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1. The
Catskills: Two to Three Hours by Car
An
antithesis to the bright lights and constant cacophony of the city, the scenic
wilderness and fresh air of the Catskills
can be found within a two- to three-hour drive from New York City. In the
warmer months, the area is ideal for hiking in forests yielding stunning views,
dipping in the area's natural swimming holes, or zip-lining among the treetops.
If you can't make it out there this summer, winter months make for great skiing
and snowshoeing. For a relaxing, simple getaway where you can really unplug,
check-in to the The Graham
& Co. in Phoenicia where you'll find mountain views,
fresh air, free beer upon check-in, free breakfast, loaner bikes, and a small
pool -- but no TVs, and kinda spotty cell service. You don't even need to rent
a car to get there because this mid-range boutique is just off a bus line
straight from NYC.
2. Finger
Lakes: One Hour by Direct Flight
Just
over an hour non-stop flight from New York City, a plethora of year-round,
family-friendly activities await in upstate New York's Finger Lakes.
A collection of thin, finger-like shaped bodies of water, the Finger Lakes
provide an ideal overnight getaway for families of all ages -- with summertime
being particularly perfect for water-based activities like fishing, sailing,
sunbathing, and water sports, and winter giving way to fantastic snow-blanketed
scenery, primed for downhill and cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. An easy
and affordable overnight option for those who fly into Ithaca is the Hope Lake
Lodge. This village-like property has a water park and activities
for kids, while parents can enjoy the year-round ski resort's spa, pool, and
whirlpool.
3. Fire
Island: 90 Minutes by Train and Ferry
Technically
a national park, Fire Island
not only has a romantic and sultry name, but it's often thought of as the more
low-key, laid-back (and therefore, to many, more appealing) summer getaway
alternative to the Hamptons.
Located off the coast of Long Island,
Fire Island can be reached from the city in about an hour-and-a-half --
assuming you line up your transportation schedule just so. Only 32 miles long,
this beach destination is home to a sunken forest, historic lighthouse built in
1826, upscale boutiques and markets, sun-drenched coastline (with
clothing-optional areas), and a nice selection of restaurants and bars. We
recommend staying at The Palms
Hotel since it's beachside location is also within walking
distance of numerous attractions. Plus, this little mid-range boutique has free
bikes, kayak rentals, and private beach space for guests!
4. Philadelphia: 90 Minutes by Train
or Two Hours by Bus
Just
want to get out of New York in general? Thanks to the Amtrak Acela Express, you
can be out of the Big Apple and face-deep in a traditional Philly cheesesteak
in just around an hour-and-a-half. But Philadelphia is more than
just cream cheese and steak sandwiches, so spend a night or two in the City of
Brotherly Love so you can check out the city's major historical landmarks like
the Liberty Bell, experience Amish country, or check out medical oddities at
the strange, but fascinating, Mütter Museum. Heck, if you eat too many gooey,
cheesy, eponymous cheesesteaks, you can always sprint some "stadiums"
up and down the "Rocky" steps at the Philadelphia Museum of Art's
entrance. To be smack in the center of the action, stay at Le Meridien
Philadelphia. With a striking combination of historical and modern
design, this luxurious boutique reflects the true vibe of the city.
5. Cape May,
NJ: Two and a Half Hours by Bus
A
day or two in the wholesome and historic clutches of New Jersey's (yes, New
Jersey) Cape May
is enough to make anyone feel a bit nostalgic for simpler times. Offering an
antithesis to Atlantic City's
bright flashing lights and Vegas-like vices appeal, Cape May is a Victorian
seaside town full of old-school, virtuous activities like ice cream
cone-accompanied historic walks, picturesque lighthouse visits, mini-golf, and
simple (and delicious) seaside eats. If you are looking for a bit more
adventure, head out to sea between spring and fall where you can try to spot
dolphins, whales, and other marine animals in their natural habitat. To fully
immerse yourself in the town's history, stay at The Queen
Victoria, a family-owned B&B. This mid-range, 30-room
boutique not only has Victorian home credibility, but it also serves up tasty
breakfasts and afternoon tea, and offers guests bike rentals.
6. Atlantic City: Two Hours by Car
For
some, though, the spectacle of Atlantic City is just what
they're looking for. Originally created as a resort town in the mid-1800s,
Atlantic City was once a glitzy and glamorous destination for high rollers,
vacationing families, and sneaky bootleggers during prohibition. In fact, the
seaside resort town -- home to the world's first boardwalk -- was so popular it
was dubbed "The World's Playground," and was the inspiration
behind Monopoly. Unfortunately, this didn't last long and
after World War II, it became a seedy, crumbling icon. But over the last few
decades, it's cleaned up its act and, thanks to the Atlantic City Expressway
and the opening of the luxe Borgata Hotel
Casino & Spa, the city's most extravagant hotel, it has started
regaining popularity. It's fallen on some hard times again, but overall there
are numerous delicious restaurants, decadent spas, and busy casinos -- at very
affordable prices.
7.
Bear Mountain: One Hour by Car or 45 Minutes by Train
Just
45 minutes north of the city, Bear Mountain Park is an ideal -- and idyllic --
spot to get you hike-n-picnic on. Besides offering sweeping view of upstate New
York, the area also has a zoo, carousel, and pools. Hiking trails range from
easy loops to more advanced and calve-aching bits of the Appalachian
Trail.
8.
City Island - 45 minutes by Subway or Bus
City
Island is such a quiet, cute, and quaint spot, it's hard to believe that it's
just across a bridge from the big city. Perfect for a last-minute day trip or
add-on adventure from the Bronx, this little island has nautical-themed
Americana oozing from its shuttered homes and wooden marina. The main road is
cluttered with cozy restaurants (mostly serving seafood), dusty antique stores,
and water activities like kayaking and fishing. Walk to the island's end and
you'll find seafront fish spot Johnny's Reef Restaurant, where you can get
boiled or fried fish, oysters, clams, hush puppies, and more -- all with a
view.
9.
Beacon, NY: Just Over an Hour by Train
For
a day of fresh air, culture, and a change of scenery, hop on the Metro-North's
Hudson to Beacon, home of the celebrated contemporary art museum Dia: Beacon,
cute antique shops, and hiking. You can even buy a special train ticket
that includes round-trip fare plus admission to the Dia -- which is just a
short, five-minute walk from the station. Hikes up Mt. Beacon also start at the
station and those who can stick out the uphill battle will be rewarded with
spectacular panoramic views of the Hudson River Valley.
10.
Higher Hudson Valley Wineries: 90 Minutes by Car or Bus
Think
you have to fly to the West Coast just to get a good tasting American vino?
Think again. Although not as well known or popular as vineyards on the left
coast, Hudson Valley offers wines that are nothing to scoff at -- and the
region's close proximity to NYC makes for a perfectly paired day trip from the
big city. While you could drive through any of the different wine trails, like
the Dutchess or Shawangunk, we suggest finding a tour company so you can sip
responsibly. With over 20 wineries
throughout the region, there's no shortage of stops to choose from.
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