Photos courtesy of Dennis P. McHugh Piermont Public Library
Just over the river lies a fun-filled town bursting with day trip possibilities. Here’s your stop-by-stop itinerary.
Right over the Tappan Zee, Piermont is a lovely day-trip destination, with its perfect-for-strolling main street, charming boutiques and galleries, and outstanding restaurants. Just a stone’s throw away, newer shops and eateries ring the picture-perfect, riverfront Flywheel Park, with its breathtaking river views, a gazebo, and a grassy expanse that cries out for a picnic blanket.
Browsing & BuyingButtercup & Friends
There’s nary a screen, battery, licensed character, or piece of polyester in sight at this old-fashioned toy and children’s clothing emporium in a repurposed 1850s garage. What there is is a nifty collection of kid-powered playthings like fairy wings and wooden sushi sets. 535 Piermont Ave (845) 359-1669
Ki Designs
A boutique for “comfortable clothing for the creative woman”? You bet. Owner Ki Park’s own Asian- and nature-inspired hand-knits are in stock here, as are sundresses from OSKA of Germany and hand-loomed sweaters by Skifo. 510 Piermont Ave (845) 848-2020
Ned Kelly & Company
Is there anything those insanely talented Kelly boys from Yonkers can’t do? This eponymous home-and-garden shop from lauded local chef Peter Kelly’s brother, Ned, showcases Ned’s exquisite taste in home accessories. 458 Piermont Ave (845) 359-4480; nedkellyandco.com
Paws By The River
For your furry family members, scoop up some doggy and cat’s-meow couture, collars, and organic treats. 10 Roundhouse Rd (845) 680-6147; pawsbytheriver.com
The Tappan Zee Thrift Shop, Inc.
In this thrift shop, established in 1966 to benefit a host of local charities, you never know what treasures you’ll uncover among the tchotchkes. 454 Piermont Ave (845) 359-5753
Abigail Rose & Lily Too
Find causal women’s apparel in natural fibers from LA’s Ulf Andersson and Erika Tanov and French clothiers Lilith and Cannisse. 500 Piermont Ave (845) 359-4649; abigailroseny.com
Happy Dog Gallery
This gallery showcases the exuberant, wildly colorful, and whimsical works of pop artist Lisa Grubb, whose style has been likened to Warhol’s and Haring’s. 2 Round House Rd (845) 365-0906
Dining & ImbibingFreelance Café & Wine Bar; Xaviars at Piermont
Both restaurants are owned by acclaimed chef Peter Kelly. Freelance is more casual and does not take reservations. Xaviars is more formal—and the food equally delicious—and takes reservations. 506 Piermont Ave (845) 365-3250; (845) 359-7007; xaviars.com
Sidewalk Bistro
With its French bistro cuisine—mussels, salad Niçoise, and thin-crust pizzas—consider this a low-carbon-footprint alternative to a Rive Gauche eatery. 482 Piermont Ave (845) 680-6460; sidewalkbistro.com
Flywheel Creamery
Pop into this straight-from-the-’50s ice cream parlor (complete with jukebox) to enjoy a sundae in a comfy red vinyl booth. Or grab a cone and go to the gazebo in the adjacent riverside park. 210 Ash St (845) 398-2433
Bunbury’s Coffee Shop
Freshly baked scones, muffins, and pain au chocolat can be enjoyed in this teeny shop with sunny yellow walls, mismatched furniture, crammed bookshelves, and board games to monopolize. 460 Piermont Ave (845) 398-9715; bunburyscoffee.com
Listening & LoungingThe Turning Point
Catch a performance at this classic spot for live music, one of the best small venues in the region. 468 Piermont Ave (845) 359-1089; turningpointcafe.com
