New York City can be exciting, fast-paced, and positively buzzing with energy. But it’s also crowded, loud, and cramped. That’s where the weekend comes in. Manhattan’s location is ideal for planning all sorts of weekend trips, without having to spend most of your precious time off in the car or on the train. Maybe you just want a change of scenery. Perhaps you need a refresh and recharge in a town that does actually like to sleep. Possibly, you’d like to trade skyscrapers for giants of another kind in the forest. Whatever your reason, these weekend getaways from New York City will get you away from that elbow-to-elbow subway commute and into some wide open spaces for a little rejuvenation.
For Couples: Cape May, New Jersey
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At the very bottom tip of New Jersey, you’ll find a real-life movie set. Or, at least, that’s what it feels like. The seaside city of Cape May is a National Historic Landmark City, filled with beautifully preserved Victorian architecture, historic sites, and a whole bunch of charm. And, it’s only 2 and a half hours from New York City. If sunsets on the beach, riding beach cruiser bikes around town, and eating your way through seafood restaurant after seafood restaurant sounds like your style of romance, Cape May will fit you like a glove.
Shop on the pedestrian-only Washington Street, share an ice cream at King’s Ice Cream Parlour, head to one of the local wineries or breweries, and venture to Sunset Beach on the west side for a sundowner hour cocktail at The Fish House. If you really want to get cozy, book one of their famous trolley ghost tours to learn more about the city’s haunted happenings.
For Nature Lovers: The Catskills
With approximately 700,000 acres of land, the Catskill Mountains region in New York is an excellent choice for those looking to spread out a bit and explore the great outdoors…all without having to venture terribly far from the city. It’s a smorgasbord of small towns, state parks, and remote pockets that’ll make you feel like you’ve got the whole place to yourself. Try your hand at fly-fishing in its birthplace, the town of Roscoe. The area is also a hotspot for fantastic breweries like Upward Brewing Company, where you can take a short walk up ‘Beer Mountain’ and then grab a beer at their tasting room.
Music and arts lovers will feel at home in Woodstock, New York, where the vibe is laid-back, and there are often live music performances and other events. The food is good too; SYLVIA will knock your socks right off. The small towns surrounding Minnewaska State Park, such as Kerhonkson, Stone Ridge, and Ellenville, are a great spot to get away from it all, do some hiking, and shop for antiques. Several waterfalls reside in the park, and the neighboring Shawangunk State Forest (the ‘Gunks’) is a hotspot for hikers and rock climbers, depending on how ambitious you’re feeling.
For Families: Mystic, Connecticut
A three hour train ride, or a two and a half hour drive will land you in family-friendly Mystic, Connecticut. While yes, there are beaches to play on, Mystic is so much more. The best part is, there’s plenty to do even if you end up with some unsavory weather.
Indoors, families can dive into (no pun intended) maritime history at the Mystic Seaport Museum, greet everything from penguins to beluga whales at the Mystic Aquarium, and, if you visit between September and December, taste cider and donuts at the oldest steam-powered cider mill in the country. Outdoors, the TreeTrails Adventure Park has two aerial adventure courses in the forest, with obstacles like rope bridges and ziplines, as well as axe-throwing. Pizza is an obvious people pleaser so don’t skip the famous Mystic Pizza. Stroll the adorable downtown, head to Williams Beach Park for a picnic, or hit the water with some kayaks if you fancy a paddle.
For Foodies: Hudson, New York
The riverside city of Hudson, New York, is accessed by train from Manhattan and feels like you’re hanging out in Brooklyn. Since it’s only a 2-hour and 15-minute train ride, it’s become a bit of a culinary mecca with several New York City chefs opening eateries. Beer lovers will rejoice as well, with several breweries in the area, three of them being right in town.
Make a reservation at the chic Feast & Floret, an incredible Italian restaurant and floral shop hybrid space. The food and decor are as dreamy as it gets. Staying on the dynamic duo bandwagon, how about popping into an antique shop and grabbing some southeast Asian fare and a drink at Back Bar? Buy a book and a beer at the Spotty Dog, a cozy book bar right on the main drag, Warren Street. If you love sharing, try The Hereafter for Tapas and dabble in one of their crafty cocktails (the list is extensive). Banque is the place to be in the morning. Word on the street is that this cafe has some of the best croissants around.
Luxury Getaway: Saratoga Springs, New York
Spoil yourself in Saratoga. Known as the ‘Spa City,’ it’s long been a destination for wellness thanks to its natural springs. It’ll take about 3 hours to get there by car, and a little longer by train, but there are many ways to treat yourself once you arrive. Head to Saratoga Spa State Park (a National Historic Landmark) and sample some of the crisp, naturally carbonated water at one of the many natural spring spouts. Each one tastes a touch different due to its mineral content and all are believed to have health benefits.
Don’t stop there; make an appointment at the Roosevelt Baths & Spa, where you can soak in the healing waters as well as book another treatment such as a massage or facial. If you visit in the summer during track season, you can dress your best and bet big (or small) on the horse races before heading to one of the many after parties downtown. Or, align your stay with one of the numerous concerts held at SPAC (Saratoga Performing Arts Center). Wander Broadway, Saratoga’s main street and peruse the high-end shops, or grab a bite at one of the many restaurants. Local tip: the sushi at Morrissey’s Lounge & Bistro in the Adelphi Hotel is top notch.
Budget-Friendly Getaway: The Poconos, Pennsylvania
New York City is expensive: fact. For a weekend getaway that will get you more bang for your buck, head to the Poconos, in eastern Pennsylvania. Here, you’ll find a smattering of activities ranging from hiking and paddling to history and art. The Poconos have 2,400 square feet of landscape to explore, with lakes, mountains, and waterfalls, all free or inexpensive to do. Visit the “Niagara of Pennsylvania” at Bushkill Falls, an impressive series of eight cascades.
For a fun, scavenger hunt-style escapade, download and sign up for the Pocono History & Art Trail, a free mobile passport centered around the cultural attractions in the region. Bring your own or rent a bike to cycle the McDade Recreational Trail, which stretches 31 miles along the scenic Delaware River. Hang out in some of the quaint small towns, like Tannersville, popular with outdoor enthusiasts due to its proximity to Camelback Mountain, or Milford, where you can wander art galleries.
For Wine Lovers: North Fork, Long Island
Weekends were made for wine and Long Island’s North Fork is the perfect escape from city life to picturesque vineyards. The 30-mile long peninsula is on the northeast edge of Long Island and can be reached in a little over 2 hours from Manhattan, depending on traffic, of course. With more than 60 vineyards, winery-hopping is a breeze. Grab a map of the wine trail or hire a driver to tour you around, and start sipping flights of wine. The region is known best for its Savignon Blanc, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot.
Visit top wineries like the sprawling Macari Vineyards in Mattituck, where they do a special wine and pizza pairing. At Suhru & Lieb Vineyards, soak up the views overlooking the estate while eating charcuterie and sampling their wine varieties. Bedell Cellars is known for its Merlot and live music events. Or, just put a handful of winery names on paper and pick one out of a hat!
Book a Hotel or Cabin With a Jacuzzi
All of these weekend getaways from New York City have accommodations with jacuzzis or hot tubs to make your trip even more relaxing and enjoyable. You’ll find a wide range of hotel rooms and bed & breakfasts with a private jacuzzi in the Catskills. We found a cozy cabin in the Poconos with a hot tub—that costs approximately $200 per night, right by Camelback Mountain.
