NYC Getaways

One of the great thing about New York City is the convenience of its location.  There are so many great day trips and weekend getaways that are just a short drive or train ride away.

I’ve blogged about my recent trip to Ocean City, MD and my mini vaca earlier this summer to Newport, RI.  I also had a quick trip out to the Hamptons a few weeks ago – another easy getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city.

If you have a whole weekend to escape, I highly recommend Ocean City, MD or Newport, RI.  Other quick trips from the metro area that I’ve enjoyed are a romantic beach weekend in Cape May, NJ or  hitting the historical tourist spots in Philadelphia.

But in addition to my list, CBS recently posted a list of Scenic Drives Within 60 Miles of NYC.  If you have the luxury of car – or even access to NYC’s Zipcars – a change of scenery is just a short drive away.

• Lyndhurst Mansion (Tarrytown, NY): With a backdrop of the Hudson, take a tour through the mansion to gain unique insights into the three families that once lived here: railroad mogul Jay Gould; former New York City mayor William Paulding, and merchant George Merritt. Once outside, take advantage of the gardens, greenhouse and river walk trails.
• Johnny’s Famous Reef Restaurant (The Bronx, NY): Open March – November, this 60-year-old restaurant is located at the very tip of City Island. Don’t be fooled by the cafeteria-style setting and dive-bar décor; this restaurant has the best seafood outside of New York City and even better views of the water to watch yachts float by on the Long Island Sound.
• The Village of Sleepy Hollow (Sleepy Hollow, NY): Less than an hour outside the city, the village of Sleepy Hollow offers something for everyone, including farmers markets, street fairs, haunted hayrides, and of course – the headless horseman. Take a guided or driving tour through the hauntingly beautiful Sleepy Hollow Cemetery to see the final resting places of iconic figures including Andrew Carnegie, William Avery Rockefeller and Washington Irving, who brought the legend to life.
• Salinger’s Orchard(Brewster, NY): Salinger’s Orchard has everything from handpicked apples to homemade pies and fresh strawberry preserves. Gaze upon thevast orchard while you snack on freshly made baked goods and coffee. Check out its beehive observatory, or take a slightly longer drive. A few more miles north, ride route 7, to Kent Falls State Park, where you may visit Connecticut’s largest waterfall.

• Bear Mountain State Park (Bear Mountain, NY): The park is located amidst the mountains rising out of the Hudson River, and features a swimming pool, shaded picnic areas, a zoo, a large play field, lake and river fishing, boat rentals, hiking trails and even a Merry-Go-Round with hand-painted scenes from the park.