Coastal lifestyles, timeless elegance and commuter convenience converge in Rye, NY, arguably one of New York City's most interesting suburbs and a true destination.  It's the smallest city in Westchester County, but what it lacks in square mileage is more than compensated for in character.  Long a destination as a seaside resort town, the Rye of today is an upscale bedroom community where the best of everything coexists in one place.

• Explore the shopping downtown.  From bigger brands like Alex and Ani to more boutiquey outposts like the venerable Rye Country Store, it's hard not to love—and there's plenty of parking behind the main blocks.

• Eat and drink at a bevy of foodie hot spots.  Enjoy sit-down dining at restaurants including Ruby’s Oyster Bar, Frankie and Johnnie’s Steakhouse, Morgan’s Fish House, Water Moon, Rye Grill and Bar and Town Dock.  For grab-and-go, try June & Ho, a 30-year-old favorite downtown that's part gourmet market, part gourmet sandwich shop and everything between.  (We're addicted to the pesto prosciutto sandwich with sundried tomatoes on a fresh, doughy ciabatta roll).

• Ride the famed "Dragon Coaster" at Playland, Rye's historic art deco-era iteration of the seaside resort (and the only county-owned amusement park in America).  Built in 1929, the trestly relic is hardly your run of the mill wooden roller coaster: it's a historically noted creation by amusement pioneer Fred Church, a master builder of boardwalk "scenic railways" whose work also included rides in Venice Beach and Coney Island, along with the "Giant Dipper(s)" in Santa Cruz and San Diego, California.  In fact, Westchester wooed Church enough that he moved here to use Playland as a test bed for his innovations.  Just because we're not the Jersey shore doesn't mean our boardwalk cred can't compete with the rest!

• Be active outdoors!  The outdoor recreation in Rye is second to none.  Besides the beach, which lies in residential surrounds within walking distance to some neighborhoods in town, there's Rye Golf Club, with a public 18-hole golf course, large pool and baby pool.  Many of the more luxurious homes on Milton Point and other exclusive neighborhoods have direct waterfront access, but Rye Oakland Beach and Rye City Marina are open to the public.

• Get involved in the community.  There's plenty of opportunities for all ages: Rye YMCA, Rye Arts Center, Rye Nature Center, Rye Library, Rye Historical Society and The Rye Garden Club, just to name a few.

...and it's all just 36 minutes to Grand Central Terminal. Watch our Rye Community video for a deeper look at this incredible community:

Visit our interactive guide for more things to to in Rye and beyond