Online interaction dominated last summer as farmers’ markets, festivals, and shows were cancelled and restaurant capacity limited across the country for safety concerns amid the second wave of COVID. But as these past few months have seen increased vaccination rates, IRL summer activities are back on the table. The town of Warwick in Orange County is waking back up, with music venues, restaurants, craft beverage producers, and farms opening again to the public to provide summer fun for all. From a flick at the drive-in to the annual jazz fest, here are six ways to maximize summertime in Warwick, whether you live down the road or are just visiting for the weekend.
Ice Cream with a View at Bellvale Farms Creamery
Whether you are in the mood for a banana split, custom sundae, or a traditional soft serve ice cream, Bellvale Farms Creamery is scooping out farm-fresh goodness all summer. Thanks to the ice cream shop’s primo location at the top of Mount Peter, visitors can take in the beauty of the Hudson Valley while enjoying a sweet summery treat. From fresh waffle cones made each day in-house to ice cream cakes, the creamery has been a staple of Warwick Valley for over 200 years. Bellvale Farms Creamery boasts over 50 homemade ice cream flavors, including their spicy “Aztec chocolate” or the white chocolate raspberry extravaganza also known as the “Great White Way.” These delectable flavors are all made with milk from the farm’s very own dairy and award-winning cows. Open through October 30, this creamery is sure to delight even the sweetest tooth.
Movies Under the Night Sky at Warwick Drive-In
What screams summer more than a movie under the stars? Enjoy the latest blockbuster hit from the comfort of your own car at the Warwick Drive-In. Open every day, rain or shine, the drive-in’s old school charm allows visitors to kick back and watch movies in the privacy of their own vehicle—be that truck bed, hatchback, or camper van. Daily double features start at 9pm and run on three separate screens, allowing for a range of film options for all audiences—families, date nights, and group outings alike. The drive-in focuses primarily on new releases, like the currently running Black Widow and A Quiet Place Part II. Don’t miss their snack bar complete with classic movie treats like hotdogs and hamburgers, popcorn, candy, fountain drinks, and ice cream. Online ticket sales begin at 12pm on each Wednesday, with a certain number of tickets reserved for box office walk-ups. General admission at $12.
Farm-to-Table Treats and Drinks at Pennings Farm
Fresh produce, live music, craft cider, and farm-to-table food all await visitors at Pennings Farm. The 50-acre farm, started 30 years ago, has expanded far beyond its roots as a roadside vegetable stand. From Trivia Thursdays at the Pub & Grill to live music in the Beer Garden on the weekends, Pennings Farm is full of entertainment. Load up on fresh produce and locally made provisions for the week at the indoor Farmers’s Market or try one of the farm’s original craft beers, hard ciders, or wines at their Cidery. Enjoy farm-to-table food made with produce from Penning’s own gardens at the Harvest Grill, and come September, return for U-pick apple season.
Live Music and Booze at Warwick Valley Winery & Distillery
Nestled in the Hudson Valley foothills, Warwick Valley Winery & Distillery is the perfect place to get your bucolic booze on this summer, with wine, cider, and hard liquor options. Try the award-winning Doc’s Cider or the original Black Dirt Bourbon at their tasting room, open seven days a week 11am-6pm. The gardens and orchards span over 120 acres and provide fresh produce for the distillery’s wines, ciders, and fruit liqueurs. Don’t miss out on the newly returned live music, from 2 to 5pm on Saturdays and Sundays. While adult beverages are certainly the distillery’s speciality, all ages can enjoy a day out snacking at the distillery’s locally sourced cafe, with onsite apple picking beginning late August.
Swim It Up at Greenwood Lake
Soak up some summer sun at the Thomas P. Morahan Waterfront Park on Greenwood Lake. Beach passes are now available for online purchase for Warwick residents, with day passes available for guests of residents. Half in New York and half in New Jersey, Greenwood Lake is one of Orange County’s largest bodies of fresh water at over nine miles long. Boasting volleyball courts, picnic areas, and lifeguard-supervised swimming, the lake offers the perfect pick-me-up for the whole family. For music aficionados, don’t forget to pack a picnic blanket. Greenwood Lake summer concerts, open to the public, are scheduled through September.
Jam Out During the HV Jazz Festival
Celebrate local jazz musicians this summer at the Hudson Valley Jazz Festival this August 9-13. The annual volunteer-run festival is distinctive in that it’s not contained to a single stage. Musicians are hosted at various restaurants, clubs, and parks throughout Warwick and the greater Hudson Valley for an immersive, inclusive experience. Shows are scheduled at parks like Stanley Deming Park in Warwick or restaurants like Mattingly’s Tavern in the village of Florida, often with free admission and/or suggested donations. With the goal of raising the profile of regional jazz artists, the festival mainly hosts musicians local to the Hudson Valley. But along with local artists, the jazz festival does include more high-visibility performers such as Saturday Night Live percussionist Valerie Naranjo. Support local musicians and enjoy the sweet notes of jazz music this August at the yearly Hudson Valley Jazz Festival.
