When you’re looking for the best weekend getaways from New York, you’re not limited to the city itself. If you’re looking for a more rural and scenic vacation, there are plenty of options available. You may have to take a little extra travel time, but the end result will be well worth it.
Lake George
Located in the Adirondack Mountains of Upstate New York, Lake George is a great destination for a weekend trip from the city. Known for its crystal clear water and stunning mountain scenery, the town also offers an array of activities for everyone.
During the Gilded Age, affluent families built lavish mansions on the shores of the lake. The area was known for its beauty and was an ideal summer escape for the rich and famous.
There are a number of ways to reach the lake. You can fly into the Albany International Airport, which is the closest airport to the Lake George Area. For a more leisurely approach, rent a car from the airport or make use of one of the many tour companies.
Some of the more unique sights in the area include Millionaire’s Row, which features Tudor Revival stone edifices. Also, there is a lakefront walkway, which is a paved path that stretches for about a mile.
In terms of travel, there are several options, including flights to Lake George via JetBlue and Delta. You can choose from a variety of hotels and lodges to stay in, and you can even stay in a cabin or resort.
If you are traveling with your family, you will be pleased to know that the town is very kid-friendly. In addition, there are a number of free events and festivals held throughout the year. During the warmer months, the area offers outdoor recreation such as fishing, camping and hiking. During the winter, the region is home to ice festivals, ski resorts and snowmobile trails.
Orient Beach State Park
Orient Beach State Park is a great spot to spend a weekend trip from New York City. Located on the eastern tip of the North Fork of Long Island, Orient offers 360 acres of park space. This park is perfect for swimming, fishing and hiking. It features a rare maritime forest.
The park has pavilions, a beach, and a gift shop. Concession stands offer ice cream, seafood, and fries. Some hotels may offer free beach chairs and umbrellas.
Orient Beach State Park is a National Natural Landmark. It is also an Audubon Important Bird Area. Many marine wildlife can be found here, including the Great Blue Heron. There are pavilions for private parties.
Orient Beach State Park is located in Southold, New York. This is a quiet and relaxing place to spend a weekend. You can go swimming, kayaking, or play ball. If you are a beginner, consider taking a paddle trip.
Orient is a beautiful place to visit and there are many hotels and inns to choose from. One of the more luxurious options is the Mystic Marriott Hotel and Spa. Another is the Topping Rose House.
The beach is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. However, some beaches are not open in the winter. Make sure you check with the local authorities to ensure that you can enjoy your visit.
Whether you are staying in a hotel or on the beach, make sure you pack a beach towel, sunglasses, and walking shoes. Also, don’t forget to take your vitamins. Getting some sun can help boost your vitamin D levels.
New Haven
New Haven is a beautiful coastal town in Connecticut, located just over an hour’s drive from Manhattan. It’s home to a plethora of attractions, from museums to nature reserves to dining to entertainment. From the shores of Long Island Sound to the rolling hills of Greenwich, CT, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
The Shubert Theater is a great place to catch a show. It has hosted numerous national tours, ballets and plays. On the first Thursday and Saturday of each month, it offers free tours.
One of the best things to do in New Haven is to visit the Peabody Museum. It is home to the largest collection of British art outside of the United Kingdom. In addition to its world-class collections, the museum is free.
Another good thing to do in New Haven is to take a tour of Yale University. Besides being a university, it’s also home to an impressive collection of modern and ancient art.
Pardee Rose Gardens is another fun thing to do in New Haven. It’s located in the Pardee Greenhouse, a restored greenhouse that provides a 360-degree view of the Connecticut River.
If you’re looking for a taste of the local cuisine, there are plenty of good restaurants in New Haven. Among them are Olives and Oil Wine + Cucina, Tre Scalini, Basta Trattoria, and Louie’s Lunch. For something more exotic, try Doughilicious, which serves edible cookie dough.
Newport, Rhode Island
The town of Newport, Rhode Island, is home to many gorgeous Gilded Age mansions. These are a popular destination for tourists visiting the area.
In addition to the magnificent homes, Newport has a scenic waterfront. It is also home to several wineries and seafood restaurants. Visitors can take a ferry from Newport to Providence.
Newport is also home to the Preservation Society of Newport County, which owns some of the most important historical Gilded Age mansions. Several of the mansions are available for tour.
One of the most popular destinations in Newport is the Breakers, which is a mansion built for Cornelius Vanderbilt II. Built in Italian Renaissance style, this magnificent mansion has 70 rooms.
Other notable mansions in Newport include the Marble House, built from 500,000 cubic feet of marble. A popular stop on the route from Newport to New York City is the Empire State Building. This is the tallest building in the world until the construction of the One World Trade Center in 2009.
If you are interested in staying at a hotel in Newport, RI, there are several options to choose from. Many of these hotels offer beautiful views of the water. You can also visit the National Recreation Trail, which is an excellent hiking path that runs along the coastline of the city.
Another option for accommodations in Newport, RI is the Hammetts Hotel, which is located in the heart of the downtown area. The hotel has a stylish lobby with comfortable lounge areas and beautiful furniture. Amenities in the rooms are luxurious, and guests can enjoy complimentary breakfast every morning.
Farmington, Pennsylvania
As a weekend getaway from New York, Farmington, Pennsylvania offers a great balance of urban and rural. This fun city offers a variety of outdoor activities, along with some interesting museums and shops. During the winter, you can enjoy sledding on the rolling hills of the Laurel Highlands.
A trip to Farmington can be a relaxing and fun escape for couples and families. There are many affordable hotel options available in this small town. Typically, the cheapest rooms are found on Saturdays.
The state’s largest cave, Laurel Caverns, is located nearby. This underground cave is home to more than four miles of passages, making it an ideal destination for caving enthusiasts. Rappelling tours are available as well.
Other notable attractions include the State Museum of Pennsylvania, which has a planetarium show and a number of artifacts showcasing the history of the area. In addition to this, the town is near Fort Necessity National Battlefield, a major 1754 battle during the French and Indian War.
Another major draw is the Whitaker Center for Science and Arts. Here you will find a science center, a performing arts center, and a selection of robotics. Throughout the building, you will find artifacts, such as an interactive science lab, a planetarium, and a solar system display.
The town is also home to two Frank Lloyd Wright homes. One of these is called Fallingwater.
Beacon, New York
If you’re looking for a weekend getaway from NYC, Beacon, NY is a great choice. This town is located upstate, near the Hudson River. It’s also a great base for exploring the surrounding towns and cities.
With its picturesque hiking trails, museums, and other attractions, Beacon is a fantastic place to visit. In fact, the town’s small size and ease of access make it ideal for those who like to take their time.
There are a number of ways to get to Beacon from NYC. One of the best options is to take the Metro-North train. The commuter railroad system departs from Grand Central Station on a regular basis, and the train ride takes about 80 to 90 minutes.
Another way to get to Beacon is by taking the train to Poughkeepsie. From there, it’s an easy drive to the town. A rental car is another option. Rental rates start at $75 a day.
For food enthusiasts, Beacon has several excellent restaurants and bistros. Whether you want a cozy B&B or a swanky hotel, you’re sure to find a place in the town.
There are also many shopping options in Beacon. There are stores selling antiques, art, and cool coffee shops. Hyperbole, Play Toys and Gifts, and Zakka Joy all have unique items to purchase.
The Beacon Museum of Art is worth a look. The museum has an impressive collection of art, and it hosts special exhibits and public programs throughout the year.
