WALKABLE, WELCOMING WAPPINGERS FALLS
The walkable Main Street of the village is dotted with bars, restaurants and shops, with Wappinger Creek and a five-acre park nestled along the busy thoroughfare. Plus, the town of Wappinger nearby has excellent eats, attractions and a convenient Metro-North train station in the hamlet of Hughsonville.
Day 1 - The Village
Start a peaceful day off in the village of Wappingers Falls with a visit to Norma's. This cornerstore bakery and cafe got its start in Ridgewood and opened a second location in the village a few years ago. It quickly became a community staple with delicious breakfast sandwhiches, regular events and sweets accommodating to dietary restrictions. They make all of their bread in-house; we highly recommend a loaded breakfast sandwich on a cheddar-scallion biscuit.
Visit the Mesier Homestead for guided tours of a 1741 Colonial era home. Learn the story of Dutch miller Adolphus Brower and Nicholas Brower, who settled here and built this Homestead along with several mills across the Wappingers Creek. Nicholas and his sons were active Patriots; they provided wheat, corn and other supplies to General Washington's Army without compensation. The Homestead was later sold to Peter Mesier, a Tory loyalist merchant from New York City. Volunteer-led tours cover the early history of the Homestead and the Village of Wappingers Falls and tell the story of Peter Mesier, his store, and the reported "Wappingers Tea Party" of 1777.
The name Wappinger is derived from “Wapinkw”, meaning opossum and Eastern People. The Wappinger peoples were related to the Algonquins, and inhabited the lands east of the Hudson River stretching from New York City north to the capital region. More than 2,000 objects belong to the collection at Mesier Homestead, some of which date back nearly 8,500 years ago. Tools like scrapers, hatchets, knives and projectiles like spear points and arrowheads provide insight into the approach and lifestyle of the Wappinger people. The Mesier Homestead is one of the participating locations on the Dutchess Tourism Story Finder Trail, a free mobile passport program featuring discounts, perks and itineraries for some of the region’s most captivating historic sites. Sign up now!
Grab lunch at local favorite County Fare, and have a picnic at Meiser Park under the charming gazebo. If you're visiting over the weekend be sure to check out First Saturday Wappingers. The monthly celebration brings the community together through events, kids' activities, shopping discounts and perks, special offerings from restaurants, live music and more.
The emerging international food scene always makes dinner a difficult choice — from authentic Puerto Rican dishes at Café Con Leche to Patsy’s Italian menu.
Lounge with a glass of vino overlooking waterfalls at di'Vine Wine Bar in the heart of the village. Every weekend, live music is performed on the gorgeous patio.
Enjoy a show at County Players at the Falls Theatre, celebrating over 65 years of community theater. Their rotating troupe perform a range of classic Broadway musicals, contemporary comedies, dramas and experimental theatre; shows often gain a unique twist from local history and artists. Five main stage productions and three mini-festivals of readers' theatre round out the season.
Day 2 - The Town
Fuel up for the day with a drive through Ready Coffee, a homegrown coffee brand that locals absolutely love.
In the Town of Wappinger, take in fresh air Carnwath Farms Historic Site & Park, a hidden gem in the Wheeler Hill Historic Distric. Hikers seeking a short and sweet stroll will gravitate toward this piece of local history. Explore the 1850 pre-restoration mansion, Carnwath Manor, the 1873 Carriage House, a charming chapel and the Frances Reese Cultural Center. The latter is home to the Sports Museum of Dutchess County. View artifacts and exhibits from the county’s athletes who made it big at the Sports Museum of Dutchess County, including a 1920s ice yacht and items from local legends including U.S. World Cup Soccer Team Captain Tyler Adams and 2014 World Series champion Joe Panik.
Enjoy a nourishing lunch and tea at the Mushroom Cafe before touring Chapel of Sacred Mirrors. This immerseive gallery at the Entheon serves as an enduring sanctuary of visionary art to inspire creativity. Monthly events include Full Moon Ceremonies, afternoon music performances, celestial art salons and workshops taught by Alex and Allyson Grey. Solstice and equinox events are large celebrations worthy of a visit.
Spend an afternoon sipping farm-fresh brews at Obercreek Brewing Company, were farmhouse ales and tart fruited sours are main draws. Previous releases have featured black currants, pears, muscat grapes, plums and any other Hudson Valley fruit you can think of. In fact, they feature various wine grapes in their bottled Vacant Vines series. Grab a pour from their tasting room and take a seat outdoors in their designated Beer Island that often hosts live music on weekends. Nestled on the same property as the certified organic Obercreek Farm, visitors can stop by the farmstand for freshly picked and seasonally produced farm foods. Many of the beers produced feature ingredients grown at Obercreek Farm.
For dinner, opt for tasty tacos from Flores Restuarant and Bar. If your trip coincides with a Movie Thyme event, enjoy a repertoire screening along with a pre-fixe menu paired with craft cocktails that emulate themes of the film being shown. Alternatively, sample the short rib burrito the Food Network voted one of the best burritos in the United States at Mexicali Blue. Don't forget dessert: Los Hornitos Bakery satisfies with Chilean specialties.
Day 3 - The Village
Grab a coffee to-go from one of the cafes in town, then embark on a shopping spree through the village.
Gather inspiration at Page and Petals, a charming independent bookstore whose inventory exclusively showcases fiction. Enjoy local and up-and-coming authors alongside literary titans in this relaxing space. Plus, check their event calendar for book signings, writer meet-and-greets, artisan markets and more.
Antiquers and second-hand hunters rejoice! Ruinous Revived is all about giving vintage furniture, home decor and more a new lease on life through refinishing, repurposing, and reupholstery. Shop a vast collection of plants, vinyl records, jewerly, clothes, greeting cards and original art by owner Jess Howe. No two jaunts inside Ruinous Revived are quite the same, repeat customers will be rewarded with new finds.
Quincy's Candy Shop stocks retro candies and international rarities; step into a wonderland of flavors with pick-and-mix assortments. You'll fall in love with their colorful aesthetic and nostalgic merch.
British invasion! Braised Pies brings traditional English bakes to the heart of the Hudson Valley. Savory stuffed pies make for an indulgent lunch, while dessert pies and special "handhelds" are perfect for a sweet snack. Craving even more? Stop by Village Creamery for an artisan cone.
Have a sip of bubbly in one of the region's cheeriest spots, Coupe Champagne Bar.
For dinner try one of the newest restaurants on this list, Lopburi Thai elevates classics with unique twists. There is an entire portion of the menu dedicated to "Duck Lovers", featuring drunken noodles with crispy fried duck, roast duck in pineapple curry and duck pad Thai. At Casa Ortega, Chef Fermin Ortega takes a traditional approach with modern flair to Mexican cuisine.
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