Grass Lessons, Full Buck Moons and Red Quinoa Recipes

1. Celebrate the Full Buck Moon

Tonight’s full moon may be this year’s seventh, but this one has its own special moniker, the “Full Buck.” According to livescience.com, the Native American term was coined because this moon comes out during the period when buck deer get new antlers. If you've ever read Cynthia Rylant's Long Night Moon to your kids (a great pick!) you'll also know that July's full moon has been called "full thunder moon," given the frequency of summer thundershowers. Enjoy it.

2. Visit the Bartow Pell Mansion Museum

Go for a guided mansion tour at Bartow Pell on Saturday or Sunday from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. to get an up-close view of mid-19th century furnishings, fine decorative arts and the terraced garden behind the house.

3. Stock up at the Pelham Farmer’s Market

Make food shopping less of a chore and more of an activity, where you may actually learn something, when you head to the on Saturday. In addition to loading up on locally-grown, fresh flowers, wine, plants, fruits and veggies, you’ll also get to watch chef Maria Reina, of Bella Cucina Maria, whip up red quinoa with sweet white onion, garlic scapes and summer squash. Make sure to get there early though, the demo only runs from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

4. Get into Grass

While Wave Hill’s exotic flowers are usually draw the horticulture-inclined, on Saturday you may just gain appreciation for the garden’s most abundant and common plant, grass. During the first-ever you’ll get a chance to watch grass-weaving demonstrations, and become something of an expert on Wave Hill’s grounds when you take the guided tour.

5. Pamper your Pup

If you need an excuse to indulge your dog in a , we’ll go ahead and give you two.

1. The $10 to $40 you’ll spend on the pampering services benefits the New Rochelle Humane Society

2. Your dog is sweltering under that heavy coat. Cool him off.