Discover art and soul on the Hudson in Nyack
If you love the arts, the outdoors, parades and street fairs, and small independent stores full of handmade treasures, just one visit to Nyack will capture your heart.
The village of Nyack sits on the banks of the Hudson River, just 34 miles north of New York City. Nestled between Hook Mountain National Natural Landmark and the Tappan Zee Bridge, it is ideally situated for day trips, date nights or weekend getaways.
Nyack still retains the charm of a downtown built by generations of small shopkeepers. As a gateway to the Hudson Valley and the majestic Hudson River at its widest point, our village has become a major destination for cyclists, hikers, sailors, kayakers and rowers. Our history and natural beauty shaped one of America's greatest painters, Edward Hopper, and the village continues to inspire artists who create art exhibits and live music and theater.
When you visit Nyack for just one hour, one day, or one weekend, here are some of the places and events that you shouldn’t miss.
For forty years, Nyack has hosted the largest street fairs in the region. In April, May, July, September and October, hundreds of vendors bring tens of thousands of visitors to the streets of Nyack to shop, enjoy live music, great food and fun for the kids.
Visit the very house where Edward Hopper was raised from a small child and look out the bedroom window that shaped his iconic style. View a permanent collection of Hopper artifacts, plus special exhibits throughout the year. The Art Center is open Wednesday through Sunday from 12pm to 5pm. and hosts live jazz concerts in the garden on summer evenings.
Whether you want to walk, bike, or climb, Nyack Beach State Park and Hook Mountain State Park are just north of downtown — past beautiful Victorian houses and stately mansions. Take the 6-mile trail that curves along the edge where the base of the mountain and river meet, or meander through the countless woodsy trails of “The Hook.”
With construction of the new Tappan Zee Bridge now well under way, you can witness the largest civil engineering project in the United States from an observation platform in Memorial Park – or try out the brand new skate park, built with support from the legendary Tony Hawk.
Almost every night of the week, the clubs, bars and restaurants in Nyack feature live music from local talent and national recording artists. Two theaters, Elmwood Playhouse and the Nyack Theatre, stage plays year-round. Rivertown Film brings screenings of independent films and documentaries Nyack Center, featuring discussions with actors, directors and producers.
With boutiques curated by fashion, jewelry and interior designers, Nyack is a place where you can find unique and one-of-a-kind items. If you are looking for books, comics, antiques, clocks, records or household goods, there is an independent store in Nyack for you.
A number of Nyack's wide array of eateries have been favorably reviewed in the New York Times and have received top ratings from Zagats. From pub food to fine dining, Nyack has it all --- wine and tapas bars, ice cream shops, coffee houses, pizzerias and restaurants serving American, Mediterranean, Peruvian, Jamaican Thai, Japanese, Israeli, Chinese and Mexican cuisine.
A steady stream of nearly 5,000 bikes passes through Nyack each weekend during the busiest part of the cycling season. Cafes and bike shops are here to fuel the cyclists and repair their bikes.
Nyack comes alive with color in the spring, when trees are blooming and our year-round Farmers’ Market returns to its outdoor home. With spring street fairs, classic car and motorcycle expos in the summer; our legendary Halloween parade in fall, and holiday shopping in small shops in winter, Nyack is a destination for all seasons.
Plan your visit today at visitnyack.org, and find out why we say Nyack is Art & Soul on the Hudson.