The days are getting longer, the flowers are blossoming, and there is a freshness to the air that tells us spring is here! It's the perfect time to come and see the wonders of Westchester. Fun-for-the-whole-family craft fairs are being offered throughout the season and are a great opportunity to explore the county and enjoy the outdoors. With summer just around the corner, you can plan a whole weekend around any one of these events that you will remember for years to come.

• Come to Katonah this May to experience the 21st Annual Lasdon Memorial Day Antiques Fair! Formerly held in Somers, this new space provides a fabulous environment to explore the exquisite antiques and enjoy live entertainment. Enjoy complimentary coffee and tea at the start of the day; taste delicious treats while you browse the plant sale; try on costume jewelry and vintage clothes. Don't leave Katonah without seeing the House Museum at the Caramoor Center for Music & the Arts. You will be blown away by the beauties of this museum, for which entire rooms were imported from European palaces and country manors. It is filled with tapestries, sculpture, paintings, textiles, furniture, stained glass, Urbino Maiolica, and contains a major jade collection that is a must see. End the trip with a picnic in Caramoor's 90 acres of garden space. What a great way to spend Memorial Day! See you Monday May 20 at Lasdon Park & Arboretum in Katonah, 10:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m., (914) 273-4667; www.cordshows.com.

• Looking to get away this June? The city of White Plains has more to offer than tall buildings and malls. The community has been hosting the White Plains Outdoor Arts Festival for more than 40 years. Take a break from the shopping haven of Downtown White Plains and join the fun at Tibbits Park, North Broadway, White Plains June 4& 5, 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Fine arts and crafts, children's workshops, student and emerging arts and performances all for a good cause - the proceeds go to White Plains High School Art Scholarships. Save some energy to catch a 1:00 p.m. or 7:00 p.m. performance of Into The Woods presented by the Play Group Theatre at White Plains Performing Arts Center, just a few blocks away. On your walk from Tibbit's Park to the Performing Arts Center, make sure to take a peak at the Arts Exchange at 31 Mamaroneck Ave. The Westchester Arts Council's newly renovated building will be opening June 17! Mark your calendars and join the festivities in White Plains this summer the artistic way. Visit www.whiteplainsoutdoorartsfestival.com for more information, or call (914) 946-8325.

• Don't want to deal with stressful traveling Independence Day weekend, but still want to get away? Wait a week and come to Tarrytown for the 2nd Annual Rivertowns Antiques Show at Lyndhurst. Lyndhurst is a National Trust Historic Site located conveniently in Tarrytown, overlooking the Hudson River for a viewthat will take your breath away. Bounce from tent to tent to view crafts from all over. While in town visit Sunnyside, where America's first recognized author Washington Irving lived, open to the public for tours and special events. Take a cruise of the North Hudson for a look at the sites that inspired legendary artists. July 16 & 17 are the days to start your journey through local American history. Come between 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. either day for memorable antiques, www.cordshows.com, 273-4667.

• The summer's winding down in August, so isn't it time for one more weekend of fun? South Salem has what you are looking for. The Fine Arts & Crafts Fair of South Salem at Stevens Memorial United Methodist Church features live music and great food to compliment a plethora of crafts ranging from Southwestern style silver jewelry, creative purses and bags, oil and water color paintings, wheel thrown pottery and stoneware, to handcrafted hardwood furniture and heirloom quality quilts. Have lunch at the picnic pavilion at the Town Park, which includes a playground, swimming pool, wading pool, tennis courts, hiking trail, sand volleyball courts, and basketball courts. What a great way to end the summer! Be there August 27 & 28, 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Saturday and 11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Sunday.

Whether you come with the whole family or come alone,
Westchester is the place for summertime fun!