Looking to get out of the city for the day?  Here are some suggestions for how to get the most out of a short visit, making sure to hit all of the one-of-a-kind experiences found only in Pawling.

Getting Here and Getting Around

Metro North Railroad  

      If you don’t drive, the easiest way to get to Pawling is via the Harlem Line of the Metro North Railroad.  The ride from Grand Central Station in NYC is about 90 minutes, and the scenery is lovely along the way.  The Pawling Metro North stop is conveniently located in the center of the village, within easy walking distance of most restaurants and shops.

Pawling Taxi  

        Most places suggested in this guide are located in the village center, within walking distance of the Metro North station, but a few places mentioned here are a five or ten minute drive away. If you’re traveling to Pawling on public transportation, give Pawling Taxi a call to get there.

Places to Eat

Breakfast:  Sunflour Bakery

        Sunflour Bakery offers a small but delightful breakfast menu that includes create-your-own breakfast sandwiches, sausage and cheddar biscuits and several kinds of bagels and muffins.  They also offer many interesting varieties of coffee.

Lunch:  Vinny’s Deli and Pasta

       The only seating is on picnic tables outside, but a trip to Pawling wouldn’t be complete without a trip to Vinny’s Deli.  When celebrities visit Pawling, this is one of the places they are sure to hit, because Vinny is somewhat of a local celebrity himself.  He’s been featured on the Food Network for his famous “Vinny’s Steak Magherita,” a super-delicious cheese steak featuring Vinny’s handmade fresh mozzarella. While you’re there, pick up a couple of jars of Vinny’s sauce and some fresh mozzarella to take home.

Lunch:  Main Street Cafe and Deli

      The Main Street Cafe and Deli has delicious Central American food like tacos, quesadillas and fajitas, as well as steak and seafood dishes.  Add a refreshing fruit smoothie and some fried plantains on the side for a fanstastic lunch.

Dinner:  McKinney & Doyle Fine Foods Cafe/The Corner Bakery

       This award-winning restaurant has been attracting visitors to Pawling for over 20 years, and it continues to thrive.  Their menu includes favorites like lobster risotto, filet mignon, and Peking duck a l’orange, and every table starts with a freshly baked warm mini-loaf of bread from their bakery. They also have an award-winning wine list and a creative cocktail menu.  Save room for dessert–the homemade cakes and pies from their bakery are worth it!

Dinner: Daryl’s House Club

     This restaurant and music venue is owned by Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Daryl Hall and hosts an eclectic variety of musical performers.  Get tickets to a show and enjoy an excellent dinner while enjoying some terrific music.  Their menu includes everything from crispy pork belly to authentic Philly cheesesteaks to Daryl’s Moroccan Lamb Tangine.

Places to Shop

NicólJoë NY Boutique

    If you love fashion and handmade accessories, visit this charming boutique. The owner, Nicol, who has twenty years of experience  in the fashion industry,  has curated an affordable, versatile collection. Combining up-scale fashion forward clothing brands with local, handmade accessories and the latest beauty trends, NICÓLJOË is definitely a place to visit while in Pawling NY.

Good Tidings Gift Shop

      This little gift shop is a great place to pick up some Pawling swag like t-shirts, hats and mugs, as well as lots of other fun gifts.  They have a large Vera Bradley Collection, as well as Crabtree and Evelyn, Yankee Candle, several  jewelry lines, Crown Maple Syrup and Harney and Sons teas

Imperial Castle Toy Shop

     This toys and collectibles store has been featured on “Collector’s Call” on MeTV with Lisa Whelchel and “A Toy Store Near You” on Amazon Prime.  You don’t need to have kids to enjoy a visit to this amazing store, which very likely has that obscure but beloved toy from your childhood in the 1970’s that your mom threw away when she was cleaning your room. If you’re a fan of Star Wars, Marvel, Barbie, the Simpsons, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Pokemon, etc., etc, etc, you will find lots of interesting items in this store.

T & M Rustic Home  

     This store makes their own soy candles in a variety of interesting scents and sizes.  Pick up “Fall in Pawling” or “Springtime in Pawling” candles and bring the beautiful smells of our Hudson Valley town home with you!  Here you can also find handmade home decor, like stained glass window ornaments  and re-finished antique furniture.

Land Gallery  

     This gallery, owned by local landscape photographer Jane Haslam, features art and crafts by local artists and artisans.  In addition to art shows, which change frequently, this gallery always has a delightful collection of one-of-a-kind gifts like jewelry, artisanal soaps, and hand-carved wooden kitchen accessories.  This is also a great place to find breathtaking photos of Pawling and the Hudson Valley, as well as Pawling postcards.

The Book Cove and Pawling Antiques  

     This book store is a great place to browse and get lost on a rainy day.  They have everything from the latest bestseller to antique and out of print books.  Don’t miss their large sections for children and young adults. If you’d like to learn more about Pawling’s history, pick up a copy of Max Weber’s “Pawling” while you’re there.

Dykeman Farm  

      One of the best things about coming out to the country for the day is taking home farm fresh produce!  If you’re visiting during the growing season between July and October, take a trip up to Dykeman Farm.  Their farm stand carries their own corn, tomatoes, string beans, watermelons, zucchini and lots of other veggies and fruits.  While you’re there you can pick up locally made cheeses, honey, jams, as well as milk, eggs, meats and poultry from other nearby local farms.

Pawling Farmer’s Market  

      If you visit on a Saturday between June and October, check out the Pawling Farmer’s Market on the green, which includes almost 40 vendors and artisans.  You can find everything here from homemade dog biscuits to fancy pickles. There’s usually live music in the gazebo, and there are often cooking demonstrations and activities for kids too.

Things to Do

The John Kane House 

Yes, it’s a cliche, but Washington really slept here! If you love history, particularly the history of the American Revolution, pay a visit to the John Kane House, within easy walking distance of the village center.  Don’t miss the model train display of Pawling in the 1940’s, while you’re there.   To learn more, check out the website of the Pawling Historical Society.

The Akin Library and Natural History Museum

     Up on Quaker Hill, there is a fascinating library and Victorian-style natural history collection housed in a late-Victorian stone building.  The Olive Gunnison Natural History Museum  includes 200 mounted birds, butterflies, rocks and minerals and a shrunken human head. This little museum also has a few “hands on” exhibits for children. To learn more, check out their website: https://www.akinfreelibrary.org/

Nuclear Lake

     Have you ever heard of Nuclear Lake?  It’s on the site of a former nuclear research facility, which closed after an accident.  The site has been all cleaned up and cleared as safe to visit many years ago and is now part of the Appalachian Trail. If you’re looking for an easy and short walk to a beautiful pristine lake, this is a great place to visit.  For more info about this and other Hudson Valley hikes, check out this website: https://hikethehudsonvalley.com/hikes/nuclear-lake/

Maybrook Trailway

    This is Pawling’s section of the Empire State Rail Trail, which connects the New York State from end-to-end.   This section passes by Whaley Lake in Holmes, and is a delightully flat, paved path for walking, running and riding bikes.  If you’re feeling ambitious and you have your bike with you, you can ride this trail all the way to the next town or even to the Walkway Over the Hudson in Poughkeepsie!  For more information: https://empiretrail.ny.gov/new-york-city-poughkeepsie/brewster-pawling

Lakeside Park  

Visitors can enjoy this local town park year-round.  Amenities include hiking trails, a fitness trail, frisbee golf, a dog park, playgrounds, sports fields and pickleball courts. There are no admission or parking fees to visit Lakeside Park, and it is walkable from the village center.. 

 Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, the beachfront is open, featuring a sandy beach on a pristine lake, a swimming area with life guards on duty, picnic areas with grills and  picnic tables,  and kayaks, standing paddleboards and rowboats at no extra fee. Visitors can purchase a day pass and enjoy a relaxing day swimming and boating. 

 For more info, visit www.pawlingrec.org.

Appalachian Trail to Cat Rocks  

If you’ve always wanted to hike on the Appalachian Trail but never had the chance, visiting Pawling is a good opportunity to do so.   Head to West Dover Road, park by the Dover Oak (the oldest and largest white oak tree on the A.T. at over 300 years old), cross the street and follow the white blazes for a short hike up to Cat Rocks.  Bring a picnic lunch from Vinny’s Deli or the Pawling Family Quick Stop, and enjoy the spectacular view of Pawling and the surrounding area.