Ossining's Historic Torview Club Offers an Alternative to Stressful Summer Travel.
From Ossining to Briarcliff, from Tarrytown to Cortlandt Manor, and from Chappaqua to Croton, more families are discovering one of Westchester's best-kept summer secrets. Nestled discreetly on 13 shady acres off Stormytown Road in Ossining sits Torview Club, a simple yet beautiful compound featuring two swimming pools, tennis and racquetball courts, horseshoe pit, ball fields, and a snack bar.
Since 1956, Torview has been known as much for its laid-back feel and family-friendly philosophy as for its competitive swimming and diving teams and skilled, certified aquatics staff.
And this summer, with gas prices setting new records every day and airlines charging extra for baggage, the temptation to stay local is stronger than ever. For less money than a week-long rental on the Jersey Shore--and without all the hours and miles on the Garden State Parkway--members can enjoy over three months of relaxation virtually in their own backyards.
"We can't imagine summer without Torview," says one six-year member. "We come in the morning for the kids'
swim lessons, and we just stay, sometimes straight through till closing. Everyone is so friendly and relaxed. It's the total opposite of 'country club' attitude. It's more like hanging out at your best friend's pool every day."
Especially if your best friend pulls out all the stops once in a while.
Torview's special events include Family Fun Night (complete with races, games, food, and the legendary cannonball contest), an adults-only Torview Night cocktail dinner, Kids' Night, and more.
But what keeps families coming back year after year is the simple pleasure of not having to wonder what they're doing tomorrow. "I can't believe it's Torview time again," says another member gearing up for the club's opening on Memorial Day weekend. "Summer's here. Life is good."
Matt Hickey
May 2008
