Spend the Day in Croton-on-Hudson

Just 35 miles from midtown Manhattan, Croton-on-Hudson is an idyllic retreat sitting at the confluence of the Croton and Hudson Rivers. But don’t mistake the country retreat for some sleepy little village, visitors find the 5-square mile town is packed with history, outdoor fun, and plenty of good things to eat. Here are just a few suggestions on how to spend the day sampling what Croton-on-Hudson has to offer.

Morning 
Fill up on hearty fare at the Croton Colonial Diner—it doesn’t matter what time you get there, this classic joint serves breakfast 24 hours a day. After fueling up, head over to the RiverWalk. The paved path will take you straight down to the Hudson River for some spectacular views. Take a seat on one of the viewing benches to drink in the vistas and watch the traffic on the water—mainly kayaks and sailboats. Or if you’re looking for a little more strenuous activity after a morning of carb-loading, hike the Croton Gorge Park. The 92-acre park houses the Croton Dam, which was completed in 1907, and, standing at 297-feet tall, is impressive from both the base and the from the trail that overlooks its spillway.

Noon 
Pizza connoisseurs should consider checking out Capriccio II, where more than 30 varieties of the pie grace the menu. And because there’s always room for ice cream, The Blue Pig should be the next stop on your agenda. The shop offers homemade ice cream made with locally-sourced ingredients in flavors like maple walnut and espresso sambuca—and of course, a vanilla that’s anything but plain!

Afternoon 
History and literature lovers might want to take a walk through Bethel Cemetery, where the gravestones date back to the 1700s. Lorranie Hansberry, author of A Raisin in the Sun and the first African-American woman to have a play produced on Broadway, was buried here in 1965.

Pierre Van Cortlandt donated the land to build the Bethel Chapel, and it was completed sometime between 1779-1781. By 1883, the congregation had outgrown the space, and a new building on adjacent property was dedicated, forming the Asbury United Methodist Church. Both the chapel and the church are still in use today and are on the National Register of Historic Places.

Those looking for some adventure can head to the Croton River to rent a kayak from Hudson River Recreation. While on the water, keep your eyes open for osprey, hawks, and heron—and even a glimpse of the Tappan Zee Bridge!

Evening 
Enjoy upscale Italian food in a friendly, neighborhood setting at Fratelli’s Trattoria, where classic dishes get a new twist. Their fresh fish and pasta dishes get rave reviews.

Once the sun sets, the best place to be is The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze at Van Cortlandt Manor! More than 7,000 pumpkins light up the night in astonishing displays; see a Statue of Liberty reaching toward the sky, a 20-foot diameter Pumpkin Carousel twirling, and a herd of dinosaurs—all made of jack o’lanterns.

Late Night 
If cocktails are your drink of choice, you’ll want to stop by Yuka’s Latin Fusion for a toast with one of their sweet and spicy martinis.

This is just a small sampling of the many great restaurants to try in Croton-on-Hudson, for more places to try, see our Dining Guide.