Rockland may not be as hipster as Brooklyn or as upscale and culture packed as Manhattan, but we have a beautiful County and hold our own on food, parks, art, music and children’s activities. And by the way, culture is abundant here, just because you moved to the suburbs...don't fret, we have a special list for you.
Finish unpacking the laptop and go to Rockland Tourism www.rocktourism.com to find parks, shopping and restaurant listings. If you’re interested in the history of where you live, New City houses the Historical Society of Rockland County www.rocklandhistory.org.
Here is a special list of places that we think are outstanding:
1. Get Dirty and Plant.
Cropsey Community Farm under the umbrella of the Rockland Farm Alliance. Composting Workshop. Looking to start your own garden at your new home? Learn about compost. June 20th – contact www.rocklandfarm.org Rockland Farm Alliance Family Sundays. A farm experience for the whole family, this program offered monthly includes a tour of the farm, a seasonal activity using natural materials and chance to work alongside the farm team. For more details go to www.rocklandfarm.org. Junior Farmer Summer Program for Ages 6-12 www.rocklandfarm.org
2. Drink Good Coffee or take a Cooking Class!
Bunbury in Piermont www.bunberryscoffee.com . Gypsy Donut in Nyack www.gypsydonut.com Can you say maple/bacon donut? Art Café in Nyack www.artcafe.com Organic and delicious Israeli inspired food and knock your socks off coffee.
The Food Evolution. www.thefoodevolution.com From vegetarian to cooking for your baby, Diane Hoch has a beautiful kitchen right in Bardonia off Route 304. Don't miss taking a class.
3. Eat Yummy Food on or near the Hudson.
Hudson Water Club in Haverstraw www.hudsonwaterclub.com Great views, cool music.River Club in Nyack www.nyackriverclub.netConfetti in Piermont www.confettiofpiermont.com not directly on the water but delicious Italian foodSidwalk Bistro in Piermont www.sidewalkbistro.com Adorable back garden patio.Café Portofino, Piermont. www.cafeportofino.comTequila Sal Y Lemon, Piermont. Looking for Mexican? www.tequilany.comO’Lar, Piermont. 845-848-2207. In the Galician dialect of northwest Spain, “o lar” means “hearth”, or “home.” The heart of “o lar” is its hand-crafted stone oven whose hearth contributes to the warm and homey atmosphere. Small. Tapas.Xaviars in Piermont and Restaurant X in Congers. Not on the water but Peter Kelly and his staff are unbeatable. www.xaviars.com. Two of the best eateries in the County.
4. Eat Healthy and Buy Flowers.
Do not miss the Nyack market on Thursdays 8am-3pm. So many great vendors, food, flowers, art. Don’t miss it. www.nyackchamber.org Piermont Farmer’s Market every Sunday M&T Bank Parking Lot. Suffern Farmer’s Market http://suffernfarmersmarket.wordpress.com/
5. Preserve Food and eat fresh, warm bread!
Belle Jar Canning. This young lady knows her preserves. www.bellejarcanning.com.
Rockland Bakery. Fresh off the conveyor belt, warm and delicious breads of all kinds plus so many other treats, Rockland Bakery is a County tradition.
6. Draw and Listen.
ROCA Rockland Center for the Arts in West Nyack www.rocklandartcenter.org/ Arts Alliance in Haverstraw http://www.haverstrawarts.org/ Arts Angels www.artsangelsinc.org Arts Rock www.artsrock.org Children’s Shakespeare Theater www.childrensshakespeare.org/ GAGA Arts Center www.gagaartscenter.org Hopper House Art Center www.yearofedwardhopper.com Rockland Conservatory of Music www.rocklandconservatory.org Don’t forget all out local theaters, libraries and the Rivertown Film Society who shows documentaries at the Nyack Center in Nyack.
7. Be a Clown.
Amazing Grace Circus. www.amazinggracecircus.org
8. Get Yourself to a Ball Game.
Rockland Boulders in Pomona www.rocklandboulders.com. Minor league fun.
9. Walk, See Awesome Things and Films.
First annual Art Walk in June. www.piermontchamber.org Nyack Street Fair www.nyackchamber.org. Suffern Street Fair.
Rivertown Film. http://www.rivertownfilm.org/The Rivertown Film Society is devoted to celebrating, exploring and promoting the art of the motion picture through film screenings and educational programs. Activities in support of this mission are intended to enhance audience appreciation of the motion picture, encourage support for filmmakers and the local film community, provide educational programs related to the art and craft of motion pictures and to help build the cinematic arts audience of the future.
10. Forage.
The Suburban Forager. Great classes and food demonstrations. Know what things that grow on the side of the road you can eat! www.suburbanforagers.com/
11. Laugh and Listen.
Turning Point in Piermont. Very cool. Music and Comedy. www.turningpointcafe.com Levity Live at the Palisades Center in West Nyack. www.levitylive.com
12. Eat and Drink.
Antoine McGuires in Haverstraw www.antoinemcguires.com . Music, oyster and ale house. Open Mic first Thursday of each month. Growler and Gill in Nanuet. www.growlerandgill.com Craft brewery. Don’t be deceived by its location on Route 59. Great brews and music. Open Mic. 9W Market/Filling Station. http://the9wfillingstation.com/ At this old gas station you will find the best burger in the County.
13. Special needs and horses.
Children of Promise Stables in Nanuet. Equestrian program that fosters emotional growth, independence and improves physical and social well-being. www.childrenofpromisestable.org
14. Shop.
Local retailers are abundant in Rockland. The list is endless but don't miss Maria Louisa Boutique in Nyack www.marialouisaboutique.com or Colin Holmes https://www.facebook.com/ColinHolmesNyack
15. Row, Row, Row Your Boat.
Piermont Rowing. The Piermont Rowing Club enjoys spectacular Hudson River scenery that is unmatched in any other east coast rowing location. They are a diverse and congenial group who share a love of our magnificent river and a passion for our sport. This cooperative spirit has been the main reason for the recent growth and ongoing success of the club. www.piermontrowing.org. River Rowing Association www.riverrowing.org. North Rockland Rowing Club www.northrocklandrowingclub.org.
Many restaurants in the County are delicious. Spend a night strolling around. Walking is the only real way to get to know a town. Catch a show at one of the local theaters first. If you are with the kids, catch a Boulder’s Game or let them jump their hearts out at BOUNCE in Valley Cottage. Welcome to Rockland County!
Sponsored by Noemi Morales Coldwell Banker ttp://www.noemi-morales.com. Email at noemi@noemimorales.com. See Noemi's blog at www.housestoriesblog.com.
