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A. Westchester has a bounty of attractions, not the least of which are its historical sites. There are also many wonderful and unique restaurants, parks and nature preserves, farmers markets, museums, performing arts, crafts fairs, and superior shopping. The fine hotels, motels and bed & breakfasts, as well as the many methods of transportation, ensure that travelers have the easiest and most enjoyable vacation possible.

Q. Is Westchester a good place to hold a convention for my company?

A. Absolutely. Much of Westchester's value as a location for tourism and large and small business meetings and conventions is the quality and readiness of services available to businesses and individuals. A professionally geared limousine council encourages topnotch customer-oriented charters, airport and specialized transportation services. Highly qualified audio/visual producers and equipment suppliers as well as destination management and convention planners are all easily attainable.

Q. How far is Westchester from New York City, and how can I get there?

A. At its southernmost point, which would be cities like Yonkers and Mount Vernon, Westchester borders The Bronx, which is technically a part (called a "borough") of New York City. However, most people think of New York City as the island of Manhattan. From the Westchester/Bronx border, Manhattan is less than 15 minutes away. If you ride the Metro-North train, it will take you about 25-30 minutes to reach Grand Central Station on 42nd Street - right in the center of Manhattan. By comparison, from the northernmost points in Westchester, which include Somers and Peekskill, it will take you closer to two hours to reach Grand Central Station.

Q. I am unable to get time off during the summer. How is the weather the rest of the year?

A. Westchester has beautiful seasons. The spring and fall hold gorgeous temperatures ranging from the 50's to the 80's, and people drive from other communities to see the leaves change. Winters are idyllic, especially for those who do not live in cold climates and miss out on the classic sight of snowy days and nights.

Q. What kind of historical sites are there to see in Westchester?

A. To name just a few, there is Sunnyside in Irvington, the former home of author Washington Irving; Sherwood House in Yonkers, a classic example of a Hudson Valley Colonial farmhouse; Garrison's Landing in Garrison, used in the filming of "Hello, Dolly!"; and Kykuit, the Rockefeller House and Gardens, which was home to four generations of the Rockefeller family.

Q. I want to continue my exercise routine while I'm on vacation. Is it possible to get a temporary membership at a gym?

A. Some hotels have exercise facilities on the premises; inquire when you call for reservations. Also, many Westchester gyms are happy to cater to visitors. There are several YMCAs in the county, and all have superior facilities.

Q. Are there any beaches in Westchester?

A. Absolutely. To name just a few, there are superior beaches in Peekskill, Rye and North Salem.

Q. What do I do if I have a medical emergency while I'm traveling?

A. Westchester has many fine hospitals and emergency care centers, as well as pharmacies to aid in filling and refilling prescriptions. As always, if it is a sudden and serious emergency, dial 911.

Q. Can I travel with my pets?

A. Many of our hotels and motels have pet-friendly alternatives. Call and ask what options you have. Pets will love the parks and wide open spaces in Westchester.

Q. Where can I enjoy listening to a live classical concert?

A. Led by conductor Paul Lustig Dunkel, the Westchester Philharmonic as well as the Westchester Symphony Orchestra with Maestro Anthony Abel and the Philharmonia Virtuosi, all give performances at the Performing Arts Center at the State University of New York at Purchase.

Q. Are there any golf courses where I can get in a round before my meeting?

A. The county has a number of public courses as well as private clubs such as the famous Winged Foot in Mamaroneck.

Q. My family would like to see some live animals. Does Westchester have a zoo?

A. While it's not a zoo, Muscoot Farm in Somers is a turn-of-the-century interpretive farm with animals that run the spectrum from sheep to horses to ducks to cows. There are even a few cats roaming the grounds to keep the field mice in check. People are welcome to stroll the farm and meet the animals - but no petting please. There are also various demonstrations such as quilting, sheepshearing and farm chores.

Q. Is upscale shopping available?

A. Certainly! Lord & Taylor, Bloomingdale's, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Macy's and Saks Fifth Avenue all have stores in Westchester In addition, chains such as Tiffany & Co., Ann Taylor, Brooks Brothers, Coach, Pottery Barn, Williams-Sonoma and more can be found here. Just don't forget your credit card!

Q. Where can I see live theater?

A. There's no need to fight the crowds on Broadway. Westchester is home to dinner theaters and playhouses. One can see a wide variety of performances from original works to classic musicals.

Q. Are there any amusement parks in Westchester?

A. Not only is Playland an amusement park, it's on the National Register of Historic Places. Opened by the county in 1928, it was the first completely planned amusement park in the nation. Playland boasts 45 rides including the famous Dragon Coaster and Kiddyland. Once you've been on every ride twice check, out the boardwalk along the Long Island Sound. You might recognize it from Tom Hank's movie Big. There's also public skating, miniature golf and rowboats.

Q. I won't have a car during my visit. What type of public transportation is available?

A. Westchester provides an easy-to-use bus and train system. The Bee-Line System is a countywide bus service with more than 55 different routes and express service. Routes serve many of the County's recreational facilities and also provide connection to trains. Metro-North is a commuter railroad with 43 station stops in Westchester on three lines. There is continual service to Manhattan's Grand Central Station and points within the county.