Enjoy this content as part of Julia B. Fee Sotheby’s Inside The Community series.
With a vibe that is equal parts sophisticated and small-town, Larchmont is one of Westchester’s most coveted areas. Both affable and affluent, Larchmont is renowned for its waterfront locale, charming village, short commute to New York City, and nationally ranked schools. At just 1.1 square miles, the village is tiny, but packs a big punch: shops, eateries, culture, parks, and the Long Island Sound are all at residents’ fingertips.
The picturesque community — which boasts seascape views of the harbor dotted with sailboats and gorgeous waterfront walking paths — draws homebuyers from across Westchester and New York City, making for a lively mix of residents. Houses in the area are varied as well, with everything from stately Victorians to elegant Colonials, charming cedar-shingled Cape Cods, and modern, new construction homes existing harmoniously.
Here are some of the best things to eat, buy, see, and do in Larchmont:
Dining
Lusardi’s
1885 Palmer Ave; lusardislarchmont.com
A neighborhood favorite with two decades of history in Larchmont, Lusardi’s offers some of the county’s best Mediterranean food. Fresh, simple, and perfectly-prepared, the menu at Lusardi’s is as authentic as it gets, full of classic pastas (the cacio e pepe is a star!) and well-loved Italian entrees, while seasonal dishes and daily specials keep diners coming back for something new. A warm and inviting ambience, plus an outdoor dining section complete with heaters, make this a great choice for year-round fare.
Stanz Cafe
26 Chatsworth Ave; stanzcafelarchmont.com
Elevated fast casual is the draw at Stanz Café, a newer addition to the dining scene that brings the all-day-café trend to Larchmont. Expect classic yet intricate breakfast and lunch options, plus a beverage program that includes a wide variety of coffees as well as beer, wine, and house-crafted drinks. Stanz is famed for its buttermilk Belgian waffles and pancakes, and regulars swear by the Southern-style grits with cheese and bacon, and multiple omelet varieties. Its Insta-friendly brick wall with illuminated Larchmont sign and overall farm-to-fork vibe make it a fun and popular spot.
Parks and Recreation
Manor Park and Beach
larchmontmanorpark.com
Often thought of as Larchmont’s most famous asset, Manor Park and Manor Beach offer unrivaled waterfront views, allowing visitors to enjoy the natural beauty of the Long Island Sound and its shoreline. Walking paths and benches make it easy for exploring the 5,000 feet of shoreline — and a pitstop photo-opp at the well-known gazebo is a must-do. With 13 acres in total, Manor Park also boasts a wide variety of trees and shrubs, a broad lawn, and glacial rock formations, as well as the historic Fountain Square and Manor Beach, open to Larchmont residents only.
Shopping
J Anderson’s Books
96 Chatsworth Ave; jandersonsbooks.com
Operating since 1946, J Anderson’s Books is Larchmont’s oldest independent book store and a beloved community institution that just recently reopened under new ownership. In addition to classics and the latest best-sellers, the store is known for its large children’s section. Community gatherings and author events frequently take place in the expanded event space in the back of the store, making J Anderson’s a friendly and welcoming place to browse, shop, and mingle with fellow book-lovers.
Village Mercantile
28 Chatsworth Ave; www.village-mercantile.com
You might just want to purchase everything in this delightfully curated lifestyle store run by a former Vogue editor and long-time Westchester resident. The boutique offers thoughtfully made products for home, gifting, entertaining, baby, and self-care. Emphasis is placed on goods from emerging brands and vendors, especially those which are also local, small businesses, or women-owned. Like an upscale, modern-day general store, Village Mercantile is a great place to stock up on unique items such as wooden serving bowls, luxurious scented candles, artisan soaps, and handmade jewelry.
Historical
Fountain Square
Manor Park, larchmontmanorpark.com
Located within the Larchmont Manor neighborhood, Fountain Square is home to a large bronze statue of a mermaid, aptly named The Mermaid’s Cradle. A fun site to visit, the statue also has a surprising history: its creator is Harriet Hosmer, who is counted by many as the first American female sculptor. Hosmer, a Massachusetts native, defied conventions of the time in pursuing the arts in Rome and was drawn to sculpting powerful female mythological subjects. She crossed paths in Rome in the late1890s with wealthy Larchmont resident Helena Flint, who commissioned Hosmer to create The Mermaid’s Cradle in bronze in honor of her late father, who helped originate Larchmont Manor. The sculpture was installed in Fountain Square in 1894, where it has remained as a destination to visit — and a testament to strong-willed women.
