Two Different Ways to Experience the Empire State (New York State vs. Rockland County)

Every region in New York has its own personality. This should come as no surprise, considering that it’s one of the most populous areas in the U.S., with a whopping population of around 20 plus million spread across all the cities, towns, and other areas.

Being such a big and crowded place, it offers a lot. 

No matter how many times someone visits New York, it is safe to say that they’ll always find something new to do and something new to experience. Now, what type of experience any particular visitor is looking for is a different matter. 

Some people enjoy more lively and vibrant places; places that are popular with a lot of happenings, big scenes, and communities. Others enjoy quieter and more secluded spots, perhaps something closer to nature.

For those people who seek a quieter experience, one of the interesting choices is a place called Rockland County, which is located just north of NYC. 

In Rockland County, people can find a place that is disconnected from the otherwise larger and more crowded attractions of New York City. There, visitors can experience great and beautiful mountain ranges, taste delicious local wine, and experience the local communities alongside fun sightseeing and relaxation within all the parks and rivers.

Top Ten Versus Top Ten

If we really want to see the difference between these two experiences – Rockland County and NYC – we might as well list the top ten things to see in both and go from there. 

Let’s start with NYC.

New York City

1. The High Line

Once, a railway was transformed into a public park. What to see includes gardens, art installations, and unique views of Manhattan’s west side.

1. The Little Island

A floating park built on tulip-shaped pillars above the Hudson River. A good place for walking, seeing gardens, and attending outdoor events.

1. Chelsea Market

One of the best indoor food markets with lots of delicious cuisine.

1. Grand Central Terminal

A breathtaking historic architecture. Plus there are secrets such as the arch telegraphing design.

1. Roosevelt Island Tramway

Can get a skyline view for the price of a subway fare. You can also get a similar experience with the Staten Island ferry.

1. Brooklyn Bridge Park

Waterfront with views of Lower Manhattan.

1. New York Public Library Main Branch

Another piece of great historic architecture.

1. The Morgan Library & Museum

A historic library filled with rare books and manuscripts.

1. Governors Island

A destination just a ferry ride away that offers biking, art exhibits, hammocks, and harbor views.

1. The Cloisters

The Metropolitan Museum branch is dedicated to medieval art.

Rockland County

1. Bear Mountain State Park

Bear Mountain State Park is famous for its hiking trails, overlooks, picnic areas, boating, and beautiful Hudson River views.

1. Hook Mountain State Park

Offers great views of cliffs overlooking the Hudson River; no surprise that it is one of the favorites of hikers, birdwatchers, and photographers.

1. Nyack Beach State Park

A peaceful riverside park perfect for walking, cycling, and fishing.

1. Edward Hopper House Museum & Study Center

The childhood home of the famous American painter Edward Hopper has been turned into a museum.

1. Rockland Lake State Park

A popular destination where you can enjoy walking trails, fishing, and golf.

1. Palisades Center

One of the largest shopping and entertainment centers in the United States.

1. Piermont Pier

A long pier on the Hudson River.

1. Tallman Mountain State Park

Great hiking trails with views of the Hudson River and the Mario M. Cuomo Bridge.

1. Stony Point Battlefield State Historic Site

A Revolutionary War landmark.

1. Harriman State Park

A massive park that offers hundreds of miles of hiking trails, lakes, camping, kayaking, and outdoor recreation.

The Communities And Their Character

One of the best things about New York State is all of its unique communities. 

Small towns and places across New York have their own traditions, local family-owned businesses, and festivals. 

Rockland County has the same community spirit. There, like in the Big Apple, visitors can experience local events and farmers’ markets.

But it’s more than that. When you look at houses across the state of New York – and in Rockland specifically – you’d notice differences in design/architecture.

Take deck design as a quick example:

A custom deck builder Dresden NY residents would hire (Dresden is in Yates County) typically builds a backyard ground-level deck using pressure-treated wood or cedar. The deck size will be towards the larger end. They’ll be open with pergolas being super popular there. 

A deck in Piermont (Rockland County) will usually be on the medium to smaller side, and they’d be built using composites or even hardwood (high-end homes).

Even though you’re in the same state, it’s different, it’s diverse, it’s not boring.

Looking at different parts of New York, people often discover information that wasn’t in travel guides or what they saw or heard online. Things that are considered somewhat ‘secret’, however secret they might be, when you factor in the popularity of the state.

That’s New York for you – a very large, very diverse place rich in cultures, places, and heritage.

Conclusion

If you take the entire state of New York, you end up with A LOT to see. With that being said, Rockland County can hold its own even when compared against the rest of what the state has to offer.

And its proximity to the most well-known city in the world – New York City – offers visitors a unique contrast, which is often appreciated, especially for those who get to see this contrast for the first time.

It’s not about comparing which one’s better. It never was. It’s about seeing which has WHAT to offer. The culture, the geography, the entertainment, the architecture, … they’re all very different. And with all that, one thing’s for sure – lots of lifelong memories will be made there, regardless of which part of New York you choose to experience.