Just 40 minutes north of New York City lies a vibrant, artistic and welcoming gem—Rockland County. Full of creative energy, meaningful history, stunning river views, and locally loved spots around every corner, this weekend trip quickly became one of my most memorable. From elementary school classrooms to jazz cellars and salt caves to vintage book stores, here’s a full look at my incredible three-day journey through Rockland County.
Day One: Read-Alouds, Salt Caves, & Soft-Shell Tacos
I kicked off the trip with a visit to Liberty Elementary School in Valley Cottage to read to second-grade students and surprise a few extra classrooms along the way. It’s hard to put into words how joyful these moments are—seeing the excitement on students’ faces, getting to talk about stories and imagination, and encouraging them to dream big is the heart of what I love to do as Miss New York.
After a heartwarming start, we headed to Craft Taqueria in New City for what can only be described as a flavor explosion. From shrimp tacos with bacon jam to soft-shell crab and skirt steak tacos, every bite was better than the last. The guacamole was impossibly fresh, and we finished the meal with a slice of carrot cake that tasted like it came straight from a cherished family recipe.
Next, I had the chance to slow down and relax with a Himalayan salt cave treatment at Salt of the Earth Center for Healing in Chestnut Ridge. Considering allergy season is in full swing, this restorative moment offered a peaceful escape—and a moment of calm before a very full day.
A quick pick-me-up came in the form of an iced turtle latte from Dean’s Coffee Co. in Pearl River. Rich, nutty, and sweet, it hit the spot and gave me just the boost I needed.
By late afternoon, I arrived at Hotel Nyack, where I was welcomed with true hospitality and checked into a gorgeous suite. Between the cozy elegance and modern touches, I immediately felt at home—and more than a little pampered.
That evening, I headed to Clover Stadium to cheer on the New York Boulders. While the game was rained out, the incredible energy of the fans made it more than worth the trip. I had the opportunity to do a fun on-camera interview with the team and even broke into a little Disney singalong—because why not? Rain or shine, the Boulders know how to make it fun.
Day Two: Vintage Finds, Inspiring Stories & A Night of Music
We kicked off the morning with breakfast at FARM, the restaurant at Hotel Nyack, where I had a fresh Green Market omelet and fluffy blueberry pancakes. The ingredients were local and beautifully prepared—a perfect start to the day.
Then, I met up with local Nyack tourism expert Thomas Schneck for a walking tour of Nyack. We visited the Edward Hopper House, the birthplace of one of America’s most renowned realist painters. Walking through his childhood home, imagining the quiet moments that shaped his creative spirit, was incredibly moving.
As we explored downtown Nyack, we made a must-stop at Boxer Donut and Espresso Bar, where I had the best brown sugar cinnamon cold brew and a marble donut that was nothing short of heavenly.
But the real standout of the day? A stop at Homebody Books, where I was gifted a 1941 edition of Little Women—a book I cherish deeply and collect during meaningful moments in my life. This copy will forever remind me of this special visit. From there, we continued to browse through Big Red Books and Pickwick Books, both filled with personality, community stories and shelves of well-loved pages.
Later in the afternoon, we visited the GARNER Arts Center in Garnerville—an extraordinary place where art meets architecture in a reimagined industrial space. Every wall, corner, and courtyard told a story. I was blown away by the creative energy pulsing through this community.
Lunch was right next door at Hudson’s Mill, where I warmed up with a hearty steak salad and the dreamiest spinach artichoke dip. It was exactly the kind of cozy comfort food a rainy afternoon calls for.
Next was a visit to Haverstraw African American Memorial Park, where we viewed the newly installed Solomon Northup statue. Seeing this tribute to his powerful story—one of survival, justice and strength—was deeply humbling. The memorial is a beautiful and important space, and I encourage everyone visiting Rockland to take time to see it.
A late afternoon stop at The Coffee Maker in New City brought a sweet and spicy gingerbread latte, followed by a mini shopping spree at Elite Repeat Consignment Boutique. If you love fashion, this place is a goldmine! I walked out with some fabulous new pieces that I can’t wait to style.
Dinner at Lavagna in Suffern was one for the books. We shared a perfectly curated charcuterie board, and I had the sausage ragu pasta with crispy duck fat potatoes and Brussels sprouts—comfort food, elevated.
And the night wasn’t over yet! We capped it off with a visit to Maureen’s Jazz Cellar, where live music filled the space with warmth and soul. As someone who loves live performance, being in that intimate setting was such a treat—music, community, and joy all wrapped into one.
Day Three: Trails, Toast, and One Last Maple Bacon Donut
Our final morning began with an incredible breakfast at The Rail Trail Café. I highly recommend the berry ricotta toast, one of their hearty breakfast bowls, and the pancakes—with just the right crispy edges. This spot is as delicious as it is cozy.
After breakfast, we took in the views along the Nyack Beach River Trail, a scenic walk with breathtaking river views and a peacefulness that invites you to slow down and breathe it all in.
We took one last stroll through downtown Nyack, popped into the flower market, and made our final stop back at Boxer Donut for a maple bacon donut and coffee. Trust me—you can’t leave Rockland without trying one.
Our last visit was to Rockland Bakery, where we had the unique experience of handpicking fresh bread straight off the baking racks. The smell alone was worth the trip. I left with warm loaves in hand and a huge smile on my face.
By 2:00 PM, we were headed back to NYC—just 40 minutes away but already missing the charm and warmth of Rockland County.
Final Thoughts
Rockland County is more than just a day-trip escape—it’s a destination full of character, creativity, and connection. Whether you’re diving into the local arts scene, hiking along the Hudson, exploring secondhand bookstores, or simply sipping coffee with new friends, Rockland invites you in and makes you feel at home.
Thank you to every person, business, and community space that made this weekend so meaningful. I came for a visit, but I left with memories, stories, and a deeper appreciation for everything this beautiful corner of New York has to offer.
I’ll be back, Rockland. There’s still so much more to explore. 💛
For more information about visiting Rockland County go to: https://explorerocklandny.com/tourism/
