Hickory & Tweed Makes it Snow in Armonk

Folks passing through downtown Armonk on Wednesday caught an unusual site, as Hickory & Tweed was the only business blanketed with snow amid a dry streetscape.

With a snow machine, employees borrowed a trick from ski places that their patrons frequent, bringing the powder closer to home and covering the front yard with about two inches on the ground.

"We've been blasting away," said Owner Skip Beitzel.

The snow making has become a tradition of sorts since it was started more than a decade ago. According the Beitzel, the idea came from Charles Sandtree, a longtime customer who grew up next door in Greenwich, CT.

Beitzel explained that passersby have been surprised at the sight, doing double takes.

"I just get such a kick out of it," he said, noting that people are happy with it.

Wednesday presented the right opportunity to blanket the store because of the temperature.

Hickory & Tweed has a large regional following, drawing in customers throughout Westchester County, Greenwich and even Manhattan. Beitzel himself has roots in northern Weschester, having grown up in Chappaqua and settling in the Mount Kisco area. The store recently celebrated its 50th anniversary, and Beitzel has owned the place for 25 of those years.

Hickory & Tweed is located at 410 Main St., Armonk. Its phone number is 914-273-3397 and its website is hickoryandtweed.com.