Nyack | Photo by Maksim Photography, courtesy of VisitNyack
Ready to settle down along the Hudson River? Consider Nyack, which offers a wealth of boutique shops and picturesque views.
As the birthplace and frequent muse of American realist painter Edward Hopper, it’s no surprise that Nyack, situated on the Hudson River’s west bank, has been dubbed “art and soul on the Hudson.” The welcoming vibe that this village of just over 7,000 cultivates through a tight-knit community, an incredibly walkable downtown, and several lovingly restored Victorian-style homes is palpable from just one visit.
Main Street stretches for nearly a mile and is lined with art galleries, boutiques, and plenty of restaurants and cafés, including two dozen new destinations that have opened within the last year. Check out the revamped Simard & Co., a fine cheese and charcuterie shop offering artisan bistro eats and international selections; Dragon Den & Dungeon Hall, where you can dine and play favorite tabletop games like Dungeons & Dragons; and Long Path Outfitters, which carries gear you’d need for kayaking on the river or hiking nearby Hook Mountain.
There are plenty of longtime local favorites that are worth a visit, too: DPNB Pasta & Provisions, a homemade pasta shop that also sells prepared foods plus a selection of local and imported goods; The Greekish, fine dining in a relaxed space offering Mediterranean classics with seasonal twists; Art Café, the hipster coffee shop of your dreams with crunchy décor and delicious grain bowls; Boxer Donut, an affordable coffee-and-donut joint that recently expanded into a larger space; and Strawberry Place, a family-run spot with an elevated diner-style menu. Come hungry, there are many, many more—and if you’re in town on a Thursday, don’t miss the Nyack Farmers Market.
Related: How to Spend 24 Hours in the Village of Nyack
If you’re looking to do some shopping, try Maria Luisa Boutique, a clothing and wellness store that’s been a mainstay for over two decades; Pickwick Bookshop, a longstanding literary institution peddling towering stacks of new, used, and rare titles; Bridge Street Botanical, a hub for houseplants, aquaponics, and home décor; and Crystals on the Rocks, a mineral, jewelry, and bead store that also sells incense and essential oils.
The village is served by Nyack Public Schools, rated 96 of 672 best school districts in New York by niche.com. Nyack is also home to Rockland Community College’s Culinary Arts Center. Its student-run restaurant, Hudson Market on Main, is open to the public. A great downtown, a beautiful location, and an eclectic mix of residents (including many artists)—Nyack has it all.
WHAT THE LOCALS SAY
Joe Garreffa
Co-owner of Simard & Co. and founder of Joey G’s Nyack Food Tours
“Back when my family first came to Nyack, I distinctly remember seeing the logo of ‘art and soul on the Hudson’ around town, and feeling the sense of soulfulness, and presence of a creative, diverse community. We were invited in from that very first weekend. […] We all honor one another’s strengths and want to continue making this a special place to raise kids and make art and be who you are.”
Maria Luisa Whittingham
Owner of Maria Luisa Boutique
“We’ve had a lot of new folks moving into Nyack in the last couple of years who were looking to get away from the city. We’re also seeing a lot of new businesses opening, and it’s really refreshing. There’s a lot of commitment to being a part of this community, and I’ve really enjoyed getting to know all of the new business owners—it’s like a renaissance.”
Bill Batson
Artist, activist, and market manager of the Nyack Farmers Market
“I think that there’s a certain quality of life people want that is a classic American existence: small businesses run by people you know, a diverse community with people from all walks of life who bring their own cultural experiences, a place that’s walkable and beautiful, and Nyack has all of that. It’s livable, and it’s human.”
