Winter in Nyack: Why hibernate? Warm Up in a Cool River Town

The frosty months are here. But why hibernate when it’s easy to warm up in a cool Rockland river town? Nyack is the place for just that — a place to enjoy a warm welcome with lots of cool things to see and do.

How about…

Strolling, hiking or biking along riverside trails

Taking in sweeping Hudson River vistas on the new Mario Cuomo bridge path

Browsing through Nyack’s one-of-a-kind boutiques and specialty shops

Exploring world class art exhibitions

Discovering centuries of Nyack’s cultural heritage on one of many historical walking tours

Relaxing with a salon visit, spa treatment or traditional hot shave at a master barber

Enjoying a great lunch or dinner — with a choice of over 50 restaurants right in town

…Or a walking food tour to sample highlights from the village menu

Experiencing a live theater performance, film screening, classical music concert, or evening of live jazz.

…And to top off the day, enjoyinga night cap and cozy stay in a hotel just minutes from the center of town. “Nyack has it all — a special blend of Hudson Valley experiences in a warm, welcoming village just 25 miles north of New York City,” said Nyack Mayor Don Hammond. “The village continues to grow as a destination for people who want to enjoy life and make memories that go far beyond the ordinary.” Big bonus: the packaging. Nyack’s world-class restaurants, night spots, unique shops and top-flight personal service businesses are located within a walkable community covering just over one square mile. So it’s easy to combine events, tours or recreation with shopping, dining, a visit to the spa or salon. Another option for those who are game, a quick spin at the riverside skateboarding park, recognized by ‘skaters’ as one of the best in the region.”Nyack is one-of-a-kind village, and a haven for one-of-a-kind small businesses,” said Maria Luisa Whittingham, co-founder of Nyack Merchants United and owner of Maria Luisa boutique at 77 South Broadway. “If you’re looking for something truly special — something you couldn’t find in a mall or anywhere else — Nyack is the place.”

Working through the Chamber of Commerce, village government, civic groups and arts organizations, the village produces a full calendar of events year round, including during the winter season. Village organizations also work together to help new businesses get a strong foothold in the community.

“Some businesses have been running in Nyack for decades,” commented Hammond. “But like many towns across the country, we had some losses during the pandemic shutdown. What’s remarkable is how quickly we’ve come back.”

Nyack today is home to over 100 businesses with more to come. The winter season promises to be busier than ever.“Thanks in large part of our thriving business community, Nyack is a cool riverside town whatever the season — a great place for enjoying life year-round,” said Roger Cohen, President of the Nyack Chamber of Commerce. “It’s also an open-door invitation to explore Rockland County, its many attractions, fascinating history, events and vibrant villages.”

What’s cool (and warm) right nowNyack is decked out for the season, with the annual holiday tree in the center of town and lights up all over the village. The restaurants and shops are in high gear, with special events, winter menus, gift-friendly pricing and plenty of places to take a breather from the holiday rush. For those who are not busy enough during the season, there’s plenty to do in Nyack to fill every day on the calendar. For details, go to Full calendar of events on Visit Nyack.org and the Visit Nyack home page at VisitNyack.org.

Here’s just a sampling of events coming up in the next few weeks:

Holiday Gift Fair.  December 10, from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. At Hudson Market on Main, corner of Main Street and Broadway. A dozen artisans offer unique local arts and crafts. (Vendors and offerings listed on Visit Nyack.org.)

Holiday Youth Artists Market. December 10, from 11:00am to 2:00 pm. At the Creative Arts Workshop, 171 Main Street. Local youth artists and makers offer their wares.

Serenata Series at Maureen’s Jazz Cellar. December 11 at 4:00 pm, at Maureen’s, 2 North Broadway. Dylan Thomas’ beloved story intertwined with chamber music and holiday favorites.

Rockland County Pride Center Holiday Party. December 14, from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm at Black Parakeetz Paint, Swig, and Sing 298 Main Street.

North Broadway Friends and Family Holiday Celebration. December 15 from 12:00 noon until 8:00 pm. North Broadway will be closed to traffic and open for strolling, shopping, dining and holiday cheer. Special

Menorah lighting. December 18 at 4:00 pm in the gazebo at Hezekiah Easter Veteran’s Memorial square in the center of town. A joyful celebration conducted by Rabbi Chaim Zvi Ehrenreich, Chabad of the Nyacks.

Six13: A Cappella Chanukah Extravaganza. December 18, at 4:00 pm. Congregation Sons of Israel 300 North Broadway. Concert and holiday celebration

Farmers Market. A staple in Nyack, running every Thursday from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm year round– rain, shine or snow. A great place to get goodies for holiday meals and gifts, the Market not only offers access to products from local farms and specialty producers, but also serves as a community gathering place, with weekly features, including live music and education programs for kids and adults.

Staying warm in 2023Once the holidays have passed, then come those chilly three months in the new year before spring arrives. Still no reason to hibernate. There’s plenty more going on in Nyack to warm the cockles of all hearts. For details, go back and go often to Full calendar of events on Visit Nyack.org and the Visit Nyack home page at VisitNyack.org. Following are just a few attractions.

Ongoing through March 26, an exhibition at the Edward Hopper House Museum & Study Center explores Hopper’s boyhood and emerging artistic vision. For Hopper aficionados and all who appreciate history and American art, this special show is not to be missed.

The mid-January food tour agenda offered by Joey G’s will include a pizza crawl for kids, a pizza and wine journey for grown-ups and a ‘beer, breads and buddies’ walk.

Valentine’s Day will bring special dinners and gifting options, including unique jewelry, clothing, and accessories, as well as the less traditional, such as tickets for a themed wine and cheese class, a show at Elmwood Playhouse, or ‘dinner and a movie,’ combining a great meal with a special screening at Rivertown Film.

The much-anticipated third annual Nyack Feasts event, running from March 1 to 9, will offer foodies, and everyone with an appetite, special meals at special prices, as well as cool ways to “pair your fare” with shopping and other fun activities.

Enjoy life. Enjoy Nyack.

For many visitors, Nyack opens the door to Rockland County’s rich array of attractions and community life. “We welcome everyone to enjoy everything the county has to offer, come back to enjoy more — and possibly make Rockland their home.” said Lucy Redzeposki, Rockland’s Director of Economic Development and Tourism.Events are supported by the Village of Nyack, the Nyack Chamber of Commerce, Nyack Merchants United, the Antique Art, Craft & Antique Dealer’s Association of Nyack(ACADA), Visit Nyack, Inc., Rockland County’s Office of Economic Development and Tourism, and through generous contributions from local businesses.