Snuggled along the base of the Berkshires and featuring more than 300 acres of parkland, Pawling, New York, is 72 miles from New York City and a world away. It offers a host of outdoor recreational activities. Founded in 1788, the small town also provides visitors and residents alike with an array of historic landmarks, many of which explore the area's Quaker past.
Founded in 1928, the sprawling Pawling Free Library (pawlinglibrary.org) occupies two buildings. The institution hosts various activities throughout the year. Special children's events include craft workshops, kid-friendly film screenings, board game afternoons, snow play days and visits to the library from costumed literary characters. Adult activities include yoga and meditation classes, movie screenings, writer workshops, French language clubs, book clubs and artist support groups.
Perched atop Quaker Hill, the Akin Free Library (no website; 397 Old Quaker Hill Rd., Pawling; 845-855-5099) sits inside an 1898 stone Victorian building. The library occupies the first floor, showcasing works by local authors, historic local newspaper collections, genealogy records of early area families and a children's section. The second floor includes the Historical Society Museum, which features local memorabilia like early photographs, artwork and Quaker clothing.
Lakeside Park covers 280 acres, including a 36-acre lake available for kayaking, canoeing and swimming. The year-round park also features hiking trails, tennis courts, baseball fields and an auditorium outfitted with meeting rooms. The 73-acre year-round Edward R. Murrow Park lies adjacent to Lakeside Park. The park includes picnic facilities, basketball courts, sports fields, hiking trails, a children's playground and lake, which offers swimming and fishing.
Dutcher Golf Course (no website; 135 East Main, Pawling; 845-855-9845) is a public, nine-hole golf course open between early April and mid-November. Opened in 1890, the course covers 2,319 yards and offers a 34-par rating. The course also offers season passes, including family, senior (62 and over) and junior (18 or under) rates.
Dykeman Farm Market (dykemanfarm.com) is open to the public from early July until late October. The fresh produce stand sells vegetables grown right on the farm, including sweet corn, pumpkins, zucchini, string beans, tomatoes and sweet potatoes. Visitors may also feed the farm's resident ducks.
Measuring 85 acres, Cogi Farm (cogifarm.com) is an equestrian center that offers boarding, dressage and training facilities. The venue also provides lessons for children and adults in jumping, equestrian, cross-country, dressage and polo. On-site amenities include sporting clay ranges, a trailhead that extends for 50 miles, tennis courts, a heli-pad and rustic cottages for rent.
Lakeside Park offers a "Music by the Lake" series during the summer. The free outdoor concerts feature various types of music, including classic rock, country and jazz performances. The park stages the concerts on Saturday nights and encourages attendees to picnic during the event. In case of bad weather, Lakeside Park's Lathrop Building hosts the concert.
The Arts and Craft Festival takes place each September in the heart of Pawling. The one-day outdoor festival features more than 70 vendors selling such products as jewelry, paintings, pottery and folk art. The event also includes food, a DJ, raffles and activities for children. The festival is free.
Distance Between Cities: New York, N.Y., and Pawling, N.Y.
Rendon, Leah. "Things to Do in Pawling, New York." Travel Tips - USA Today, https://traveltips.usatoday.com/things-pawling-new-york-103684.html. Accessed 24 April 2019.