Overview
Putnam County is a county in New York's Hudson Valley region.
4 sights · 1 things to do · 5 places to eat · 3 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Putnam County
Manitoga/The Russell Wright Design Center
584 Route 9D, Garrison. The home site of the famous designer. Wright transformed an old quarry back to a carefully designed "natural" landscape. Four miles of walking trails. House and landscape tours M-F at 11AM, Sa and…
Clarence Fahnestock State Park
With hiking trails, boating, and cross-country skiing, a beautiful park off the Taconic and close to Cold Spring.
Morningthorpe Estate
The mansion was originally owned by Benjamin Mead and was purchased by local circus entrepreneur Seth B. Howes. Stop by at night around Christmas time to see the mansion decorated in Christmas lights.
Sybil Ludington Statue
See the statue of one of the most famous people in American history that depicts her in the midst of her famous ride as the "female Paul Revere."
Thunder Ridge
Come ski or snowboard down the Berkshire Mountains of Patterson, NY. If you don't know how Thunder Ridge also provides lessons if you would like to learn how to ski or snowboard. For those who have no interest there is a…
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: May–Sep. Summer highs reach about 82°F; winter lows dip to about 21°F. Cold months (Jan, Feb, Dec) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: Sep and Mar. (climate data from nearby Briarcliff Manor)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- SWF New York Stewart International Airport, Newburgh — 19 mi away. Directions
- HPN Westchester County Airport, White Plains — 25 mi away. Directions
- LGA LaGuardia Airport, New York — 46 mi away (major hub). Directions
Budget & where to stay
- Places to stay listed here: about $79–$79 a night (typical $104), from 2 listed prices.
- Estimated daily budget per person (room, two meals, local transport and an activity): budget ~$120, mid-range ~$180, comfortable ~$240.
Options are grouped as Budget, Mid-range, Splurge in the Sleep guide ↓.
Sample 2-day trip
- Day 1: Cold Spring — Constitution Island, Hudson Highlands State Park, Clarence Fahnestock State Park.
- Day 2: Brewster — Walter Brewster House, Thunder Ridge Ski Area, Southeast Museum.
Built from the best-covered destinations in this region; open each for its own day plan.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Places in Putnam County
Cities
- Cold Spring — quaint Hudson River village is a popular day trip from New York City; antique stores, cafés, and views of the mountains
- Brewster — small suburban area that was once dominated by farmlands; is known for holding many historical landmarks of the Putnam County area.
See
See Manitoga/The Russell Wright Design Center
584 Route 9D, Garrison. The home site of the famous designer. Wright transformed an old quarry back to a carefully designed "natural" landscape. Four miles of walking trails. House and landscape tours M-F at 11AM, Sa and Su at 11AM and 1:30PM. Advance reservations required for weekend tours, group tours by appointment only. Hours may change without notice due to special events or restoration work, so you may want to call ahead.
- Chuang Yen Monastery, just off Rte. 301 between Cold Spring and Carmel, the Chuang Yen Monastery contains a large Buddha, many meditation halls, and a vegetarian dining hall.
- Walter Brewster House in Brewster: Walter Brewster, an architect who built many historical sites in Brewster, built the house in 1850 in the Greek revival style. After its preservation it still holds concerts and other special events.
See Sybil Ludington Statue
See the statue of one of the most famous people in American history that depicts her in the midst of her famous ride as the "female Paul Revere."
Do
- Constitution Island near Cold Spring is part of West Point. It is most famous for the Great Chain that was placed across the Hudson during the Revolutionary War and the Warner family who lived on the Island during the 19th century.
Do Thunder Ridge
Come ski or snowboard down the Berkshire Mountains of Patterson, NY. If you don't know how Thunder Ridge also provides lessons if you would like to learn how to ski or snowboard. For those who have no interest there is also intense tubing/ sledding. In the off season Thunder Ridge offers hayrides and haunted houses for the fall and when you are in a pugnacious mood, Liberty paintball is available as well. Special occasions such as a weddings and other catered events are hosted on the base of the mountain at The Lodge.
Eat
Eat Aversano's Restaurant and Bar
Classic southern Italian cooking has drawn people in on the weekends making reservations something to heavily consider. If you feel like eating out but are not in a formal dining sort of mood? Aversano's is also partly a pizzeria where you can come in and grab a slice wearing sweats but are still served with the same Italian hospitality and respect. While you are in make sure to say hi to John and Paul, the owners of the place, they are sure to remember you the next time you come!
Eat Fiesta Mexicana
Fiesta as people like to call it consists of classic Mexican-style food, Pinatas, a small live band that plays at each table (requests are encouraged) and their famous guacamole that is made right in front of you all make it a very popular place on the weekends. The bar makes it noisy sometimes but the band usually is able to play over them.
Budget
Eat Red Rooster Drive-In
Crowd-pleasing drive-in has been serving up burgers and shakes for decades. Cheap eats, but oh so good. After you wash down the burger and fries with a soft-serve ice cream, walk (if you still can) next door for a round of mini golf.
Eat Kelly's Corner
1625 Route 22, Southeast. Just north of Brewster on Route 22. "Putnam Eats and Family Fare." Small, lively restaurant with food choices for all ages. Sport's bar area creates a casual, relaxed atmosphere. Make sure to come on Mondays and Wednesdays for Wing Night!
Mid-range
Splurge
Eat Bird & Bottle Inn
Garrison. Exquisite fine dining in a renowned country inn in 18th century buildings.
Sleep
Stay Heidi's Inn
Although near a busy road Heidi's Inn still provides a sort of "getaway" spot. Most rooms have full kitchens but if you prefer to go out, there are restaurants within a one mile radius of the inn. Consists of an outdoor pool and the option to walk in the forest for those who have the need to experience the outdoors first hand.
Budget
Mid-range
Splurge
Stay Hudson House
Cold Spring. River front inn has twelve guest rooms and one large suite, all with private baths. Stunning views of the mountains and river.
Stay safe
County wide 911 system for summoning emergency assistance.
Go next
Southeast Train Station-located in the Village of Brewster, part of the Metro-North railway. Train leaves every hour for New York City.
Nearby
Somers
City / town · 10 listings · 8 mi away
Fishkill
City / town · 8 listings · 11 mi away
Yorktown
City / town · 2 listings · 11 mi away
Katonah
City / town · 5 listings · 12 mi away
Beacon
City / town · 3 listings · 12 mi away
Highlands
City / town · 6 listings · 13 mi away
Peekskill
City / town · 5 listings · 13 mi away
Cortlandt
City / town · 14 mi away
My experience
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