Explore the Magic of Brewster, NY

Updated: June 2026

Brewster, New York, is an absolute gem of a town, offering an abundance of delights for residents and visitors alike. If you haven’t ventured out to fully explore the area, you are missing out on some incredible hidden treasures. Whether you’re entertaining foodies, looking for scenic outdoor spaces, or planning a weekend excursion, there are plenty of amazing places to visit in Brewster, New York. To help you plan your next adventure, we’ve refreshed our guide to the ultimate things to do in Brewster, NY!

Take a Walk on the Putnam Trailway

The Putnam Trailway follows 12 miles of a historic railroad corridor that dates back to the 1880s. Today, this fully paved, multi-use path is a favorite destination for local pedestrians, runners, and cyclists looking for scenic day trips in Putnam County, NY. The trail winds through beautiful stretches of shade hardwoods, past the picturesque Lake Mahopac, Lake Casse, and Lake Gleneida, and crosses a spectacular 1,000-foot causeway over the Middle Branch Reservoir. It’s a wonderful, free outdoor activity for all fitness levels.

The Putnam Trailway travels through miles of shady hardwoods, past picturesque Lake Mahopac, Lake Casse, and Lake Gleneida, and on to the 1,000-foot causeway passing over Middle Branch Reservoir. The walk includes several steep climbs that present a satisfying challenge.

Location: 31 Tilly Foster Road, Brewster, NY.

Splash Into Tonetta Lake

For a classic summer escape, Tonetta Lake offers a charming town beach with ample space for swimming and relaxing in the sun. This beach is open to residents of the Town of Southeast, as well as Patterson residents whose children attend the Brewster Central School District. It is one of the most popular summer family activities near Brewster, NY.

Location: 140 Pumphouse Road, Brewster, NY

2026 Hours: Open daily from Memorial Day weekend through late August. Monday through Friday from 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM, and Saturdays and Sundays from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM.

Hit the Brewster Ice Arena

The Brewster Ice Arena offers action-packed, climate-controlled fun every single day of the year! This massive multi-surface facility features public skating sessions, high-energy Friday and Sunday night skates with party lighting, youth hockey clinics, and thriving adult leagues. After hitting the ice, families can head up to the second floor to warm up and grab a bite at Player’s Restaurant & Bar, which features great food and excellent rink-side viewing arenas. It stands out as one of the premier indoor Brewster NY attractions.

On the second floor of the arena, you’ll find the Player’s Restaurant & Bar, which offers indoor and seasonal outdoor dining. You can explore a selection of classic American eats to help you fuel up for your time on the ice.

Location: 63 Fields Lane, Brewster, NY

Hours: 3:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on weekdays and 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. on weekends.

Enjoy American Fine Dining at Southeast Grillehouse

Southeast Grillehouse has proudly served the Brewster community for more than two decades. The lunch menu features a variety of decadent midday indulgences, such as pan-roasted salmon salad, sliced hanger steak in a merlot demi-glace, linguine and shrimp, and stuffed portobello sandwiches.

For dinner, you’ll find many of the same selections in larger portions, plus an expanded entree selection that includes homemade vegetable ravioli, chicken Napoleon, and more. Southeast Grillehouse elevates simple favorites to a new level with rich flavors, such as boneless pork chops with maple, apple, and walnut. Be sure to try the lemon chicken sauteed in egg batter and served in a lemon chardonnay sauce. Even the English fish and chips comes with a sophisticated red pepper remoulade. You can find something suited to almost every taste.

Location: 2459 Route 6, Brewster.

Hours: Lunch from noon to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Dinner from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Open from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday.

Explore the Sam and Myra Ross Farm & Wildlife Center

On the Brewster campus of the Green Chimneys School, you’ll find the Sam and Myra Ross Farm & Wildlife Center. This facility houses over 300 animals. You can meet farm animals such as cows, pigs, goats, rabbits, llamas, alpacas, sheep, and chickens. The horse barn is home to miniature horses, miniature donkeys, Mediterranean donkeys, horses, a Shetland pony, and a camel. You can also view a host of resident wildlife, including a bald eagle, gyrfalcons, owls, emus, turkeys, geese, ducks, and a porcupine. This is a great weekend adventure for families.

Location: 400 Doansburg Road, Brewster.

Hours: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekends.

Take in Brewster History at the Southeast Museum

The Southeast Museum features exhibits that highlight the distinctive history of the region. You can learn about the Harlem Line Railroad, Borden Milk Condensery, Tilly Foster Mine, American Circus, and more. The museum is in the historic Old Town Hall, dating back to 1896. Have you ever been curious about the life and times of New York residents in the 19th century? If you have, this destination is an essential stop. The museum illuminates the era through permanent and temporary exhibits featuring antique clothing and household items from centuries past.

Location: 67 Main St., Brewster.

Hours: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday.

Dine at Tilly’s Table

Situated on the beautiful, historic Tilly Foster Farm, Tilly’s Table serves up a spectacular farm-to-table dining experience featuring fresh, regionally sourced ingredients. Beyond their incredible dinner menu, they host highly popular comedy nights, building-wide events, and the annual Tilly Foster Farm Summer Concert Series. It’s a fantastic culinary destination that perfectly captures the local flavor of the region.

Location: 100 New York State Route 312, Brewster, NY

2026 Hours: Dinner served Thursday through Saturday from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Their award-winning Sunday Brunch runs from 11:00 AM to 2:30 PM.

There you have it—some of the absolute best things to do in Brewster, NY to keep your calendar packed with adventure! From historical exploration at the Southeast Museum to wildlife sightings at the Sam and Myra Ross Farm, our community is bursting with excitement. Before you pack up the family and head out for your next Putnam County road trip, make sure your vehicle is ready for the drive. Stop by Brewster Ford to check out our latest vehicle specials, or schedule a quick routine maintenance check with our expert service team today!

Photo Credit: Image by  Haseeb Jamil  is licensed with Unsplash License

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