20 Weekend Getaways from NYC That Let You Escape the City in Under 4 Hours
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Aurora, New York
Travel time from NYC: 4 hours by car
What to Do:
This storybook village in the Finger Lakes, with family-owned wineries and gorgeous views of Cayuga Lake, is an ideal weekend getaway. Take a tour of MacKenzie-Childs, the design company known for its home furnishings, and have a wine tasting at family-owned Long Point Winery.
Where to Stay:
One of the most elegant inns in all of the Finger Lakes is the Aurora Inn, in a historic building with an elegant lakeside restaurant and a wine list featuring local labels like Heart & Hands. For a more casual meal of burgers and local Genesee beers, head across the street to Fargo Bar & Grill.
Stowe, Vermont
Travel time from NYC: approx. 3-4 hours (includes an hour by plane and an hour's drive)
What to Do:
For a nature-filled weekend getaway from NYC, head to Stowe. Though a major East Coast ski resort, it's also popular in the summer and fall. At Stowe Mercantile, an old-fashioned country store, buy maple syrup and cheddar cheese, then take a scenic drive along State Route 108.
Where to Stay:
One of the area's top resorts is the Stowe Mountain Lodge, which has gorgeous views of Mount Mansfield from its rooms and suites, as well as the popular Solstice restaurant. Nearby is Michael's on the Hill, a fine dining restaurant in a restored barn, with a farm-to-table menu.
Orange County, New York
Travel time from NYC: 1.5 hours by car
What to Do:
In this bucolic upstate region, you'll find farms, apple orchards, and craft distilleries, such as Orange County Distillery, in the scenic Black Dirt farming region. Sip locally grown wine at Warwick Valley Winery, and don't miss the Storm King Art Center, a 500-acre sculpture park.
Where to Stay:
The area has plenty of charming inns, and one of the most atmospheric is the Warkwick Valley Bed and Breakfast in the town of Warwick. Dine at the casual cafe at 100-acre Pennings Farm and the Iron Forge Inn, a historic restaurant on the site of a Revolutionary-era forge.
Mystic, Connecticut
Travel time from NYC: 3 hours by car
What to Do:
You may know Mystic Seaport and Mystic Pizza, but there's more to do in this coastal Connecticut town, making it an ideal weekend destination. Check out the beluga whales and African penguins at the Mystic Aquarium, and shop in Olde Mistick Village, a shopping complex fashioned after an 18th-century New England town.
Where to Stay:
One of the area's swankiest hotels is the Spicer Mansion, an inn housed in a former sea captain's home that was built in 1853. Its restaurant offers six-course tasting menus with wine pairings, and you can also feast on fresh seafood at restaurants like the Oyster Club and S&P Oyster Company.
Greenport, Long Island
Travel time from NYC: 3 hours by car
What to Do:
Greenport has a rich maritime heritage, and it's just a few minutes' drive to over a dozen North Fork wineries, including Bedell Cellars and Coffee Pot Cellars. During a weekend stay, start your day with an açai bowl and coffee at North Fork Roasting Company, then stop into the East End Seaport Museum, which has rare Fresnel lighthouse lenses on display, and in the afternoon, take a scenic cruise around Peconic Bay.
Where to Stay:
Greenport has several retro-cool boutique hotels, such as the Sound View Greenport, located right on the water. There are 55 rooms, plus, the Halyard restaurant, helmed by Galen Zamarra of NYC's Mas (Farmhouse). Other hotspots include The Frisky Oyster and Noah's, both serving seasonal seafood dishes, and in nearby Southold is the North Fork Table & Inn, offering gourmet farm-to-table fare.
Catskills, New York
Travel time from NYC: 2.5 hours by car
What to Do:
For a low-key, nature-filled weekend that could double as the perfect mother-daughter trip, head to the small town of Phoenicia, in the heart of the Catskill Mountains. Start your day with eggs and pancakes at the Phoenicia Diner, then enjoy activities like hiking near Mount Tremper and tubing on Esopus Creek.
Where to Stay:
The hippest place to stay is The Graham & Co., a former motel that's gotten a minimalist makeover. In summer, it offers movies on the lawn. Next door is Tavern 214, a farm-to-table gastropub, and the much-praised restaurant, Peekamoose, is nearby in the hamlet of Big Indian. You can also visit Woodstock Brewing to sample craft beer.
Atlantic City, New Jersey
Travel time from NYC: 2.5 hours by car
What to Do:
The casinos are what this Jersey Shore town is known for, right? Hit the blackjack and craps tables, and play a few hands of poker. You can also catch a comedy show or concert, and if the weather is nice, take a dip in the ocean — people forget that Altantic City has a pretty sweet beach. And don't forget to dine at Fork & Knife Inn, an AC institution.
Where to Stay:
Zip down the Garden State Parkway, and in no time you'll be knee-deep in a weekend getaway that's all about glitzy resorts like the Borgata, which has a cabana-lined pool, a spa, and celebrity chef-owned restaurants like Bobby Flay Steak and Angeline by Michael Symon.
Bermuda
Travel time from NYC: 2.5 hours by plane
What to Do:
If you're looking for a tropical weekend getaway that's a quick flight from NYC, Bermuda fits the bill. This island, off the coast of North Carolina, is known for its pastel buildings and pink-sand beaches. Spend your days sunning on Horseshoe Bay Beach, golfing, and exploring the attractions in the Royal Naval Dockyard.
Where to Stay:
Unwind in resorts like Elbow Beach, which not only has a beautiful stretch of pink sand where you can snorkel and kayak, but also delicious seafood at Mickey's Beach Bistro. Be sure to try a Dark and Stormy, the island's famous cocktail made of ginger beer and Goslings Black Seal rum.
Lake George, New York
Travel time from NYC: 4 hours by car
What to Do:
Lake George, in upstate New York, is a 32-mile-long beauty in the foothills of the Adirondacks. Take a paddlewheeler cruise, tour 18th-century Fort Henry, and relive your youth in old-school video arcades in Lake George Village, which also has some shops and outdoor entertainment in the warmer months.
Where to Stay:
On the lake's western shore is The Sagamore, a grand resort dating back to 1883. You'll find tennis courts, a large lakeside pool, and several restaurants, including La Bella Vita for Italian fare. Even if you don't stay, have a glass of wine by one of the fire pits on the lawn dotted with Adirondack chairs — sunset is magical.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Travel time from NYC: 2 hours by car
What to Do:
Get your colonial history fix during a weekend in Philly by touring Independence Hall, the birthplace of the Declaration of Independence, visiting Ben Franklin's grave, and snapping a few pics of the Liberty Bell, then check out the world-class Impressionist paintings in the Barnes Foundation museum.
Where to Stay:
The Logan is a stylish hotel near Rittenhouse Square. After a day of exploring, hit the rooftop bar for a cocktail, then dine at Urban Farmer. Other culinary hotspots include Wm. Mulherin's Sons, housed in a former whiskey-bottling facility and serving artisanal wood-fired pizzas.
New Paltz, New York
Travel time from NYC: 1.5 hours by car
What to Do:
New Paltz, in upstate New York's Ulster County, is a magnet for nature lovers, making it a perfect weekend getaway for those who want to spend time outdoors. Spend your days hiking amid the Shawangunk Mountains in Minnewaska State Park, shopping in the town's antique and gift shops, and refueling in Main Street Bistro and Jar'd Wine Pub.
Where to Stay:
Stay at the Mohonk Mountain House, one of the Empire State's most iconic hotels. The Victorian-style castle resort, built in 1869, is located in a spectacular setting on Mohonk Lake, and it has activities ranging from lakeside hikes and fly fishing to ice skating and horseback rides.
Toronto, Canada
Travel time from NYC: 1.5 hours by plane
What to Do:
Who's ready for a north-of-the-border getaway? Check out artwork from top Canadian artists in Toronto's Art Gallery of Ontario and the original Stanley Cup at the Hockey Hall of Fame, then lunch at the historic St. Lawrence Market. Add culinary hotspots Brothers Food & Wine and Canis to your dining list, too.
What to Do:
Toronto has plenty of top-notch hotels to bed down in. You can opt for a classic like the Fairmont Royal York, which has been the city's grande dame since 1929, or book a room at one of the city's more contemporary hotels, like the Thompson Toronto.
Berkshires, Massachusetts
Travel time from NYC: 3.5 hours by car
What to Do:
This bucolic region in western Massachusetts is a prime spot for culture vultures. In addition to the Norman Rockwell Museum and the Clark Art Institute, it's home to Tanglewood, the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. You'll also find antique stores and gorgeous scenery in Mount Greylock State Reservation.
Where to Stay:
Stay at the reasonably priced Briarcliff Motel, a charming former motor lodge that's been revamped by an English couple, who'll be more than happy to dispense tips and recommendations — but one can't-miss spot is Baba Louie's for delicious pizza.
Saratoga Springs, New York
Travel time from NYC: 3.5 hours by car
What to Do:
A day at the track in Saratoga in upstate New York is a must, but even if you miss the racing season (this year's dates are July 20 – Sept. 3), there's plenty to keep you busy. Check out the shops along Broadway, then head to Saratoga National Historical Park, where the Battles of Saratoga were fought during the Revolutionary War. Head to Hattie's for fried chicken and the Olde Bryan Inn for meal in a historic 1773 building.
Where to Stay:
Drop your bags at the Pavilion Grand, a contemporary hotel with some of the largest rooms in town. Another place to consider is the recently renovated Adelphi Hotel, which is in a central location on Broadway and has three trendy dining spots, including The Blue Hen. There's also the 12-room motel-turned-hip hotel, the Brentwood.
Savannah, Georgia
Travel time from NYC: 2.5 hours by plane
What to Do:
In less than three hours, you'll be surrounded by the Southern gentility of Savannah. Stroll its peaceful public squares featuring fountains and live oak trees dripping with Spanish moss, tour its antebellum mansions, and have a drink in one of the many bars lining River Street.
Where to Stay:
A few minutes walk to River Street is the Kimpton Brice Hotel, which has modern rooms and a fun courtyard, where you can have a pre-dinner drink. Its Pacci Italian Kitchen + Bar is always buzzing, as is the nearby Grey, an Art Deco beauty, housed in a renovated Greyhound bus station.
Nassau, Bahamas
Travel time from NYC: 3 hours by plane
What to Do:
Craving a tropical weekend getaway? Head to the Caribbean island of Nassau, which is just a three-hour flight from NYC. Aside from chilling on gorgeous Cable Beach, you can shop the straw market, sip rum at John Watling's Distillery, take a Tru Bahamian Food Tour in downtown, and dine in Graycliff, a gourmet restaurant in a colonial mansion.
Where to Stay:
The big news on the island is the recent opening of Baha Mar, a massive, $4 billion Vegas-style complex with three resorts, including the super stylish SLS, seafood restaurants, bars, and a swanky casino (not to mention a spectacular beachfront location, too). There's also a Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course and an ESPA spa.
Baltimore, Maryland
Travel time from NYC: 3.5 hours by car
What to Do:
D.C. is always fun for a weekend, but Baltimore is even closer to New York and is easily reachable via car or Amtrak. Most of the action is centered around the Inner Harbor, home of attractions like the National Aquarium and the USS Constellation. You can also stroll historic Fells Point and dine in classic spots like Thames Street Oyster House.
Where to Stay:
The Ivy Hotel, in a 19th-century mansion, is a splurge-worthy boutique hotel. Guests are greeted with a glass of Champagne, and suites feature fireplaces and four-poster canopied beds. Another good option is the Hotel Indigo Baltimore Downtown, which has the trendy Poets Modern Cocktails & Eats (don't miss the crab po'boys!).
Grande Lakes Orlando, Orlando
Travel time from NYC: 3 hours by plane
What to Do:
The Grande Lakes resort complex has so many things to do, you may be tempted not to leave all weekend — and that's saying something, because Disney World is just minutes away. Play golf on the Greg Norman-designed course, drift in the lazy river pool, go kayaking on Shingle Creek, and visit the on-site Whisper Creek Farm, which has a farm-to-table restaurant and a micro-brewery.
Where to Stay:
Within Grande Lakes are two resorts, the Ritz-Carlton Orlando and the JW Marriott Orlando. The Ritz-Carlton has 582 rooms, including numerous Club Level rooms and suites, plus one of the Sunshine State's best spas (signature treatments include the Grande Citrus Escape). The JW Marriott has 1,000 rooms, many with balconies.
Cape May, New Jersey
Travel time from NYC: 3 hours by car
What to Do:
It's hard to not fall for Cape May, a beach town on the Jersey Shore's southern tip, known for its beautiful Victorian homes, complete with gingerbread trim and gas lanterns. Hit the beach, go for ice cream, stroll along pedestrian-only Washington Street, and dine in local institutions like Uncle Bill's Pancake House and The Lobster House.
Where to Stay:
Congress Hall, part of Cape Resorts, is a grand hotel with a large pool and the perennially popular Blue Pig Tavern. Sister properties include The Virginia, an upscale inn housed in a restored Victorian (its Ebbitt Room is one the area's top restaurants), and the soon-to-open Beach Plum Farm Cottages, located on a 62-acre farm a few miles from town. The farm supplies seasonal ingredients to many of Cape May's eateries.
Sag Harbor, New York
Travel time from NYC: 3 hours by car
What to Do:
A perfect weekend getaway awaits in the Hamptons' Sag Harbor. This low-key village has a quaint Main Street, lined with independent stores and restaurants like Wölffer Kitchen and LuLu Kitchen & Bar. The Sag Harbor Whaling & Historical Museum is worth a visit, as is the nearby Wölffer Estate Vineyard for a wine tasting.
Where to Stay:
A fun place to stay is Baron's Cove, a casual-cool hotel on Sag Harbor's marina. Take a dip in the saltwater pool, catch the glorious sunset from a rocking chair on the front porch, then settle in with Peconic gold oysters and seared Shinnecock scallops in the dining room. Welcome perks include loaner bikes and parking passes for town beaches.
Read More:
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