Distance:
3 mile loop around downtown Newburgh, NY
Highlights:
On this 3-mile loop we’re going to see that Newburgh is already fetch. Always poised as the up and comer of the Hudson Valley, the city is making it happen. In even this small radius, it has:
- Nature — sweeping views of the Hudson River and Highlands and a park designed by the father of landscape architecture Frederick Law Olmsted
- History — an early electric station built by Thomas Edison himself, not to mention Washington’s Headquarters during the Revolutionary War
- Culture — The Ritz Theater hosted performances from Lucille Ball (her debut!), Frank Sinatra, and Ella Fitzgerald
- Shopping — museum-level “architectural salvage” is curated at Hudson Valley House Parts
- Food & Beer (of course) — Betty’s Snack Bar & Newburgh Brewing Company
Starting Line:
The City of Newburgh Waterfront Trail starts along the Hudson River at the Public Boat Launch. Front Street also runs roughly parallel to the shoreline. Head north. In addition to the stunning views of the Hudson Highlands across the water, this path also passes lots of popular waterfront restaurants. Notably, in about half a mile, you’ll pass Billy Joe’s Ribworks on your right— known for their line dancing on country nights and for celebrity spottings.
Route:
Just before Unico Park, turn left on 2nd Street. In three blocks, after crossing through Clinton Square, make a quick detour right on Montgomery Street. The second building on your left will be Montgomery Street Station. It was built by Thomas Edison as one of the world’s earliest central electric stations.
Return to 2nd Street and continue west, away from the water. At Liberty Street, where 2nd Street ends, zig-zag a block to 3rd Street. In four blocks, you’ll hit Downing Park. Like Central Park in Manhattan, it was designed by the father of landscape architecture Frederick Law Olmsted.
Make a left on Carpenter Avenue, and then a left on Broadway. Make the first right, and at 201 Ann Street you’ll find a colorful warehouse. Hudson Valley House Parts conserves architectural salvage and provides historic preservation. Their website, detailing recent projects and pieces, and their store, packed with everything from door knobs to signage, are both incredible scavenger hunts.
Return to Broadway, and head east back to the water. On your right will be the marquee for the Ritz Theater. This is where Lucille Ball had her debut and the likes of Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald have performed. While the theater is being renovated, the lobby is open on Saturday mornings from December through April for the local farmers market.
Make the next right onto Liberty Street. Probably the trendiest street in the city, Liberty Street is packed with great street art, lots of delicious food (like the vegan options and the burgers at The Wherehouse, or brunch at Ms. Fairfax), and super-cute shops (Field Trip is a favorite).
At the intersection with Washington Street, Betty’s Snack Bar will be on your right and Washington’s Headquarters State Historic Site will be on your left.
Betty’s brings a bit of Parisian practicality to Newburgh as a place where you can get both great coffee and a glass of wine. It’s a café and market during the day, as well as a bar (with a fantastic local beer selection) late into the evenings.
Across the street, at Washington’s Headquarters, you can visit the historic Hasbrouck House that he used during the Revolutionary War. There’s also a two-story museum to explore. This is the first publicly owned historic site in the United States, and it boasts sweeping views of the Hudson River and Highlands.
Finish Line:
Continue down the Washington Street hill. The Public Boat Launch will be at the bottom. But first, in the shadow of the Washington Headquarters Monument, Newburgh Brewing Company is hiding in a warehouse just off the intersection with Colden Street. There are so many reasons to love Newburgh Brewing Company: the views, the tacos, the community engagement (a run club, game nights, trivia, karaoke, salsa dancing), not to mention the beer. The Boss series offers variations on their flagship IPA.
Try to grab a seat by a window and ponder why Newburgh doesn’t already have a fetch reputation.
