Nyack’s unique traits are the result of its history, from when the Dutchman Herman Douwese, the first known European settler, first arrived to what is now known as Rockland County, to the city’s contributions to the USA’s war efforts.
Originally known as Tappan, the city was popular for farmers, due to its prime location along the Hudson River, which provided them with outcroppings of red sandstone, which gave crops added fertility. Today, Nyack encompasses a very laid back, chill vibe that’s perfect for those looking for an escape from that pesky city bustle.
If you’re looking for an escape yourself, check out these top 10 things to do in Nyack, New York.
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1. Take a hike at Hook Mountain State Park
Hook Mountain State Park is the second highest summit along the Palisades ridge. Perfect for all nature lovers, the park has both hiking and biking trails, which are both 12 miles (20 km) each. It is also a popular spot for avid bird watchers – it was labelled an Important Bird Area in 1997, given its importance as a feeding area for migratory songbirds and hawks.
Hook Mountain State Park
Address: 84–86 Landing Road, Clarkstown, NY, USA
Website: Hook Mountain State Park
2. Go on a boat day trip
The largest infrastructure project under way in the US, the Tappan Zee Bridge Experience brings guests aboard the River Rose, a Mississippi-style paddle-wheeler boat, where they will sail along the Rockland shore of the Hudson River to the Tappan Zee Bridge. There will be narration on the history of the Hudson Valley during the ride. Once at the bridge, guests will be able to get an up-close view of the famed bridge’s construction.
Tappan Zee Bridge Experience
Address: 20 Zukor Road, New City, NY 10956, USA
Website: Tappan Zee Bridge Experience
3. Visit the Nyack Famous Street Fair
Once a year, more than 300 vendors from five states line downtown Nyack, hawking their wares along Main Street and Broadway at the Nyack Famous Street Fair. The booths offer a wide selection of retail items, with collectibles, home décor and craft items on sale. No fair is complete without good food. Nyack’s restaurants and outdoor cafes will also offer Fair Specials, promising to have something for everyone.
Nyack Famous Street Fair
Address: North Broadway & Main Street, Nyack, NY 10960, USA
Website: Nyack Famous Street Fair
4. Spend a relaxing day by the Hudson River
The Hudson River offers plenty of activities for guests to unwind. Visitors can explore the waters by renting a kayak or canoe. Those who want something not too physical can settle with a rod and some bait to fish for the day, or just take a relaxing stroll along the river. Following the day’s activities, guests can head to one of the many restaurants and cafes that line the river for an atmospheric meal.
Hudson River
Address: Near River Street
5. Shop till you drop
If you’re in need of any retail therapy, Nyack boasts the Palisades Center Mall. It is the eighth largest mall in the country and second largest in New York. The mall offers plenty of retail, dining and entertainment options. For the latter, there are activities like Palisades Climb Adventure, a five-level climbing obstacle course and a 21-screen cinema, including an IMAX theatre.
Palisades Center Mall
Address: 1000 Palisades Center Dr, West Nyack, NY 10994, USA
Website: Palisades Center Mall
6. Explore its quaint streets
If you’re tired of the typical mall stuff, take a gander down places like Main Street and Broadway Street and you’ll find quaint shops from vinyl record shops to ethically-sourced home goods and accessories. Highlights include the Pickwick Book Shop, a locally-owned place on South Broadway that has been open since 1945, and Hickory Dickory Dock, a family-owned shop devoted to handcrafted fine traditional clocks.
Nyack shopping areas
Address: South Broadway, Nyack, NY, USA
7. Drop by the Edward Hopper House
Honoring the birthplace and boyhood home of prominent artist Edward Hopper is the Edward Hopper House. Famed for his realistic oil and watercolor paintings, Hopper was also known for his personal vision of modern American life. The house is a double-story mid-19th-century Greek Revival building that is now an art centre and museum, with concerts, lectures and a dedicated gallery of his life’s work.
Edward Hopper House
Address: 82 North Broadway, Nyack, NY 10960, USA
Website: Edward Hopper House
8. Check out the Farmers' Market
You can’t get local produce any fresher than this… Well, unless you harvest the crops and milk the cows yourself. The Nyack Farmers’ Market is an annual highlight not to be missed. Even if you aren’t much of a home chef, it’s a chance for all foodies to taste produce like fresh harvests, eggs, milk, grass-fed beef, pies, and cookies. The list could go on. We’ll stop talking about it here so you can head down and try them for yourself.
Nyack Farmers' Market
Address: 119 Main St, Nyack, NY 10960, USA
Facebook: Nyack Farmers’ Market
9. Have a romantic dinner at Sixty5 on Main
Editor’s Note: Establishment is permanently closed.
This is among, if not the top dining venue in Nyack. Sixty5 on Main is all about the farm-to-table concept. Split into three themed areas, Library, Cave and the main dining and lounge area, the restaurant by the Hudson River is headed by executive chef Moshe Grundman, whose menu takes fresh ingredients sourced mostly from Hudson Valley markets. Among the signatures here are the hummus bowl and meatballs, which come served on spaghetti cakes.
Sixty5 on Main
Address: 65 Main St, Nyack, NY 10960, USA
Website: Sixty5 on Main
10. Take an equally romantic stroll
If you want to keep the romance in the air after your meal at Sixty5 on Main, the Nyack Beach State Park is your best bet. Boasting 61 acres (25 hectares) of riverfront along the Hudson River, there are scenic walking trails that make a memorable walk. On other days, the park is also good for sports enthusiasts, with popular activities like kayaking, windsurfing and cross-country skiing available.
Nyack Beach State Park
Address: 698 North Broadway, Nyack, NY 10960, USA
Website: Nyack Beach State Park
Perfect escape
With a scenic river, fun activities and plenty of hiking and water activities available, Nyack is a refreshing breath of fresh air from the drone of city life. If you need to get away from it all, this is the place you have to be.
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