Best Things to Do on a Road Trip from Mount Vernon, NY to Woodbury, NY
Mount Vernon, NY is a city with a lot to offer, but sometimes you just need to get out of town and explore the surrounding areas. A road trip to Woodbury, NY, a picturesque village located about an hour's drive north, offers the perfect opportunity to do just that. The route takes you through scenic countryside, charming small towns, and even a major shopping hub at the halfway point in Nanuet, NY. Here are the top five things to do on this road trip adventure.
1. Walk Along the Hudson River in Nyack Beach State Park
Nyack Beach State Park is a 61-acre park located on the western shore of the Hudson River in Upper Nyack, NY, about halfway between Mount Vernon and Woodbury. Visitors can stroll along the river's edge on a paved walkway, relax on the sandy beach, or fish from the pier. The views are stunning, with the Hudson River stretching out before you and the Tappan Zee Bridge in the distance.
Interesting fact: Nyack Beach State Park was once the site of a brickyard that provided bricks for the construction of many buildings in New York City, including the Empire State Building.
2. Visit the Storm King Art Center
The Storm King Art Center is a world-renowned sculpture park located in Mountainville, NY, just a short drive from Woodbury. Spread over 500 acres, the park is home to more than 100 sculptures created by some of the most important artists of the 20th century. Visitors can wander through fields, forests, and rolling hills to discover art in unexpected places.
Interesting fact: The Storm King Art Center was founded by Ralph E. Ogden, a Hudson Valley resident who was inspired by the idea of creating a place where people could experience art in nature.
3. Explore the New York Renaissance Faire
The New York Renaissance Faire is an annual event that takes place in Tuxedo, NY, just a few miles south of Woodbury. The Faire is a recreation of a 16th-century English village, complete with costumed characters, live entertainment, and food and drink vendors selling traditional fare. Visitors can try their hand at archery, watch jousting matches, and attend "royal court" sessions.
Interesting fact: The New York Renaissance Faire was first held in 1977 and has since become one of the largest and most popular Renaissance fairs in the country.
4. Visit the Open-Air Museum at Pennings Farm Market
The Pennings Farm Market in Warwick, NY, is a popular stop for locals and visitors alike. In addition to selling fresh produce and homemade baked goods, the market also has an open-air museum that features antique farm equipment and other artifacts from the farming history of the Hudson Valley. Visitors can learn about the area's agricultural heritage while taking in the beautiful scenery.
Interesting fact: The Pennings family has been farming in the Hudson Valley for more than 100 years, and today the farm is run by the fourth and fifth generations of the family.
5. Hike in the Schunnemunk Mountain State Park
Schunnemunk Mountain State Park in Orange County, NY, is a nature lover's paradise. The park features more than 3,000 acres of pristine wilderness, including forests, meadows, and wetlands. There are more than 10 miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy strolls to challenging treks up the mountain itself. Along the way, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
Interesting fact: The word "Schunnemunk" comes from the Lenape word for "excellent place to hunt," reflecting the area's long history as a hunting ground for indigenous peoples.
This road trip takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic and how long you choose to spend at each stop. The trip offers a diverse range of experiences, from history and culture to nature and art. With so much to see and do, it's the perfect way to escape the city and explore the beauty of the Hudson Valley.