Life In Lewisboro: A Shout Out to Cross River Shops

You know the saying, “You don’t know what you got till it’s gone.”  

Well, D’Agostino’s in the Cross River Shopping Center is gone, and although some people are not unhappy about that (they didn’t like the prices or produce), others are moaning that it took away their only nearby grocery store. Either way, the lack of a major store to draw crowds hurts the smaller shops in the plaza.   

So let’s show our enthusiasm and support for the stalwart owners and shops in Cross River while we anticipate what is coming--DeCicco’s!   If the DeCicco’s in Brewster/Carmel is an indication, we are in for a really great grocery store.     

Along with the Shell station with a drive-through carwash and the popular restaurant, Bacio, here is what you’ll find at the corner of routes 121 and 35.  First—money—at Chase Bank.  After you stock up on cash from the ATM there, head next door to the family-run Cross River Pharmacy. Stuart Feldman and his wife Elaine run a warm and friendly drugstore that offers lots of personal attention, sensible advice, and special orders, such as compounding, pet meds, and whatever else you need.     Visions is a full-service hair salon, owned since 1988 by Dominic Misala.  They have great prices and discounts for all ages, and are one of the few places that offer the original and effective Coppola Keratin treatment.  If you’re into de-frizz and conditioning treatments, you know what I’m talking about.     

Next to Visions is where you go for vision—Cross River Eye Care.  They have full optometric exams and care on premises and they take insurance.  There is a great selection of the latest styles, including sunglasses, as well as contact fitting and special frames for children.  Ask them about their discounts and package deals.     

Get some pizza at La Familia (or have it delivered).  They have ice cream, too. If you get any splatters on your shirt, walk over to Cross River Cleaners--they do alterations, too, and have special cleaning for leather and suede.  Now is the time to freshen up those jackets and UGG boots before the new school year.  

Villarina’s—owned for 12 years by the always-smiling Willie Benito—has a huge selection of prepared foods and pastas, ready for the microwave or oven.  Ask him for his fresh Chicken Parmigiana—it is to die for and one of his most asked-for dishes.  They also offer catering and fresh breads and special orders.      

Cross River Wine Merchant has been owned by Mike Novack for six years, and they feature wine tastings on various Friday evenings (call for more info—914-763-WINE).  They feature a large collection of spirits as well as an international selection in all price ranges from boutique wineries.  It’s a great place to discover wine and learn more about them.     

There’s a post office in the plaza, and yes—the USPS could use a little more of our business these days, too.  Is anyone doing any snail mail anymore?     

What I love about the Lewisboro Hardware store is that you can go in there and say, “I need a thingamajingy for the whatchamacallit,” and they will lead you down an aisle, reach up to a top shelf or into a packed corner, and produce the necessary item.  Then they’ll give you advice on how to use it.  Because I recently repainted my interiors, I appreciated having the little sample sizes of the latest Benjamin Moore colors, too.  (Personal opinion—Benjamin Moore’s new “Aura” paint is awesome.  Ask them for a sample).     

Down at The Bagel Nosh—fresh bagels!  Need I say more?  They offer muffins and deli spreads and beverages, too.

There is no excuse not to pamper yourself when you have so many spa services--including waxing and massages--at the Salem Nail Salon.  I’ve seen more and more men going in for facials and “mani-pedis” these days, too.  They offer discount cards and specials, and are open on Sundays! And Mondays!  You never have to worry if you need an emergency beauty treatment.     

Tucked into the corner is the restaurant Haiku—they also deliver—and you’ll get great Pan-Asian food and sushi in a nice décor with good prices.     

Do yourself a favor and treat yourself to Treat—which is right behind the plaza.  Just drive behind the coming-soon DeCicco’s.  Treat offers amazingly good, healthy, low-calorie frozen yogurt in several flavors, as well as pastries and beverages and a cozy place to relax with friends or kids (inside and outside seating).  A great place to get your guilt-free sweet fix.        

Right across from the plaza are a few more stores you might want to check out.  There is 4UR Nails (yes, another nail salon.  Don’t underestimate how critical it is to have nice nails in Lewisboro!)     There is also The Cross River Barber Shop and Watch Repair.  Now you may ask, “What does a barber shop have in common with watch repair?” I’m here to tell you--I have no idea—but it is nice to have them there for a quick battery replacement or new band.  There’s a little deli over there, called Apple’s, and Wood Tiger Martial Arts.  Upstairs are offices for professional services, which you’ll also find in the “old house” buildings across Route 35.     

Lewisboro is charming not just because of the rural quality or the people who reside here—but also because of these small merchants who care about our community.   Show them that we “know what we’ve got,” and visit them regularly.       

For more on the writer, visit DanaRamos.com

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