The area around Larchmont includes many points of historical interest. John Jay, the first chief justice of the Supreme Court and the second governor of New York, hails from the area. In nearby Rye, New York, his boyhood home is open for tours in the summer. In addition, his retirement home in Katonah, about 25 miles north of Larchmont, is open for tours year-round. Another historical figure, Thomas Paine, also lived in the area. His cottage is furnished to reflect life during the Revolutionary War period.
New Rochelle, a few minutes southwest of Larchmont, is home to Glen Island Park, a public beach with boat launching facilities. Some parts of Glen Island Park, which was originally a resort, are listed on the National Registry of Historic Places, including several castles built to be used as a beer garden and restaurant. Walking and biking are available in Westchester County's oldest park, the Bronx River Parkway Reservation. The 13.2-mile-long park, featuring ponds, wooden bridges and a variety of trees, is less than a 10-mile drive southwest of Larchmont.
Museums, galleries, plays and cultural activities abound in the area. With Larchmont's close proximity to New York City, visitors have access to the Big Apple's top-notch culture. Nearer by, the Emelin Theatre in Mamaroneck features musicians, dancing groups and plays from September to June. The Hudson River Valley is rich with historical and cultural significance. Kykuit, the Rockefeller estate, is located here, in the town of Sleepy Hollow, about 20 miles northwest of Larchmont. Visitors can tour the house and view Rockefeller's personal art collection, which includes works by Calder and Picasso. Several tour options are available. Washington Irving's home, Sunnyside, is in Tarrytown, in close proximity to Sleepy Hollow. Tour guides, in period dress, take you through Irving's home and gardens. The facility and exhibits are open from April 1 to December 31.
Playland in Rye, an amusement park with rides, ice skating, swimming, miniature golfing and lake activities, has an unlimited single pricing structure for all activities. Skating and swimming activities are also available at nearby concessions. Playland is open during the summer months only, but the indoor ice rinks remain open year-round.
