Located in the Hudson Valley region, just north of New York City, Westchester County attracts commuters and families looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the metropolis. Here, you’ll find the cities of New Rochelle, Yonkers, White Plains, and Bedford, as well as the Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve. The area offers a mix of things to do and see—from the Rockefeller family’s opulent hilltop estate to kid-friendly attractions such as Playland and the LEGOLAND® Discovery Center.
Westchester County could be considered a year-round destination, and you can enjoy plenty of fun activities in each of the four seasons. In the fall, experience Westchester County's colorful foliage and go apple picking at one of the region's farms or orchards. Festivals and concerts take place throughout the summer, and from May through October, the Wolf Conservation Center invites guests to camp overnight with the animals. Wintertime activities include cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating, and ice fishing.
Westchester County is easily accessible from New York City. Metro-North Railroad, which runs to and from Grand Central Terminal in Manhattan, has three main lines (Hudson, Harlem, and New Haven) that make stops along the east side of the Hudson River. Amtrak, too, serves the county with stops in Yonkers, New Rochelle, and Croton-on-Hudson. By car, you can easily reach the region via I-95. If you plan to explore the area, it’s best to rent a car for convenience, but rideshares are available.
In recent years, Bedford, a quaint little town in Westchester County, has attracted more and more New Yorkers looking for a quick getaway from the city. It features nature preserves, historic homes, and a thriving arts scene. By car, it’s about 1.5 hours from NYC. The closest train station is Mount Kisco, served by Metro-North’s Harlem Line; it is about 20 minutes away.
