What to Do in Millbrook: Spend a Peaceful Weekend in This Hidden Gem

This quaint country getaway has a strong sense of community that draws visitors to its weekend activities and locally owned restaurants.

Wikimedia Commons | Photo by Daniel Case

This quaint Hudson Valley getaway has a strong sense of community that draws visitors to its weekend activities and local restaurants.

Located approximately an hour and 20 minutes north of New York City, Millbrook has long been a destination for city residents to migrate in order to enjoy a peaceful weekend or a summer in the country. Surrounded by farms galore and rolling hills, Millbrook was also home to Timothy Leary when he lived on the Hitchcock Estate during the psychedelic age and Bennett College when it was up and running. The one-stoplight town is a hidden gem full of history.

On warmer days, Millbrook comes to life as locals and city residents relax and unwind at the stores and restaurants that line Franklin Avenue. Take a peek at our guide to the town, then get started on a plan of your own.

P.S. Are we missing a spot? Email us at edit@hvmag.com so we can add it.

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8:30 a.m. – Start your morning right with a big coffee and tasty treats at Babette’s Kitchen

From the time the doors open to the time they close, customers stream in and out of this tiny café on the main street of the village, grabbing their regular orders of coffee and refreshing beverages. Babette’s prides itself on using local, seasonal ingredients in its treats and offers gluten-free and vegan options for breakfast and lunch. Be sure to grab one of the lemon cookies – they’re a delight for kids and adults alike.

3293 Franklin Ave
845.677.8602

Game on, fruit. Watch your back.

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9:30 a.m. – Check out local vendors at the Millbrook farmers’ market

Don’t forget to bring a bag with you because you will want to take home lots of local produce and products from your excursion. Located in a municipal parking lot across from the Millbrook Bank, the market hosts more than 20 vendors who offer everything from granola to goat cheese to pickles on a stick. Enjoy live music and raffles as you peruse the stands during the May-October season. If you’re a repeat visitor, you will more than likely see some familiar faces, as local attendees look forward to the market each week. The market has even influenced some locals to open up their own booths to sell their signature creations.

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3263 Franklin Ave
Open May-October

 

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11 a.m. – Attend a drop-in yoga class at Millbrook Yoga

The outside of Millbrook Yoga looks just as serene as you will feel once your class begins. Titled embodyoga™, this gentle-to-moderate session is just one of many classes offered throughout the week by various instructors. Classes are available both in-person and virtually, and Millbrook Yoga requires that all participants be vaccinated.

2510 Route 44
917.710.2125

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12:30 p.m. – Have comfort food for lunch at Maura’s Kitchen  

The owners of this family-owned and -operated restaurant self-describe their dishes as “feel good food.” Customers can choose from meals such as Maura’s chili, served with homemade tortilla chips, or one of the signature grilled cheeses, like the Brie and fresh apple on sourdough. Located just a short walk from Franklin Avenue, the restaurant offers food that people love and recognize.

18 Alden Pl
845.605.1620

1:45 p.m. – Window shop along Franklin Avenue in Millbrook

If you are an antique lover, you’re in luck. The main street of the village is home to multiple antique shops. The Millbrook Antiques Mall is perhaps the most well-known of the antique shops, and boasts three stories worth of antiques at all price points. Walk down the street toward the entrance to the village and you will find Juniper, a newly opened boutique. Run by a local photographer, Juniper offers home decorations, accessories, children’s toys, and even the opportunity to book a photography session with the owner.

3:45 p.m. – Take a stroll through Tribute Gardens

Whichever path you choose once you walk through the gates at the entrance, you will eventually end up at the top area of the park that overlooks the village below. The playground is a favorite for children, but the park also houses two war memorials and a quiet green in the back with picnic tables for people of all ages. The paths and gazebos offer quiet spots to take in the beautiful landscaping that is regularly maintained.

21 St. Joseph’s Dr

 

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6 p.m. – Have dinner at Barbaro

Indulge in the warmth of old-world delights at Millbrook’s premium wood-fired pizza destination, Barbaro. Grab a booth along the wall for an intimate and cozy dining experience. Grilled octopus, crispy squid, and other tantalizing appetizers get the evening started. If you’re hungry for an artisanal pie, opt for the “bosco” (meaning woods in Italian). This pizza features wild mushrooms and four cheeses: ricotta, manchego, mozzarella, and parmesan. Plus, there are always mouthwatering Mediterranean mains ranging from fresh pasta to Hudson Valley ribeye steaks.

8 p.m. – End the night with a good drink 

After dinner wraps, keep the evening going with local fun at one of two destinations. For music lovers, catch karaoke at Nooch’s Pub & Grill.. Local Paul Iannucci owns this pub and Fireside Barbeque & Grill over on Salt Point Turnpike. Be sure to try the house potato chips; you won’t regret it.

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10 p.m. – Stay the night at Millbrook Country House

If a long day in town leaves you beat, seek refuge at the Millbrook Country House. The charming bed and breakfast is a unique cross between American Colonial and old-world Italian. Guest rooms have Italian-inspired names like Varigotti and Barocco, while the common areas feel cozy with plush couches and warm wood. Take advantage of the daily breakfast and afternoon tea, both of which are included in an overnight stay. With bites like soft cream scones, warm challah bread pudding, and omelets made with garden-fresh herbs, Millbrook knows how to help guests start the day off right.

3244 Sharon Tpke
845.677.9570


Related: How to Spend a Saturday in Hudson

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