PUTNAM POSTING: Promoting Tourism and the Local Economy
Jennifer Maher | July 9, 2019
As the summer heats up, I realize it is time for me to do my annual Putnam County summer article. As I say every year, Putnam County is a great place to summer! We truly have it all—water, beaches woods, swamps, hills to hike, as well as shopping and dining!
“Staycations” are popular in today’s busy world, and should be promoted in Putnam County. Hiking, cycling and kayaking are perennial favorites, along with a few adventure ideas. Not sure how to fill a week? Well here are some ideas.
Imagine spending the day in Carmel. Start with viewing the Sybil Ludington Statue/Historic Courthouse on beautiful Lake Gleneida, then head over to Chuang Yen Monastery and hit the Great Buddha Hall, which features the largest Buddha in the Western Hemisphere, check out the koi on Seven Jewels Lake and then have lunch at Flory Kay’s Tea Room, and dinner at Thai Golden.
On another day, hit the Hudson River Turnpike (301), stop by Canopus Lake or Pelton Pond, Stonecrop Gardens or Glynwood for Instagram material, head to Cold Spring for the afternoon (antiques, shops, dinner), and conclude with the Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival at Boscobel with a gourmet picnic on the lawn.
Another day could call for breakfast at Countryside Kitchen or the historic Freight House Café before renting a pontoon boat at Mahopac Marina and spending the day cruising, floating and swimming on Lake Mahopac. You can then dock for lunch at Kobu, Blu on the Lake or Sunset Boulevard to grab a cocktail with the locals. Take in the sunset for sure. Lake Mahopac sunsets should not be missed.
An outdoor sports enthusiast might go kayaking for the day on the great swamp or the Hudson River and check out Bannerman’s Castle, hike Mount Taurus for the most amazing views or maybe discover a private beach on the Hudson. Finish up with fine dining at Clocktower Grill in Brewster, The Carriage House in Mahopac and Patterson, or the Riverview in Cold Spring.
Putnam is full of possible itineraries, each great for our local economy and even for the real estate market!
Jennifer Maher is a partner of J. Philip Real Estate and Founding Chairwoman of the Putnam County Business Council.