Photo by Samantha Garbarini
This cozy hamlet blends historic charm and stylish stores with major cultural institutions and rustic scenery — plus a few furry friends.
Simultaneously artsy, chic, and pastoral (you won’t find traffic lights anywhere in town), Katonah blends historic charm and stylish stores with major cultural institutions. One of three hamlets that constitute the town of Bedford, this small community has been home to famous residents throughout history, from John Jay to Martha Stewart. Spend a day touring, eating, and shopping to feel (at least a little bit) like one of them.
By Samantha Garbarini & Anthony Tornatore
9:30 a.m. – Read a Book and Have Some Breakfast at The Reading Room
The former first library in Katonah, The Reading Room (19 Edgemont Rd; 914.334.8019) is the place to enjoy breakfast, a cup of coffee, and a good book. One of the coolest things that this café does, is that they change their menu regularly, however, this is your one stop shop for the tastiest toast in Westchester.
View this post on Instagram
11 a.m. – Pet the Animals at Muscoot Farm
Start the weekend with a taste of Katonah’s past. Kids love Muscoot Farm (51 NY-100; 914.864.7282) for the chance to get up-close with pigs, sheep, and other barnyard denizens. But adults can find plenty to love here, too, including exhibits on 19th-century farm life and hikes on the property’s 777 verdant acres.
View this post on Instagram
12 p.m. – Have a Traditional Lunch at Muscoot Tavern
A North County landmark, Muscoot Tavern (105 Somerstown Tpke, 914.232.2800) has been operating from this red-and-white roadside building since the 1920s. Inside, the taxidermy bear behind the bar and neighborly, everyone-knows-everyone vibe jibes perfectly with classic American fare, like fish ’n’ chips and burgers with bacon, Vermont cheddar, and caramelized onions.
View this post on Instagram
2 p.m. – Enjoy the Views of the Lasdon Park Conservatory
After lunch, swing by Lasdon Park Conservatory (2610 NY-35, 914.864.7263). Open since 2017, the 2,500 sq. ft. building — designed by the same firm that built New York Botanical Gardens’ Conservatory — houses an indoor rainforest.
3 P.M. – Become Cultured at the Katonah Museum of Art
Cross town for a dose of culture at the Katonah Museum of Art (134 Jay St, 914.232.9555). If the weather tends toward Indian summer, start in the outdoor sculpture garden before moving inside to see what’s on display — KMA rotates exhibits by internationally renowned artists throughout the year — right now.
View this post on Instagram
5 p.m. – Enjoy Dinner & Drinks at The Whitlock
Now that it’s cocktail hour, nab a seat at the bar — and a cone of crispy, tempura string beans — at The Whitlock (17 Katonah Ave, 914.232.8030). If you want to stay for dinner, put your name in now and plan on ordering comfort food, like bone-marrow-enriched French onion soup and honey-drizzled roast chicken.
View this post on Instagram
7 p.m. – Do Some Shopping Along Katonah Avenue
Head into town for a shopping spree along Katonah Avenue, one of the county’s best spots for independent boutiques. Shop the latest men’s apparel at HIM by Catherine H (109 Katonah Ave; 914.401.9292), one of the county’s few shops dedicated to menswear. Or pick up something for the kids at independent toy store G. Willikers (29 Katonah Ave, 914.232.0706).
View this post on Instagram
9 p.m. – Refresh at the Honey Maple Grove Lodge
The rooms at the Honey Maple Grove Lodge (100 Hickory Ln; 914.205.3250) are bright, quiet, and comfortable with forest views. The lodge is beautiful, spacious, and very comfortable. However, the selling point for this lodge is there locally made honey and maple syrup that you can enjoy with your bountiful breakfast.
Related: Cluxatawney Henrietta Calls for an Early Spring in Westchester
