Croton-on-Hudson moves at its own pace, a village shaped by the river and the surrounding hills rather than by convention. Old stone homes and sleek modern residences share streets lined with independent shops, galleries, and cafés, each revealing a slice of local personality. Trails, parks, and quiet riverfront spots invite exploration, turning everyday walks into moments of discovery. Here, life feels deliberately textured, a blend of natural beauty, craft, and subtle sophistication that the Hudson Valley does best.
Take a look at the best places to capture the elegance of Croton-on-Hudson:
Dining
120 Grand St, Croton-on-Hudson
105 Twenty Bar & Grill has earned a reputation as a gathering place where inventive American dishes meet a lively, welcoming setting. Guests rave about the Sticky Bites, lobster mac and cheese, and the 105 Burger with its rich layers of flavor, while lighter options like the cauliflower nuggets and tuna poke nachos show off the kitchen’s creativity. The bar pours rotating craft beers and cocktails, adding to the buzz that carries from game nights to evenings on the patio. With its mix of crowd-pleasing plates and community-minded spirit, it has become a fixture in the village dining scene.
Capriccio Pizzeria & Restaurant
337 S Riverside Ave, Croton-on-Hudson
Capriccio Pizzeria & Restaurant in Croton-on-Hudson welcomes its community with family-crafted pizzas, calzones, rolls, and sandwiches that trace their roots back to 1985 and treasured recipes passed down through generations. Guests consistently praise the generous portions, genuine hospitality, and lively energy, whether dining in or picking up trays for gatherings. The updated menu pairs beloved classics with inventive specialty pizzas and features a growing selection of cocktails, Amari, wine, and beer for all preferences. With a private dining room available for events and a catering setup suited to groups of any size, Capriccio offers more than just great food—it brings people together.
Recreation
1A Croton Point Ave, Croton-on-Hudson
Croton Point Park unfolds across 508 acres of riverfront terrain, where wooded trails, expansive meadows, and panoramic views of the Hudson create a striking setting for outdoor escape. Its shoreline offers a sandy beach for summer swimming, while trails weave through the landscape for hiking, cycling, and birdwatching. Campers settle in with options ranging from rustic tent sites to cabin stays, and boaters launch from the park’s edge into the wide sweep of the river. The mix of open skies, water, and greenery makes it a rare pocket of wilderness and retreat within Westchester.
18 Veterans Plaza, Croton-On-Hudson
Kayak Hudson offers a chance to explore the Croton River’s calm waters from single and tandem kayaks, canoes, or stand-up paddleboards. Launching near the Croton-Harmon train station, paddlers can glide under open skies and along the riverbank, taking in quiet vistas at their own pace. Rentals are flexible, and while no experience is needed, checking tide conditions helps ensure the smoothest outing. Fishing is welcome with a proper license, giving multiple options of fun for each adventurer, with many reasons to return.
Local Favorites
4 Old Post Road S, Croton-on-Hudson
By-the-Dam Books in Croton-on-Hudson combines the charm of a neighborhood bookstore with a carefully curated selection of fiction, memoirs, children’s titles, and cookbooks. Located inside The Black Cow Coffeehouse, it offers a cozy browsing experience where discovery feels personal and unhurried. The store has garnered strong community support, raising $3,629 through a GoFundMe campaign and contributing to Bookshop.org’s nationwide effort that has generated over $40 million for independent bookstores. With its mix of thoughtful curation and community-driven spirit, By-the-Dam Books has become a vital hub for literary connection and local culture.
The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze
525 S Riverside Ave, Croton-on-Hudson
The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze at Van Cortlandt Manor in Croton-on-Hudson is a must-see autumn spectacle. This immersive walk-through event features over 7,000 hand-carved pumpkins, set against the backdrop of an 18th-century riverside estate. Visitors can explore themed displays, including a Pumpkin Promenade, a Wizard of Oz-inspired dreamscape, and a giant Kraken rising from the Croton River. The event runs from September 12 to November 16, with tickets starting at $34 for adults and $69 for the Blaze + Tavern combo. Advance tickets are required, and the event sells out quickly, so it’s advisable to book early.
325 S Riverside Ave, Croton-on-Hudson
