our very full, satisfying and inspiring day in Katonah.
Here are a few more highly recommended spots:
John Jay Homestead
Saturday Farmers Market
The Whitlock
The Blue Dolphin
Katonah Reading Room
Weinstein’s Pharmacy
What else did I miss? Send me an email and let me know!