Every year, tens of millions of tourists are drawn to the diverse and incredibly adored New York because it offers nonstop entertainment and top tourist attractions. There is something for everyone in this state, from renowned museums to breathtaking constructions like the Grand Central Terminal and Empire State Building, to renowned green spaces like Bryant Park and Central Park, and to marvelous little villages to get away from the city bustle like Croton-on Hudson. This village is known for its genuineness, which draws many people to its unique downtown and harsh backcountry. At the meeting point of the Croton and Hudson Rivers lies this magnificent city which is a picturesque hideaway about 35 miles (56.32 km) from midtown Manhattan. Tourists shall not mistake the rural getaway for a peaceful little village, though; they discover the 5-square-mile (12.94 square km) town is jam-packed with history, outdoor entertainment, and delicious food. Here are just a few ideas for fun things to do in Croton-on-Hudson during a day.
Things To Do During Your Day In Croton-On-Hudson
Start Your Day At The Wonderful Croton George Park
Croton George Park offers its visitors a beautiful, mountainous recreation area that is popular all year long and that surrounds the iconic New Croton Dam, which is a key component of New York City's water supply infrastructure. Whether tourists like to go cross-country skiing in the winter or go picnicking in the summer Croton George Park is an excellent destination. It also offers breathtaking panoramas of the spillway and dam.
- Opening Schedule: Daily from 8:00 AM to 7:30 PM
Stop At The Fabulous Croton Point Park
One of Westchester's biggest and most beautiful parks, Croton Point occupies a 508-acre (2.05 Km2) peninsula extending into the Hudson River. It has a beach, nature trails, and roomy pavilions ideal for summer picnics. It features camping, hiking, and swimming areas, as well as year-round events and activities. Even a tiny airport is available for fans of model airplanes. The splendid park is rich in both human and natural history. Additionally, it is home to the Croton Point Nature Center and is reputedly the oldest wine cellar in New York State. For history lovers, this destination is a paradise. They will learn about the discovery of the most ancient oyster shell middens on the North Atlantic Coast at Croton Point by archeologists that provides proof that Native Americans were on the peninsula as early as 7,000 years ago and that Croton was given the Indian sachem Kenoten's name, which means wild wind. Native Americans from the Kitchawank tribe of the Wappinger Confederacy lived in a sizable fortified settlement on the high flat at Croton Point's neck during the 17th century that they called Navish. This is one of the oldest and most powerful Indian fortifications south of the Hudson Highlands.
Pass By The Magnificent Thompson’s Cider Mill
Tourists can enjoy the view of the Swopes' Pond, Leslie Rickert's farmhouse, and the new orchard on the hill from the Victorian-style red barn with white trim, which serves as the mill today. It is prominently situated at the top of the steep driveway. Every fall, the Thompsons invite guests to the cider mill and orchard on the weekends. However, it is advised for anybody looking to purchase freshly-pressed cider to come to the Fable Farm. This vintage cider mill has a devoted owner Geoffrey Thompson, a Westchester PR expert who loves his job and project. Thompson presses heirloom and vintage varietals without the addition of any other additives. Some of his strong ciders can be available on draft across the city. To see all the cider mill’s products, tourists are recommended to visit the place.
- Opening schedule: The mill opens from mid-September through Thanksgiving weekend on Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Do Not Miss The Delightful Van Cortlandt Manor
Tourists can visit the Van Cortlandt Manor in Croton-on-Hudson to learn interesting facts about a patriotic family that lived during the immediate post-American Revolutionary War period. This circa-1665 stone manor house and its surrounding grounds were built by Stephanus Van Cortlandt, the city's first native-born mayor. They are best known as the location of the Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze, a fiery exhibition of pumpkin-based sculptures that has grown into a popular Halloween attraction.
- Event dates: The Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze starts on September 16, 2022, and ends on November 20, 2022.
- Visit length: Around 45 minutes.
- Ticket prices: $44 per adult and $36 per child (3 to 17 years old). Prices vary according to the day and time of visit.
Where To Eat Delicious Food In Croton-on-Hudson
Have An Exceptional Breakfast At Croton Colonial Diner
No matter what time the village visitors arrive, the Croton Colonial Diner provides mouth-watering breakfast all day long. After refueling, they can continue to River Walk, where they may enjoy some breathtaking views of the Hudson River by following the concrete walk down to it.
- Opening schedule: It opens daily from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Enjoy A Lunch At Capriccio II
Pizza enthusiasts might think about visiting Capriccio II, where the menu has more than 30 different variations of the pie. Since 1985, the family has been providing Croton and the neighborhood with their famous pizzas, buns, calzones, and sandwiches.
- Opening schedule: It opens daily from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Have A Dinner At The Tavern At Croton Landing
Nothing shouts deliciousness like a mound of plump lobster pieces in a buttered bun with just a simple dressing. Few locations in Westchester County serve traditional lobster rolls, as well as The Tavern at Croton Landing. This restaurant is a must-try for seafood lovers.
- Opening schedule: It opens Tuesday through Friday, from 11:30 AM to 10:00 PM; Saturday, from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM; and Sunday, from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM.