Characterized by its historical architecture, charming boutique shops and independently owned restaurants, Nyack is a quintessential Hudson Valley river town that makes for a relaxing weekend getaway from New York City. Located just under an hour’s drive north from Manhattan on the west side of the Hudson River, this Rockland County neighborhood has river views and a Main Street full of personality.

Settled by the Dutch in the 1670s, the land was originally inhabited by the Nyack Native Americans. The first major industry in Nyack was the quarrying of red sandstone. Transporting the stone to New York City led to a growing demand for sloops, and a thriving shipbuilding industry arose. With these two industries booming in the late 1800s, Nyack’s population soared and downtown was built up. Nyack became better connected, first by steamboats, then by roads and bridges. Over the ensuing decades more industry, such as shoemaking, and retail came and left the village.

Today, the town of Nyack leans on its past while looking forward to the future. The waterfront village has become a destination for boutique and antique shopping with a diverse food scene and growing arts sphere. Untapped Cities recently spent a few days in Nyack checking out its shops, restaurants, cultural spots, historic sites and natural attractions. Check out our picks for where to eat, shop, and explore on a weekend getaway in Nyack.

Where to Stay: The Time Nyack

The Time Nyack is the perfect blend of cool, historic and conveniently located. Located just off of Interstate 287, the hotel is only a five minute drive into town or around a ten minute walk. The building used to be a four story factory and then a recording studio. After a multi-million dollar renovation and redesign by Glen & Co Architecture, The Time Nyack is now a loft-style boutique hotel with a bold and funky design that incorporates nods to its industrial past such as high 11-foot ceilings in the guest rooms. Our favorite part of the room was the private balcony which had views overlooking the Hudson River and was furnished with plush high backed chairs.

Outside the room, the edgy eclectic style is carried out through the rest of the hotel with large pieces of artwork like a glittery portrait of Mick Jagger in the lobby by artist Russel Young, and colorful decorative accents such as custom designed rugs with hidden skulls weaved into the design. Lining the walls of the hallways and accenting the rooms you will find striking Rorschach test patterned wall paper. There are a host of amenties at the hotel to enjoy such as a relaxing outdoor pool deck, free wi-fi, complimentary continental breakfast, and access to BV’s Grill by Bobby Van’s, an off-shoot of the famed steakhouses of New York City.