What to Do in Newburgh: A 24-Hour Guide to the Waterfront City

The historic Orange County destination lures visitors with innovative eateries, funky twists on history, and a vibrant community culture.

Wikimedia Commons | Photo by Daniel Case

The historic Orange County destination lures visitors with innovative eateries, history, and a vibrant community in the Hudson Valley.

On any given day in Newburgh, a particular sense of excitement buzzes through the air. It lingers in historic brick-lined roads and ripples along the ever-expanding riverside district. On Liberty Street row in the center of town, it’s almost a tactile thing, thanks to an ever-expanding lineup of eateries and businesses that are quirky and off-kilter in the best way. Throughout the year (and when it’s safe to do so), it thrives at local celebrations like the Newburgh Illuminated Festival, when the community comes out to celebrate the talents that add color and personality to the city.

Newburgh is on the up and up, and it’s doing so in its own terms, on its own time. As the Orange County city continues to reimagine itself, it draws budding artists, entrepreneurs, and restaurateurs who bring culture, food, and entertainment with them in the process. Because of this, Newburgh is a prime destination for a Hudson Valley day trip. Unlike happening New Paltz and charming Nyack, Newburgh is a thing unto itself — and we’re here for all it has to offer.

Ready to spend 24 hours in town? Tag us @HudsonValleyMag on Instagram if you follow our day trip guide to Newburgh!

The only way to start the weekend. ✨

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9:30 a.m. – Savor warm croissants and scones at Newburgh Flour Shop

Want the best of a Parisian breakfast (sans the international plane ticket)? Head to Newburgh Flour Shop for a sweet tooth-approved meal that embraces European flavor. Helmed by the talented husband-and-wife duo behind Newburgh’s acclaimed Liberty Street Bistro, the nearby café delivers top quality pastries and breads to the Hudson Valley community.

Order a flaky croissant to keep it classic, pair a personal coffee cake with a cup of coffee, or grab a bacon and cheddar scone if – gasp! – you feel like something savory. Whatever you do, don’t make the mistake of leaving without a sourdough or brioche loaf for the road. You can thank us later, when you’re slicing the good stuff for sandwiches and French toast stacks during the week.

109 Liberty St, Newburgh
845.568.3400

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11 a.m. – Take a blast to the Revolutionary past at Washington’s Headquarters

It’s hardly a secret that the Hudson Valley played a major role in the American Revolution. Yet while the Americana event made marks everywhere from Fishkill to West Point, its significance for the city of Newburgh continues to remain relatively understated. On a day trip to town, brush up on local history by spending some time at Washington’s Headquarters State Historic Site.

Otherwise known as the location where George Washington ended the war, the destination now plays host to community tours and educational programs. Whether you walk through the Newburgh destination on your own or take a guided meander, you’ll depart with more than a few tidbits to add to your arsenal of Hudson Valley trivia.

84 Liberty St, Newburgh
845.568.3400

 

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12:30 p.m. – Sample a slice — or two — at Pizza Shop

When the lunchtime hangries threaten to get the best of you, cure the worst of them with a few slices at Newburgh’s Pizza Shop. Owned by the team that operates Cosimo’s in the Hudson Valley, Pizza Shop brings a casual, approachable twist to gourmet pies.

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Go with a friend and swap samples of multiple varieties to taste all this Newburgh hotspot has to offer. Opt for Pesto Artichoke, topped with grilled chicken, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, mozzarella, and provolone, if you crave Italian flavors, or treat your taste buds to the Bee Sting, which is topped with herbed ricotta and mozzarella cheeses, pepperoni, pickled Fresno chilis, and drizzled with hot honey for an extra kick.

27 Water St, Newburgh
845.565.7467

1:45 p.m. – Brush up on biker history at Motorcyclepedia Museum

Whether you’re a dedicated biker, a sideline enthusiast, or a newbie to the two-wheeled contraptions, you should strongly consider making a trip to Newburgh’s massive Motorcyclepedia after lunch. The massive museum fills over 85,000 square feet of space with 600-plus motorcycles that date from 1897 to the present day. Expect to see vintage rides, Harleys galore, and even military models at the revved-up Newburgh retreat.

250 Lake St, Newburgh
845.569.9065

3 p.m. – Shop the best of Newburgh

As any seasoned shopper knows, a successful day on the town requires a top-quality cup of java to go with it. Get your caffeine fix at 2 Alices Coffee Lounge, which serves coffee, lattes, and cortados galore on Broadway in Newburgh. Warm cuppa in hand, hit the shops for browsing and gifting inspiration. Of course, if you’re craving something more, you know, spirited, head to Spirits Lab for locally distilled drinks on Ann Street. The Newburgh distillery regularly collaborates with Hudson Valley businesses (does Angry Orchard sound familiar?), so it’s a must-visit for anyone who wants to stock up the home bar cart.

Antique aficionados will swoon over the old-timey treasures at Newburgh Vintage Emporium while artists-at-heart ogle works at Ann Street Gallery and clothing collectors obsess over new-in styles at Cream Boutique. Just make sure you bring quarters, since you’ll probably need to feed the meter quite a bit while you meander about Newburgh.

6 p.m. – Enjoy pub grub in a retro room at The Wherehouse

Once you’ve had your fill of the Newburgh shopping scene, refuel with funky twists on comfort food at The Wherehouse. The retro eatery serves killer nachos and burgers, which come with creative names like the Rastaman Vibration, Chet Gordon’s Crime Scene Burger, and one of the most popular, the Delancy. Yet where the pub truly shines is with its vegan and vegetarian fare. On the menu is the ever-popular Beyond Burger, which substitutes vegetable proteins for meat, as well as a vegetarian twist on shepherd’s pie.

119 Liberty St, Newburgh
845.561.7240

 

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Alternatively, dining at Hudson Taco is always a great choice in Newburgh, especially when you can do it al fresco in the spring and summer months. Sample the delicious cauliflower tacos with dates, pine nuts, and olives, or choose recognizable classics like carnitas, chorizo, or skirt steak tacos. Be sure to snag a table outside or in front of the large windows for an unparalleled view of the Hudson River.

27 South Water St, Newburgh
845.565.8226

7:30 p.m. – Grab the Hudson Valley’s version of a nightcap at Newburgh Brewing Company

No true day trip to Newburgh is complete without a visit to Newburgh Brewing Company. Located right along the Hudson River, the hoppy brewery is a must-visit on weekends, when live music thrums throughout the space on Friday and Saturday nights. As for what to drink, snatch any of the limited releases while you can, since we can almost guarantee they won’t be available next time you visit. Year-round, the Brown and Cream Ales are as iconic as the Newburgh brewery itself.

88 S Colden St, Newburgh
845.569.2337

9 p.m. – Sleep like a local at a Newburgh Airbnb

As it stands now, Newburgh awaits the influx of bed and breakfasts and inns that swept through towns like Kingston and Rhinebeck. Yet that doesn’t mean day trippers should cross the bridge to Beacon to stay overnight (save that for another day). Instead, make like a local and rent a room, or an entire house, inside one of the city’s historic edifices.

Whether you want a bespoke downtown studio, a gorgeous country villa, or a historic brownstone getaway, you’ll find a dreamy retreat in town on Airbnb – and for a bargain too.


Related: Here’s How to Spend 24 Hours in West Point

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