We asked our followers on Facebook and Instagram, what is your favorite place to visit in Putnam County, and we got some great responses.

Each month we will want to hear from you on your favorite places to visit (attractions, historical sites, restaurants, shops etc.) and we will highlight them.

Plan a visit to the following followers’ suggestions:

1) Castle Rock
Castle Rock, also referred to as Osborn Castle, is the estate of former Illinois Central Railroad president William H. Osborn in Garrison, New York. It has become one of the most recognizable man-made landmarks of the Hudson Highlands.

You can also hike the grounds of Castle Grounds Unique Area. It consists of 129 acres of gently sloping fields and much steeper woodlands. An old carriage road runs along the inside edge of the woodlands, near the fields. 

Fun Fact: The Castle Rock estate, is believed to be the inspiration for the movie-set model for the Wicked Witch of the West's castle in the Wizard of Oz. 

Castle Rock Unique Area - NYSDEC

2) Tonetta Lake
One of Town of Southeast best kept secrets. A beach-like atmosphere with a fraction of the crowd and less traffic. Lake Tonetta is the go-to place for Southeast residents and their guests. While at Tonetta Lake make sure to pay a visit to the playground at Castle Park or take a stroll down the Empire Trail.

History Fact: Tonetta Lake, formerly named Tone’s Pond after a freed Black Man. Tone who was enslaved was freed after serving in the Continental Army. After the war, Tone and his wife Etta settled on the lake, renting boats and operated a tavern for fisherman.

Location: 140 Pumphouse Road Brewster, NY
Southeast Recreation: Beach Season Pass

Repeat Favorite(s)

◊ Town Square Pizza Café
Enjoy authentic Italian Cuisine and hand-tossed pizzas at a family-friendly eatery. Celebrating 9 years of business in Patterson, NY. Open 7 days a week.

Location: 1072 Route 311, Patterson NY
See: Home | Sauro’s Town Square Pizza Cafe