History, shopping, and food highlight a road trip to Rye

Tucked along the coast of Westchester County, Rye is a city rich with history and is a Road Trip: Close to Home destination.

News 12 Staff

Nov 11, 2021, 12:24 PM

Updated 1,118 days ago

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Tucked along the coast of Westchester County, Rye is a city rich with history and is a Road Trip: Close to Home destination.
The first English settlers arrived in Rye in the 1600s, and the Rye Square House is listed on the National Register of Historic places. “The Square House Museum is an old colonial tavern…This has been sitting here since 1730," says Sheri Jordan, director of Rye Historical Society.
In fact, it marked the spot of village hall for some time until it was restored as a colonial tavern.  "A lot of the wooden floors that you see and the paneling you see is actually original, so it's what was here when it was a colonial tavern," says Jordan.
Some notable historic figures even stopped by here like George Washington and Sam Adams. "The best thing about historic places is that it gives you a sense of connection."
Then step outside and stroll down Purchase Street where plenty of local shops line the historic road, including gift shops like Pink Home and Gifts where you can browse the shelves for hours and take a piece of Rye home with you. 
And the Christmas decorations are already up in this shop to bring holiday cheer a little early this year. "I would hope that they would be able to find gifts for any occasion but also maybe find a gift for themselves," says Pink Home and Gifts owner Judy Graham.
Wrap up your Road Trip with a delicious meal at this local staple - Rye Grill and Bar. Whether it’s a meal for two or the whole family, this restaurant has it all from your favorite sirloin steak and traditional Buffalo wings to a fresh Cobb salad — and even a crispy clam pizza. "We're very family oriented so our goal really is to have something not only for the children but also the adults," says Head Chef Brian Nelsen.