The Best Weekend Getaways From And Near NYC

 

 

It's an age-old question: How to escape the city without leaving the city? Like all great metropolises, New York City is constantly reinventing itself. A new gallery opens, a new concept store launches and suddenly you're in a new neighborhood — one that feels like a complete departure from your regular routine. These are the best weekend getaways from NYC.

 

1.A trip to SoHo is like a trip abroad

 

the cobblestone streets and old-world architecture will have you doing a double take (and not just because of the tourists). But now that the neighborhood's been thoroughly gentrified, we love going shopping and dining. Have lunch at Jack's Wife Freda, where South African–born chefs (and married couple) Maya and Dean Jankelowitz serve up delicious Middle Eastern–meets–Southern fare; then peruse the shelves at McNally Jackson for a hard-to-find read (and don't forget to pop into its new cafe for a latte).

 

2. The Catskill Mountains

 

The Catskills offer the perfect escape from New York City. The pristine lakes, majestic mountains and fresh air offer a chance to reconnect with nature without having to travel too far from home. There are many great hotels scattered through the Catskills that offer beautiful views. The Emerson Resort & Spa is an ideal place for a relaxing weekend getaway with its spacious rooms and yoga classes. For families, the Woodloch Resort offers an all-inclusive package that can't be beat!

 

3. Cape Cod, Massachusetts

 

One of the best weekend getaways from NYC is Cape Cod, Massachusetts. It is a popular spot for families and there are numerous Cape Cod kid-friendly hotels to choose from as well as many fun activities.

 

The best way to get to Cape Cod is by car. That said, you can also take a bus or train to Bourne, MA and then rent a car to drive out on the Cape. The bus ride is around 3 hours, while driving your own car is closer to 5 hours.

 

From the moment you enter Cape Cod, the landscape changes dramatically. There are no skyscrapers or tall buildings; instead you see lush greenery and quaint restaurants and shops lining the main road on which you enter. Everything about this place says “warm and welcoming”!

 

4. The Hamptons, New York

 

It's no secret New Yorkers love to escape the city for a weekend away. And one of the best weekend getaways from NYC is The Hamptons, New York.

 

Located off the eastern tip of Long Island, The Hamptons are a group of towns and villages known for their upscale beach parties and celebrity sightings. They include East Hampton, Southampton, Amagansett, Bridgehampton and Sag Harbor.

 

Even though they're a quick 70-mile jaunt from Manhattan, they feel like a world away. That's why they're so popular with everyone from retirees to celebrities to city-dwellers looking for a dose of fresh salt air and some time off the grid.

 

5. Nantucket Island, Massachusetts

 

Nantucket is one of the best weekend getaways in New England and it's only a 2 hour drive or ferry ride away from Boston making it an easily accessible destination for New Yorkers. It has quaint cobblestone streets lined with lots of shops and restaurants, meaning there's plenty to do on rainy days. The island is also home to pristine beaches so you can enjoy some fun in the sun as well!

 

6. The Hudson Valley, New York

 

The Hudson Valley is the perfect destination for a weekend getaway from NYC. It’s full of small towns with French bistros and farm-to-table dining options, cideries, wineries, and breweries — not to mention antique stores and boutiques. There are also some fantastic hikes in the area. If you’re feeling adventurous, don your hiking shoes and set off on the Appalachian Trail or a trail that takes you to a waterfall.

 

7. Niagara Falls

 

 You've heard it before — one of the best weekend getaways from NYC is Niagara Falls. But you may be surprised to find out that the area has a lot to offer beyond those impressive waterfalls.

 

What's crazy is that some people don't think of Niagara Falls as a great destination in itself, but more as a pit stop on their way to Toronto or another destination in Canada. I used to think that way, too. But then I went there and found out how wrong I was. There are so many great things to do in Niagara Falls, NY, especially if you love wine.

 

The first thing you should know is that this isn't just one waterfall — there are actually three: Horseshoe Falls, American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls. And although Horseshoe Falls is the most popular one to visit because it's the biggest, all three have amazing views. Plus, there are lots of ways to see them: You can walk along the pathways on both sides of the river; take a helicopter tour; go on a boat ride into the falls themselves; or even just sit in a cafe along the river and enjoy the view from afar.

 

8. The Berkshires, Massachusetts

 

It's only two and half hours away from New York City, but it feels like a world apart. I've been going to this area with my family since I was a kid and it's one of my favorite places to visit. It's also one of the best fall foliage destinations in the US. There are great hikes through the woods, rivers and waterfalls to explore, and picturesque towns with artists' colonies.

 

It's also where I got my first taste of the outdoors through camping trips with the Boy Scouts when I was growing up. We used to drive up in a big van packed with all our gear, along with our tent and a big cooler filled with sandwiches and soda that we would drink while playing cards on picnic tables at state parks.

 

In this article, you'll find some suggestions for things to do in The Berkshires, MA if you're planning a trip there this fall or winter.

 

9. Philadelphia

 

Philadelphia is the fifth largest city in the United States and one of the best weekend getaways from NYC.

 

The fifth-largest city in America, Philly offers a great range of experiences worth having over a weekend. You can stroll through the Italian Market, slurp down oysters at Oyster House, head to Reading Terminal Market for some Amish cooking and browse art galleries. Philly also has its own version of Central Park – Fairmount Park. It’s massive, with two big lakes and lots of trails.

 

10. Stowe, Vermont

 

Nestled in the heart of Vermont's Green Mountains, Stowe is a premier East Coast ski destination and one of the best weekend getaways from NYC. With an average elevation of 3,000 feet and more than 300 inches of snow annually, it's an ideal spot for winter sports enthusiasts. But even when there isn't a blanket of white on the ground, Stowe offers plenty to do, including shopping on Main Street (don't miss Piecasso Pizzeria & Lounge), enjoying local craft beverages at von Trapp Brewing or Rock Art Brewery, and marveling at the fall foliage as you drive along Route 100.

 

Or head to Smugglers' Notch Resort for access to more than 3,000 acres of terrain for skiing and snowboarding with three peaks and four slope-side villages. Also known as “Smuggs,” this resort town offers lodging in condos (located within walking distance from the lifts) or homes that sleep up to 24 people. A variety of lessons and equipment rentals are available for those looking to hit the slopes.

 

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