About 90 minutes north of New York City, tucked in the forests of Putnam County, is a blissfully quiet town of 34,000 people. In the middle of it, Lake Gleneida glistens and ebbs, providing a picturesque backdrop against the charming homes. Upstate New York is no stranger to amazing lakes; it holds one of the five best lakes in America for winter wild skating, after all.
Despite its quaint nature, Carmel Hamlet is a diverse town with international cuisine and an abundance of outdoor activities. Carmel, as the town is locally known, is best experienced in the summer. The warmer months are the time to enjoy all of Upstate New York’s best-kept secrets, like the Hudson-Athens Lighthouse, New York’s most charming lighthouse in the middle of the Hudson River. Summertime provides the best conditions for exploring the many parks in and around Carmel. The restaurants also open up their outdoor patios, offering serene views of Lake Gleneida as you dine.
Carmel will take your taste buds on a journey
Carmel is home to a wide variety of international cuisines. From brick oven Italian pizza at Luigi’s Famiglia Cucina, to Chinese-Japanese fusion dishes at Toro, to Mediterranean flavors at That Greek Place, your cravings will be satiated. Upstate New York is a gourmand’s paradise, home to the “ultimate foodie adventure” road trip with some of America’s best eats.
Add Carmel to your own foodie trail and start at Thai Golden, a family-owned restaurant serving authentic Thai food. The restaurant’s interior is homey and the walls are decorated with the owners’ childhood and family photos. Thai Golden’s Pad Thai Wings are an absolute must-order, perfectly paired with curry or stir-fry. The restaurant’s selection of bubble teas, as well as trivia nights and open mics, are popular with youngsters. Plus, the lake is right across the street from the restaurant, offering fantastic views.
Florrie Kayes Tea Room is a unique dining experience unlike anything else you’ll find in town. Victorian furnishings, fine chinaware, and crystal chandeliers greet you as you walk in to the space, reminiscent of an authentic British tea house. Beyond the dining room, white and purple flowers drape from the ceiling in the gift shop, where you can buy candles, china, and scarves. Sunday brunch is a popular time to visit Florrie Kayes, with a rotating menu that’s sure to keep you guessing — we’re talking Belgian waffles, short rib benedict, and bottomless mimosas.
Explore the many parks in Putnam County
