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Westchester, Explained 09: Summer Tourism and Why it Matters · This Week in Westchester: The Podcast

• 0:05
  SPEAKER_00: Hi, Westchester.
• 0:07
  SPEAKER_00: I'm Westchester County Government Communications Director Katherine Chaffee.
• 0:11
  SPEAKER_00: And as an extension of This Week in Westchester, the podcast, we welcome you to Westchester Explained.
• 0:17
  SPEAKER_00: On this episode, we're diving into everything that makes summer in Westchester unforgettable, from iconic destinations and waterfront concerts to historic sites, festivals, and more.
• 0:28
  SPEAKER_00: We're joined by Westchester County Tourism and Film Director Natasha Caputo to talk about how tourism drives billions of dollars into the local economy, why visitors from around the world are choosing Westchester, and what residents should make sure to experience in their own backyard this summer.
• 1:00
  SPEAKER_00: This episode is your guide to the summer in Westchester, because this is Westchester Explained.
• 1:07
  SPEAKER_00: Let's begin.
• 1:10
  SPEAKER_00: So I'm here today with the director of tourism and film, Natasha Caputo.
• 1:15
  SPEAKER_00: Natasha, thank you for joining us.
• 1:17
  SPEAKER_00: Thank you for having me.
• 1:19
  SPEAKER_00: Yes, we're so excited to have you.
• 1:20
  SPEAKER_00: You've got a lot going on.
• 1:22
  SPEAKER_00: We do.
• 1:23
  SPEAKER_00: Well, you always have a lot going on.
• 1:25
  SPEAKER_01: I know.
• 1:25
  SPEAKER_01: Well, it's you know what?
• 1:26
  SPEAKER_01: That's the good thing about the job and about Westchester County as a destination.
• 1:31
  SPEAKER_01: Tourism is here to promote and market all of our various hotels, different areas throughout Westchester County, and all good things that are happening to invite our visitors and have our residents invite their family and friends.
• 1:44
  SPEAKER_01: Because this really is a premier spot to come visit and enjoy.
• 1:49
  SPEAKER_00: Well, so that's where I wanted to start because some people might think why does the county have a department of tourism and film?
• 1:55
  SPEAKER_00: But it's actually incredibly important and incredibly needed.
• 1:59
  SPEAKER_00: Tell us why.
• 2:00
  SPEAKER_01: You know, that is a good question, and I get asked that.
• 2:03
  SPEAKER_01: Tourism, um, traveling tourism is an economic engine for the county.
• 2:07
  SPEAKER_01: Uh it brings$2.4 billion of new money into our local economy.
• 2:13
  SPEAKER_01: Uh by the time, it's a lot of money.
• 2:15
  SPEAKER_01: Let's just say that again.
• 2:16
  SPEAKER_01: How much money?
• 2:17
  SPEAKER_01: $2.4 billion.
• 2:19
  SPEAKER_01: Um, and I call it new, it is new money because it's not money that we as residents spend.
• 2:24
  SPEAKER_01: These are visitors, folks that don't live here, that come to Westchester to see an attraction, take a hike, go to one of our wonderful restaurants.
• 2:35
  SPEAKER_01: Um, you know, the diversity of the county goes across all of the different segments, whether it's dining and shopping to our parks and our two bodies of water.
• 2:46
  SPEAKER_01: So it is dollars that help our local economy grow.
• 2:50
  SPEAKER_01: It allows for jobs.
• 2:52
  SPEAKER_01: It's over 20,000 jobs here in Westchester County.
• 2:55
  SPEAKER_01: Uh, we also represent 44% of the visitor spend in the Hudson Valley region.
• 3:01
  SPEAKER_01: So I just have to, you know, New York State is very vast and um beautiful as a destination, made up of 11 vacation regions, and Westchester is part of that Hudson Valley region.
• 3:13
  SPEAKER_01: And I think that leads us into, you know, a great opportunity to promote uh the 250th and the semi-quincentennial with all of our history and heritage here in Westchester.
• 3:24
  SPEAKER_01: Well, that's like the the topic of the moment.
• 3:26
  SPEAKER_00: It is one is talking about Rev 250, and we're absolutely going to get to that.
• 3:31
  SPEAKER_00: But generally speaking, you know, when people think of the Hudson Valley, they think of the fall.
• 3:37
  SPEAKER_00: Leaves are turning, you're on the sound, you're on the river.
• 3:41
  SPEAKER_00: It's this beautiful New York moment.
• 3:44
  SPEAKER_00: Is that the busiest time of the year or is it the summer?
• 3:47
  SPEAKER_00: It is our busiest time of year.
• 3:48
  SPEAKER_01: Okay.
• 3:49
  SPEAKER_01: So it is the fall.
• 3:50
  SPEAKER_01: It's not only the foliage, but it's also our uh, you know, our apples.
• 3:53
  SPEAKER_01: It's also our iconic destinations for the blaze and all things Halloween and Sleepy Hollow and Washington Irvings.
• 4:02
  SPEAKER_01: Um, but there's just, you know, all every season's a good time for us.
• 4:06
  SPEAKER_01: We're leading into the spring now, and our gardens, our historical homes are opening, our arts and cultural, the Lyndhurst and Caramore, all of this new programming that is being curated for Westchester as, you know, a destination and a place to visit.
• 4:25
  SPEAKER_00: So spring summer, what are the more popular destinations aside from Rev 250, which is a special this year?
• 4:33
  SPEAKER_00: But what are the more popular destinations here in the county?
• 4:37
  SPEAKER_01: Well, I I want to lead with really we we started with the fall and historic Hudson Valley uh events in the fall are really big attractions.
• 4:47
  SPEAKER_01: Well, this year now they're really are expanding that um and their properties and launching some new events, um immersive events, immersive experience that I think are just really worthy of, you know, for us to talk about for a little bit.
• 5:02
  SPEAKER_01: So, for example, Rip Van Winkle's journey, um, and starting just in a couple of weeks, tickets are open May 23rd through July.
• 5:10
  SPEAKER_01: It's an outdoor theater experience that's going to bring Irving's most beloved tales really to life with professional costume performers moments.
• 5:20
  SPEAKER_01: And the fun part is you'll have some complimentary beverages and treats.
• 5:23
  SPEAKER_01: Who doesn't love that?
• 5:24
  SPEAKER_01: It's high-value production, really highlighting Irving's lasting legends and stories.
• 5:31
  SPEAKER_01: And I learned something I didn't realize that part of his legacy is that he's father of the American literature, which is a great tie-in to the 250th.
• 5:39
  SPEAKER_01: Yes, you'll see that theme throughout our conversation, tying into it for sure.
• 5:44
  SPEAKER_01: And I think, you know, Hudson Valley's what I call it high-value production really delivers on that visitor experience.
• 5:51
  SPEAKER_01: And for our residents too, um, to take away these and making memories at our iconic historic sites.
• 5:57
  SPEAKER_01: So Phillipsburg Manor has a tea party that's welcoming, Mother's Day tea party, they're doing tea parties Fridays and Sundays.
• 6:06
  SPEAKER_01: Um, and I also think if you haven't been to this beautiful right across the street from Stone Barnes, um, is the Hudson Valley Library.
• 6:14
  SPEAKER_01: And now that's being open to the public with um it's very popular storytelling of a limited run for Poe, you know, an audience with Poe.
• 6:24
  SPEAKER_01: And this is featuring and retelling of four classic Poe tales by professional actors.
• 6:30
  SPEAKER_01: And I think that that is a very unique and intimate experience in how to enjoy our history and heritage here in Westchester.
• 6:37
  SPEAKER_00: Absolutely.
• 6:38
  SPEAKER_00: Now, you had mentioned to me personally a few times this Hudson Valley Library, and I went and got on their mailing list because they have so many incredible events coming up.
• 6:46
  SPEAKER_00: But one thing that I want to make sure that all the listeners know is they don't have to find all of these and find their websites and sign up for their newsletter.
• 6:53
  SPEAKER_00: They can just sign up for your newsletter.
• 6:55
  SPEAKER_01: I really appreciate that.
• 6:56
  SPEAKER_01: Oh, yeah.
• 6:57
  SPEAKER_01: You're really a good tourism partner and an ambassador for us.
• 7:01
  SPEAKER_01: So we have all of this uh event listings and itineraries and things to do on um at visitwestchesterny.com.
• 7:09
  SPEAKER_01: We also have a very curated um and visual and lots of reels on Westchester County Tourism on Instagram.
• 7:17
  SPEAKER_01: And we have a ton of engagements and some good ideas every day, every week there.
• 7:23
  SPEAKER_00: Because it's, you know, even though I live in Westchester, you live in Westchester, this is our home.
• 7:28
  SPEAKER_00: Sometimes on the weekend, you're looking for something to do.
• 7:32
  SPEAKER_01: Absolutely.
• 7:32
  SPEAKER_01: And um, I don't know about you, I think I'm always looking.
• 7:35
  SPEAKER_01: So I'm gonna do with my children, with the kids.
• 7:38
  SPEAKER_01: Um, you know, one of the fun things is we talked, I mentioned the gardens, you know, Caramore in Katona.
• 7:44
  SPEAKER_01: It's so beautiful.
• 7:45
  SPEAKER_01: And has a lot of open space.
• 7:47
  SPEAKER_01: And a lot to do.
• 7:48
  SPEAKER_01: There's so much to do there.
• 7:49
  SPEAKER_01: This year, what they're starting to do now is they're going to have house tours, Fridays and Saturdays, the open house tours, um, which is really very nice to call impromptu.
• 8:00
  SPEAKER_01: You don't have to make a reservation and go in advance and also enjoy their beautiful gardens, bring a picnic, and really spend the day there.
• 8:09
  SPEAKER_00: And they're well, it makes me laugh whenever somebody says care more because a very long time ago, a very young Catherine Chaffee worked at a concession stand there.
• 8:19
  SPEAKER_00: Very long time ago, like high school.
• 8:22
  SPEAKER_00: Anyway, that's um, but it is an incredible space and they have incredible offerings.
• 8:26
  SPEAKER_00: And there are so many just like that here in Westchester.
• 8:29
  SPEAKER_01: I think so.
• 8:30
  SPEAKER_01: You know, I think Lyndhurst is a beautiful spot for us and one of our IKE destinations that, you know, I really encourage everyone to go.
• 8:37
  SPEAKER_01: And and I think that whether again, we love spring teas and visiting our, you know, beautiful historic homes is ideal as well, and this scenic and the vistas.
• 8:47
  SPEAKER_01: And, you know, I can even add in there, it just came to my mind that I think the best sunsets are at Croton Point Park.
• 8:53
  SPEAKER_01: Um you heard it here first.
• 8:55
  SPEAKER_01: That's right.
• 8:55
  SPEAKER_01: And I'm gonna just stick with it.
• 8:57
  SPEAKER_01: You know, the other thing that leads into the summer, which has really been growing, is throughout our different communities, um, we are seeing this productions of music festivals.
• 9:09
  SPEAKER_01: And um, you know, I've traveled, I and um you travel and you go to Europe, and they always have the the the festival, you know, the fiestas and uh in every little town.
• 9:18
  SPEAKER_01: And I think it's so exciting to talk about, you know, launching June 6th is our Rivertown's music festival, and then you have Pleasantville, and you have the Hudson River, you know, festival at Croton.
• 9:28
  SPEAKER_01: So we really are becoming a destination for summer music festivals here in Westchester County.
• 9:34
  SPEAKER_01: And um that's exciting.
• 9:36
  SPEAKER_01: I think it keeps us all here in our own backyards.
• 9:39
  SPEAKER_00: Well, there's nothing better than going to a local concert.
• 9:42
  SPEAKER_00: And a lot of these local concerts have real big bands that come in.
• 9:47
  SPEAKER_01: Well, I think there's a quite the lineup for the Hudson River Music Festival.
• 9:51
  SPEAKER_01: That has a new date.
• 9:53
  SPEAKER_01: It's actually on Father's Day, so um, a good time to start planning.
• 9:57
  SPEAKER_01: That's Sunday, June 21st.
• 9:59
  SPEAKER_01: Um, the Pleasantville Music Festival is July 11th, and it goes right through.
• 10:05
  SPEAKER_01: Capitol Theater, we're talking about music, is celebrating a hundred years.
• 10:08
  SPEAKER_01: They're the best.
• 10:09
  SPEAKER_01: They're the best.
• 10:10
  SPEAKER_01: So the rock and roll.
• 10:11
  SPEAKER_01: Not that we have favorites.
• 10:12
  SPEAKER_00: I shouldn't say that.
• 10:12
  SPEAKER_00: Well, I don't really get favorites, but the Capitol Theater is pretty amazing.
• 10:17
  SPEAKER_00: Okay, sorry.
• 10:18
  SPEAKER_00: No favorites here.
• 10:20
  SPEAKER_01: No.
• 10:20
  SPEAKER_01: Well, you know, and I think it allows having these big events in um, you know, backyard.
• 10:26
  SPEAKER_01: I keep saying it, we're in an extension of I encourage our residents to go out and visit other localities and see, and because we're very diverse, and the four corners of Rochester are diverse.
• 10:38
  SPEAKER_01: I live in northern Westchester, I live in Mount Kisko, and it's a really different experience than you know when I visit a Yonkers in the waterfront there.
• 10:46
  SPEAKER_01: Right.
• 10:46
  SPEAKER_01: So we're very lucky to live in this community.
• 10:48
  SPEAKER_00: We are, we are.
• 10:50
  SPEAKER_00: So um, we can't talk about tourism and we can't talk about the summer without mentioning we have a favorite amusement park, and we have to mention it.
• 10:57
  SPEAKER_00: Well, I was waiting for you to bring it up.
• 10:59
  SPEAKER_01: So what is tell us, tell us, tell us.
• 11:02
  SPEAKER_01: I think we both can talk about that.
• 11:03
  SPEAKER_01: There's much anticipation, a lot of anticipation for the coaster.
• 11:07
  SPEAKER_01: It's opening.
• 11:08
  SPEAKER_01: Yeah, he's coming back.
• 11:09
  SPEAKER_01: He's back.
• 11:10
  SPEAKER_01: He's back.
• 11:11
  SPEAKER_01: And I think all this, you know, I think there's gonna be a mad rush for who the first um I think the first cart of the dragon coaster is already reserved for the county executive.
• 11:22
  SPEAKER_00: Oh my goodness.
• 11:23
  SPEAKER_00: No, but you're right.
• 11:24
  SPEAKER_00: We are um really excited that Playland Amusement Park, you know, when I was a kid, we called it Rye Playland, but it's called Playland Park, um, that it's gonna be back to what we have always known it to be this summer.
• 11:36
  SPEAKER_00: Last summer was um, you know, was challenging, but it was also um just an incredible undertaking by the Parks Department to get that park opened after what the county was handed back.
• 11:48
  SPEAKER_00: Um, and I think last summer was terrific considering what we had to deal with.
• 11:52
  SPEAKER_00: But this summer, those rides are back.
• 11:55
  SPEAKER_00: And our favorite ride, the Dragon Coaster, will be back.
• 11:58
  SPEAKER_00: Um the wood has been replaced, the dragon is new, he's breathing his smoke like he always did.
• 12:04
  SPEAKER_00: And um I can't wait to hear the the clacking of the cars going up the uh, I guess the wood structure or whatever it's officially called again.
• 12:14
  SPEAKER_00: It's gonna be an amazing day and it opens Memorial Day weekend.
• 12:17
  SPEAKER_01: I think, well, you know what?
• 12:19
  SPEAKER_01: It is definitely something that we will promote on visitwestchesterny.com.
• 12:23
  SPEAKER_01: I do, you know, from a we get a lot of questions because it's a great opportunity for intergenerational visits.
• 12:29
  SPEAKER_01: Oh, absolutely.
• 12:30
  SPEAKER_01: With the kitty, that kitty section and the kids and the pool that has been completely redone.
• 12:35
  SPEAKER_01: The beach, tiki bar, yes.
• 12:37
  SPEAKER_01: So it really is.
• 12:38
  SPEAKER_01: Um, and of course, as a tourism person, I encourage everyone to stay and do an overnight at one of our very great hotels that we have.
• 12:45
  SPEAKER_01: And many of our hotels have done complete renovations.
• 12:49
  SPEAKER_01: The Westchester Marriott has been completely renovated, top to bottom.
• 12:53
  SPEAKER_01: Rooms, lobby, new meeting space, new event space.
• 12:56
  SPEAKER_01: I have a wonderful lobby with um some very delicious and high-end cocktails and mocktails.
• 13:02
  SPEAKER_01: Because I do think mocktails are having a moment here in Westchester.
• 13:05
  SPEAKER_01: Did you realize that?
• 13:06
  SPEAKER_00: And I think it's great because you know what, not everyone drinks.
• 13:10
  SPEAKER_00: Not everyone's gonna drink more than one drink.
• 13:12
  SPEAKER_00: And you still want to have something fun and a pretty glass.
• 13:14
  SPEAKER_00: I think it's beautiful.
• 13:16
  SPEAKER_01: I do.
• 13:16
  SPEAKER_01: And I, you know, and I also think it just lends itself when we talk about the diversity and um about just how we offer hospitality, that variety, and that exceptional experience.
• 13:27
  SPEAKER_01: You know, as you know, for tourism, we always say Westchester goes beyond expectations here.
• 13:32
  SPEAKER_00: And it does.
• 13:33
  SPEAKER_01: Um, and I think it really does.
• 13:35
  SPEAKER_01: And and you know, and it's exciting to be part of this uh new podcast here with you, Siries.
• 13:39
  SPEAKER_01: But I also wanted to highlight our outdoors.
• 13:42
  SPEAKER_00: You can let the outdoors for sure.
• 13:44
  SPEAKER_00: But then I want to also talk about all the amazing restaurants here.
• 13:48
  SPEAKER_01: Oh, we may have to do that on a completely separate other than let's put you know what, you and I are both really excited about Food and Wine Festival.
• 13:55
  SPEAKER_01: Yes, we are.
• 13:55
  SPEAKER_01: We are.
• 13:56
  SPEAKER_01: And that is um Tell everybody about that.
• 13:58
  SPEAKER_01: Oh, well, that's a hot ticket.
• 14:00
  SPEAKER_01: I don't um definitely my favorite.
• 14:02
  SPEAKER_01: I don't have favorites, we don't have favorites.
• 14:04
  SPEAKER_01: I think on the party we'll start with the Burger Bash.
• 14:07
  SPEAKER_01: Yes.
• 14:08
  SPEAKER_00: Not a favorite, because we don't have favorites, but also kind of a favorite.
• 14:12
  SPEAKER_01: Well, it's a great opportunity.
• 14:13
  SPEAKER_01: You know what?
• 14:14
  SPEAKER_01: I think what's fun about that is the level of restaurant participations that we see participating with burgers, very um special and new ideas.
• 14:24
  SPEAKER_00: Fancy burgers, but also like cozy, normal burgers that are just in a really great destination, Kensico Dam.
• 14:32
  SPEAKER_00: Which is a perfect summer destination, Kensico Dam.
• 14:35
  SPEAKER_01: And I have to say, is one of the Instagrammable moments that we're seeing on our tourism Instagram page.
• 14:41
  SPEAKER_01: Oh, so you're seeing people want to go there and take pictures?
• 14:43
  SPEAKER_01: Absolutely.
• 14:44
  SPEAKER_01: It is becoming a top C must-see Instagrammable moment, and you must do it at the Food and Wine Festival.
• 14:49
  SPEAKER_01: And then followed by the Grand Tasting.
• 14:51
  SPEAKER_01: And I think the grand tasting allows for some of our chefs to experience, you know, kind of show their dish in the making under the special tents and our artisanal liqueurs and distilleries and beverages that um happen here in Westchester.
• 15:06
  SPEAKER_01: We have a fabulous Westchester Craft Beverage Trail.
• 15:09
  SPEAKER_01: We do, which is a game gamify trail on and you can download it's easy.
• 15:14
  SPEAKER_01: Click on onto our website.
• 15:17
  SPEAKER_01: So the more you frequent our you know, beverage uh, you know, our restaurants and our microbreweries, you have the opportunity to get very unique swag.
• 15:28
  SPEAKER_01: Okay.
• 15:29
  SPEAKER_01: So tell everybody where to download this amazing app.
• 15:31
  SPEAKER_01: It's on visitwestchesterny.com.
• 15:34
  SPEAKER_01: It's um, and I will say we have very popular, you know, Westchester trucker hat that has become the must-have.
• 15:43
  SPEAKER_01: So you need it for the summer sun, I think.
• 15:45
  SPEAKER_00: Okay, so we get the app, we start login where we are, and we can get a trucker hat.
• 15:50
  SPEAKER_01: Yeah, you have to hit all of them, and it's once you go into each establishment, you just click that you're here.
• 15:56
  SPEAKER_01: You'll then be offered an amenity or some special behind the scenes, you know, something, and we keep track of that.
• 16:03
  SPEAKER_01: And then once you're completed and we verify that you completed, you get some swag sent to you.
• 16:08
  SPEAKER_00: Wow.
• 16:09
  SPEAKER_00: Okay, well, listen, it's always good to have goals, and this is a goal that I think we should set for everyone this summer.
• 16:15
  SPEAKER_00: Download the app, visit the breweries, get the trucker hat.
• 16:18
  SPEAKER_01: I love it.
• 16:19
  SPEAKER_01: We'll be wearing it.
• 16:21
  SPEAKER_01: I don't know.
• 16:21
  SPEAKER_01: I think it's off-site visits.
• 16:24
  SPEAKER_00: Amazing.
• 16:25
  SPEAKER_00: So um, so we hit Playland, be talking about food and wine coming up, which is a big event in the county.
• 16:32
  SPEAKER_00: I do have to mention that we do have one on the pier in Playland.
• 16:35
  SPEAKER_00: So we're coming like full circle here.
• 16:36
  SPEAKER_00: One food and wine, one food and wine event is on the pier playland.
• 16:41
  SPEAKER_00: So you could see Playland and see the pier and have food and wine all at the same time.
• 16:45
  SPEAKER_00: Um, but we have one big, big, big thing happening July 4th, that we have been talking about for a very long time, uh, leading up to July 4th, Rev 250.
• 16:56
  SPEAKER_01: It is.
• 16:57
  SPEAKER_01: Well, you know, our our 250th commemoration has been going on now for um some time.
• 17:02
  SPEAKER_01: It's all on Rooted in Westchester.
• 17:04
  SPEAKER_01: We've created a special history and heritage collection on our website.
• 17:10
  SPEAKER_01: And the um tell everybody the website real quick.
• 17:12
  SPEAKER_01: I think it it's visitwestchesterny.com forward slash 250.
• 17:16
  SPEAKER_01: You can just put in 250 and you'll land into our rooted in Westchester and tying in all of our historical partners like Revolutionary Westchester 250, who um is doing incredible things with our local communities and local historical sites.
• 17:31
  SPEAKER_01: The one of the fun things, and I this is it's Friday, we're gonna go back to Beverage.
• 17:35
  SPEAKER_01: They're having tavern nights um with reenactors at certain taverns throughout Westchester, and you can um really test your skills on Westchester history and heritage.
• 17:47
  SPEAKER_01: Um, in addition to the calendar of events that of the activities taking place throughout Westchester, we also have these special stories and collections.
• 17:56
  SPEAKER_01: I know you've had Joyce here, which is fantastic, is one of our African American Heritage Trail that has been expanded, working with the Westchester County African American Advisory Board.
• 18:09
  SPEAKER_01: And in addition to that, we are really getting ready for the big Battle of White Plains reenactment.
• 18:15
  SPEAKER_01: So exciting.
• 18:17
  SPEAKER_01: October.
• 18:18
  SPEAKER_01: Um, in October at our largest park at Ward Pound Ridge.
• 18:23
  SPEAKER_01: And that will be two days from 11 to 5 with music stage, a living history, a settlements village, and um uh, you know, this enormous battle that took place here, uh reenactment.
• 18:37
  SPEAKER_01: And we're partnering with the British American Regiment Brigade that will be here in Westchester.
• 18:43
  SPEAKER_01: So it really is a lot of activity taking place.
• 18:47
  SPEAKER_01: Um, and not many people you talk about not knowing about Westchester as a destination, but we are home to much history and heritage.
• 18:56
  SPEAKER_01: And Westchester was known as the neutral ground during this period in time where we really had a lot of activities.
• 19:03
  SPEAKER_01: We had key sites like St.
• 19:05
  SPEAKER_01: Paul's Church, um, which is one of the oldest churches, and a site of a revolutionary war battle and infirmary.
• 19:13
  SPEAKER_01: So I think this is really our opportunity or the start of um really marking our history and heritage that's gonna take into kind of the legacy of the 250th.
• 19:24
  SPEAKER_01: That would be my goal is really create a deposit, you know, some place where we can start really showcasing what we have here in Westchester County.
• 19:32
  SPEAKER_00: Yeah.
• 19:32
  SPEAKER_00: And now, have you seen an uptick in people who are interested in coming to the county specifically for the Rev 250?
• 19:38
  SPEAKER_01: Such a good question.
• 19:39
  SPEAKER_01: We have been working for years now, building out our motor coach itineraries and selling that.
• 19:46
  SPEAKER_01: So we will be welcoming our visitors um and group tours into Westchester County.
• 19:51
  SPEAKER_01: And where are those tours coming from?
• 19:52
  SPEAKER_01: They're coming from all over.
• 19:54
  SPEAKER_01: Okay.
• 19:54
  SPEAKER_01: Yeah, on the Northeast.
• 19:56
  SPEAKER_01: Um so it's exciting.
• 19:58
  SPEAKER_01: It's going to be exciting to see it all come together and a lot of planning in place for sure.
• 20:03
  SPEAKER_01: Did you um ever realize that so many people were so into the Revolutionary War?
• 20:08
  SPEAKER_01: Um, my bad, I I actually had the privilege of working on the New York City Centennial with the New York Historical Society.
• 20:15
  SPEAKER_01: So, um, and celebrating, you know, our neighboring five boroughs when they all became New York and cultural tourism and history and heritage, tourists spend more and spend more time.
• 20:27
  SPEAKER_01: So I think what's been a really great opportunity here and a challenge is really showcasing that history and heritage and using that as a travel product for us to invite new visitors to Westchester County.
• 20:40
  SPEAKER_01: I also think it's been an opportunity through Revolutionary Westchester for our local communities to work together and local historians.
• 20:48
  SPEAKER_01: Um, and here in, you know, we have our Westchester County Historical Society and our Westchester County historian, but so do each one of our communities have.
• 20:56
  SPEAKER_01: And I encourage, you know, our folks to tap into that and find out what that because the majority of our communities are having local programming at their libraries, at their parks, and it's ongoing.
• 21:10
  SPEAKER_01: Um I was with uh an Austin at one of their beautiful churches, and they had uh a you know, storytelling and and and it tied into the history of Austening and the history of that church, which increases our local pride.
• 21:24
  SPEAKER_01: Um, we all choose to be here in Westchester and to learn more about it, I think just really allows us to you know take advantage.
• 21:33
  SPEAKER_00: Yeah.
• 21:34
  SPEAKER_00: I think it it makes you realize just yes, we live here and we work here and we and we go to the grocery store here, but then when you take a step back and realize your community's place in this very large history, it kind of takes your breath away.
• 21:48
  SPEAKER_01: It does.
• 21:48
  SPEAKER_01: And I it gives you a moment to reflect.
• 21:51
  SPEAKER_01: Yes.
• 21:51
  SPEAKER_01: Um, you know, our county executive did such a great job at the state of the county, and I think using the word reflection to me was really strong and using it as Us, you know, and because we are part of this.
• 22:03
  SPEAKER_01: And I think it's also the opportunity for this unfinished revolution, or what I keep calling the evolution of the revolution.
• 22:11
  SPEAKER_01: And hopefully we'll open up into new conversations.
• 22:15
  SPEAKER_00: So we can't have you here and not talk about the film part of your job.
• 22:21
  SPEAKER_01: I know.
• 22:21
  SPEAKER_01: Can I just do one quick plug for partnering and really excited on the last day of the World Cup and FIFA July?
• 22:30
  SPEAKER_00: Oh my gosh, how did we miss this?
• 22:31
  SPEAKER_00: Wait, we have to have a whole segment about it.
• 22:33
  SPEAKER_00: I think so.
• 22:34
  SPEAKER_00: Thank you for welcoming back.
• 22:36
  SPEAKER_00: Welcome back, Natasha.
• 22:37
  SPEAKER_00: Now we're talking about the World Cup.
• 22:39
  SPEAKER_00: With the World Cup is coming, I totally forgot.
• 22:41
  SPEAKER_00: What would my family say?
• 22:43
  SPEAKER_00: Um, so tell us all about this.
• 22:45
  SPEAKER_00: And we have an exciting event here in Westchester.
• 22:47
  SPEAKER_01: Well, we have a couple of a lot of events also on our website, visit WestchesterNY.com.
• 22:52
  SPEAKER_01: You can we have a calendar of events for soccer and FIFA-related fun activities taking place um throughout.
• 22:59
  SPEAKER_01: So please check that out.
• 23:00
  SPEAKER_01: But I do want to mention two big events that I think in the beginning in June, uh, White Plains is going to be hosting their soccer fest, White Plains Soccer Fest, uh, with upcoming programs and free um concerts and you know, free activities right here in downtown White Plains.
• 23:17
  SPEAKER_01: And then July 19th, which will be the last day of the match, the New York State United 2026 World Cup Watch Experience is coming, which is going to be a large-scale public viewing event at Kensigo Dam.
• 23:35
  SPEAKER_01: And this is really um with our partners in New York State.
• 23:39
  SPEAKER_01: And um, you know, just I think everyone really needs to mark their calendars for that day.
• 23:43
  SPEAKER_01: Okay, tell us the date and time again.
• 23:45
  SPEAKER_01: July 19th, starting at 3 p.m.
• 23:47
  SPEAKER_01: at Kensigo Dam.
• 23:48
  SPEAKER_01: And it is a free public, um, ex in in you know, inclusive event for all to come and enjoy.
• 23:57
  SPEAKER_00: Okay.
• 23:57
  SPEAKER_00: All right.
• 23:57
  SPEAKER_00: We I cannot believe I almost forgot that.
• 24:00
  SPEAKER_00: That is, I get my gold star taken away for a time.
• 24:03
  SPEAKER_01: That's okay.
• 24:03
  SPEAKER_01: I can't believe I can come back and talk about films.
• 24:06
  SPEAKER_00: No, well, the film thing, let's, you know, let's talk about that for a second because you know, you you talk about feeling pride in your community and feeling pride in the history of your community, but also when you are watching a movie or television and all of a sudden you see something on the screen and you realize, wait a minute, that's the courthouse.
• 24:24
  SPEAKER_00: That's down the block, that's the country club.
• 24:27
  SPEAKER_00: It's exciting.
• 24:28
  SPEAKER_00: And that's a big part of your office.
• 24:31
  SPEAKER_00: So tell us real quick about it.
• 24:32
  SPEAKER_01: Quickly, uh, yes.
• 24:33
  SPEAKER_01: Well, tourism, and we can talk about so our job um is really when we talk about revenues coming into the county.
• 24:40
  SPEAKER_01: So we talked about tourism.
• 24:42
  SPEAKER_01: Um the film side of it is permitting county-owned properties and also working with our and facilitating with all of our municipalities.
• 24:51
  SPEAKER_01: Uh, I use it.
• 24:52
  SPEAKER_01: We have a concierge approach.
• 24:54
  SPEAKER_01: Um, we want to leave no stone unturned for our productions, our episodics, our TVs, our commercials to use Westchester County, all of Westchester County as a stage for that production.
• 25:08
  SPEAKER_01: And, you know, with the um the amount of activity that takes place in New York City, it is great.
• 25:14
  SPEAKER_01: We are home to, which will be the largest sound stage in Yonkers with Great Point Studios.
• 25:19
  SPEAKER_01: We are also home to nine qualified production facilities uh throughout Westchester County that welcome that film production.
• 25:27
  SPEAKER_01: And to your point, it you know, screen tourism is a big thing.
• 25:30
  SPEAKER_01: We um, you know, spend a lot of time soliciting and um pitching and working with the studios and productions and writers to um make those connections and find those perfect location and spot so that they can do business here in Westchester.
• 25:49
  SPEAKER_01: It's big business.
• 25:50
  SPEAKER_01: It implies uh employs over 32, 3,100, I think it's 31, 3,124 jobs as of 2024.
• 25:59
  SPEAKER_01: And um the dollars are you know close to a billion dollars into our local economy.
• 26:04
  SPEAKER_01: And again, we talk about new money, and that really helps for every county household, our tax um, and just support of uh for Westchester County.
• 26:13
  SPEAKER_01: And I think the the uh the also big thing for film that um not only allows it for the municipalities is an opportunity for um our tourism partners like Glindhurst or Glenview Mansion at Hudson River Museum or other entities to bring in and um, you know, kind of dollars, help nonprofits.
• 26:37
  SPEAKER_01: You know, it really fuels a lot across the board.
• 26:40
  SPEAKER_01: And I'm I sound I'm not prepared.
• 26:42
  SPEAKER_01: We have so many, I'm thinking of all these great stories of uh filming here in Westchester County, or Westchester County Airport is a location of the world.
• 26:50
  SPEAKER_01: Yes, it is in succession.
• 26:51
  SPEAKER_01: Succession and billions, um, art parks.
• 26:55
  SPEAKER_01: Friends and neighbors is one that everyone's talking about right now.
• 26:57
  SPEAKER_01: It is a big one, and that is what I get most excited about.
• 27:03
  SPEAKER_01: That show is um they are here, all of it is here.
• 27:08
  SPEAKER_01: It's about Westchester and it's authentic and genuine.
• 27:11
  SPEAKER_01: And I just really appreciate that casting crew going out into our small businesses above and beyond.
• 27:18
  SPEAKER_01: And I think the excitement from a small business owner um seeing it in action just really kind of ties it in, goes back to that local pride.
• 27:27
  SPEAKER_01: Yeah.
• 27:27
  SPEAKER_01: But it also goes back into what we want, and that is to do business here in Westchester, right?
• 27:32
  SPEAKER_01: Yeah.
• 27:33
  SPEAKER_01: You know, I always say I'm an extension of everyone's sales and marketing team because we have such a strong product and we want that to generate that economic impact here uh and make Westchester shine.
• 27:47
  SPEAKER_00: Well, we got a lot of things to do this summer.
• 27:48
  SPEAKER_00: We have uh we have concerts, we have Playland, we have Rev 250, we have the World Cup, and now we have to go watch Friends and Neighbors.
• 27:55
  SPEAKER_00: So you're you're a busy lady, Natasha.
• 27:58
  SPEAKER_00: There we go.
• 27:58
  SPEAKER_01: Well, you know what?
• 27:59
  SPEAKER_01: We have a great team here.
• 28:00
  SPEAKER_01: So thank you for having me on.
• 28:02
  SPEAKER_00: Any final words for the summer?
• 28:05
  SPEAKER_01: No, we'll be back.
• 28:06
  SPEAKER_01: We've got we'll we'll we'll keep planning.
• 28:08
  SPEAKER_01: This has been really fantastic, and I uh applaud you all for highlighting what we do here in Westchester County.
• 28:14
  SPEAKER_00: All right, terrific.
• 28:15
  SPEAKER_00: Thanks so much for being with us.