Katonah Visitors Center Open for Business

In their ongoing efforts to bring out-of-towners to Katonah—and take care of them once they've arrived—the Katonah Chamber of Commerce has opened a new visitors center in the heart of town.

As part of their strategic plan, the chamber reached out to local parks, historic sites and cultural institutions to foster partnerships to bring more shoppers and diners to town. Now those visitors have a starting place when they get here.

A new informational kiosk, located in Kelloggs & Lawrence, is stocked with pamphlets and directions to their partner sites: Caramoor, Katonah Museum of Art, John Jay Homestead, Muscoot Farm, Ward Pound Ridge Reservation and Lasdon Park & Arboretum.

There's also a stash of the new visitors's guide to Katonah, which features stores, eateries and historic spots around town, and a Discover Katonah brochure.

"I can hardly keep it stocked," said Bart Tyler, proprieter of Kelloggs & Lawrence and chamber treasurer, of the well-received addition to the store. Tyler said the store's staff has all learned how to service customers who also have questions about the kiosk or area attractions.

The chamber expects to the kiosk to expand with information from some of their 135 members, once word gets out.

"This will evolve—maybe we'll build something on wheels," said Tyler, noting that placing it outside might increase traffic to the kiosk.

The chamber is currently planning for their big fall event—the Tenth Annual Run to Katonah 5K Road Race and Fall Festival, to be held Saturday, September 25 at 8:30 a.m.