The Weekly Rec is keeping it local this weekend. No trips to the Jersey Shore or the Berkshires or the Adirondacks for us. Nope. We’re saving those for when we have more time to unwind, like this summer or when we retire. But don’t fret, there is plenty of adventure waiting for us right here in Rockland County. Below are three Memorial Day-cation options from our Roaming Through Rockland series.
Take a bike ride from Nyack Beach to Haverstraw. “This gravel ride features great car free river views with options to spur to Rockland Lake or even extend your spin to Westchester via the new TZB,” says West Haverstraw resident Mark Garrahan. In addition to taking in sights of the scenic Hudson, pause to read the plaque on the trail near Haverstraw about the capture of Major Andre during the Revolutionary War. (Dave Zornow) For more details and biking options, click here.
Enjoy family fun at Tallman Mountain State Park. Some parks are historic. Some parks are scenic. Some are great for long walks, some for rock climbing. Tallman Mountain State Park, 20-30 minutes north of the George Washington Bridge, while great for all of these (excepting rock climbing), is really a perfect park for families. It’s a relatively small park, and very hilly. The hiking is limited but invigorating. But what really makes Tallman unique are the picnicking sites, the pool, and the beautiful vistas from all vantages in the park, up and down the Hudson. (D.L. Cohen). For more on the family fun at Tallman, click here.
Order the Yankee Pot Roast and soak in some Revolutionary War history at 76 House in Tappan. Known as Mabie’s Tavern during the American Revolution, the establishment was where British Major John Andre was incarcerated during his espionage trial, which happened just steps away at the Tappan Reformed Church. The tavern was a popular watering hole for Continental Army officers including Generals Anthony Wayne, Nathaniel Green, Henry Knox, Baron Von Steuben and Washington. Alexander Hamilton enjoyed the tavern so much he lived there for two years in an upstairs room at the time. Billed as “America’s Oldest Tavern”, 76 House offers a full menu and also live music. (Steve Kelman) For more on Tappan’s treasures, click here.
For more great Rocklandia destinations this Memorial Day weekend, check out our entire Roaming Through Rockland series.