Spring Escape from NY: Best Weekend Getaways
New York is rightfully considered a city of entertainment. Here you will find world-famous restaurants, great bars, and a variety of cultural venues. But sometimes big city life gets boring, doesn't it?
At such moments, you just want to take a car and drive away from this noise in order to be close to nature or relax with your family. We have compiled a list of great places for you within a few hours of driving from New York.
Top destinations list
Bear Mountain, NY (1hr 15mins from NYC)
It is a great place to get away from the city madness. What is waiting for you here? This is a mountain state park above the banks of the Hudson River. Here you will find scenic biking and hiking trails, picnic and fishing spots, and even a zoo. The local hotel was built back in 1915 and has hosted more than one US president. Now it has been renovated and offers cozy rooms.
Beacon, NY (1hr 30mins from NYC)
Beacon is a city with a unique combination of the spirit of history and modern culture. The atmosphere of art and freedom reigns in the city, attracting creative people. Here you can visit art exhibitions with collections from the 1960s to the present day. And if you are not interested in art, go to Mount Beacon - the highest point of the Hudson, known for its important role in the American Revolution.
New Hope, PA (1hr 45mins from NYC)
New Hope is a leisurely town where you can relax and forget about all the problems. Here you will find seasonal eateries with local food, indie boutiques, and cozy bed and breakfasts. There are also beautiful landscapes for nature lovers. For example, you can rent a bike and ride the Delaware Trail. Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve is the gem of this place. This is a reserve with a huge variety of plants, including rare ones, picturesque forests, and meadows.
New Paltz, NY (1hr 45mins from NYC)
The New Paltz is the perfect place for lovers of American history. Here you can look at the old houses and learn about the life of the Huguenot settlers in the 17th century. Animators in the clothes of that time will give you a tour of the historical buildings (more than 30 surviving buildings, including a restored church). In addition, the town is also not deprived of picturesque landscapes. Fascinating views of the coastal cliffs, overgrown with old trees, are waiting for you here.
Hudson, NY (2hrs 20mins from NYC)
Hudson is famous for two things - food and antiques. They attract thousands of tourists from all over America. As for food, this is the famous country cuisine. All dishes are prepared from local products and will not leave indifferent even picky gourmets. Rare retro items here can be found in almost any shop on Warren Street, the local shopping street. So if you love unique antiques, then this is the place for you. You won't leave without a purchase.
Shelter Island, L.I. (2hrs 30mins from NYC)
To get to this island, you first need to get by car to Greenport. Then you will call on the ferry and in 7 minutes you will be at your destination. Shelter Island is a great place to relax with cozy cafes, historical plantations, and beautiful views. Here you can take a photo for the Facebook feed that your friends will envy. For outdoor enthusiasts there is kayaking. There is also Mashomack nature reserve - habitat for rare species of birds and animals.
Conclusion
Often, residents of big cities do not even suspect how many beautiful places are near them, or they think that it is very difficult for them to get there. But it's not! Do not put off what you have long wanted to do because there are so many amazing places near you waiting for your visit!