Explore Katonah and Beyond
The historic and scenic hamlet of Katonah is home to numerous cultural attractions, including the forward-thinking Katonah Museum of Art. Known for showcasing a variety of avant-garde domestic and international artists, the Museum offers a range of innovative exhibitions and is a top choice for those looking to experience both established and up-and-coming artists. Holding three to four exhibitions annually, the KMA works with nearly 100 area schools and libraries and boasts an interactive Learning Center where children (and adults) are invited to explore their inner artist and produce creative works of their own.
The drive to Katonah, NY is about an hour from Midtown Manhattan, going north on the Henry Hudson Parkway and then the Saw Mill River Parkway. The train ride on Metro-North takes about the same time from Grand Central Terminal. Taxis are available at the Katonah station.
After visiting the Katonah Museum of Art, explore nearby attractions in Katonah or neighboring towns. A walkable hamlet, Katonah’s down-to-earth hub runs north-south, paralleling the Metro-North Railroad tracks. An urbane cultural destination that draws visitors from across the New York metropolitan area, the hamlet is also a place rich in cultural and recreational offerings. It contains two small shopping centers as well as Katonah Avenue, with its restaurants, businesses, and boutiques.
Katonah, NY is a easy trip either by car or train. Located in Westchester County, Katonah is a small town easily accessed through the Harlem Line of the Metro North. The Museum participates in the ‘Metro-North Getaways Program’. The program offers a round-trip train ticket to the Katonah Station and discounted admission to the Museum.
Things to do Nearby
A half-mile to the south is the John Jay Homestead, the sprawling retirement estate of the first chief justice of the United States Supreme Court. It offers several outdoor concerts each year on its 64 acres, as well as 45-minute tours. Another half-mile down Route 22 is Caramoor, the Mediterranean-style home to the region's largest outdoor music festival.
Lasdon Park, Arboretum and Veterans Memorial is a magnificent 234-acre property consisting of woodlands, open grass meadows and formal gardens with flower and shrub specimens from all over the world. The park is home to several inspirational memorials and a museum honoring Westchester veterans .Fellow members of the Fairfield Westchester Museum Alliance (FWMA), The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum (Ridgefield, CT) and the Bruce Museum (Greenwich, CT) are also outstanding offerings in the visual arts. Learn more about reciprocal membership.
Explore the Katonah Village Improvement Society or Katonah Chamber of Commerce for more information on area attractions.
After your visit to the KMA, head into town for a shopping spree along Katonah Avenue, one of the county’s best spots for independent boutiques. From fashion shops to a vintage hardware store, shoppers have plenty to choose from. Perennial favorites include Charles Department Store, Kellogs & Lawrence, Catherine H, Old New House, Bijou Fine Jewelry, and G. Willikers Toys & Games.
Katonah offers more than old-time shopping. The Katonah Village Library, located in the Historic District of Katonah, has a full calendar of events. Among the many restaurants scattered throughout the streets are the Blue Dolphin Diner, The Whitlock, Jay Street Café, The Reading Room, among others. Most shops along Katonah Avenue are open from 9 AM to 6 PM during the week and until 5 PM on Saturdays. Fewer stores are open on Sundays.
If you find yourself taken by the charm of Katonah and wish to stay longer, consider the Bedford Post Innstay at a Relais & Chateaux property, or at Crabtree's Kittle House Restaurant & Inn. Kids can interact with furry friends at Muscoot Farm and the 4,315-acre Ward Pound Ridge Reservation offers miles of wooded trails and areas for picnicking.
Further afield, worthy destinations include The Glass House, Grace Farms, Yale University Art Gallery, Storm King Art Center, Dia:Beacon, and Magazzino Italian Art,
Credit: Magazzino Italian Art. Photo: Zach Hilty/BFA/REX/