The Weckquaesgeek Native Americans of the Algonquian tribe were the first settlers of Hastings-on Hudson Village in Westchester County in New York.
The village, originally named Hastings-Upon-Hudson, is part of the Greenburgh town and was incorporated in 1879.
Hastings-on-Hudson is on the eastern bank of the Hudson River, a 315-mile river running through eastern New York.
This 2.9-square-mile village was once an area of different industries in the 1800s, such as stone quarrying and wood alcohol.
In addition to its rich history, the village is packed with beautiful tourist attractions that one can imagine.
Well-maintained trails for hiking and biking, parks, towering trees, museums, and historical sites are just one of the many reasons to visit the place.
Not convinced enough?
Dive into this list of the best things to do in Hastings-on-Hudson, New York:
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If you walk over the bridge by the Hastings railroad, you’ll find a little hidden gem called MacEachron Waterfront Park.
The 1.3-acre park features a few benches by the water with majestic views of New Jersey’s Palisades Amusement Park across the river.
If you bring snacks, you can use the picnic tables to eat while watching the river traffic and peaceful surrounding.
The park is small enough to take scenic walks, which won’t take an entire day.
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You can go there if you want a few hours to relax and just enjoy the gorgeous views of the river.
There’s also playground equipment to use if you’re going there with kids.
MacEachron Waterfront Park is located on River Street, close to the Italian restaurant Harvest on Hudson.
Visiting Hastings-on-Hudson isn’t ordinary, especially when the Hastings Farmers Market is involved.
Farm-fresh produce and other local goods are available at the market while you enjoy the sweeping views of the Hudson River.
You can either go home with some locally made, ready-to-eat, and fresh produce goods or stay there for some time at one of the picnic tables overlooking the river.
You will be face to face with cool, fresh air while shopping around some fresh flowers, fruits, plants, baked goods, fresh fish, and more.
It was in 1998 when the market opened with only six vendors, which has now increased to nearly 30 following the efforts of the small committee.
The outdoor market is at Commuter Lot, while an indoor event happens on Main Street at the James Harmon Community Center.
The Hastings Farmers Market aims to support local growers and businesses and educate everyone to practice sustainability.
One of the top priorities when visiting a place for the first time is to learn what it was like in the past.
So when you’re in Hastings-on-Hudson, checking out the Hastings Historical Society allows you to learn more about the village.
It was in 1961 when a few locals sat down together in an attempt to form a small group that could help preserve the village’s history.
In April 1971, the society became official and received its first memorabilia collection of over 1,000 photographs taken between 1920 and 1935.
John Van de Water donated the photographs, which were taken by his late father, Dr. Arthur C. Langmuir.
Since then, the society has stored more than 12,000 photographs of the village’s history, artifacts, and other memorabilia.
The Hastings Historical Society is housed at the Observatory Cottage on Broadway.
It also has an in-house shop that sells mugs, T-shirts, notecards, maps, historian catalogs, postcards, prints, and more.
Nestled right on the Hudson River in an airy, romantic, and gorgeous farmhouse setting, Harvest on Hudson doesn’t disappoint.
This restaurant satisfies your authentic gourmet Italian cuisine while dining indoors or on the patio overlooking the stunning river.
Its garden houses different kinds of organically grown herbs, spices, and vegetables used to produce delicious food and drinks.
Harvest on Hudson offers a garden-to-table experience that you won’t find elsewhere.
Inside, you can find a bar and lounge, along with a stone fireplace when the weather becomes heavy.
Enjoy their delicious pasta, pizza, salad, and more authentic Italian dishes while fueling yourself with the amazing views of the Hudson River.
Harvest on Hudson has been serving Hastings-on-Hudson for more than 25 years.
You can find it on River Street.
Since Hastings-on-Hudson sits on the river bank, kayaking or canoeing is easier for locals and tourists.
A park called Kinnally Cove on River Street has a kayak or canoe launch where you can start paddling in the beautiful Hudson River.
There are kayak or canoe rentals nearby, like Hudson River Recreation, which offers different tours all over the area.
You can choose kayaking, canoeing, or standup paddle boarding on the water and enjoy the stunning views of the river and the Palisades across the park.
There are also picnic tables and benches if you choose to pack your lunch and eat there while enjoying the scenery.
After acquiring Kinnally Cove in 2002, Hastings-on-Hudson started giving the public access to kayaking and canoeing in the park.
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Hudson River School landscape artist Jasper F. Cropsey is an important figure in Hastings-on-Hudson and its surrounding areas.
He was a self-taught artist and a trained architect who made architectural and landscape sketches.
Cropsey also attended the National Academy of Design to study watercolor and life drawing.
From there, he continued his works and became known for using lush colors and boldness in his landscape paintings.
His works depict America’s untouched and unspoiled landscapes, bringing him to the limelight.
Cropsey’s paintings, writings, and papers are displayed at the Newington-Cropsey Foundation’s Gallery of Art on Cropsey Lane.
The Newington-Cropsey Foundation also preserves his homestead, which he named Ever Rest_,_ located on Washington Avenue.
His gothic-style home was built in the mid-1830s.
It was listed in the National Register of Historic Homes in the 1970s.
Founded in 1977, the Newington-Cropsey Foundation specializes in preserving Jasper F. Cropsey’s works and homestead to keep his memories alive in Hastings-on-Hudson.
A vast collection of vinyl records such as punk, ska, dub, novelty, rock, jazz, and more is for sale at Clockwork Records on Main Street.
They specialize in 1960s music but also sell current releases.
If you have your own vinyl records that you want to dispatch, the store can also take them in exchange for cash.
You’ll also get the chance to chat with the owner Mike Rep, who has a vast knowledge of music and is truly a huge fan of all genres.
He never disappoints anyone who has different tastes in music.
Clockwork Records also hosts in-house band signings.
Browse through their great collection of records and go home with some good music!
A sustainable store that opened in 2021 has caught the attention of the locals, tourists, and the media.
Fashion Without Trashin’ sells vintage, secondhand, or used clothes and repurposes some of them into chic dresses.
Jade Myers, the owner, doesn’t sell brand new clothing.
All her stuff is either secondhand or repurposed baby clothes, old or vintage dresses that she redesigns.
She also repurposes jewelry that lady buyers can match with their OOTDs.
Have fun browsing through her unique sustainable apparel at Fashion Without Trashin’ on Main Street.
Vintage vibes, anyone?
At Suburban Renewal, you’ll see different kinds of antiques ranging from furniture to collectibles and vintage items.
They have new arrivals daily and accept consignments if you plan to dispatch your vintage or antique items.
Since its establishment in 2002, the store has showcased a vast collection of old-school stuff from the 1800s that you can’t find elsewhere.
So if you’re in Hastings-on-Hudson, put Suburban Renewal on your list of must-visit shops to spend an hour browsing through its unique antique finds.
The store is located on Main Street.
Having a good read is always a part of traveling, and Hastings-on-Hudson doesn’t disappoint.
The village prides itself on Galapagos Books on Main Street, which has sold a wide selection of book titles since 1987.
It has everything from board books to novels in different languages such as Spanish, Italian, French, and more.
The store also offers in-house book signings and other private events.
Get a good read at Galapagos Books and spend a day at one of the village’s parks while experiencing the sweeping views of the Hudson River!
Hastings-on-Hudson, although a small village, offers magnificent tourist attractions worth visiting.
Nearby, you’ll also get the chance to enjoy some fun outdoor activities that are good for the soul!
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Famed lawyer and civic leader Samuel Untermyer’s magnificent gardens called Greystonewere developed in 1916.
He donated the estate to Yonkers, and it is presently listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Untermyer Gardens Conservancy restores and preserves the historic gardens.
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The gardens include several iconic features like the Temple of Love.
If you’re in Hastings-on-Hudson, the Untermyer Gardens Conservancy is only six minutes away via North Broadway.
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This eco-certified hotel is nestled in Yonkers, about six minutes from Hastings-on-Hudson.
The Hampton Inn & Suites Yonkers features an indoor pool, free parking, and a fitness center.
It’s certified eco-friendly because of its water conservation, sustainable food sourcing, waste reduction, and energy efficiency.
The hotel also offers guests complimentary breakfasts.
Located on Corporate Boulevard, the Hampton Inn & Suites Yonkers was established in 2009.
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When New York City experienced fresh water supply scarcity in the 1830s, an aqueduct was constructed in 1837 at the helm of John Bloomfield Jervis.
The magnificent aqueduct’s construction was completed in 1842 and runs from the Croton River to New York City.
Now considered a historic structure in New York, the Old Croton Aqueduct State Park Trailway is one of the most popular attractions in the state.
Hastings-on-Hudson has excellent access to the trailway, which only takes four minutes to its location in Dobbs Ferry.
The trailway works perfectly for walking and running, but there are areas where you can go horseback riding, biking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and birdwatching.
The Old Croton Aqueduct State Park Trailway is now one of the US’s National Historic Landmarks.
Lenoir Preserve boasts majestic views of the Hudson River while tuning into nature.
It features unique trees and shrubs from around the world.
The wildlife is abundant at the nature park, where you can see bats, owls, woodpeckers, and more.
During spring and autumn, massive hawk migrations happen at the park that birdwatchers can enjoy.
In the summer, its butterfly garden is packed with different butterflies.
Lenoir Preserve sits on Dudley Street in Yonkers and is only four minutes away from Hastings-on-Hudson.
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Get your hiking boots or shoes ready to hike up the challenging but fun Giant Stairs Palisades.
The beautiful rock scrambles are there to give you enough challenge while strolling around the park.
It’s a popular hike spot in New York and New Jersey.
You also get to enjoy the magical views of the Hudson River.
Easy hike routes are also available for first-time hikers and young children.
The Giant Stairs Palisades is 30 minutes away from Hastings-on-Hudson in Closter, New Jersey.
Hastings-on-Hudson is a beautiful historic village that keeps its rich culture and history alive.
It also houses many tourist spots and fun outdoor activities to enjoy.
Start packing your stuff and experience the best things to do in Hastings-on-Hudson, New York!
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