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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT:
 

Best Event! Halloween Parade  -  Daniela Staub says: Halloween is my favorite day of the year. What better way to celebrate than with  NY's  second Largest Halloween Parade in Nyack. See the photos of this year's parade here. This year was held October 26 Step off is at 5:30pm at Memorial Park. It's fun to be in the parade, create a float, get a group theme, or just watch and get candy. Rockland's most creative and nutty are out in full force,so are all our local high school marching bands, firefighters, police, bikers, scouts etc There's a costume contest and a Band that winds up the evening. Afterward if you can get a babysitter the local restaurants ,bars and clubs continue the contests and parties into the night!"   location: Nyack,  http://www.nyack-ny.com/index.htm


FOOD & DRINK:
 

Best Italian take & bake. Gracie's Ravioli. Jennifer Mallory says: Absolutely the most delicious take and bake Italian in the county. Whenever a real estate agent wants to get other agents to a brokers open house, Gracie’s is always on the menu. 140 Main St Nyack 727-1600
Best Wine Shop in Tappan  Grape D’Vine - Jennifer Mallory says: Proprietor is a chef, very knowledgeable about pairing food and wine. 90 Main St, Tappan 359-2141
Best Arugula Pizza!     Pizza Bistro of Nyack  -  Debra Piccolomo says: Pizza Bistro has the best arugola pizza with a fabulous dressing, best served warm, I never have anything else!" Daniela Staub says" Don't miss the whole wheat veggie pizza or the white bean and escarole soup..mmmm,mmmm,good.   location: 64 S Broadway, S Nyack, 845-358-4811 
Best Cafe au Lait & Croissant!   Didier Dumas  -  Daniela Staub says: Not going to France anytime soon? Stop at Didier Dumas order up a cafe au lait and a croissant, close you eyes take a bite and you are there. I wouldn't be surprised if you could speak French after visiting. EVERYTHING here is exceptional..the pastries and gateaus are wonderfully rich and flavorful without being too sugary, goppy or fakey tasting.The crepes are sublime both savory(try the seafood, beware it has bacon)and sweet (nutella is my favorite). Quiches, sandwiches, cookies, holiday specialties, I could go on for days.   location: 163 Main St Nyack, 845-353-2031 
Best cafe-menu in W Nyack  LuLu’s Cafe  - Jennifer Mallory says: The menu is basic with soups, salads and sandwiches – all fresh, delicious and reasonably priced! Also a great place to sit for a casual meal (bring your own booze). Brunch on Sunday is lovely, too. Kid friendly!    726 West Nyack Rd, West Nyack 358-5822
Best Take-Out Pizza    Valley Pizza - Regina Mayer says:  This is our go to place for heroes or take-out Italian entrees. The high quality ingredients, generous portions and reasonable prices will make it your take-out place, as well. 4 Lake Ridge Plaza Valley Cottage 268-3116.
Best Fun Bakery!  Rockland Bakery  -  Craig Sloane says: Truly, one of a kind. A must see. This bakery is definitely hands on as customers pick bagels and other delights right from the oven as well s from the bins and racks. A great selection of breads and other bakery delights. Kids absolutely love this place as they can watch the breads cool as they race around the conveyor belts. A side coffee shop as well.   location: 94 Demarest Mill Rd. Nanuet, 845-623-5800 
Best Inexpensive Eat with Kids!   Kennelly's Grille  -  Daniela Staub says: If you want to eat out with the kids or without on a nice warm evening try Kennelly's Grill for casual outdoor (or in) meal. The burgers are great, a half order of ribs was enough for my 14 yr old son, my mom enjoyed the chicken milanese served over al dente linguine, the kids entrees are around $6.95 and generous for 10 and under ( no ID required).Last time we were there my kids joined in a volley ball game on the outdoor sand court after they were done, while we sat and relaxed. If you want to work up an appetite walk or ride around Rockland Lake right accross the road.   location: Kennelly's Grille House 962 S. Route 9W, Congers, 845-268-9896 
Best thin crust Pizza    The Nanuet Restaurant   Regina Mayer says: The best thin crust pizza in the county! Family owned for generations, Mary and the gang will make you feel right at home. Casual family dining, eat-in or take-out. Full menu and bar.   211 S. Main St. Nanuet 623-7177.
Best Margherita Pizza!      DeeMaria's  -  Daniela Staub says: When you want a slice that's a bit different head for DeeMaria's. The pizza Margherita is outrageously fresh, light and delicious, if that's not light enough try the salad pizza, fresh spinach, parmeggiano,thinly sliced tomatoes, red onion and GARLIC( oh and did I mention GARLIC). My favorite dinner entree is veal Marsala, wonderful and big enough to share. THE BEST BROCCOLI IN THE WORLD, try it, even kids love it. Keep in mind I'm an Italian foody!   location: Dee Maria's Shopping Center in Hamlet of Valley Cottage, Kings Hwy and train Crossing, 845-268-5291 
Best Neighborhood Gathering Place!   Red Rock Cafe  -  Craig Sloane says: Truly what a neighborhood gathering place should be. Great combination of bar and restaurant. Bar features numerous tv's for  ample viewing. Restaurant offers good food at very reasonable prices with warm and friendly atmosphere. Children definitely welcom   location: 96 West Railroad Ave, Garnerville, 845-429-5700 
Best Night Out with Kids Cheap and Cheerful!   Hook Mountain State Park  -  Daniela Staub says: Keeping it cheap and cheerful these days? Pack a picnic dinner OR grab some wonderful Latino takeout from San Juan Cafe, N. Broadway, Nyack. Head North on Broadway to Hook Mountain State Park and dine by the riverside. There are lots of picnic tables and a a great walking trail for after dinner   location: Head North on Broadway to Hook Mountain State Park,  
Best Pizza by the Slice!   Turiello's  -  Daniela Staub says: For pizza by the slice, the Italian boys from Brooklyn take the pie. Turiello's the quintessential pizza and people watching, cappucino and espresso too."On the corner of Main and Broadway in Downtown Nyack. take out and delivery.   location: corner of Main and Broadway in Downtown Nyack,  
Best Wine Store!   Wine for All  -  Craig Sloane says: A great find. This boutique store owner boasts that he does not buy any wines from any vineyards that produce more than 3000 cases of that variety. He knows every wine in the store and is like a walking encyclopedia of wines. An absolute delight.   location: 516 Rt. 303 Orangeburg, 845-680-9463. 
Buy-Rite Liquor Outlet   Jennifer Mallory says: Great prices and huge selection. I always go here when buying for a party, or to stock up when supplies are low. Rt59 W, Nanuet 623-7827
Best Liquor Store in New City   Regina Mayer says: The abundant selection of wines and liquors and the friendly and knowledgeable staff make this liquor store the best!   174 S. Main St. New City 638-9463.
Best Swiss Bakeries!   Le Gateau Suisse  -  Regina Mayer says: This bakery makes the most amazing cakes and sweets! Words cannot do them justice, so head on over and judge for yourself   location: 580G West Shore Plaza (Route 303) Orangeburg, 365-2194 


GOODS & SERVICES:

 

Sign of the Times     Whether just visiting Nyack or in need some great, fun gift, Sign of the Times is the place. There's everything from rock n roll or political (baby to adult) clothes ,to toys, clever games , webkins, groovy tween jewelry, rubber chickens, I think you get the idea! Denise and Lisa and their staff are friendly and extremely helpful in picking out great age appropriate gifts.
It's worth a visit just to see the fun stufff! Tell them we Daniela Staub sent you!! 
Best Soft Ice Cream Truck    Nadine McGarry-Smith and Stephanie Ferrante-Hirsch - fundraisers extraordinaires - agree: Rose's Soft Serve Ice Cream Truck will be a fabulous addition to your next event, party or barbeque.  Have Rose and her team come to your home or business and treat your friends, family and employees to a special dessert experience.  Many party packages to choose from.  Call Rose to book!  845-638-4051
Best Auto Mechanic!   Dave at Palisades Car Care  -  Daniela Staub says: Have you ever had mechanic that you completely trusted, need I say more...   location: 596 Route 303, Blauvelt, 845-398-2009 
Best Cruise Wear to Formal Wear!    Llaudrado House of Fashion  -  Regina Mayer says: This place has it all from cruise wear to formal wear. What makes it a stand out is the personal attention you receive as well as the fact that they do alterations!   location: 295 Route 304 Nanuet, 735-8191 
Best Flowers in Monsey!   Petals & Stems  -  Jennifer Mallory says: Offering local and out of town delivery of the finest in fresh cut flowers; specializing in wedding and party decorations.  Also offered are plants, balloons, chocolates and gifts. Owned and operated by KW agents, Barbara and Lenny Cohen.   location: 77 Route 59, Monsey, 845-206-4333 www.petalsandstemsflorist.com
Best Beauty Salon in Piermont   Riverwaves Carolyn Winters says: Great hair, nails and my favorite waxer:, Andrea at  in Piermont 845-359-6295
Best Landscaping & Tree Care!   Majestic Lawn & Tree Care & Landscaping  -  Maureen Plainfield says: My lawn is in fabulous shape thanks to Majestic!  And Joe is just a pleasure to work with!   location: 424 Buena Vista Road | New City, NY 10956, (845)708-2988 http://www.majesticlawnandlandscape.com/

Best Pre-School!   Both my kids went to Nyack's Little Schoolhouse and Christa Care from the day they were old enough to go. (The Schoolhouse is for older kids; Christa Care is for younger kids.) Because I work, I wanted a place that had the strengths of a traditional preschool, yet had longer hours to accommodate my work schedule. I can't say enough good things about the ways in which the staff and programs helped both my children grow. The emphasis on developing social skills has given both my kids a fabulous foundation that I know will be invaluable to them throughout their lives.
 


MARKETS:
 

Best Butcher/Italian Grocer!   Steve's Prime Meats Deli, Seafood and Catering Daniela Staub says: I order my  28lb organic turkey there for Thanksgiving. There's all kinds of wonderfully fresh fish, chicken, meats, sausages and great butchers to help. in addition there are there "home cooked" foods either fresh or frozen. Really great!"   location: 27 Lake Rd., Congers, 845-268-7926 
Best Farmers Market in Nyack!   Nyack Farmers Market  Jennifer Mallory says: Summer has arrived when the Nyack Farmers Market starts up! Seasonal fresh fruits and vegetables, plus other locally produced delectables (baked goods, cheeses and wine). Book-hour and music for the kids on some days.   location: Parking lot of Riverspace, Nyack,,  
Best Farmers Market in Piermont!   Piermont Farmers Market  -  Jennifer Mallory says: More good stuff, locally grown. Fruits, veggies, cheeses and baked goods. Yum. Piermont, Sundays May through November   location: Parking lot of M&T Bank, Piermont,  
Best Grocery in Haverstraw!   9W Market  -  Regina Mayer says: This is truly a hidden gem; they’re not even listed! This little place has the best fresh seafood counter. It’s also a great spot to pick up fruits and vegetables. Head up 9W and look for the green awning!   location: Route 9W Haverstraw,  


SPORTS & RECREATION:
 

 Clarkstown Miniature Golf at Germonds Park   I took my kids to the mini-golf at Germonds Park and was totally blown away by how cool it is. Not at all like the cheesy miniature golf courses I remember as a kid. The grounds are beautiful and the course is interesting and hard enough to be fun. The downside is that you have to be a Clarkstown resident to use it. That just means if you live in a different town, you have to make friends with someone who lives in Clarkstown. Or call me - Daniela Staub. I'm always up for a good game of (miniature) golf.
Best park in Congers Lake Memorial Park    Jennifer Mallory says: Of all the parks in the county, this offers the widest variety of stuff to do. In addition to a playground, basketball and tennis courts, baseball fields, and a jogging trail, it has a skate park and bocce. For town residents, there are two pools and a community center with weight room.  Route 303 at Gilchrest, Congers
Rockland Lake Executive Golf Course.
Craig Sloane says: Located at Rockland Lake off of route 9w in Congers, this 18 hole, par 3 golf course is perfect for people just learning to play golf as well as others who want to fine tune their game. The course is a legitimate par3, sretching 2780 yards, with the shortest holes at slightly over 100 yards and the longest being a bit over 200 yards. Mats are used, just like at the driving range which helps out the beginners. Esthetically, the course is beautiful, with hills and valleys to deal with. People tend to be quite patient, which as you may or may not know, is not the typical story when playing on a golf course. I don't know of any other par 3 course in the surrounding area that even comes close to this one. I highly recommend this from much past experience.
Best Park in Haverstraw    Emeline Park - Regina Mayer says: At the foot of New Main St., Haverstraw It’s a small park, but it’s right on the Hudson River. This is the spot to bring a cup of coffee and watch the sun rise.
 


NIGHTLIFE
 

Best Live Music in Piermont   The Turning Point - Regina Mayer says: This restaurant is a great spot to eat, drink and be merry. An eclectic group of musicians cycles through, so call for the schedule! Piermont Avenue, Piermont 359-1089.