My favorite passing time is the quiet stretch in Wappingers Falls, where food, culture and quiet moments to myself come together.
Los Hornitos Bakery
Before a quiet walk, I make a pit stop at Los Hornitos bakery in Wappingers Falls. This family-owned bakery has everything from flaky pastries down to comforting chicken noodle soup, and a piece of home for anyone who walks through the door.
I love their Chilean Coffee paired up with a guava and cheese quesito. If I’ve got a bigger appetite, I go for a ranchero sandwich with a side of their homemade salsa.
Favorite Dessert: Quatro Leche Cake
Village of Wappingers Falls
The village of Wappingers Falls definitely has the Hudson Valley magic that everyone loves. Charm, history and character at every corner. From historic building housing the police station to the timeless Grinnell Library known as one of the oldest libraries in NY.
Messier Park
Messier Park is perfectly framed by historic homes. This time of year is the best to visit with the fallen leaves, the brisk air, and quiet enough for a quick recharge. There is plenty of parking, shaded park benches, a pavilion to sit under and the best dog watching spot in town. It’s the reset I need before I hit the books again at Grinnell Library.
Walk Down Main St
Main street is relatively small, featuring mostly local favorites for dining including Café Con Leche. Down the hill you will make it to the stone bridge, overlooking Wappingers Creek, that was built in 1884 to everyone’s favorite house in town that is hysterically decorated for Halloween every year.
Cafe Con Leche – Puerto Rican Food
When my heart tugs for the island, Café Con Leche is my go-to for a sample platter and a coconut mojito. The restaurant is cozy, perfectly decorated, plays all the salsa classics, and the bathroom break sounds like you walked into the rainforest thanks to the ambient coqui frog sounds. I’m not kidding. Haha!
Case Ortega – Mexican on Market Street
Is also worth mentioning if you’re in the mood for Mexican food, there’s a hidden gem tucked away on Market Street. It’s not on Main, but still in the heart of the village. Vibe is super cozy and if the weather permits, they’ve got outdoor seating outside for catching some fresh air.
I always go for their seafood soup. It’s loaded with mussels, fish, shrimp and calamari, and it never disappoints. I like it paired with a Classic Margarita or a Red Sangria, depending on the mood.
Where comfort meets culture
The village of Wappingers Falls, isn’t just a town a pass through, it literally feeds my soul. Whether I’m grabbing a cafecito at Los Hornitos, admiring the villages historic features, or enjoying the food and music of the island at Cafe con Leche. I’m reminded that comfort lives in every detail; the food, the quiet park, and the people who make it feel like home.
Where are we off to next?
HVNY Rican 
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