“Celebrate Pelham!”
The motto of the Pelham Civic Association truly captures the experiences you can have in Pelham, according to residents. The little town is a mighty community with much to offer, from late nights at the Gazebo and fabulous dining at various restaurants to outdoor exploration. Part of what makes the place so tight-knit is personal experiences with local destinations and businesses. To provide local outing ideas for readers, the Pelham Examiner interviewed several residents to discover their favorite spots in town.
‘An art center that opens its doors to the community’
One resident called the Pelham Art Center a central spot in the town. “Over the years, I went to Junior League meetings there, I’ve taken classes there, I’ve gone to events for new artists there and exhibitions, and my kids have taken so many classes there over the years,” said Pelham Manor resident Betsy Brady. “I think it’s so great that Pelham has an art center that opens its doors to the community to use it for meetings.” Brady appreciates the programming for all ages. “It has so much to offer.”
Brady loves the Pelham Picture House. “It is one of the only old theaters like that in the country, and it is such a gem that we have.” She remembered going to many movies when she was younger and she still goes now.
Brady talked about winter sledding at Mount Tom Golf Course, recalling the excitement of “challenge hill 6.” To get there, “you would have to go through the tiny little narrow bridge. When you were younger, you went on the street-facing side, and then it is so exciting when you graduate and get to go on it.”
Finally, Brady said Pelham is lucky to have an historic structure like the Sanborn Map Building. “It’s a beautiful old building, with elm and sassafras trees,” she said. “It was probably built in the early 1900s, and they still make their own prints there.” It is now an office building for a lot of great businesses.
‘I love the library’
“The community is so great,” said Rosemary Hayes, a resident of Pelham Manor. “I love the library. It’s my favorite place. I love to read and pick up new books and find out what’s going on for the grandkids. I usually go alone, or if there is a fun activity for the kids, I take them there.” Hayes said the library is simply a great space to be in. “You can sit there, you can read, and the people there are very knowledgeable. They have story hours and holiday craft-making events, and this summer they had the Stamford Nature Center there.”
“I enjoy going to see Chris Brown at the Gazebo (Concerts) once a year,” Hayes said. “That’s always a good one. I usually go with friends to hear the music and have a great time.”
Hayes is fond of Shore Park and how it overlooks the Long Island Sound. She brings her grandkids there often. “It’s really open, pretty.”
Hayes also recommended the Pelham Market: “It’s a great activity. I mean, all the fresh vegetables, fresh fish and to see a lot of people.” Hayes is a big fan of the stationary, which her neighbor makes, and the soaps, olive oils and bread.
“Pelham is pretty far reaching,” she said. “I love it!”
‘Everyday and special occasions’
Amanda Stano and her family partake of the restaurant scene in Pelham. “For special occasions or going out with friends, we love to go to Sergio’s,” she said. “Whether it’s kids or adults, we love to go there and everyone is happy.”
Stano also walks with her kids to Flour Power bakery. “We have sampled all of the treats,” she said. “When they first opened, we went once or twice a week to sample all of their options. I like to get an iced latte, and the kids like to get the cookies or the ice cream, their favorites.”
For pizza, it’s Villagio’s with her family.
“The kids love the Supernova,” she said. “Anytime we are walking in town, the kids have to stop to spin on it!”
Stano’s daughter “went with her friend after school to Pearl Dynastea. It’s one of her favorite spots.”
To work off the calories, there is bike riding in neighboring Pelham Bay Park. “Taking the bike path is a nice way to spend an afternoon outside,” said Stano. “We’ve gone all the way through the Bronx.” Stano said her husband, Rob, “knows a good loop.”
What are your favorite places to go to in Pelham? Let us know in the comments.
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