A Different Weekend In Your Own Town

Reverse Tourist: “I Asked Tourists What They Love About Nyack”

Living in Nyack, I thought I knew my town inside out. The charming boutiques, the scenic views of the Hudson River, and the colorful art scene were all familiar to me. Yet, I rarely paused to marvel at them. So, I decided to flip the script: I became a reverse tourist. I spent a weekend wandering the streets, chatting with visitors to see Nyack through their eyes. Spoiler alert: it was a revelation.

The First Stop: Broadway’s Little Wonders

Broadway is Nyack’s heartbeat, buzzing with life every weekend. Outside a local gallery, I met a young woman from Brooklyn holding a just-purchased painting. “I came for the art,” she explained. “The galleries here are so vibrant but not overwhelming like in the city. There’s real soul.”

The art? I realized I’d walked past this gallery a dozen times without stepping inside. This was a wake-up call to rediscover Nyack’s thriving creative scene.

Nyack’s Weird and Wonderful Shops

At Pickwick Bookshop, a pair of tourists from New Jersey were piling books into their arms. “This store is like stepping into a magical portal,” one of them said.

It’s true. Pickwick’s narrow aisles and towering stacks of books have a certain eccentric charm. I’ve browsed here before, but their enthusiasm made me see the shop in a new light.

The Hudson River Views: “Better Than the City!”

Next, I strolled to Memorial Park. A group of friends from Manhattan had claimed a picnic spot by the river. Their verdict?

“This is better than anything in the city!” one declared, gesturing to the serene water and the Tappan Zee Bridge (or the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge, if you’re formal).

As someone who often takes the river for granted, hearing their excitement was eye-opening. I stayed longer than I planned, just soaking in the view.

Street Art and Sidewalk Surprises

Walking further, I met a solo traveler. She paused to snap a photo of an old brick wall. “These little corners are full of life,” she remarked, “It’s like every street has its own character.”

Nyack’s murals and public art often blend seamlessly into the backdrop of daily life, but hearing her describe them with such admiration made me realize that these small, colorful details give the town its unique personality. They’re not just decorations; they’re reflections of our community’s creativity and spirit.

The Food Scene: Worth the Drive

A family from Connecticut sat outside a café, devouring plates of eggs Benedict and waffles.

“We come here just for the food,” the dad admitted between bites.

This hit hard. I’ve eaten at almost every spot in Nyack and I know it’s a foodie destination but I’ve never thought of Nyack’s brunch was worth the two-hour drive!

The Moment It Clicked

By the end of my weekend, what stood out wasn’t just the places these tourists loved - it was their perspective. They noticed the little details I’d stopped appreciating: the golden light at sunset, the friendly banter of shopkeepers, the eclectic energy that makes Nyack unique.

Being a “reverse tourist” gave me a fresh lens on my own backyard. It’s funny how much we overlook when we’re caught up in the day-to-day grind. But thanks to the people I met, I’ve found myself slowing down, stepping into galleries, and pausing to enjoy the view from the riverfront.

Your Turn

Whether you’re in Nyack or anywhere else, I challenge you to try this: ask a visitor what they love about your town. You might be amazed at what you’ve been missing. As for me, I’ll be here, rediscovering Nyack one riverfront stroll and art gallery at a time.

What’s your favorite spot in your town at Rockland County? Have you ever rediscovered a place through someone else’s perspective? Let me know in the comments!

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