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Courtesy of Visit Nyack

For owner Lindsey Arnell, The Grow Room (TGR) isn’t just a business – it’s a family tradition rooted in passion. Opened in 1996 by her father, Steve, this unique shop has been serving Nyack’s gardening enthusiasts for nearly three decades. Lindsey worked alongside her father throughout the years and eventually took over in 2007.

 

“I learned so much from him,” she shares, “and inherited his love for growing.”

 

The transition in management from Steve to Lindsey wasn’t just about new leadership but preserving the passion and risk that built a niche indoor gardening business long before it was trendy.

 

“We’re not here just to sell products,” Lindsey says. “We want our customers to succeed in their growing endeavors, so we take time to answer questions and provide guidance.”

 

This focus on customer education has earned The Grow Room a loyal clientele of both beginner and expert growers, all united by a love for plants. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just getting your hands dirty for the first time, The Grow Room has you covered. Specializing in both indoor and outdoor gardening, the store offers everything from soil and hydroponic mediums to seeds, fertilizers, grow lights, and environmental controls. In addition, their sister store, Bridge Street Botanical, caters to home gardeners with an impressive selection of houseplants, decorative pots, and plant-related gifts.

So why Nyack as the home for TGR? Lindsey notes that it was important for her father to be close to their home (she grew up in Rockland), and that Nyack’s central location near the Thruway offers convenient access for locals and visitors alike. In addition, the shop’s position on Bridge Street has the added benefit of available parking as it is a little off the beaten path.

 

With nearly 30 years of business under its [gardening] belt, the future looks bright for The Grow Room. Lindsey envisions expanding beyond day-to-day operations to offer more customer-focused experiences, including events, classes, and other interactive opportunities. Their annual “Green Week,” held after Thanksgiving, honors in-store sales and promotions, aligning with online Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals from their brands and vendors.

 

For now, keep an eye on the TGR Instagram (@thegrowroomny) and Facebook (The Grow Room) pages for updates on upcoming classes and promotions. Whether you’re a plant novice or a seasoned pro, The Grow Room welcomes all with open arms, and most importantly, with a wealth of knowledge.

 

 

 

The post The Grow Room: Cultivating Plants and Passion in Nyack appeared first on  Visit Nyack.

For Village Pizza owner Tony Pali, his shop is more than just a pizza joint—it’s the culmination of a lifelong passion for pizza, steeped in rich family tradition and guided by a desire for excellence.

 

Tony’s journey to Village Pizza began in the Bronx, where the he was raised in a family deeply rooted in the pizzeria business. His father, Tony Sr., operated pizza restaurants throughout the Bronx, uptown Manhattan, and later Spring Valley, NY – so the love for pizza was instilled in him from birth. By age 8, he was already making pies, and by 12, he was handling the family craft on weekends and school breaks.

 

After a brief stint owning his own pizzeria in Mount Vernon in his early 20s, Tony decided to try his hand at the corporate world, working for American Building Management (ABM) where he oversaw a large portfolio of accounts for commercial buildings in the tri-state area for nearly a decade. However, the corporate grind left him unfulfilled, so he left it to go back to what he loved and knew best – pizza.

 

With a desire to master the craft and create something truly special, Village Pizza opened in 2023.

 

At Village Pizza, every pie is made with care and attention to detail. “I really try to put the best tasting ingredients into the product. We don’t cut any corners,” Tony says. His pizza philosophy, learned from his mentor at Villa Rosa, his father’s Spring Valley pizzeria, is simple yet effective: light crust, light sauce, light toppings. This approach ensures each bite is perfectly balanced, with flavors that linger long after you’ve finished your slice.

 

But what truly sets Village Pizza apart is Tony’s dedication to his customers. “I want people to walk out of here saying, ‘Damn, that was money well spent,’” he explains. His goal is to create an experience that makes people feel like they’re part of something special.

 

When asked why he chose Nyack as the home for his business, Tony reminisces that he’s had his eye on the village for years – ever since his father owned Villa Rosa. He has always loved the historic, small-town feel where everyone knows each other. Even more notable to him are the people of Nyack, who feels are supportive and genuinely want local businesses, like his, to succeed.

 

“Being in Nyack has been one of the most incredible experiences of my life,” he shares. “It’s been one of the hardest years but also the best, because I’ve been able to establish myself. I wouldn’t have been able to do any of it without my staff, customers, and of course the continued support and patience of my family – my wife, Valentina, my children, Anthony and Antonella, my parents, Tony and Maria, and my sisters, Mariana and Elizabeth. They all drive me to make them proud.”

 

With ambitions to expand not only within Rockland County but also closer to where the Tony resides in Weehawken, NJ. He envisions growing his business by investing in his staff, turning employees into partners, and continuing to refine his craft.

 

One exciting initiative on the horizon is a “Taste-Off” event, where customers will have the chance to compare the current sauce with a newer version. Their feedback will help shape the future of Village Pizza, ensuring it remains a place where the community’s voice is heard—and where the pizza only gets better.

 

You can visit Village Pizza at 64 S. Broadway, 11am-10pm 7 days a week. Follow them on Facebook and check out their website for their latest news and promotions.

 

 

The post Village Pizza Loves Its Village appeared first on  Visit Nyack.

Courtesy of Visit Nyack

Nicole Giordano-Velez’s journey to founding Advanced Esthetics by SkinProNicole began years before opening her doors. As a licensed esthetician and former laser technician at Nyack’s Lazur La Vie, Nicole spent over a decade mastering advanced skincare treatments. Her experience with Procell Therapies and Circadia Skincare fueled her passion for helping clients transform their skin. Seeing how professional skincare can improve lives inspired Nicole to build her business around personalized care, client education, and tangible results.

 

“I wanted my practice to be more than just skincare—it’s a sanctuary for clients to feel empowered in their skin,” Nicole says. “As the first business owner in my family, I want to positively impact my community by helping clients look and feel their best every day.”

 

Nicole’s practice specializes in a range of treatments, including facials, chemical peels, microneedling, laser hair removal, and microcurrent therapy, addressing acne, rosacea, and aging concerns. She’s the only provider in her area offering FIT Testing and leaky gut testing, helping clients identify dietary triggers affecting their skin. Her approach is personalized, focusing on long-term skin health.

 

What sets Nicole’s business apart is her dedication to care and education. She builds relationships with clients, guiding them with trust and transparency.

 

“My client-centered focus reflects my values, influenced by the Rotary 4-Way Test, prioritizing informed decisions and long-lasting results,” Nicole states. “I measure my success by the number of people I help and the quality of relationships I build with my clients.”

 

Nicole’s clientele ranges from young adults with acne to older individuals with anti-aging concerns. Impressively, 35% of her clients are men. Advanced Esthetics by SkinProNicole draws clients from Nyack and neighboring areas, solidifying its reputation for professional, effective skincare.

 

So why Nyack? For Nicole, it’s where her career in esthetics began. The community’s support helped her secure her current location and fueled her desire to remain rooted here, where she continues to help clients feel confident.

 

Looking forward, Nicole’s future plans include expanding her services and collaborating with wellness practitioners to create a holistic environment. Right now, she’s offering special promotions, including 20% off facials for new clients, Hollywood Carbon Peel for $199, and IPL treatments for $149 (regularly $300). She is also passionate about giving back to the community, frequently donating treatments to local schools and organizations. For her, it’s about more than skincare—it’s about building lasting relationships and supporting her village.

 

You can visit Advanced Esthetics by SkinProNicole at 77 Franklin Street 6 days a week (hours listed below). Follow the shop on their website, Instagram (@skinpronicole), and Facebook page (Skin Pro Nicole) for upcoming events and promotions!

 

Advanced Esthetics by SkinProNicole

77 Franklin Street, Nyack

Open MWF 9am-5pm / Tu & Th 9am-8pm / Sat 9am-4pm

(845) 405-5009

 

The post Advanced Esthetics by SkinProNicole: A Skincare Sanctuary in Nyack appeared first on  Visit Nyack.

Nestled in the heart of Downtown Nyack, Mekong District is far from your typical Vietnamese restaurant. This vibrant eatery combines a modernized take on Vietnamese cuisine with unique features like Rockland County’s first self-pour beer taps and weekly live music, making it a standout spot for food and fun.

 

Owner Tai Nham’s story is one of resilience, passion, and family. Born in Vietnam as the youngest of 11 children, he immigrated to the United States at age 9. His siblings were quick to embrace entrepreneurship, opening their first restaurant when Tai was in college. Tai joined the family business, helping to establish Vietnam Grill in Spring Valley in 1994. Over time, his passion for food led him to attend the prestigious French Culinary Institute, where he graduated in 2007.

 

Tai’s culinary journey took a bold step forward in 2010 with the launch of Mekong Grill in Ridgewood, NJ, a venture he managed successfully for 10 years. When the opportunity to open Mekong District in Downtown Nyack arose, Tai and his wife, Fay – who helps with restaurant management and occasionally lends her skills in the kitchen – were eager to bring their vision to life. Despite delays caused by the pandemic, Mekong District opened its doors in February 2021, becoming the latest chapter in Tai’s lifelong dedication to innovative Vietnamese cuisine.

 

Mekong District sets itself apart with a menu that balances authenticity and creativity. Think classic Vietnamese ingredients reimagined in dishes like kimchi fries and drunken ribs, designed to entice even the most hesitant eaters. Guests can also enjoy the restaurant’s ever-changing beer wall, offering a curated selection of draft beers and ciders that never repeats.

 

Since opening, Mekong District has become a cornerstone of the Nyack dining scene, drawing patrons with its lively atmosphere and community events. From open mic nights to Oktoberfest promotions featuring collectible steins and draft discounts, Tai and his team know how to keep things fresh and engaging.

 

Looking ahead, Tai dreams of expanding to a second location, continuing to share his passion for innovative Vietnamese cuisine. Until then, Nyack remains home to this must-visit gem that offers delicious food, great beer, and unforgettable experiences.

 

Follow Mekong District on Facebook and Instagram (@mekong_district) for the latest updates on events and promotions.

 

 

The post Mekong District: Redefining Vietnamese Dining in the Heart of Nyack appeared first on  Visit Nyack.