The path at Nyack Beach / Photo courtesy of the Palisades Interstate Park Commission Archives
With restaurants and shops galore, the Rockland County spot is the ideal destination for a Hudson Valley day trip and a reprieve from busy city life.
Nyack is a charming waterfront town in Rockland County just over the Mario Cuomo Bridge from Westchester County. Because Nyack is only 19 miles north of the Manhattan border, it’s the ideal destination for a day trip and a reprieve from the busy city life. Nyack gives visitors that small town feeling with an abundance of local businesses and is rich in history. This quiet town offers something for everyone; in just one day, adventurers can get their dose of nature, artisan shops, art, and adventure.
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9 a.m. – Find your coffee fix at Boxer Donuts
Fuel up for your day ahead with freshly brewed Stumptown coffee and a homemade donut. Boxer Donuts’ house specialty is its maple bacon donut, but it also has seasonal flavors like apple cider.
18 N Franklin St, Nyack
845.353.5300
10 a.m. – Get your dosage of nature at Nyack Beach State Park
Walk along Nyack Beach and enjoy spectacular views of the Hudson River and the Mario Cuomo Bridge. The in-and-out trail is just over two miles but, for those who feel up for a challenge, Hook Mountain adds extra adventure time.
698 N Broadway, Nyack
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12 p.m. – Take in local art at the Edward Hopper House
On the way back towards the epicenter of town, stop at the Edward Hopper House. The home, which was built in 1858 by Hopper’s maternal grandfather, was his childhood home. On the ground floor, there is a rotating display of contemporary artists. Another part of the house is dedicated to Hopper’s memorabilia and early work. For entry, purchase tickets ahead of time online.
82 N Broadway, Nyack
845.358.0774
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12:30 p.m. – Eat a healthy lunch at Bari
After a brisk walk along Nyack Beach, nourish your body with a healthy lunch at Bari. Try one of the eatery’s delicious smoothie or falafel bowls before heading back out for further explorations.
86 Main St, Nyack
845.535.9888
2 p.m. – Walk around the shops in Nyack on Main Street and Broadway
The Main Street Beat is owned by two musicians, Jennifer and Amy, who moved to the Hudson Valley from Brooklyn. This eclectic store sells more than vinyl records; there’s a unique collection of books and clothing that is reminiscent of the ’80s and ’90s.
95 Main St, Nyack
845.353.5426
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Pickwick Book Store is truly a unique mom-and-pop shop. You might just walk past it but make sure you go inside because there are books piled up from the floor to the ceiling. Fortunately, the owner Jack Dunningan seems to know where each book is located. Pickwick is a Rockland County institution.
8 S Broadway, Nyack
845.358.9126
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Crystals on the Rocks
From the novice stone and gem collector to the more metaphysical users, Crystals on the Rocks offers it all with its massive inventory and classes.
11 S Broadway, Nyack
201.747.4748
4 p.m. – Cheese tasting at Simard and Co.
It’s time for a snack! Taste some cheese from the Loire Valley or indulge in a decadent grilled cheese. Simard and Co. will fulfill all of your cheese fantasies.
4 S Broadway, Nyack
845.535.3736
5 p.m. – Sunset sail with Nyack Boat Charter
Sail the Hudson River with Nyack Boat Charter and experience Rockland County from a different perspective. Taste some of the local beer and wine that Rockland County has to offer and watch the sunset on the Hudson River. There’s truly no other experience quite like this one.
845.535.1675
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7 p.m. – Dine in a historic building at The Hudson House
Have dinner at this historic building that was a former village hall and jailhouse. The edifice dates back to the 1800s and is a landmark in Nyack. Make sure you leave room for co-owner Matt Hudson’s famous black bottom banana cream pie and sticky toffee pudding cake.
134 Main St, Nyack
845.353.1355
