When it comes to the perks of living in the Hudson Valley, few things delight quite as much as the views of the Hudson River. That’s probably why Piermont is such a gem.
Located in Rockland County, the time-honored town sits right along the riverside. It’s packed to the brim with history, thanks largely to its significance in the paper industry and to its treasure-filled train museum. Add to that some of the Valley’s top art galleries and a surprising number of hidden gem eateries, and you have every excuse to spend 24 hours (or more) in town.
Planning to make a day of it? Tag us @HudsonValleyMag on Instagram if you work your way through our Piermont guide!
9 a.m. – Get your java fix at Bunbury’s Coffee Shop
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Rise and grind at Bunbury’s, the Piermont café that dishes out good vibes alongside its coffee and pastries. A genuinely nice place to hang out, the yellow corner cafe is beloved by bikers who pedal in abundance along the river. Power up for the day with a latte and a cookie (yes, a cookie is an acceptable breakfast), then take a few minutes to people-watch out the window as you sip the warm caffeine. With nondairy milk options and an abundance of tea blends, the café has something for everyone.
10:30 a.m. – Promenade along the Piermont Pier
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Once you break your fast, get moving with a scenic meander along the Piermont Pier. A hotspot for bikers and joggers, the pier runs almost a full mile along the Hudson River. Fishing is allowed during warmer months, while visits to the Piermont Marsh, located on the west side of the pier, are fun year-round for bird watchers and power walkers. Dogs are allowed, but they need to be leashed.
11:30 a.m. – Get friendly with pooches at Piermont Dog Park
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Make new furry friends at the Piermont Dog Park, where canines roughhouse and roam free. Also know as the Piermont Community Dog Run, the park is located just off Ferry Road at the base of the Piermont Pier and relies on community donations to maintain this haven for pups. If you suddenly develop a caffeine high from your cup of joe, work it out by joining in on the light-hearted fun.
12:15 p.m. – Enjoy French fare at Sidewalk Bistro
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A short way from Bunbury’s, Sidewalk Bistro brings the best of French café cuisine to Piermont. The tapas bar and eatery charms at lunchtime with specials like escargot in a garlicky butter sauce with toast points or a comforting croque monsieur. No matter what you choose, don’t forget to place an order of mussels for the table. The moules poulette, tossed in a white wine and cream sauce, are even more delectable with the complimentary side of frites.
1:30 p.m. – Ride your way to the past at the Piermont Train Station and Museum
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Built in 1873, the station holds a place on the National Historic Register for its significance as a transportation hub and architectural monument. Thanks to renovations in the early 2000s, the site now houses local and national history, with exhibits like “Piermont’s Papermill,” “The Tale of Two Railroads,” and “The Role of Piermont in World War II” onsite to provide visitors with context into the region’s storied past.
3 p.m. – Shop and stroll in town
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Head to the area’s main street, which is very appropriately titled Piermont Avenue, as a starting point for window shopping your way around town. Anyone on the hunt for birthday gifts should make a beeline for the Presence of Piermont gift shop, which stocks everything from jewelry to hand-painted clothing to home decor. For art aficionados, meanwhile, Piermont is a match made in heaven. Browse the latest collections at galleries like The Outside In (which doubles as an espresso bar for your afternoon pick-me-up) and Piermont Flywheel Gallery. For sports enthusiasts, Piermont Bicycle Connection is a one-stop shop for riders of all levels.
5 p.m. – Dig into small and large plates at Freelance Cafe & Wine Bar
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Also situated on Piermont Avenue, Freelance Cafe & Wine Bar is one of the founding restaurants of Piermont’s dining scene, and there’s a reason its still a popular spot today. With a prime location on Piermont Avenue, the eatery’s menu and ambiance are inspired by French bistros, Italian trattorias, and Japanese Izakayas. The global influences are felt in every dish at Freelance Cafe, from the small plates to the large ones.
Dine family-style on Asian barbecue pork lettuce wraps, sauteed jumbo gulf shrimp, brie-stuffed Hudson Valley chicken, and red wine-braised short rib, among other tasty land and sea favorites. With your meal, don’t forget to pair a glass or red or white from the restaurant’s carefully curated wine list.
7 p.m. – Grab a drink at Otto’s Full Service
Housed inside a former gas station that dates back to the 1920s, Otto’s is named after its historical past, which adds charm to its modern ambiance, as well as for the then-gas station’s owner. Another gem that can be found on Piermont Avenue, the hotspot is big on American-style food and drinks, with a beer menu that impresses.
If you’re looking for something a little stronger, Otto’s has seven different Bloody Mary specials, boozy and delicious dessert drinks, and inventive zero-proof mocktails. As for the specialty cocktails, the Deja Vu will have you seeing double with tequila, blood orange and lime juice, cilantro, and jalapeno, and the Otto’s Elixir is a classic with vodka, triple sec, lemon, and rose.
7:30 p.m. – Listen to live music at The Turning Point
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Conclude your evening by catching live music at The Turning Point. Graced by prominent musicians like Eric Andersen, the Ramblin’ Jack Elliot, and Robert Cray, this venue has been known as a hotspot for jazz and blues performers since 1981. Enjoy a few tunes as you close out your day in Piermont.
8:30 p.m. – Tuck in for the night at Riverview Bed and Breakfast
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Piermont’s former firehouse lives a new life as a picturesque bed and breakfast that oozes charm and history in spades. Tucked along the Sparkill Creek, the property boasts magnificent views of the rippling water and overhanging greenery. Riverview operates as a holistic and natural B&B which makes a conscious effort to use as many natural and organic products as possible. Uniquely, the property offers both hosted and unhosted stays to give visitors the option of the traditional inn or personalized Airbnb-style experience. Either way, breakfast is always available for guests, although offerings differ slightly depending on whether or not the hosts are onsite.
Related: Plan a 24-Hour Day Trip to Newburgh
