Town of Orangetown

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.

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Courtesy of Visit Nyack

Photo Credit: Laura Graham/Lemmonade Shop

Clothing and closets have always played a significant role in Lemmonade Shop owner Laura Graham’s life. Growing up in Nyack as the child of a single mom, Laura became an avid secondhand shopper out of necessity. Her early experiences taught her the value of quality, affordable fashion. Laura went on to spend years helping friends find the perfect outfits for various events, figuring out “what goes with what” in their closets, and coaching them through clean-outs and purges. This natural affinity for clothing and closet organization led her to realize that her true calling was in the fashion and wardrobe area.

Lemmonade opened its doors in July 2023 after Laura spent seven years as the clothing partner of the shop-share Archive Home on S. Broadway. It has quickly become known as a destination where women can find high-quality fashion while feeling part of a supportive community.

“The Lemmonade woman is someone who loves unique pieces – things not typically found at the mall,” Laura says. “She understands the value, both financially and environmentally, of shopping secondhand.”

Laura’s work at Lemmonade goes beyond selling clothes; it’s about empowering women. She takes great satisfaction in helping women find the right pieces for significant life events, supporting them through life or career changes, and adding a touch of fun to their busy lives. She understands that clothing is deeply personal and much more than just daily attire. It’s a reflection of identity and confidence.

“I love and believe in women,” Laura states. “Their personal power and ability to conquer anything has helped me recognize and appreciate those traits in myself.”

Photo Credit: Laura Graham/Lemmonade Shop

Recently, the shop moved to the center of town – collaborating with Trilogy Consignment to bring a new energy to Lemmonade. Together, the two shops plan community events like Moms Night out and a Secondhand Fashion show, turning the store into a gathering place as much as a shopping destination.

In a world dominated by online shopping, Laura deeply appreciates those who choose to shop locally. She believes that customers are rewarded with unique pieces at the best prices. Nyack’s creative and supportive secondhand community, with events like the Secondhand Shop Hop, continues to grow, drawing customers from beyond Nyack and Rockland. The next Hop is scheduled for September or October.

You can learn more about Lemmonade by visiting them at 5. South Broadway (W-F 12-6pm / Sa 11am-6pm / Sun 12-5pm). Follow along on Instagram (@lemonadeshopnyack) for upcoming promotions and events.

The post Lemmonade Shop is Sweet on Helping Women Find Secondhand Fashion Treasures appeared first on  Visit Nyack.