NEW ROCHELLE — Throwing axes AND enjoying a beer? It doesn't seem like those would mix well but Bad Axe Throwing says differently.

"It sounds dangerous, but we've been doing this for so long and we've never had an injury," said Mario Zelaya, CEO of Bad Axe Throwing and founder of the World Axe Throwing League, which will open a site in New Rochelle, it hopes, by late October.

"Once we see someone is intoxicated, we know it's not safe for them to throw an ax."

The idea for Bad Axe Throwing comes from the backyards of Canada where ax throwing is a pastime. Founded by Zelaya in 2014, Bad Axe Throwing has over 40 locations throughout the United States and Canada. The New Rochelle location is the first in the NYC suburbs.

"We found that even though it has Canadian roots, the U.S. is more open and excited about the idea of ax throwing," Zelaya said. "We thought it'd just be a Canadian thing but the U.S. loves it more."

So what is ax throwing?

Think bowling but instead of a ball and pins, there's an ax and a target. Zelaya refers to it as "bowling 2.0."

When groups arrive, they are accompanied by an ax throwing coach who teaches the basics and provides recommendations for adjustments in order to perfect a throw. Then, once everyone in the group has had a chance to throw, the games begin.

They may start with a tournament or one of the various other games like "Zombie vs. Human" or "Blackjack." The ax throwing coach stays with the group all the way through to cheer them on, make adjustments and keep people safe.

"I think the fact that the sport itself and the activity is just so cool (makes it popular)," Zelaya said. "When you hit the target, it's so much more of an exciting rush than knocking down pins. It's social and fun by design."

The New Rochelle location will offer beer and wine for guests to enjoy while they throw axes. Guests will be able to bring in their own food.

Tentatively, the prices begin at around $25 per person for walk-ins and $39 per person for large groups. For walk-ins, there is no dedicated ax throwing coach for each person. Groups, walk-ins and corporate events are all welcome at the New Rochelle location.

All Bad Axe Throwing locations are World Axe Throwing League certified, meaning they follow the same rules no matter where you go. Currently, there are over 150 ax throwing companies in 19 countries over every continent, except for Antarctica, that are a part of the World Axe Throwing League.

"We just had our U.S. Open and it aired on ESPN," Zelaya said. "Our partnership with ESPN has helped the sport grow. When you say bowling, people know what it is. Ax throwing is still growing and (the partnership) has done a great job of spreading the word."

The New Rochelle site will give visitors an opportunity to join the league.

"We already have a handful of people committed to the league (in New Rochelle)," Zelaya said. "The beautify of the location is it gives people a chance to actually compete on a global scale and possibly ESPN."

Go: Bad Axe Throwing, 33 Lecount Place, New Rochelle. badaxethrowing.com. Tentative opening: late October. Other area locations opening soon are: Brooklyn, fall 2019; in New Jersey: Paramus, spring 2020; Metuchen, spring 2020; Matawan, fall 2019.

More openings

Mossy Fern: Owners Harry and Catherine Fellow have taken their farmers' market and pop-up shop stand to a storefront in Hastings-on-Hudson. Along with a focus on exotic plants, visitors will find pots, kits for kids, tools, organic soil and much more. According to a release, "a DIY terrarium-making station is planned." Along with repotting and plant consultations, Mossy Fern, which opens Sept. 7, will offer a weekly cut flowers subscription.

"We started the business because we wanted to share our love of plants with the community and to do something good for the planet," Harry Fellow said in a release. "We didn't realize so many other people were crazy for plants and that the interest was so intense." Go: Mossy Fern, 579 Warburton Ave., Hastings-on-Hudson. Hours: Wednesday through Friday 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; closed Monday and Tuesday. 914-236-0922, mossyfern.com.

Closed

Nearly New Shop: After more than 50 years, Tarrytown's Nearly New Shop closed its doors for good in July. The shop, which sold gently used and recycled goods, including clothing, shoes and accessories, was located at 35 S. Broadway. Proceeds from the sales went to support community programs of the Junior League of Westchester-on-Hudson. For more information go to www.jl­woh.org.

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Know of a new store or business opening, or closing in your neighborhood? Notice construction going on and want to know what's planned?Let us know! Email reporter Heather Clark at hclark@lohud.com or call 914-694-5312 with any information.

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