Just about an hour from Manhattan or Kingston is picturesque Putnam County, a slice of the Hudson Valley with a personality all its own. Whether you’re looking for a day trip out of New York City or you’re a local out to enjoy the surrounding area, this jewel of a county boasts plenty of the region’s rustic appeal—from outdoor fun to dining, nightlife, shopping, and more—that are sure to keep you coming back to stay a while.
Want to explore it for yourself? Here are six activities that will give you a taste of what Putnam County has to offer this summer.
Bike the Empire State Trail
The recently completed Empire State Trail is a 750-mile multiuse trail that starts in Lower Manhattan and ends in Buffalo. If you’re looking to take a bit out of the trail and are heading up from New York City or another Metro North station, you can grab a bike permit for just $5 and take your trusty wheels up to Brewster Station. From there, you can easily access the Brewster trailhead and take an off-road tour of Putnam County’s pastoral scenery. Experienced cyclists will enjoy the 37-mile ride north to Poughkeepsie, where stunning views on the Walkway Over the Hudson await.
Tour the Grounds and Gardens at Boscobel House
The historic Boscobel House and Gardens in Garrison boast 68 acres of lush grounds and gardens—including an apple orchard, formal and herb gardens, and the Frances Stevens Reese Woodland Trail of Discovery—that are open to the public by reservation. With unparalleled views of the Hudson River, Constitution Marsh, and the Military Academy at West Point, it’s a peaceful place to
Enjoy Memorial Day Weekend at Lake Gleneida
If you’re looking for a Memorial Day weekend activity, head out on a road trip through the hamlet of Carmel, where the historic Putnam County Courthouse will be decked out in red, white, and blue bunting. Then head down to the shores of Lake Gleneida where over 500 American flags will be flying in honor of service members past and present. Be sure to make a stop at the statue of Revolutionary War figure Sybil Ludington, the 16-year-old girl who rode twice as far as Paul Revere to warn Putnam and Dutchess counties that Danbury had been taken by British troops.
Stop by Mahopac Marine to rent your pontoon boat
Spend the Day at Tilly Foster Farm
Grab Dinner and a View
Speaking of restaurants, there’s no better way to end a summer evening than with dinner at one of Putnam County's many restaurants that offer some of those gorgeous Hudson Valley views.
Iron & Wine in Patterson specializes in Mediterranean tapas with impressive views at sunset. For a stunning riverside view of West Point Academy, head to Dolly’s in Garrison for modern bistro fare. And over in Brewster, Las Mananitas offers classic Mexican dishes and a spacious treetop patio that overlooks the East Branch Reservoir.
For even more ideas and inspiration for how to enjoy Putnam County to the fullest, head over to Visitputnam.org.
