You don’t need to travel to the Hudson for waterside views in Putnam County — just head to Mahopac instead. The lakeside town abounds with all the simplicity of suburban life, with a little adventure and fine dining to boot. From water activities to bike path excursions to small town shopping, the hamlet has all the makings for a perfect day trip in the Hudson Valley.
Here’s your guide to an ideal summer day in the bustling lakeside town. Heading there soon? Tag us @hudsonvalleymag on Instagram if visit any of the destinations in our guide.
9 a.m. – Grab coffee at the Freight House Café
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Ever wanted to sip your morning coffee in a freight house? Head to Route 6 for your caffeine fix at the Freight House Café before embarking on your packed day in Mahopac. The spot was built in 1872 to service passengers traveling to Grand Central Terminal on the Hudson River Railroad. Now, the building serves everything you need to start your day, from chai to espresso drinks to cold brew. If you’re searching for an afternoon pick-me-up on a Friday, stay for the live music at 7 p.m.
609 Rte 6, Mahopac
845.628.1872
10 a.m. – Shop local produce at the Carmel Farmers’ Market
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Located right on Lake Mahopac at Mahopac Chamber Park, the Carmel Farmers’ Market is a Sunday morning must. Pick up the ingredients for your next home-cooked meal at the weekend event or browse kitchenware or hand-made crafts to spruce up your home. Although the vendors change weekly, expect local favorites like Liquid Fables, Brewster Pastry, Bosco’s Beans, and Hudson Valley Breads at the market, along with live entertainment.
953 South Lake Blvd, Mahopac
845.628.7888
11 a.m. – Go big with brunch at Countryside Kitchen
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Renowned for its famous Holy Cannoli pancake, which has been featured on numerous local news channels and cooking shows, Countryside Kitchen doesn’t do anything small. The brunch spot is a longtime favorite for locals and tourists alike due to enormous breakfast platters and unique flavor combinations. The menu boasts an extensive pancake list, with everything from caramel-brownie-pecan-banana to Nutella-coconut-strawberry. Of course, the spot also dishes out the classics, and everything is served with pure maple syrup.
493 Rte 6, Mahopac
845.803.8420
12:30 p.m. – Enjoy a stroll or bike ride on the Putnam Trailway
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Walk off your brunch on the Putnam Trailway for waterside views and plenty of wildlife. Stretching from Mahopac to Brewster, the paved path takes visitors on a journey through the woods, past Lake Gleneida and the Middle Branch Reservoir, and over footbridges. Walk a portion of the trail for an early afternoon stroll or rent a bike from Bikeway on Route 6 to explore the full length of the path.
Multiple parking lots in Mahopac
2 p.m. – Chow down on burgers and fries at Bliss Dairy Bar & Grill
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A day trip to Mahopac wouldn’t be complete with a visit to Bliss. The dairy bar and grill specializes in unique American fare, with a menu that ranges from burgers to wraps to salads. A crowd favorite is the Boss wrap, which comes stuffed with penne vodka, chicken cutlet, and mozzarella, but the Tony Danza goes all out with an eight-ounce burger sandwiched between two grilled cheeses, complete with bacon and tomato. On the side, don’t be too shy to add buffalo or chicken-bacon-ranch fries, and finish it all off with one of the shop’s specialty milkshakes.
4 Cherry Ln, Mahopac
845.628.0384
3:30 p.m. – Lounge out on the beach at Sycamore Park
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After you’re stuffed from lunch, hit the beach at Sycamore Park for a lazy afternoon. The destination has something for everyone, with 32 acres of land that feature athletic fields, tennis courts, picnic and playground areas, a large pavilion, and a spacious beach. Set up your beach chair to enjoy the afternoon sun or rent a canoe or paddleboard to adventure out onto the lake at your own pace.
790 Long Pond Rd, Mahopac
845.628.7888
6 p.m. – Dine on sushi lakeside at Kobu Asian Bistro
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Right on the lake next to the Mahopac Marina, Kobu does sushi, hibachi, and Chinese fare under one roof. The Asian fusion spot is big on views but even bigger on flavor, with an extensive menu that will make you wish you could try it all. Order a mai tai, pina colada, or mojito at the outside bar, or try one of the house specialty cocktails for a fruity kick. Then, move to the patio to catch the sunset as you eat your way through dumplings, sushi rolls, or a whole hibachi order. After your meal, visit the fish in the koi pond for good luck.
903 South Lake Blvd, Mahopac
845.628.0800
8:30 p.m. – Stay in a cozy waterside guest house with lake access
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Although Lake Mahopac is mainly a private lake, a stay in this sunny guesthouse offers direct access to the water and equipment like canoes and paddleboards. The studio space sleeps four guests comfortably with two beds, and the panoramic views of the lake are unbeatable. The art-filled home is the perfect escape after a long day of adventure and makes it easy to start your morning immersed in nature.
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