We All Scream for Ice Cream!

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From the flavorful flair of a mom-and-pop shop to those childhood commercial jingles that make your mouth water, ice cream is where it’s at and you’ll find plenty of the good stuff in Putnam County!

Baskin-Robbins, 3115 Route 22, Patterson. Open 7 days a week, 4 a.m. to midnight. Call 845.878.7655.

Carvel:

  • Putnam Plaza Shopping Center, Route 6, Carmel. Open 7 days a week, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Call 845.225.0344.
  • 1020 Route 22, Brewster. Open Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Friday, 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m.; and Saturday, 10 a.m.-10:30 p.m. Call 845.279.6549.

Homestyle Creamery, 351 Main Street, Cold Spring. Open Monday through Friday, 1-9 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, noon-9 p.m. Call 845.666.7296

Ice Cream Studio 105, 105 Towners Road, Lake Carmel. Open 7 days a week, 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Call 845.225.0890.

Kwality Ice Cream Shop, 939 South Lake Boulevard, Mahopac. Open 7 days a week, noon-9:30 p.m. Call 845.803.8426.

Milk Squared (Milk²), 997 Route 6, Mahopac. Open Sunday through Thursday, 2-10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday, 2-11 p.m. Call 845.519.2353.

Moo Moo’s Creamery, 32 West Street, Cold Spring. Open Sunday through Thursday, noon-9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday, noon-9:30 p.m. Call 845.204.9230.

Peachwave Self-Serve Frozen Yogurt & Gelato, 1511 Route 22, Brewster. Open Sunday through Thursday, noon-9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday, noon-10 p.m. Call 845.302.2140.

Red Rooster Drive-In, 1566 Route 22, Brewster. Open Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m.-10:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m.-12:30 a.m.; and Sunday, 10 a.m.-11:30 p.m. Call 845.279.8046.

Scoops ‘N’ More, 90 Gleneida Ave, Carmel Hamlet. Open Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. and Sunday, noon-10 p.m. Call 845.225.5267.

Uncle Louie G:

  • 69 Fairfield Drive, Patterson. Open Monday through Thursday, 2-8 p.m. and Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 2-9 p.m. Call 845.582.0472.
  • 924 South Lake Boulevard, Mahopac. Open Monday through Thursday, 2-9 p.m.; Friday, 2-9:30 p.m.; Saturday, 1-9:30 p.m.; and Sunday, 1-9 p.m. Call 845.803.8531.

The Village Scoop, 1 Railroad Avenue, Cold Spring. Open Monday and Wednesday, 2:30-7 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, noon-8 p.m. Call 845.265.5000.

 

 

A Kid’s-Eye View: Boscobel House and Gardens

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By Peter F. Paradise II

Garrison, NY – Boscobel is an awesome historic site. It has a great view of the Hudson River and West Point across the river. It’s a great place to take the family for a picnic on the Great Lawn and to walk and hike the property.

There are so many things to photograph and look at – plants, wildlife and, of course, the view overlooking the Hudson River and the hills around it!

The herb garden is beautiful and smells fragrant. For nature lovers, there are a lot of birds, butterflies and bees. There is a grape arbor along the back of the garden that is really neat to walk through and look up at the bunches of grapes. The Formal Garden has a peaceful fountain and flowers. There are also many apple trees planted on the property.

I went on a one-mile hike with my mom on the Frances S. Reese Woodland Trail. It is an easy hike for kids. There are historical and environmental markers to read, benches to sit on, two cool gazebos to take a rest and more great views of Constitution Marsh and the river. We saw a lot of wild mushrooms, berries and other plants along the way. There are “discovery” plaques on the trail to help identify the different trees and birds in the woods.

My mom really liked the Hudson River School Artists Garden with sculptures by Greg Wyatt and biographies of famous Hudson River School artists.

Boscobel is currently offering a limited number of tickets to the gardens, grounds and Woodland Trail. Members and the general public can make reservations on the Gardens and Grounds Admission page at Boscobel.org.

Peter F. Paradise II is a 10-year-old Putnam County resident, who loves photography, hockey, baseball and outdoor adventures.

 

 

 

Magazzino Italian Art Reopens its Doors to the Public on Friday, July 10

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Museum Implements Robust Health and Safety Measures,
Including New Social Distancing Technology, Timed Ticketing, and Capacity Limits
Summer Program to Include Homemade,
Special Exhibition Featuring New Work Created During Global Quarantine,
Drive-In Screenings of Museum’s Annual Cinema in Piazza Film Festival

Magazzino Italian Art will begin welcoming the public back to the museum starting Friday, July 10th, in accordance with state, regional, and local guidelines of the phased reopening of the Mid-Hudson Region.  To mark the occasion, Magazzino has organized a special exhibition of contemporary art created by eight New York based Italian artists during the time of self-quarantine.  This exhibition was originally shared as part of the museum’s digital invitational Homemade.

Other summer programs include a drive-in version of the museum’s annual film festival, Cinema in Piazza, with screenings of Luca Vitone’s Romanistan (2019) and Andrea Mastrovito’s animated feature film I Am Not Legend (2020) to be held in August.

In preparation for its reopening, Magazzino has implemented a robust range of new protocols and procedural changes to ensure the health and safety of its staff, visitors, and broader community.  A key change includes the on-site distribution of EGOpro devices to each visitor, making Magazzino the first museum in the United States to adopt the new social distancing technology.

For visitors who are unable to come to the museum in-person, Magazzino will continue to create new online content to complement its on-site exhibitions and programs, all of which will remain available on the museum’s Magazzino da Casa webpage.

Phase 4 reopening | UPDATED TO REFLECT THAT MALLS WILL OPEN FRIDAY IN REGIONS THAT HAVE REACHED PHASE 4

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Museums, exhibitions, historical sites and low-risk entertainment venues are now allowed to reopen in Putnam County as the Mid-Hudson region enters Phase 4 of the state’s reopening plan.

Social gatherings of up to 50 people will also be allowed as will low-risk youth sports including baseball, softball, gymnastics, field hockey, cross country and track, with no more than two spectators.

“We are thrilled to have social gatherings, kids’ sports and our Main Street businesses almost fully back again,” Putnam County Executive MaryEllen Odell said. “Under the guidance of our Department of Health, we have proceeded with caution throughout this pandemic and our vigilance has paid off. We can now shop Putnam and patronize the businesses that belong to our friends and neighbors, while also maintaining the health and safety of our communities.”

Malls in the Mid-Hudson region, and other areas of the state that have reached Phase 4, will reopen Friday July 10. Malls must have air filtration systems that can remove coronavirus particles from the air. Shoppers will also have to follow social distancing rules and stores will be restricted to 50 percent occupancy.

“We are happy to see that the malls will reopen,” County Executive Odell said. “With nearby states allowing mall shopping, this will level the playing field for New York State.”

Gov. Andrew Cuomo did not permit gyms, indoor fitness centers and movie theaters to reopen as part of Phase 4, instead they must remain closed through August 5.

“We feel the pain of those small business owners, and we are disappointed with the delay,” said Kathleen Abels, president of the Putnam County Economic Development Corporation. “Now, at least, there’s a light at the end of the tunnel. Barring a change, the governor’s Executive Order gives gyms, indoor fitness centers and movie theaters a projected reopening date of August 6.”

The same cannot be said for much of the rest of the country, 38 states are seeing large increases in infection rates. A travel advisory has now been expanded to 19 states, with travelers from Delaware, Kansas and Oklahoma added to the list of those who must quarantine for 14 days when they come to New York State.

In New York, the Mid-Hudson region has been getting back to normal, or the new normal, since the first phase of the reopening started at the end of May. Over the past six weeks, jobs came back, restaurants opened — first for outdoor dining and then for indoor dining — and now low-risk entertainment is returning.

In Phase 4, colleges and other institutions of higher education can reopen, as can zoos, botanical gardens, nature parks, historic sites and cultural sites. Media production companies, including film, television, music and website producers, can also get back to business.

In addition to Putnam, the Mid-Hudson region includes Westchester, Rockland, Dutchess, Orange, Sullivan and Ulster counties.

For the latest information, check the county’s website at putnamcountyny.gov and the Putnam County Economic Development Corporation’s website at putnamedc.org.

For help determining whether or not your business is eligible to reopen, use the state’s reopen lookup tool.

NY FORWARD BUSINESS REOPEN LOOKUP TOOL

Hamlet of Carmel Historical Tour

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#AdventureAtHome 

Celebrate the 4th of July with a patriotic tour in the Hamlet of Carmel.  Our historic courthouse looks majestic in red, white and blue bunting and the Row of Honor flags are proudly displayed, but there is so much more that can be explored. This approximately 90 minute walking/driving tour is fun for anyone who enjoys history and a little bit of intrigue.

#1 Stop for a moment at the Enoch Crosby marker in front of the historic courthouse.

#2 Drive 1.5 miles to the Gilead Burial Ground (28 Mechanic St. Carmel) to see Crosby’s headstone.  The Cemetery is on the National Register of Historic Places and is the resting place of 24 Revolutionary War Veterans.  Carefully open the wrought iron gate and step back in time.  Learn more about Enoch Crosby and his alias Harvey Birch.  The Spy: a Tale of the Neutral Ground written by James Fenimore Cooper is based on the heroic actions of Enoch Crosby.

#3 Drive back into town stopping in front of the statue of Revolutionary War Heroine Sybil Ludington. Learn more about her life and courageous ride to muster the Continental Soldiers to the Battle of Danbury.

#4 Continue along 52 and pass the traffic light in the middle of town.  Park on either side of the road near the Mount Carmel Baptist Church.  Take some time to explore the Old Baptist Burial Ground on the left and the Mt. Carmel Baptist Cemetery on the right.  You will spot grave markers from the Revolutionary War, War of 1812, Mexican War, and the GAR (Union Army, Civil War).  Please tread carefully on this hallowed ground and be quiet and respectful of your surroundings.

If history has made you hungry, enjoy lunch at one of the many restaurants in town.  There is something for everyone with choices that include Thai, Italian, Indian/Caribbean, American, and even High Tea.  Save room for ice cream at Scoops N More!

www.visitputnam.org

Like us on Facebook: Putnam County Tourism     

 

Putnam Moves

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Putnam Area Rapid Transit (PART) “Putnam Moves” left the gate this morning at 5 am and service is restored to Public Transit for the four Fixed Routes, complimentary ParaTransit, and the Croton Falls Commuter Shuttle.   The County will maintain its regular schedule found on the County website.  Management was there to welcome the bus drivers in the early morning and mid-day shifts.  It is terrific for the transit riders that service is restored and the dedicated team at MV Transit is happy to return to work.

Safety is Putnam County’s paramount consideration.  The transit system will use different buses on different shifts and will be cleaned and sanitized after each shift to ensure public health and stop the spread of COVID19.  All passengers and drivers are required to wear face masks when on board.  Strict adherence to properly wearing the face mask is something that will be necessary, not just as a chin guard, but as a full mouth and nose cover.  The safety team will periodically monitor and refuse service to all those who do not abide by the rules.  Thank you to all who endured the inconvenience and realize if we follow the rules, we will beat the pandemic and remain healthy.

Tilly Foster Farm is Open!

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Visiting hours are 10am to 4pm
7 days a week

Great news! We can have visitors again.
Some special rules you have to follow.
No feeding us
No petting us
All visitors must display face masks at time of entry.
Face masks must be worn when necessary
6 – foot social distancing strictly enforced
No groups/ gatherings of any size
Only same household/ family units allowed
If you plan on lunch please carry out all garbage


ALL FARM EMPLOYEES HAVE THE AUTHORITY TO ENFORCE RULES.
FAILURE TO COMPLY WILL RESULT IN EJECTION FROM THE FARM

Preparing for phase 3 on Tuesday June 23rd

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Restaurants are set to offer indoor dining and personal care businesses are preparing to open on Tuesday June 23, when the county is expected to enter Phase 3 of the state’s reopening schedule. “Team Putnam” is on hand to help businesses plan their restarts and adapt to new requirements.

“Since the very beginning of the pandemic, Putnam County has worked as a team to support Main Street businesses and to help them endure,” Putnam County Executive MaryEllen Odell said. “Now we are taking a team approach to help businesses develop reopening plans that will help them thrive, keep our communities safe and encourage residents and visitors to shop Putnam.”

It’s a formidable team. In addition to County Executive Odell, the county Legislature and the Department of Health, the team includes several local business agencies. Deputy County Executive Thomas Feighery, will interface with The Putnam County Economic Development Corporation (PCEDC) to help businesses through this transition. The PCEDC’S new Small Business Advisory Committee offers a forum for small business owners to share concerns and ideas. The Putnam County Business Council and the county’s Industrial Development Agency are all on board, too, offering guidance, adaptable plans and Zoom webinars to help businesses navigate the new landscape.

“The best thing that the businesses can do in advance of reopening is make a plan and be prepared,” said Kathleen Abels, the President of PCEDC. “We can help with that. There are several new steps required and plenty of new guidelines to follow, so knowing in advance what you need to do is important. Business owners should check our website at putnamedc.org and contact us with questions.”

Phase 3, which includes reopening for nail salons, tattoo parlors and other personal care businesses in addition to indoor dining for food service establishments, is scheduled to begin Tuesday June 23 as long as the coronavirus infection rate in the Mid-Hudson region that includes Putnam does not increase.

Among the requirements for indoor restaurant seating are a maximum occupancy of 50 percent, not including staff, and tables placed six feet apart.

Tourism Director Tracey Walsh, whose work showcases all the venues that the county offers its residents, is an essential part of the team.

“Putnam residents are in a sweet spot,” Walsh said. “Their home county offers the kinds of activities that people everywhere now crave: safe, responsible, outdoor fun. With plenty of hiking, biking, golf, tennis and stunning natural beauty, the county is a great spot for residents to relax and take a staycation. It’s a good time to eat at your local restaurants, shop in your neighborhood stores and support your Main Street businesses.”

Visitors can start at the county’s tourism website, visitputnam.org.

The Putnam County Health Department, which led the way and helped curb the spread of coronavirus in our region, is part of the team and will continue to play a big role in keeping us healthy and preventing an uptick in COVID-19 cases.

Putnam County began reopening on May 26, when construction, manufacturing, curbside retail, agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting began. Phase 2 went into effect on June 9 and included Outdoor Dining, Professional Services (including hair salons & barbershops), Retail, Admin Support and Real Estate/Rental & Leasing.

But Putnam’s progress will depend on residents ongoing use of good judgment.

“We must all use common sense,” Odell said. “We must continue to exercise social distancing, wear masks and other PPE and wash our hands thoroughly and often. Anything less could increase local coronavirus numbers and lead to another PAUSE, and that’s the last thing any of us want.”

For more information, see the following useful links: 

New York Forward (State Reopening Guidelines) – https://forward.ny.gov/

Food Service Reopening Guidelines – https://www.governor.ny.gov/sites/governor.ny.gov/files/atoms/files/Food_Services_Summary_Guidelines.pdf

Putnam County Economic Development Corporation – www.putnamedc.org

Putnam County Business Council – https://putnamcountybusinesscouncil.com/

Putnam County Industrial Development Agency –  https://www.putnamcountyny.com/PutnamIDA/

Empire State Development – https://esd.ny.gov/

Putnam County Tourism Department – visitputnam.org

Deputy County Executive Thomas Feighery,

#AdventureAtHome Week 3: Discover Nature Nearby

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Nature is all around us in beautiful Putnam County.

Enjoy this virtual tour of Clarence Fahnestock State Park to help you plan your visit. Hiking, boating and fishing can all be enjoyed now. Canopus Beach will be opening soon.

Play a game of Nature Bingo as you enjoy all the beautiful hiking spots that Putnam County has to offer. The Michael Ciaiola Conservation Area in Patterson is a great place to explore.  Well marked trails, flowering meadows, and a beautiful waterfall make this a family favorite spot. A trip to the Red Rooster in Brewster is the perfect post hike treat.

Share what you find with us by tagging us on social media and using #AdventureAtHome.

 

High Praise from Golfweek Magazine

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The Putnam County Golf Course got some high praise recently from golf experts who have rated some of the best courses in the world.
A team of four course raters from Golfweek Magazine came to play at Putnam on June 10 for the first time and said the course “should hold a higher ranking and position in the golf community than the well-kept secret that it is.”

Two of the course raters quickly emailed General Manager Mike McCall to commend the public course.
“I want to let you know how impressed our golf group was yesterday after playing Putnam County Golf Club,” Greg Wojick wrote. “All four of us are raters with Golfweek magazine and we get to see many facilities through our involvement in the rating process. It was by unanimous consensus that we praise not only the golf course and its architecture but also at how well the entire golf experience was for us.”

McCall, who has been General Manger of the Putnam County Golf Club since 2013, is also executive director of the Metropolitan Golf Course Superintendents Association, or MetGCSA. He said he was gratified by the course raters’ approval.

“They are raters in Connecticut and New York, they had never been here and they were looking for a place to play,” McCall said, describing how the group called him out of the blue and asked for a tee time. “I’ve always known that is a very well-conditioned golf course with a good design, but for people who have played the best courses in the world to come here and be so utterly flabbergasted, it is incredibly flattering. They just raved. They had a very, very enjoyable experience.”

Putnam County’s leadership deserves a lot of credit for the improvements that have been made in the course during his tenure, McCall said.

“Both the administration and Legislature have been incredibly supportive since day one,” he said. “They have recognized the potential of this asset and committed the financial resources to transform both the clubhouse and the golf course into the jewels they have become.”

The county owns the property and has helped the management team of McCall, appliedgolf and Homestyle Caterers turn it into a showcase, with renovations to the parking lot, banquet rooms, bunkers and green surrounds, bathrooms and much more. A few of the cart paths are now being repaired and roof and siding replacement is scheduled for this summer.

“We already knew our investments paid off in terms of providing a great resource for Putnam County residents, but to have the course recognized by outside golf experts shows that we’ve really turned the golf course into a gem that adds to Putnam’s quality of life,” Putnam County Executive MaryEllen Odell said. “The beauty of the Putnam County Golf Course is that it is not just for golfers. It now hosts fabulous dinners, entertainment and music events that bring in families from across the region to enjoy this wonderful landscape.”

The Putnam County Golf Course in Mahopac is less than an hour’s drive from New York City and lures golfers from all over the Hudson Valley and Connecticut. Golf is just one of many outdoor recreational activities that draw visitors to Putnam County, where hikers, bicycle riders and others are often surprised by the area’s natural beauty.
The course raters from Golfweek Magazine are among those who were surprised.

“We have been concentrating on Courses in the Metropolitan area this Spring that are accessible to the public,” Senior Golfweek Rater Bill Perlee wrote in an email to McCall on June 11. “Putnam was in the elite group we have stumbled upon. From conditioning, layout and enjoyment it surpassed all expectations and left a smile on all our faces.”

Like public golf courses throughout the state, Putnam County Golf Course is complying with all social distancing requirements. Reservations and pre-payment must be made online.
For the latest information, see the Putnam County Golf Course website: https://www.putnamcountygc.com/