Located in what is known as Rockland County, New City is an upscale hamlet just one-hour drive north of New York City. A small quiet town, New City is the exact flipside of the bustling and chaotic energy of The Big Apple. Situated at the mouth of the Hudson River, New City offers visitors a charming village setting, beautiful river views, and a rich history involving industrious Dutch settlers. A network of scenic nature trails and state parks afford tourists ample opportunity to relish New City’s natural beauty. If you want to uncover this peaceful region in southeast New York State then scroll down to view this must-see list of the best thing to do in New City!
1. Hike the trails of lovely Kennedy Dells County Park
Posted by Ray A. Schaap on Wednesday, 3 July 2019
Comprised of green wooded areas and nice expansive fields, Kennedy Dells County Park is a pleasure to explore. The 179-acre (72.4-hectare) park features an excellent place to enjoy horseback riding, wildlife sightings, soccer, and cross-country skiing in winter. But a true standout is the superb 2.4-mile (3.86-kilometer) hiking trail that loops around the park and runs parallel to the picturesque Crum Creek. While hiking Kennedy Dells County Park you may also stumble upon the interesting ruins of a stone dam and arches that once sustained a bridge!
Kennedy Dells County Park
Address: 19 Zukor Rd, New City, NY 10956
Website: Kennedy Dells County Park
Opening hours: 6am - 7pm (daily)
Price: Free
2. Go for a picnic at the tea houses in Dutch Gardens
You couldn’t find a better spot to enjoy an afternoon picnic than at Dutch Gardens. Surrounded by an array of colorful seasonal flowers and lots of manicured greenery, Dutch Gardens is a peaceful refuge made up of 3 glorious acres (1.21 hectares). Dutch Gardens was erected in the 1930s and is a tribute to the early Dutch settlers who built the region. Try to snag a spot at the lovely brick teahouse to make the setting of your picnic extra special.
Dutch Gardens
Address: 21 New Hempstead Rd, New City, NY 10956
Website: Dutch Gardens
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
3. Climb the mountain trail of High Tor State Park
Posted by Mary DeSena DUrso on Saturday, 29 June 2019
Located within a wonderful mountainous ridge, High Tor State Park is a splendid park known for such fun diversions as a huge sparkling pool and top-notch picnic area. But the true highlight of High Tor State Park is the scenic hiking trails that provide awesome views of the Hudson River. The trails run about 3 miles (4.82 kilometers) with a maximum elevation of 832 feet (253 meters) and are of moderate difficulty. Here’s a fun fact - during the American Revolutionary War beacons were placed on the High Tor summit to alert Colonists of advancing British soldiers!
High Tor State Park
Address: 415 S Mountain Rd, New City, NY 10956
Website: High Tor State Park
Opening hours: Wed - Sun: 8am - 7:30pm (closed on Mon & Tue)
Price: Free USD
4. Delight in Mediterranean cuisine at Blu Fig
Possessing a slick and ultra-modern cafe ambiance, Blu Fig features a menu of Mediterranean bites you’ll find hard to resist. Start your meal with creamy flavorful hummus with pita bread. Sample the savory chicken kabob plate with a blend of just the right amount of spices or have the luscious Mediterranean shrimp salad filled with earthy goodness. Share a Greek pizza topped with eggplant, roasted tomatoes, olives, pepperoncini, and feta cheese. Don’t forget to indulge with a piece of flaky sweet baklava for dessert!
Blu Fig
Address: 191 S Main St, New City, NY 10956
Website: Blu Fig
Opening hours: 11am - 10pm (daily)
Price: 11 - 30 USD
5. Enjoy a bite of Japanese food at New City Sushi
If you’re in the mood for Japanese cuisine then the best choice is New City Sushi. The sushi list is endless with everything from smoked salmon to spicy tuna. Hearty sushi-combo dishes are available along with a nice selection of noodle and salad options. Guests can wash it down with a nice cup of sake. To complete your meal try the tasty mochi ice cream that comes in a variety of flavors: vanilla, strawberry, coffee, and mango!
New City Sushi
Address: 22 S Main St, New City, NY 10956
Website: New City Sushi
Opening hours: Mon: 5pm - 9:30pm; Tue - Thu: 11:30am - 3:30pm, 5pm - 9:30pm; Fri: 11:30am - 3:30pm, 5pm - 10pm; Sat: 12pm - 10pm (closed on Sun)
Price: 11 - 30 USD
6. Find healthier food options at Sazone
Sazone is a Latin and Mediterranean-fusion eatery that’s pure heaven. The menu is packed with health-conscious items that never skimp on flavor. Popular choices include the chicken or beef empanadas and the grilled chicken sandwich. A nice seafood choice is the Empanadillas Carne de Cangrejo - a tasty crabmeat turnover with creamy chipotle aioli. For a spicy kick try the Jamon Iberico - cured serrano ham served with manchego cheese and a thick sweet jelly called membrillo.
Sazone
Address: 191 S Main St, New City, NY 10956
Website: Sazone
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 12pm - 10pm (closed on Mon)
Price: 11 - 30 USD
7. Paint pretty pictures and drink fine wine at Crafts & Drafts
Some finished glassware!
Posted by Crafts & Drafts on Thursday, 1 October 2015
Unleash your creative abilities at Crafts & Drafts. The first of its kind in the area, Crafts & Drafts offers a fun environment to create while sipping your favorite glass of wine. Crafts & Drafts’ paint-and-sip art studio provides the perfect place to gather for a fabulous birthday bash or just a low-key night out with friends. And at the end of the session, you have a wonderful memento to hang on your wall or display on your shelf.
Crafts & Drafts
Address: 373 S Main St, New City, NY 10956
Website: Crafts & Drafts
8. Catch up with the latest movies at New City Cinemas
New City Cinemas is a state-of-the-art digital movie theater showcasing the latest blockbuster flicks from Hollywood as well as lesser-known films and documentaries. In addition to first-run movies, New City Cinemas prides itself on presenting exciting programs like the Thursday Night Classics Film Series, a timeless favorite The Rocky Horror Picture Show, and their intriguing Anime Series. There’s also fun in-theatre raffles and contests. Prices are affordable and the popcorn is always freshly popped!
New City Cinemas
Address: 202 S Main St, New City, NY 10956
Website: New City Cinemas
Price: 8.50 USD onwards
9. Learn about the town at Historical Society of Rockland County
Want to delve into New City’s ancient past? The Historical Society of Rockland County is a great start. This establishment boasts a wide-ranging collection of artifacts that include decorative objects, necessary household equipment, rich textiles, and personal belongings that date as far back as the early 1700s. Standout items are a rare Dutch plow, children’s toys and games, and a complete blacksmith and woodwright shop.
Historical Society of Rockland County
Address: 20 Zukor Rd, New City, NY 10956
10. Visit the Jacob Blauvelt Farmhouse
A part of the Historical Society of Rockland County’s display is the notable Jacob Blauvelt Farmhouse. A local gem on the New City historical landscape, Jacob Blauvelt Farmhouse was constructed in 1832 and showcases early pioneering life. The red-brick house is larger and a bit more elegant than typical homes of that time and visitors are able to get a peek at the daily lives of the Blauvelt clan. Descendants of the Jacob Blauvelt family lived in the farmhouse until 1970. When the Historical Society of Rockland County acquired it, Jacob Blauvelt Farmhouse was restored to its original early-time period.
Jacob Blauvelt Farmhouse
Address: 20 Zukor Rd New City, NY 10956
Website: Jacob Blauvelt Farmhouse
Price: Free
11. Take your kids to the playgrounds at Zukor Park
Zukor Park consists of 30.4 acres (12.3 hectares) of lush green surroundings. Fun seekers to Zukor park find spacious well-lit baseball and soccer fields as well as expertly lighted basketball courts. With infant swings alongside swing sets for older kids, the Zukor Park playground is a paradise for children and a godsend for parents. There are also traditional slides and climbing structures to keep the kids entertained. The playground is a nice padded area, not a mulch environment. The area is fenced which will give any parent peace of mind when visiting with their little ones.
Zukor Park
Address: 19 Zukor Rd, New City, NY 10956
Website: Zukor Park
Opening hours: Mon: 9:30am - 4pm; Tue: 9:30am - 4pm, 7pm - 9pm; Wed - Fri: 9:30am - 4pm; Sat: 10am - 12pm (closed on Sun)
Price: Free
12. Visit the first English-speaking church, New Hempstead Presbyterian Church
Established in the 1700s, New Hempstead Presbyterian Church is the first English-speaking church in the region. This simple wood-frame Federal-style structure boasting a white exterior with bold green shutters and a pretty spire adds an attractive element to the pastoral landscape of New City. New Hempstead Presbyterian Church offers a long and interesting history: before its constructed the congregation worshipped in a log schoolhouse and the church’s first pastor was paid in produce.
New Hempstead Presbyterian Church
Address: 484 New Hempstead Rd, New City, NY 10956
Website: New Hempstead Presbyterian Church
13. Pamper yourself at the Hand & Stone Spa
One thing is certain when you leave Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa you will feel relaxed and rejuvenated. Whether you’re a seasoned spa-goer or simply a first-timer, Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa offers premier massage and facial treatments that’ll send you into an ultimate blissful state. Feel restored with a Himalayan Salt Massage or Hot Stone Massage. Fall in love with your skin after a Detox Facial or Classic Facial. Walk-ins are more than welcome.
Hand And Stone Spa
Address: 170 S Main St, New City, NY 10956
Website: Hand And Stone Spa
Opening hours: Sun: 10am - 6pm; Mon - Fri: 9am - 10pm; Sat: 8am - 8pm
Price: 60 USD onwards
14. Buy organic produce at Cropsey Community Farm
Located on 12 acres (4.85 hectares) of lush farmland, Cropsey Community Farm is a truly spectacular place to get great organic produce and even fresh eggs. The largest organic vegetable farm in the area, Cropsey Community Farm features a team of experts and volunteers dedicated to enhancing the community through organic and sustainable farming techniques. Don’t forget to ask about purchasing some fresh honey supplied by Cropsey Community Farm’s hardworking bee colony! Or better yet take a tour!
Cropsey Community Farm
Address: 220 S Little Tor Rd, New City, NY 10956
Website: Cropsey Community Farm
15. Taste handcrafted beer at District 96 Beer Factory
New City’s first-established brewery on the beer landscape is the splendid District 96 Beer Factory. A bright, breezy, and nicely equipped small-batch brewpub, District 96 Beer Factory features a nice variety of thirst-quenching original ales. For something truly unique and refreshing go for the Muffin Top Blond ale brewed with coconut, banana, and blueberry or the IPA called Photo Op with pear, lime, and orange sherbert. When you’re ready to fill your belly with more than sudsy delights, the food menu offers comforting cuisine like juicy burgers.
District 96 Beer Factory
Address: 395 S Main St, New City, NY 10956
Website: District 96 Beer Factory
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 3pm - 10pm; Fri - Sat: 12pm - 10pm; Sun: 12pm - 9pm
Hello New City
New City offers the chance to escape big-city life and unwind in an environment geared toward an appreciation of nature and fun relaxing diversions. Whether you want to soothe your worn muscles with a professional massage or explore some of Rockland County’s amazing state parks and scenic trails, New City is the place to make unforgettable memories.
History
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