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What to do when the kids say “We’re Bored!” In Brewster NY

From extraordinary outdoor destinations to stimulating indoor play places, there are plenty of family-friendly things to do in New York. So next time the kids yell, “We’re bored!” you’ll know exactly what to do to keep them occupied and stimulated — intellectually and physically. Let’s review the top six activities to try with kids in Brewster.
Explore Bear Mountain State Park
Image via Flickr by donnierayjones
Bear Mountain is a marvelous New York state treasure. This 5,205-acre state park rises from the west bank of the Hudson River on Palisades Parkway. It offers a scenic playground with rugged mountains, open fields, and a beautiful lake.
The Perkins Memorial Tower on top of Bear Mountain is an excellent place for the family to take in the spectacular views. The kiddos will also love the park’s merry-go-round. It features 42 hand-carved seats in the shape of native animals, like the bear, deer, or even have a turn sitting with a raccoon. Spend a fantastic day out with the kid partaking in a range of great outdoor activities for the family entertainment, including:

Mountain biking.
Hiking.
Boating.
Picnicking.
Swimming.
Fishing.
Cross-country skiing.
Sledding.
Ice skating.
Picnicking.

Discover TurtleBoo
TurtleBoo is a world-class children’s amusement center on NY-59 in Spring Valley. Head to this fabulous facility, rain or shine, with your little bundles of energy for tons of exciting indoor activities, from bounce castles to birthday parties. It even touts a yummy snack bar. Fill up on hot foods like pizza, popcorn, and cool off with a frozen slushy. Save a couple of dollars per person and stop by weekdays from 2 to 8 p.m.
There’s a separate play area for toddlers under two, where these tots can enjoy age-appropriate equipment. You’ll also find theme park-style rides for the big kids with limitless entry all day long. Kids will jump, crawl and bounce the day away with a host of fun or challenging entertainment and plenty of relaxing spots to rest in, like the:

Three-story soft play area.
Worm cage.
Gravity tunnels.
Rock wall.
Cozy clubhouse.
Ball pit.
Train roller coaster.
Airport with hovering airplanes.
Ballocity.
Sharp-shooting gallery.
Virtual games and arcade.

Spend Time at Muscoot Farm
Image via Flickr by brittreints’
An afternoon with the family at Muscoot Farm is hard to beat. Whether your children love animals or history, there’s a little of both at this early 20th-century agricultural museum. The Westchester County Department of Parks, Recreation, and Conservation owns and operates this fun spot in nearby Katonah.
The original owners, the Hopkins family, founded this 777-acre “Gentleman’s Farm” in 1880. The buildings and grounds are open to the public 362 days of the year from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. At Muscoot Farm, there are tons to see and do in a family-friendly atmosphere. You can:

Shop for freshly harvested goodies at the Farmer’s Market.
Learn about the history of agriculture.
Stroll through the original barns.
Meet baby farm animals and other livestock residents.
Wander the beautiful grounds and encounter wildlife.
Trek along numerous hiking trails.
Embark on a seasonal hayride.
Explore the vegetable garden.
Attend special events throughout the year.

Cool Off at Splashdown Beach
Make a splash this summer at one of New York’s coolest water parks. Splashdown Beach is a seasonal destination located on Old Route 9 West in neighboring Fishkill. This family-friendly pool comes with loads of thrills and spills. Designers created its water attractions for young kids, grandparents, and everyone in between.
Check out the thrilling rides and hold on tight. Some reach over six stores tall and are more than 600 feet long. There are mammoth plunges, twists and turns, and plenty of ways to kick back and relax at this outstanding park, including attractions like:

Arctic Mammoth.
Arctic Plunge Racer.
Dizzy’s Water Whirler.
Croc Creek Wavy Lazy River.
Rock Beach.
Splash Works.
Shipwreck Lagoon.
Cowabunga Falls.
Water Whirler.
Bucket Bowl.

Drop a Line at Bog Brook Reservoir
Fishing is a great way to bond with kiddos, and our local Bog Brook Reservoir is just the place to drop your line and sit a spell. This secluded 379-acre lake is a result of the dam on Bog Brook. Located just a mile from Brewster Hill, this local oasis offers a peaceful vibe that’s a welcome respite from city life.
Whether you’re casting bait or fly fishing, there’s a good chance you’ll land a fish here. So grab the kids, pack your favorite rod and reel in your new F-150, and get out there. Don’t forget about New York state’s free fishing days, either. It’s the ideal time to ditch the daily grind and angle for numerous species, such as:

Rock, large, and smallmouth bass.
Bluegill.
Carp.
Crappie.
White Perch.
Pickerel.
Pumpkinseed Sunfish.
Brown Trout.
Walleye.

Discover Your Children’s Museum
You don’t have to take a long road trip to find something new to do with the kiddos. The Stepping Stones Museum For Children offers an interactive way for kids ages ten and under to develop their understanding of the world. The staff here invites parents to bring their kiddos to this supportive learning environment regardless of any financial, language barrier, or special needs.
The museum reopens in November 2021, fully renovated and ready to help your kids find a lifelong love of learning. Staff designed each activity center to engage a specific age group, from infants and pre-walkers to second through fourth graders. It even touts two new inspiring exhibits, in addition to our longstanding favorites, like:

Build It!
Celebration Courtyard.
Color Coaster.
Community Garden.
Energy Lab.
Express Yourself.
Light Gallery.
Tot Town.
Big Adventures: Dinosaurs
Big Adventures: Going Places

That’s a wrap! The friendly folks at Brewster Ford put together this list of fun activities to try with kids. What do you think of our choices? Our hometown offers so many things for families to enjoy. Did we miss a terrific local kid-friendly destination? If we did, let us know! Drop us a line so we can share your experiences with other adventurous New York families.
The post What to do when the kids say “We’re Bored!” In Brewster NY appeared first on Brewster Ford Blog.
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2026 Ford Bronco driving off-road

2026 Ford Bronco Drivetrain Options Explained: 4×4 Choices & Trail Tech

Picking the right 4x4 setup on a 2026 Ford Bronco isn't just a spec-sheet decision. It changes how the truck feels on an icy I-84 on-ramp, and it changes how it handles a rock ledge near Nimham Mountain. If you're weighing 2026 Ford Bronco drivetrain options, we want to break down what each system actually does before you commit to a trim. You can schedule a test drive at Brewster Ford while you read through the details below. Why the 2026 Ford Bronco's Drivetrain Matters for Hudson Valley Drivers Hudson Valley driving throws a lot at a vehicle. One week you're scraping ice off the windshield before an I-84 commute, the next you're bouncing down an unpaved access road in Putnam or Dutchess County. Ford built the Bronco's drivetrain lineup with that in mind, offering a part-time system for daily-driver trims and a more capable on-demand setup for trims aimed at off-road use. Knowing the difference helps you match the truck to how you actually drive, not just how it looks in a brochure. Part-Time 4x4: The Foundation for Base, Big Bend, Outer Banks, and Heritage Edition Trims Ford equips the Base, Big Bend, Outer Banks, and Heritage Edition trims with a part-time 4x4 system built around a 2-speed electronic shift-on-the-fly (ESOF) transfer case. There's no automatic mode here. The driver manually selects between: 2H, for standard two-wheel-drive street driving. 4H, for added traction at higher speeds on snow or wet pavement. 4L, for low-range power during slow, technical situations. This setup rewards drivers who want simplicity and a direct feel for when four-wheel drive is engaged. How Part-Time 4x4 Handles Snowy I-84 Commutes When snow starts falling on I-84, part-time 4x4 asks a little more of the driver. Shifting into 4H before conditions worsen gives the Bronco added grip through slush and packed snow, and dropping into 4L handles a steep, snow-covered driveway with ease. Since there's no automatic engagement, drivers stay actively involved in choosing the right mode, which suits commuters who prefer predictable, manual control over their traction settings. Advanced 4x4 with Available Sasquatch Package: Badlands and Above Step up to Badlands or Raptor, and the Bronco comes standard with an advanced 4x4 system that adds automatic on-demand engagement through a 4-Auto mode. This same system is available as an option on Base, Big Bend, and Outer Banks trims, giving buyers on those trims a path to more capability without jumping to a higher trim. Badlands stands out since it's the only trim below Raptor that comes with front and rear electronic-locking differentials standard, without needing the Sasquatch Package at all. Automatic On-Demand Engagement Explained The system's electromechanical 2-speed transfer case offers four drive modes plus Neutral. In 4-Auto mode, it continuously varies power to the front wheels, reading terrain conditions in real time and sending torque forward without the driver needing to shift anything manually. That means less guesswork on a mixed-surface drive, whether you hit pavement, gravel, or mud in the same trip. The Sasquatch Package and Front/Rear Locking Differentials A locking differential forces both wheels on an axle to spin at the same speed, which keeps power going to the wheel with traction instead of the one that's spinning freely. Badlands and Raptor get front and rear lockers standard. On any other trim, adding the Sasquatch Package brings both front and rear lockers as well, along with the Advanced 4x4 system (including 4-Auto), 17-inch matte-black alloy wheels, a 4.70 final-drive axle ratio, high-clearance suspension and fender flares, LT315/70R17 Rugged-Terrain tires, and position-sensitive Bilstein shocks. It's built on the HOSS suspension system (offered in four tiers, 1.0 through 4.0) and delivers up to 11.6 inches of ground clearance on two-door models. Sasquatch is available on every trim except Raptor, where the equivalent hardware is already standard, and it's the least expensive way to add lockers outside of Raptor. Worth noting: Base, and the standard versions of Big Bend and Outer Banks, run open differentials, so keep that in mind if locking capability matters to your typical routes. G.O.A.T. Modes™: Matching Terrain Management to the Trail Ahead G.O.A.T. is short for Goes Over Any Type of Terrain, Ford's name for the Bronco's terrain management system. Turning the dial adjusts throttle mapping, shift points, traction control, and locker behavior all at once. Base, Big Bend, Outer Banks, and Heritage Edition trims get five modes: Normal, Eco, Sport, Slippery, and Sand. Badlands and Raptor swap in Off-Road, Rock Crawl, and Baja for a total of seven G.O.A.T. Modes, with Rock Crawl holding low gears and fine-tuning throttle response for maximum mechanical 4WD engagement over obstacles. Trail Tech That Sets the Bronco Apart Several of the Bronco's most useful trail features depend on the 10-speed automatic transmission, which is why they're not universal across every build combination. Understanding which technology pairs with which trim and engine helps you avoid surprises after you've already ordered. Trail Turn Assist for Tighter Turns Near Nimham Mountain Trail Turn Assist™ reduces the Bronco's turning radius by braking the inside rear wheel during slow, sharp-angle maneuvers. It's activated through a hero switch on the dash and works below 12 mph, with the rear differential unlocked and the steering wheel turned near its limit. On a technical trail with a tight switchback, that's the difference between a three-point turn and a clean pivot. With roughly 10 miles of trails and unpaved access roads at Nimham Mountain Multiple Use Area, this feature comes in handy a lot closer to home than you'd expect. Trail Control for Confident Low-Speed Crawling Trail Control™ works like a low-speed, off-road version of cruise control. Engage it through the button on the center-console G.O.A.T. dial, set your pace, and the system manages throttle and braking so you can focus entirely on steering around whatever the trail throws at your tires. Pair it with the 2.7L EcoBoost V6, and you also get access to Trail One-Pedal Drive, a related feature exclusive to that engine where the accelerator alone controls speed and releasing it brings the Bronco to a controlled stop. Electronic Sway Bar Disconnect for Maximum Articulation The electronic sway bar disconnect is standard on First Edition and Badlands, and it's also available when you add the Sasquatch Package to other trims. Below 20 mph, the system disconnects the sway bar and shows an amber dash indicator, letting the suspension flex more freely for better wheel articulation over uneven ground. Climb back above 20 mph, and it automatically reconnects, switching the indicator to gray standby. That balance of trail flex and highway stability is part of what makes serious articulation possible without sacrificing on-road manners. Choosing the Right 4x4 System for Your Hudson Valley Adventures If your routine leans mostly toward I-84 commuting with the occasional trail outing thrown in, part-time 4x4 on a Big Bend or Outer Banks trim covers nearly everything you'll need, and it keeps things simple. If you're regularly heading out toward rougher terrain near Nimham Mountain, the advanced 4x4 system with the Sasquatch Package on a Badlands adds the lockers, terrain modes, and clearance that make a real difference on technical ground. Either way, matching your drivetrain to how you actually drive means fewer surprises and a build that works across Putnam, Fairfield, Dutchess, and Westchester counties. Engine choice works alongside your drivetrain pick. The 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 is standard at 300 hp, the 2.7L EcoBoost V6 is available at 330 hp and unlocks Trail One-Pedal Drive, and the 3.0L high-output EcoBoost V6 is standard on Raptor at 418 hp, the top output in the 2026 Bronco lineup. All three pair with the 10-speed automatic transmission. Engine Drivetrain Transmission Horsepower Locking Differential Availability 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 Part-time 4x4 or available Advanced 4x4 10-speed automatic 300 hp Available with Sasquatch 2.7L EcoBoost V6 Part-time 4x4 or available/standard Advanced 4x4 10-speed automatic 330 hp Standard on Badlands; available with Sasquatch on other trims 3.0L high-output EcoBoost V6 Advanced 4x4 (standard) 10-speed automatic 418 hp Standard on Raptor Whichever combination fits your driving, you can browse our current inventory of family SUVs to compare the Bronco against other Ford SUVs on our lot before deciding. Explore the 2026 Ford Bronco in Brewster, NY Today Reading about G.O.A.T. Modes and locking differentials only gets you so far. Sitting behind the wheel and feeling how the 2026 Bronco responds on familiar Hudson Valley roads tells you a lot more. Our team can walk you through which trim and 4x4 system fits your typical driving, whether that's a Big Bend for daily use or a Badlands for weekend trail runs. Configure Your Custom Bronco Order If you know exactly which engine, trim, and package combination you want, we can help configure a custom Bronco order rather than waiting on standard inventory to match. This is especially useful for buyers set on a specific Sasquatch or Badlands build. As a family-owned dealership for more than 29 years and recipient of the Edmunds Five-Star Dealer Award, we've helped plenty of Hudson Valley drivers order the exact Bronco they had in mind. Visit Brewster Ford or Check Live Inventory Now You can explore the 2026 Ford Bronco in Brewster, NY through our live inventory, or start a credit application to speed up financing before your visit. For questions about trims, packages, or availability, contact our team directly, or stop by 1024 Route 22, Brewster, NY, and let us help you find the right Bronco for the roads and trails you drive most.

Gray 2026 Ford F-150 towing a boat

2026 Ford F-150 vs. Chevy Silverado 1500: Which Full-Size Pickup Wins?

If you're cross-shopping trucks on Route 22 this year, you've probably narrowed it down to two names: the Ford F-150 and the Chevy Silverado 1500. Both are capable, both have loyal followings, and both come up constantly in truck debates at job sites and diners across Putnam County. Below we go engine by engine and feature by feature so you can decide with confidence. You can book a test drive at Brewster Ford anytime this week. 2026 Ford F-150 vs. Chevy Silverado 1500: The Battle for Full-Size Supremacy The 2026 Ford F-150 vs. Chevy Silverado 1500 matchup comes down to towing capacity, job-site power, and how much tech you actually use behind the wheel. Both trucks bring strong engine lineups and long histories of durability. But when you line up towing numbers, hybrid efficiency, and onboard power, the F-150 pulls ahead in ways that matter for buyers around Brewster, NY, and the greater Hudson Valley. Towing and Hauling: Why the F-150's 13,500 lbs Beats the Silverado's 13,300 lbs Numbers on a spec sheet only matter if they hold up on the road. Properly equipped with the 3.5L EcoBoost V6, the F-150 can tow up to 13,500 lbs, edging out the Silverado's best conventional tow rating of 13,300 lbs, which comes from the 3.0L Duramax diesel in the right configuration (the 6.2L V8 tops out at 13,200 lbs). Payload tells a similar story: the F-150 tops out at 2,440 lbs, while the Silverado's max payload, offered on the 2.7L TurboMax, reaches 2,260 lbs. That's a 200-lb towing advantage and a 180-lb payload advantage for the F-150. On paper, that might not sound dramatic. In practice, it's the difference between towing your boat off a lake in northern Westchester County with margin to spare or towing right at your limit. F-150 buyers also have flexibility across the engine lineup: the 2.7L EcoBoost V6 handles 8,400 lbs, the 3.5L PowerBoost hybrid manages 11,600 lbs, and the 5.0L Ti-VCT V8 covers 12,800 lbs. There's a configuration for nearly every towing need without forcing you into a single powertrain. Real-World Towing on Route 22 and Beyond Anyone who's pulled a trailer through the Hudson Valley knows the terrain isn't flat. Grades on I-84 and the hills around Route 22 put real strain on a drivetrain, and extra towing and payload capacity matters most on those climbs. Ford backs up that capacity with Pro Trailer Backup Assist, which takes a lot of the guesswork out of backing a trailer down a tight boat ramp or job site driveway. With the Duramax diesel, the Silverado holds its own on long highway hauls, and buyers who prioritize fuel efficiency on extended trips will find that engine appealing. But when you're loading up for a weekend at the lake or hauling equipment across Putnam County, the F-150's higher ceiling gives you a bit more breathing room, and that margin adds up over years of ownership. If you'd rather see the towing specs in person, browse our new Ford trucks for sale and we'll walk you through exactly which trim fits your setup. PowerBoost Hybrid Efficiency vs. Silverado's Powertrain Lineup Ford's PowerBoost hybrid produces 430 hp and 578 lb-ft of torque, with a max tow rating of 11,600 lbs and payload up to 1,740 lbs. EPA estimates land at 22 city and 24 highway, 23 combined mpg, a strong number for a half-ton truck with this kind of output. The 3.5L EcoBoost V6 delivers 17 city and 25 highway, 20 combined mpg, while the 5.0L V8 comes in at 16 city and 24 highway, 19 combined mpg. Chevrolet doesn't offer a hybrid Silverado at all. Instead, the lineup runs on the 2.7L TurboMax (310 hp, 430 lb-ft), the 5.3L V8 (355 hp, 383 lb-ft), the 6.2L V8 (420 hp, 460 lb-ft), and the 3.0L Duramax turbo-diesel, which produces 305 hp and 495 lb-ft with an EPA-estimated 28 mpg highway. That diesel mileage is genuinely impressive and worth acknowledging if long highway commutes to Danbury, CT, or beyond are your priority. But for buyers who want strong power and hybrid efficiency without adding diesel to the equation, the comparison tilts firmly toward PowerBoost. Pro Power Onboard: Real Power for Putnam County Job Sites If you work a trade in Putnam County, this section might matter more than anything else on this page. Every F-150 comes standard with a 2.0 kW Pro Power Onboard system, essentially a built-in generator that runs off the truck. Step up to the Platinum Plus trim and you get 7.2 kW standard, also available across all hybrid powertrains. For contractors who need serious power on remote sites, the PowerBoost Hybrid offers a 7.2 kW Pro Power Onboard system capable of running heavy tools and lighting rigs. Paired with a GenerLink transfer switch, that same 240V outlet can feed a home's main panel during an outage, and Ford estimates a full tank will keep an average household running for up to five days. The Silverado, by comparison, offers only standard 120-volt outlets in the cab and bed. That's fine for charging a phone or running a small tool, but it's not in the same category as a multi-kilowatt onboard generator. Anyone who's had to haul a separate generator to a job site will recognize this as one of the clearest, most practical advantages the F-150 holds here. It's not a flashy spec, but it's one you'll use every single week if your work depends on it. Interior Tech and Comfort for Commuters Crossing the Connecticut Border Commuting across the Connecticut border into Danbury or down through northern Westchester County means spending real time behind the wheel, and both trucks know it. Every F-150 trim comes standard with SYNC 4, featuring a 12-inch center display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, cloud-connected features, AppLink, 911 Assist, and natural-language voice control. Higher trims step up to SYNC 4A, which includes a portrait touchscreen up to 15.5 inches and over-the-air update capability, so your truck's software keeps improving without a dealer visit. Move further up the lineup and you'll find a head-up display, a 12-inch driver display, wireless charging, and a 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen Unleashed Sound System. Ford also offers BlueCruise across several trims and spreads Co-Pilot360 driver-assist features broadly across the lineup, not just the top-tier models. Chevrolet starts the Silverado with Infotainment 3 on a 7-inch touchscreen, moving up to a 13.4-inch display paired with a 12.3-inch digital cluster on LT trims and above. It's worth being fair here: Chevrolet's Super Cruise, available on the High Country trim, offers class-exclusive hands-free driving that works even while towing, a genuine strength if that's a priority for your commute. Premium Silverado models also offer Google Built-in and up to 14 camera views, both useful for tech-focused buyers. Still, weigh how broadly Ford spreads its advanced features across the F-150 lineup against how Chevrolet reserves some of its best tech for top trims only, and the comparison favors accessibility on Ford's side. Price and Value: Getting More Truck for Your Money The real value here lives in trim structure and financing more than in numbers that shift week to week. The F-150 lineup is built around eight clearly defined trims: XL, STX, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum, Tremor, and Raptor, each with a clear identity and feature set. That makes shopping straightforward. You know what you're getting at each level, whether it's the work-focused XL or the off-road-ready Raptor. The Silverado, by contrast, spreads numerous configurations across 9 core trim levels, which gives shoppers plenty of granularity but can also make comparing configurations more complicated. When features like Super Cruise or Google Built-in are locked to specific packages, it's easy to end up paying for a tier just to unlock one feature you want. On the ownership side, Kelley Blue Book named the 2026 F-150 its Best Buy of the year among full-size trucks. At Brewster Ford, we also offer on-site financing with competitive rates and flexible terms, so whether you're eyeing a work-ready XL or a loaded Platinum, we can structure a payment plan that fits your budget without the back-and-forth of outside lenders. Why Local Truck Buyers Choose the 2026 Ford F-150 near Brewster Ask around Putnam County and northern Westchester County, and you'll hear the same reasons come up again and again. The towing and payload edge, that 300-lb and 180-lb margin, matters when you're pulling a boat off a Hudson Valley lake or hauling materials to a job site. Pro Power Onboard has become a real selling point for contractors who need dependable power without a separate generator. And the PowerBoost hybrid gives commuters and weekend haulers a rare combination of strong torque and genuine fuel savings. Beyond the truck itself, plenty of buyers choose the 2026 Ford F-150 near Brewster because of who they're buying from. Brewster Ford has been family owned and operated for over 50 years, and we've earned the Edmunds Five Star Dealer Award for the kind of service that keeps customers coming back. As the only dedicated Ford store in the Volz Auto Group network, we focus entirely on getting Ford trucks and SUVs into the hands of drivers across the region, backed by factory-trained technicians and genuine Ford parts. Browse New Truck Specials and Book Your Test Drive at Brewster Ford See the Numbers for Yourself You've now seen the towing numbers, the hybrid output, the Pro Power Onboard specs, and the tech breakdown side by side. If the F-150's real-world advantages make sense for how you tow, work, and commute, the next step is simple. Come take a look at our new Ford F-150 for sale in Brewster, or if you want to compare the full lineup, check out our new Ford trucks for sale inventory. Ready When You Are Ready to get behind the wheel? Book a test drive at our Route 22 showroom, or reach out to our team with any questions about financing, trims, or availability. We're here Monday through Thursday from 9 AM to 7 PM, Friday and Saturday from 9 AM to 6 PM, and our team is ready to help you find the F-150 that fits your life across the Hudson Valley.

Apple Picking, Cider, and Autumn Sweets in Putnam County

When the hot summer weather turns into fresh, cool air and the hilly landscape of Putnam County becomes a vibrant display of red, orange, and gold, it is hard to imagine a more perfect time to go outside and enjoy the season. The autumn in Brewster, New York, and the nearby towns is actually quite magical. Whether it's rows of large apple trees ready for picking or the pleasant smell of cinnamon-sugar cider donuts that have just come out of the fryer, autumn brings with it a feeling of nostalgia and a strong sense of community in our area. For families all over the Hudson Valley, taking a weekend drive along the curvy rural roads to visit local orchards and bakeries is a cherished custom. In order to help you get the most out of this pleasant season, we have created a local guide showing the best places for apple picking, fresh press cider, and delicious autumn treats that are only a short drive from Brewster. Salinger's Orchard: Freshly Picked Apples and Historic Bakery Delights in Brewster Salinger's Orchard, located right on Guinea Road, has for many generations been a well-known part of the Brewster community. Situated among 90 acres of attractive rolling hills, this family-run orchard cultivates 26 different kinds of apples so that no matter whether you like a crisp Honeycrisp, a tart Granny Smith or a traditional McIntosh, you will find the perfect harvest available at their farm market. Although the hilly land means that the apples are carefully hand-picked by their committed farm staff and are not available on a pick-your-own basis, visiting their market and bakery is a memorable experience. The bakery, which has been part of the local area for over three decades, offers fresh fruit pies, warm apple cider donuts and seasonal cookies every day. You can also get lunch from their popular blue food bus, which is parked on the lawn, and then enjoy a picnic amid the autumn colours. Harvest Moon Farm & Orchard: Crisp Cider and Classic Apple Picking in Nearby North Salem Right over the town line, just a few minutes south of Brewster, you can find Harvest Moon Farm & Orchard, which provides one of the most lively fall festival experiences in the region. Covering 65 acres of beautiful farmland, the farm is a popular choice for the traditional activity of picking your own apples during the months of September and October. Families come to the farm to walk along the sunny rows of the orchard, pick large amounts of fresh fruit, and enjoy sweeping views of the Hudson Valley. In addition to apple picking, the farm store carries local honey, meat that has been raised on pastures, and their well-known house-made apple cider donuts. Adults have the option of going to the outdoor seating area to taste Hardscrabble Cider, which is handcrafted on site from the apples grown on the farm. On autumn weekends there is live music, hayrides, and wood-fired food, making Harvest Moon a perfect place to spend an afternoon in the fresh autumn weather. Outhouse Orchards: Family Traditions, Corn Mazes, and Warm Cider Donuts Outhouse Orchards, which is situated a short distance from Brewster, is another highly regarded spot that embodies the true essence of autumn. Known for its extensive pumpkin patch and its vibrant farm ambiance, it offers a traditional fall activity for people of all ages. Visitors can take a ride on a hayride pulled by a tractor, challenge their family to go through the complex corn maze, and pick apples themselves directly from the trees. Then head over to The Barn marketplace, where the aroma of spiced cider and hot baked goods is everywhere. The freshly fried apple cider donuts they serve are famous with local residents and go very well with a jug of cold, sweet cider that is pressed right on the farm. It is an ideal place to add to your weekend agenda and to fill your car's trunk with autumn treats. Fishkill Farms: Eco-Friendly Apple Picking and Artisanal Treasury Cider A weekend drive northwards towards Hopewell Junction leads you to Fishkill Farms, a historic 270-acre orchard that adheres to eco-friendly and organic farming methods. The farm has a wide pick-your-own programme, so visitors can pick ecological apples, pears, and pumpkins while taking in the beautiful views of the surrounding area. Its busy farm shop is a favourite with people who enjoy local foods and carries a variety of artisanal cheeses, preserves made on the farm, and freshly baked fruit pies. You should go to the donut window to get the hot cider donuts, which are made fresh all year round. For adults, a visit to Fishkill Farms would not be complete without going to the Treasury Cider bar, where they serve complex, small-batch hard ciders made directly from apples grown in their own eco-certified orchards. Brewster Pastry: Old-World French Autumn Tartes and Baked Goods If you want to find some handcrafted autumn sweets without having to go to a complete orchard, then you need look no further than Brewster Pastry, which is situated right in the middle of Brewster. The bakery, run by a family and headed by Paris-trained Chef Thierry Danvin, offers genuine French bakery skills in the Hudson Valley. In the autumn, Chef Thierry and his staff prepare beautiful seasonal pies, simple fruit tartes, and fine pastries using 100% local New York butter and fresh food from the surrounding area. Starting with spiced apple tartes that have flaky, golden crusts and ending with rich pecan desserts and buttery croissants, all the products on display are made fresh on the premises each day. It's a great local place to get a dessert for a family gathering in the fall or to enjoy a coffee and a pastry in the morning before setting off on a lovely autumn drive. Vera's Marketplace: Warm Homemade Donuts and Local Putnam Treasures When you head to the western part of Putnam County to Cold Spring, you'll come upon Vera's Marketplace and Garden Center. Although the shop is famous all year for its fresh produce and imported Italian foods, it turns into an important destination for people who enjoy the fall season looking for some of the finest homemade apple cider donuts in the Hudson Valley. The donuts are baked fresh on the premises all day long and attract visitors from all over the area because of their warm, sugar-coated nature. Together with the cider donuts, Vera's provides a pleasant market atmosphere featuring a variety of local Hudson Valley products such as regional maple syrup, artisanal jams, fresh-pressed cider, and fall garden decorations. A visit to Vera's gives you a nice taste of the small-town character of Putnam County and makes your autumn weekend feel really complete. Hit the Road for Your Ultimate Autumn Adventure with Brewster Ford No matter if you're picking apples directly from the branch, exploring a twisting corn maze, or collecting a warm box of cider donuts for Sunday morning, falling in Putnam County provides countless opportunities for you to make lasting memories with your family and friends. By supporting these outstanding local orchards, bakeries, and markets you not only enjoy the finest flavours of the season but also help to strengthen the community ties that make living in Brewster such a special experience. If you're planning your weekend road trips around Putnam County and further afield, Brewster Ford wants to ensure that your journeys are both comfortable and safe and are prepared for anything the season may have in store. Whether you need a large SUV with plenty of space for carrying pumpkins and crates of apples or a dependable car suited to autumn conditions, our staff is proud to help keep our neighbours on the move. Visit our Brewster showrooms today, fill up your vehicle and make the most of every mile of this lovely season!