5 Local Parents Say These Bedford Kid-Friendly Spots are a Must-Go
The historic mainstays and a few new additions to this idyllic village make it easy to while away a weekend afternoon.
This post is part of our “Ask An Expert” series, which features locals with a niche expertise. What’s your niche expertise? Email me at kaylakaplowitz@substack.com with your idea!
NOTE: I don’t accept any advertising, which makes The Plan entirely reader-supported. A $5/m membership to The Plan gets unlocks the paywall to every Ask an Expert post.
When we were house-hunting in Westchester years ago, I remember driving through the quaint little town of Bedford, NY and thinking: “Okay, now I get it. This is why people move here.”
It’s the kind place you know has always been movie-set pretty, with its brick sidewalks and whitewashed shops. Longtime Bedford locals will be the first to tell you their town is “one of the loveliest and kindest communities with no shortage of community hubs.” But recent additions, like Mast Market and Bedford Books, have undoubtedly turned this town into a buzzy destination for distant out-of-towners and nearby neighbors like me.
I write this from oHHo’s new HQ in the old firehouse right in the center of town. Cool moms in high-rise barrel jeans and Gwyneth Paltrow-inspired aviator eyeglasses are sipping lattes next to tables full of soccer families with sweaty, cleated kids scarfing down slices of pizza and Olipop. I love it.
For this week’s post, I asked a few parents who know Bedford inside and out and can give you the scoop on all the spots you and your kids will love. Here is their unofficial list, in no particular order.
Bedford Books
13 Court Road, Bedford
The newest, buzziest addition to Bedford is a perfect spot for families. Cannot believe we haven’t yet been.
Meline (Mel) Longacre, a mom of two in Cross River, says she and her kids visit regularly as her eldest now goes to The Hawthorn School around the corner. “The monthly Kids Corner events are great, kids’ books are right in front, and there’s lots of comfy seating,” she says. “Oh, and they’ve got the cutest gifts.”
“This was long overdue for Bedford,” says Vanessa Lynne Seide, a mom of a 4yo and small business owner in Bedford Hills. “The vibes are so cozy; it’s a must-go. Pro-tip: Pick up a gift card here next time you’re in; they make great hostess gifts.”
Owner Fran Hauser has a knack for curating the best events, so follow the Eventbrite page to get notified every time they add a new one. Last month she hosted Neha Ruch (🙌), who is changing the narrative for mothers navigating a career pause, and on Wednesday night the co-authors of The Disengaged Teen will be stopping by for a conversation about how to help your teen flourish. »
The Bedford Candy Bar
627 Old Post Road, Bedford
Longacre told me this one is also a favorite of hers. She said her kids love getting a scoop of Longford's Ice Cream and taking some penny candy home. “And they’ve got all these kid-approved toys like art kits and fuzzy pencils—perfect for last-minute birthday gifts.”
“I swear this store brings out the kids in all of us,” says Bedford mom of two and Bedford Books owner Fran Hauser. “The boys love picking out their favorite sweets, and I’m usually sneaking a few for myself too!”
“I’ve used this spot to bribe my kids on many occasion,” admits Corrie Jackson, a creative copywriter and mom of two in Bedford. “Nothing lifts their spirits on a freezing dog walk like the promise of a visit to the Candy Bar (I’m not winning many parenting awards, I know). Come for the candy, stay for the Oreo Cookie ice cream. We have an alarming amount of it in our freezer at home.”
Bonus that they’re open until 9PM during the week and 10PM on the weekends. »
(Below the paywall, paid supporters can find the full list of Bedford kid-friendly recommendations. If you want to try out a Premium subscription for $5/mo—which gives you access to The Plan calendar and supports my work as a curator—click here to unlock a 14-day trial.)