Just an hour from Manhattan or Kingston is Putnam County, a glorious slice of the scenic Hudson Highlands that’s jam-packed with scenic beauty, fine art, good food, farm fun, and boutique shops. Whether you’re looking for a day trip out of New York City or you’re a local out to enjoy the surrounding area, summer is the perfect time to plan a visit—and this year, there are plenty of exciting sights and sounds to add to your event calendar.
On Sunday, June 12, the village of Brewster will be bursting with love as the third annual Putnam Pride marches down Main and fills Wells Park with vendors, speakers, music, and good vibes, including performances from drag queens Angel Elektra and Shay D’Pines. The pride parade steps off at 1pm, and the festivities are an easy walk from Brewster’s MetroNorth train station.
In case you didn’t know it, the Brewster station is the closest one to Manhattan with easy access to the recently completed Empire State Trail. Be sure to grab a $5 MetroNorth bike permit and bring your bike along to check out the birders’ paradise that is the Great Swamp on a glorious sunset ride or let the kids play at Chamber Park on the shore of Lake Mahopac.
Hiking more your style? If you're looking for an easy option, take the family to Michael Ciaiola Conservation Area Trail, a 5.2-mile moderate loop in Patterson that features a gorgeous waterfall. If you're into a challenge, head over to Breakneck Ridge for sweeping views of the Hudson River.
You’ll also want to mark your calendar for July 15-17, when Putnam County will host its first Country Fest and 4-H Showcase, filling Veterans Memorial Park in Carmel with all the ingredients of a wonderful Hudson Valley summertime: food trucks, sweet treats, country-themed vendors, games, exhibits, magic shows, inflatables, and happy humans galore.
There will be horse showmanship and equestrian demonstrations all weekend, and Sunday will feature a classic car show with the New York Cruisers and a Duck Derby to benefit Cornell Cooperative Extension.
Friday night’s concert under the stars will feature Tracy DeLucia’s powerhouse “Ronstadt Radio,” a tribute to one of country music’s immortals, and Saturday will feature tribute band High Noon in a rockin’ salute to Lynyrd Skynyrd and Southern rock.
For more ideas and inspiration for how to enjoy Putnam County to the fullest, head to Visitputnam.org.
