Blake Walsh

20 Best Things to Do in Warwick, NY

  • Published 2023/02/03

Warwick is a famous town in Orange County, New York.

It is 55 miles away from New York City and has three villages.

Warwick is a great tourist destination for those who wander and want to be lost in nature.

A visit to Warwick is sure to be full of fun and relaxation, and its natural beauty is sure to enamor tourists.

Biking on the country roads alongside the beautiful Appalachians is a great experience.

Greenwood Lake is brimming with tranquil beauty, waiting to be explored.

Horseback rides and golf courses are particularly famous in Warwick.

The Fall Harvest and Applefest are celebrations worth waiting for.

Warwick’s cross-country and downhill skiing are an absolute joy in winters.

Let’s take a look at some amazing things to do in Warwick!

Hiking and Birdwatching at Wawayanda State Park

Trail at Wawayanda State Park

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Wawayanda State Park is huge and about a 10-minute ride from Warwick.

There are hiking trails of about 60 miles in the park.

The 20-mile stretch alone is alongside the Appalachian Trail.

The Trail Conference of New Jersey maintains this hiking trail of the park.

Wawayanda Park is part of the Northeastern Coastal Forests Ecoregion.

It is the abode of the barred owl, the red-shouldered hawk, and the grand blue heron.

Boardwalk at Wawayanda State Park

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The park includes the 1300-foot Wawayanda Mountain, which is a sight to behold.

Wawayanda Lake, which is glacial and spring-fed, is also a feature of this park.

Swimming beaches, group camping, and boat launches are not to be missed.

The Bearfort Mountain Natural Area comprising 1325 acres is also here with a Terrace Pond at 1380 feet.

Wawayanda Lake at Wawayanda State Park

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Apple-Picking at Masker Orchards

This is a huge orchard with a great variety of seasonal fruits.

It is another must-visit tourist destination in Warwick.

There is no parking or entry fee, so you can freely drive and explore.

However, the road might be a bit too rocky for certain cars, so a walk would be preferable.

You can also buy cider, fresh apple pie, and donuts here.

It is a favorite place to pick apples amidst the New York people and the surrounding states.

They have a wonderful market as well, which is great for jams and pies.

However, since it’s so popular, it always becomes crowded, so an early visit is preferable during the day.

Sightseeing at Greenwood Lake

Daytime view of Greenwood Lake

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Greenwood Lake is a lake in between the two states of New York and New Jersey.

It is a famous sightseeing spot for people visiting Warwick.

This lake is about seven miles long and is the Wanaque River’s source of origin.

It has a long history. It was first named Quampium by the native Americans.

Then it was changed to Long Pond by the European settlers in the 18th century.

Soon it got its current name, “Greenwood Lake.”

The waters of Greenwood Lake

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Golfing at Warwick County Park

Warwick County Park is famous for its golf course.

The golf course here has a very nice layout.

Greens get a little hilly, but they are good overall.

Food and cocktails are also available and are great refreshments.

Apart from golfing, the sunset here is a great sight.

The county is well-maintained and is a regular visiting place for many local people.

Some people come here for a walk too, with pets or otherwise.

If you’re a golf-lover, be sure to visit!

Explore Biodiversity at Glenmere Lake

Glenmere Lake is located in Orange County, New York.

It is a reservoir and the largest habitat of the Northern Cricket Frog in New York State.

It is a biologically diverse feature with shale ridgelines, mossy county, hardwood swamp, an open-water reservoir, and vernal pools.

Glenmere, with its unique habitat, is the bedrock of New York’s biodiversity.

The Glenmere Reservoir is home to six species of hawk, owls, and the famous species of bald eagles.

Glenmere also has two watershed basins of the Hudson River, namely the Wallkill and the Moodna.

Take a Tour at Warwick Historical Society

Old School Baptist Meeting House

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The Warwick Historical Society is a beautiful church laden with a rich history.

It continues to amaze visitors with its stunning beauty, irrespective of the season or the time of day.

If you plan a spring, summer, fall, or winter wedding, be assured that it will be as you always hoped for.

Built in 1810, the Old School Baptist Meeting House has witnessed countless weddings, memorials, christenings, and ceremonies.

The Church is the perfect venue for various celebrations, be it a sunlit christening or a candlelit marriage reception.

Outdoor Activities at Stanley Deming Park

Stanley Deming Park is the perfect place for breathtaking views while also being extremely entertaining to the kids!

The playground is massive when compared to conventional playgrounds in large cities.

Activities include two zip lines, one for the young ones and the other for the elders, barnyards for the toddlers, swings, and slides.

It is a fun place to relax, even for the elderly!

There are picnic benches close to the swings, well-thought-out bathrooms, and the park is perfectly accessible for the physically challenged.

The park layout is simple and very well-planned.

Plus, it is on the ice cream truck route!

Plan a Picnic at Demarest Hill Winery

Demarest Hill Winery is hailed as the largest winery in Warwick.

They stock around 80 varieties of wine and ciders.

They also produce four varieties of vinegar, including Balsamic, Bombita Red, Apple, and Apple Balsamic vinegar.

The winery is located on top of a beautiful hill.

It is home to Francesco Ciummo, also known locally as Frank, and his wife, Orietta, who have built the winery together from the ground up.

The estate overlooks a gorgeous valley view, ideal for picnic lunches on a relaxing weekend getaway.

What Francesco started, merely as a passion, is now a booming business, growing exponentially year by year as he discovers new inventions.

Demarest Hill Winery allows you to explore the exquisite taste of southern Italy in Warwick.

Admire Art at Pacem in Terris Sculpture Garden

Frederick Franck, a Dutch artist, sculpted Pacem in Terris throughout his lifetime.

The grounds of his home have been open to the public for the past 40 years.

Every weekend, visitors freely wander the grounds, following the brook to visit the “trans-religious chapel.”

His art represents both the meditative calm and the harsh truth of disharmony, all the while aiming for a more untroubled life.

Franck used wood, metal, glass, and certain objects to create his masterpieces which house three sections of the property.

Franck’s desperate call moves visitors for peace in times of war.

This landmark is a must-visit spot for all art enthusiasts to feel the powerful impact an artist can have on worldly problems.

Go Skiing on Mount Peter

An excellent attraction for ski lovers and families!

Mount Peter has been a celebrated tourist ski spot since the 1930s and is located in the heart of Warwick.

It is the oldest ski destination in New York and features low slopes ideal for family skiing trips.

Beginners can avail free skiing lessons on weekends or holidays.

Apart from skiing and snowboarding, Mount Peter features a tubing run that is about 600 feet long.

Around the ski spot, there is excellent availability of equipment rentals and gears, resorts, souvenir shops, and a restaurant pub with live music.

Sample Homemade Ice Cream at Bellvale Farms Creamery

Bellvale Farms Creamery is a go-to place for ice cream lovers!

The Bellvale Farms Creamery was established in the 1800s and is run by the family to date.

It is famous across the Hudson Valley regions for its fine-quality dairy products.

It is a barn-style creamery based on a family farm over seven generations old and well-stocked with picnic tables and chairs.

There is a beautiful view of the farms where you can enjoy their homemade specialty ice creams in over 50 flavors.

Ice creams are served in home-baked waffle cones and Sundaes, while frozen yogurt and sorbets are also on the menu.

You can also order custom cakes at Bellvale that are made within a week.

The ideal time of the year to try out their funky flavors is between April and November.

Private reservations for farm tours can also be made for Sunday afternoons during these months.

If you have a sweet tooth and plan on visiting Warwick, Bellvale Farms is the place to go.

Wine-Tasting at Clearview Vineyard

If you plan a weekend at Warwick, be sure to go wining and dining in Clearview Vineyard.

With exquisite scenery surrounding it, Clearview Vineyard becomes a go-to destination for wine connoisseurs and gourmands.

It features a tasting room that is open from Friday to Saturday and is operational most of the year between April and December.

There are six varieties of wines available for tasting, and you also receive a souvenir glass to take home as a memento.

The vineyard is fairly spacious indoors and features a beautiful wooden patio to enjoy the lovely scenery around.

On your next trip to Warwick, be sure to visit Clearview Vineyard and bring home a bottle of fine wine to enjoy with your fruit platter!

Explore Albert Wisner Library

Warwick sure has a lot to boast about.

Not only is it rich in scenic beauty and orchards, but it also houses a library that is nearly a century old.

Albert Wisner Library was donated to the public around 1927 and had originally started as a private book collection store.

A wonderful spot for the bibliophiles, Albert Wisner Library, spans over 20000 square feet as a public spot.

The architecture is a beautiful blend of modern and classical design.

The library has an excellent collection of books and movies and also features some free programs.

There is a separate children’s library, a museum with activities for all, and excellent Wi-fi connectivity.

Activities include chess games, weekend cooking classes, children’s storytime, and movies on Monday afternoons.

It’s a lovely place to visit with family, especially if you’re an avid reader.

Italian Dinner at Silvio’s Villa Ristorante and Martini Bar

If you’re a gourmand who’s on a visit to Warwick, be sure to visit Silvio’s Villa.

It is a chic Italian restaurant with the elegant Georgian architecture of an 18th-century mansion.

Fans of Italian cuisine can treat their taste buds to authentic delicacies, such as pasta, ravioli, calamari, and exquisite seafood platters.

The restaurant offers an amazing view of the sunset and a warm vibe by their fireplace.

All their dishes are prepared with fresh local ingredients.

It is closed on Mondays but opens all other days of the week.

It also offers vegan dishes and gluten-free pasta.

On occasions and weekends, Silvio’s hosts open mics and live music.

Be sure to visit this lovely spot for a romantic dinner or simply relish the authentic Italian food.

Find Fresh Items at Penning’s Farm

Penning’s Farm on Warwick Turnpike is the place to go if you’re looking for fresh local produce and ingredients.

This 50-acre farmland owned by Steve and Jill Pennings has been around for over 30 years selling locally-grown fruits and vegetables mostly sourced from their farm and other neighboring farms.

Take your pick on fresh harvests of apples, peaches, nectarines, and apricots, along with farm-fresh peppers, tomatoes, zucchini, and more.

You’ll also find other premium grocery items like honey and syrups, yogurt, locally-raised meats, butter, cheese, free-range eggs, and kefir.

Likewise, you’ll find snacks to munch like old-fashioned candies, crackers, pretzels, and chips plus baked goods like assorted bread, pies, and donuts; gluten-free items are also available here.

Aside from shopping for fresh goods, you can also eat at the barn-style Harvest Grill for brunch, lunch, or dinner; seasonal meals on the menu are prepared and served with ingredients sourced directly from the farm.

Try their American-style hard ciders made from apples grown at the orchard and concocted at Penning’s Cidery.

If you’re planning to stay a bit longer, you can hang out at the Pub for some beer and pub fares like chicken wings, burgers, soups, chili, salads, and more.

You can also catch fun weekly and scheduled events at Penning’s Farm like Comedy Nights, Thursday Trivia Nights, and Live Music during the weekends.

Try Unique Products by Warwick Valley Olive Oil Company

For premium balsamic products and oils, drop by Warwick Valley Olive Oil Company on Railroad Avenue.

Owners Chris and Diane Zimmerli created this concept of an olive oil and balsamic tap room to welcome guests.

You’ll get the chance to know more about various oils, different kinds of vinegar, spices, and artisan products to enhance flavors in your cooking and enjoy more flavorful meals.

Likewise, you’ll also learn about the health benefits of these gourmet flavors and oils and have your questions answered by their knowledgeable staff.

You can purchase these specialty products or give them as a gift to someone for a special occasion.

Visit Warwick Valley Olive Oil Company for quality olive oils and other condiments.

Enjoy Some Outdoor Recreation at Mountain Lake Park

Mountain Lake Park is among the town’s public parks where you can enjoy the outdoors or just relax for a day.

The scenic park lies on Bowen Road and offers plenty of open space for various activities.

Go walking or hiking or go boating or fishing at the lake so you can enjoy the natural landscapes.

Play pickleball or run around for some fun outdoor games with the family.

After all the fun and play, you can grill some food and have a relaxing lakeside picnic at the tables.

You can also rent and stay overnight at the cabins, apartments, and bunkhouses.

Mountain Lake Park also offers a Lodge Dining Hall, Lakeside Pavilion, and Dance and Art Studios for rent if you have events or large-crowd activities.

Join the Fun at Applefest

Signage of Warwick Applefest

Irina Chernysh / Shutterstock.com

One of the best ways to enjoy Warwick is to join the annual Applefest.

The festival started in 1989 as a simple celebration of the town’s apple harvest and is now hailed as Orange County New York’s largest festival.

Held on the first Sunday of October, this whole-day event welcomes everyone for free admission.

Run by the Warwick Valley Chamber of Commerce, it has been recognized as the “Best Family Event of the Year” for three consecutive years by the Times Herald-Record publication.

Visit over 200 craft vendor stalls and find unique items to purchase, likewise, go over dozens of food vendors to try different delicacies and local specialties.

People at Warwick Applefest

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Drop by the Farmers’ Market for more goods you can buy.

You can also view exhibits by various local non-profit organizations or drop by the village shops, restaurants, and businesses to discover more fascinating things about Warwick.

Enjoy the carnival rides, amusements, and activities with your kids in Stanley-Deming Park, and see music performances and live entertainment on several stages across town.

And of course, the highlights of the Applefest include the Apple Pie Baking Contest with slices up for sale so you can enjoy a sample, and the Apple Pie Eating Contest, which has always been a crowd favorite.

Pick Local Products at Warwick Valley Farmers’ Market

For the freshest food products in town, head out to Warwick Valley Farmers’ Market.

The market runs yearly from May to November every Sunday at the South Street Parking Lot.

Since 1994, the market provides the community with a wide array of fresh goods and produce sold by over 30 farmers and farm kitchens across the region.

Get your stocks of farm-fresh meats, dairy, eggs, home-baked bread, jams, jellies, spices, condiments, and so much more.

Looking for fresh flowers or garden plants? How about some hard cider or wine? You can find that here at the market.

Likewise, taste some of the culinary creations of local chefs and food artists with wholesome food recipes you’ll enjoy.

While shopping, you’ll also enjoy the views of the vast open space, with hill forests, orchards, and fields surrounding the area.

Final Thought

Warwick may be a small New York town but there’s surely more to discover on your stay here.

Its natural beauty offers plenty of outdoor activities the whole family will enjoy.

Fun local celebrations, great local shops, and restaurants to fill your appetite, all these you can find in this town.

So plan a visit to Warwick, New York, and get to do the best things in town.

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