Newburgh, NY

First explored by European feet in 1609 during Henry Hudson’s voyage up the river, the area was originally settled by a German population in the early 18th century. By 1750, the area had been flooded with Americans of English and Scottish descent, and in 1752 the town was named the Parish of Newburgh.

There have been many efforts toward historical preservation in Newburgh, both in the modern era and as early as 1850. Washington’s Headquarters, the house where George Washington issued the Proclamation of Peace that ended the American Revolution, was the country’s very first building to be declared a historical site. After the preservation of the Dutch Reformed Church in the 1960’s, Newburgh has grown to develop New York State’s second largest historic district. This has provided a long list of different locations throughout the city where tourists can observe the stunning 19th century architecture.

There are many options for restaurant and pub life in Newburgh, whether the need is for a full view of the river or simply a decent place in which to relax. Just on the edge of Hudson is Captain Jake’s, a great seafood restaurant with an authentic feel. Between the window view and the extensive menu of both fish and wine, Captain Jake’s surely proves an eclectic choice.

A more traditional, pub-like eatery may be the North Plank Road Tavern -- a local favorite in the area. While it sits moreso on the edge of the city, one would be hard-pressed to find a more legitimate tavern, with its proud prohibition-era history and period structure. The menu is admittedly small and yet diverse; even the original pub-food choices get a unique spin at the Tavern.

If one needs a more lively and late-night atmosphere, The Wherehouse may be the best option: with live music every Friday night, a classic pub menu and an extensive craft beer menu, The Wherehouse is a cheaper and louder alternative to some of Newburgh’s other more high-class restaurants.

Situated just south of Route 84, it should be easy for anyone travelling through the area to stop by Newburgh for a quick break or a bite to eat; and while parking should be free and rather easy, the town’s municipal parking lot provides an easy spot right in the middle of the city to park a car. The Newburgh local bus service provides a cheap and easy way to get around to the city’s main points; a map and schedule can be found on their website. While services such as Uber don't provide service in this city, there are multiple local taxi services, such as Bob’s Taxi or Perusa Taxi, to name just two.

While the city does not yet have lanes for bikers, biking is certainly an option here; on mapmyride.com, users have posted some dynamic ideas for getting around the town via bicycle.

Bus services also provide some transportation in and out of the city; for example, Ulster County Area Transit provides a route to and from New Paltz, and Short Line has daily service down to some parts of New Jersey and New York City. In order to reach Newburgh from New York City by train, Metro-North Railroad provides service to Beacon, Newburgh’s adjacent city. Transportation from Beacon is available through the Newburgh-Beacon Ferry, or through personal transportation across the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge.

Placed almost directly at the city’s center, Downing Park provides the largest area in Newburgh for its residents to get outside and enjoy its natural qualities. With plenty of trees, open space, no dog restrictions and even a sizable pond, this is a great location for families and those who want to spend an afternoon outside. Scattered throughout town, one can find several other smaller locations for more outdoor enjoyment, such as Audrey Carey Park, Clinton Square or Unico Park right on the water. All of these locations are free to the public, and some such as Audrey Carey Park provide activities and games for children.

Just north of the city at Chadwick Lake Park, the community holds several seasonal outdoor activities. Around Easter-time, look out for the park’s free annual Easter Egg Hunt.

Relative to other counties in New York State, Newburgh’s Orange County tends to be on the higher side in terms of housing rental price. With an average rental rate of $1,285 per month, some may be deterred and prefer some of Newburgh’s less dense surrounding areas; however, cheaper apartments feasibly can be found. For instance, two-bedroom apartments right on the Hudson in Newburgh have been known to rent for around $900 per month.

The regular one-way fare for the local bus system is only $1.50, with a fifty-cent charge for transfers at the Broadway and Liberty stops. Newburgh’s gas prices sit at 10 percent lower than the current national average. Visiting one of the bars in town, you can expect to pay about $5 on average for a beer.

The Newburgh Mall provides, of course, a reliable shopping center for residents and visitors, situated slightly west of the city north of Route 84. However, its lack of eateries is a constant complaint amongst its visitors, so a shopper should be prepared to go elsewhere for lunch or dinner.

A local favorite has proven to be Adams Fairacre Farms -- lined with organic local produce, plants and other material products, it’s hard to go wrong with its authentic atmosphere. Whether customers are shopping for meats, vegetables, candies or gardening supplies, this unique venue could be a valuable resource. Produce and other fresh goods can also be found year-round at the Overlook Farm Market, located north of Newburgh on Route 9W. They are open daily, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and closed on Tuesdays.

Another specialty store in the Newburgh area, Orange County Choppers motorcycle dealership may be a spot of interest. A notably large location, any motorcycle fan will want to stop in here, just off Route 87, west of Newburgh.

Newburgh is serviced by both Stop & Shop and ShopRite grocery stores, both located off of Route 87.