Some of the Italian migrants made the journey upriver to Highland from the New York and Long Island areas in a time well before New York-style pizza had even been thought of. All these prospective pizza chefs had were basic ingredients and the knowledge of a type of pizza that had been being produced in their homes with love by their elderly relatives for generations. That's the pie they prepared and served to their clients, so subsequently Highland is known for Grandma-style pizza. A Grandma-style pizza is a rectangular, tray-baked pie which originates from the southern regions of Italy. It's similar to a Sicilian-style pizza, but has a thick crust base more like a regular pizza rather than a soft spongy one. Usually presented cut into squares, you'll find a Grandma-style pizza could have the cheese under the sauce rather than on top, although in Highland the pizzerias serve it vice versa too.

Best delivery pizza in Highland, New York

When you want to get the best delivery pizza in Highland, the pizzeria you need to call is Brennie's on Vineyard Avenue. They dispatch pies at speed from an unassuming premises that looks more like a general store than an eatery. Inside is all about pies though, and with a state-of-the-art stainless steel kitchen, they're ready for any rush on orders even if it's Superbowl day. Brennie's make a fantastic Grandma-style pie that is ideal for sharing if you have a family to feed, and they even have large size boxes to fit them in for deliveries. There's no squashed pies from Brennie's, though if you do prefer a regular round-shaped one, they'll knock one of those out for you too. The selection of ingredients used on the set combo pizzas at Brennies are relatively basic and there's nothing wrong with that, but if you do want something creative, you'll have to invent it yourself.

Best takeout pizza in Highland, New York

If you're driving down the US 9 when hunger strikes, you'll be in the right place to stop off and pick up the best take-out pizza in Highland. Pizza Mia's premises are situated at the front of a mall around one mile from Highland center and a mile from the Franny Reese State Park. The parking lot there is large enough to accommodate all types of vehicles including RVs and rigs. Although the Pizza Mia pizzeria is mostly focused on the pick up and go trade, it does have a few chairs and tables inside if you decide you want to sit down. If you just want a snack then they serve by the slice too, so you've no need to get an entire pie - although once you've seen them on the counter you'll probably want to. Their pies weren't voted the best pizza in the Hudson Valley for nothing.

Best pizza near Highland, New York

Poughkeepsie

There's lots to do in Poughkeepsie even if you don't want to go traipsing around city streets. Head across the Hudson River to Poughkeepsie from Highland on foot or bicycle by using the Walkway Over The Hudson. At just over a mile and a quarter long, it is the longest bridge of its kind in the world. Enjoy the spectacular scenery or the sunset from the bridge before having a pizza at nearby Lolita's on Washington Street.

Olivebridge

Olivebridge is a rural hamlet twenty-eight miles northwest of Highland that is bordered by the Ashokan Reservoir and the Sundown Wild Forest. Pick up a pizza from Tetta's Market and Pizzeria before driving up to the Peekamoose Blue Hole for a picnic. It's a scenic blue pool surrounded by trees and governed by carry-in carry-out rules, so don't leave your empty pizza box behind and keep an eye out for bears while you're there as they quite like pizza too.

Little Britain

You could find yourself in Little Britain rather than Highland if you head south out of New York Stewart International Airport instead of north. If you do, make the most of it by visiting the scenic Stewart State Forest for an after-flight hike through the trees. Pick up a pie from Fratelli's Pizzeria on New Britain Road before getting back in your car and heading in the right direction.