Explore the Magic of Brewster, NY

Brewster, New York, is a gem of a town, offering an abundance of delights for residents and visitors alike. You’re definitely missing out if you haven’t ventured out to fully explore and enjoy the area. Whether you’re entertaining a foodie or a family, there’s something here that’s sure to delight everyone. Here are some of our top picks.

Take a Walk on the Putnam Trailway

The Putnam Trailway follows 12 miles of the railroad corridor that was created in the 1880s. The corridor served passenger railroads through the 1950s and continued to provide passage for trains hauling freight through the 1980s. The 45-mile route is now divided into four paved trails for pedestrians and cyclists. It begins at Putnam Avenue between Eagle Ridge Road and Putnam Terrace in Brewster and ends at Baldwin Place at New York State Route 118/Tomahawk Street.

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: 30 Tilly Foster Road, Brewster.

Splash Into Tonetta Lake

As a Brewster resident, you get to enjoy the exclusive delights of Tonetta Lake. This charming lake has ample space for swimming and a sandy beach where you and your family can relax and enjoy the sun. Beach passes are seasonal, and you’ll need to buy a new pass each year. Would you prefer a daily payment option? If so, Tonetta Lake offers affordable day passes that you can also purchase for guests you wish to bring along. The lake opens for the season on Memorial Day weekend.

Location: 140 Pumphouse Road, Brewster.

Hours: Noon to 5 p.m. on Memorial Day weekend and weekends up to June 24. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekends and holidays after June 24. Noon to 7 p.m. on weekdays after June 24.

Hit the Brewster Ice Arena

The Brewster Ice Arena offers chilly excitement any time of the year. The arena has an indoor skating rink that hosts sessions for figure skating, sticks and pucks, open hockey, and public skating. You can also sign up for skating lessons if you’re new to the ice. Those interested in sports on the rink can join a hockey league. The Pro Shop off the lobby has everything you’ll need to enjoy your visit, including figure skates, recreational skates, apparel, and skate-sharpening services.

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.

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

Tilly’s Table serves the distinctive flavors of the region with authentic farm-to-table dining. Enjoy dishes such as grilled free-range chicken breast, organic roasted beet salad, or herb and wild mushroom crusted beef tenderloin with seasonal local vegetables. Tilly’s also serves an outstanding brunch with bottomless mimosas. Check the calendar for special events, including live music and comedy nights.

Location: 100 New York State Route 312, Brewster.

Hours: 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Sunday.

What are your favorite destinations in Brewster? Contact our team at Brewster Ford and let us know. We’d like to have all the best local recommendations for our customers so we can point them toward an exciting adventure as they drive off our lot in their brand-new Ford.

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

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