Weekend Getaways from NYC You’ll Need to Visit ASAP

NYC is a great hub for weekend getaways. By starting your trip in NYC, you truly have the world at your fingertips. A weekend getaway is still a vacation in my book, and there are plenty of hidden gems to uncover. As a native New Yorker, I am not a stranger to weekend getaways from NYC. I am sharing my favorite getaways worth exploring in this list that you need to add to your list ASAP.

Weekend Getaways If You Love Nature

If you love nature, the outdoors, hiking, and hammocking, then upstate NY is your best bet. Places like New Paltz, Lake Placid, Hunter, Windham, and Mountaindale are top picks. They each have something unique to offer, and they’re my favorite ways to see the fall foliage. If you’re looking to hike, it’s important to reserve.

1. New Paltz: New Paltz is a groovy, hippy town that is perfect for any season. Fall is the most popular time for the foliage, hiking & Sunday farmer’s markets. From Walkill View Farm’s apple strudels to biking the rail trail to Mohonk Mountain House, there’s a reason citygoers flock every year to visit. It’s coined as “the black hole” for locals and college students because it always draws you back in. After graduating from college over seven years ago, I make an effort to visit at least once a year.
2. Windham/Hunter: Windham/Hunter are two perfect ski towns for any winter adventure. From skiing at Hunter Mountain to hiking Kaaterskill Falls and dining at Ze Windham Wine Bar, these towns are the reason why apré skiing and skiing are so popular.
3. Lake Placid: Lake Placid is well known across the country for its incredible views, hiking trails, and relaxing atmosphere. The most popular hikes are Indian Head for breathtaking views of the fall foliage and Mount Marcy, the tallest mountain in New York State. If you’re more into the relaxing vibes, there are plenty of boutique spas and hotels.
4. Mountaindale: Mountaindale is a quirky town worth checking out if you wanna go on the path less traveled. Nestled on the border of New Jersey, it has everything you need. One restaurant, one bar, one convenience store, a yoga spot, thrifting stores & scenic views of the mountains in the distance. If you want to take it to the next level, go winter camping here, I promise you’ll have a moment of epiphany and will want to go on more extreme trips!
5. Letchworth State Park: Letchworth State Park is a stunning park with more overlooks than you can count and a camping site perfect for a family adventure. Immerse yourself in nature, spend quality time with family & friends, and soak in memorable adventures. You’re about a 2-hour ride from the Finger Lakes, so it makes for a perfect way to extend the trip and see more of New York State.
6. Watkin Glens: Watkin Glens has arguably the most unique waterfalls, and it’s accessible for anyone to enjoy. The winding walking paths take you through manmade structures, perfectly accentuating nature’s beauty. The charming town sits right at the bottom of Seneca Lake, the largest and deepest of the Finger Lakes.
7. Ausable Chasm: Coined as the Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks, Ausable Chasm is your go-to destination for all things adventure. From white water rafting and rappelling to rock climbing, river floats, hiking, and camping, this place certainly has it all. Up for an outdoorsy camping adventure? Check out Ausable Chasm and thank me later!

Images By: TheBrooklyniteAbroad.com

Charming Small Towns Are Your Thing? Here We Go

1. Amenia: Amenia, NY, is an old town settled around the 1700s by the Pequot Native Americans. Today, it’s a peaceful town that’s become a personal favorite place to window shop for real estate and enjoy an immersive experience with farm animals. I’m telling you, it’s like nothing I have ever experienced before. Elk Ravine Farm is a local farm famously known for its Scottish Highland cattle, but that’s not all. They are home to Southeast Asian water buffalo, Kuni, Kuni, pigs, emu, goats, and more!
2. Beacon: Beacon is a uniquely charming town that transports you to another fantasy, with colorful homes, quirky shops, friendly people & so many things to do. This is the perfect day trip if you love hiking (I’d recommend the Beacon Overlook or Breakneck Ridge), history (check out Bannerman Castle), art at the DIA Beacon, and a cute town from wandering around. Beacon is perfect for a family day trip that isn’t too long of a commute and easily accessible by public transportation.
3. Sleepy Hollow: Sleepy Hollow is an iconic town to visit, especially around Halloween. From the Headless Horseman tours to wandering the local town, attending the witches’ parade, and visiting Washington Irving’s grave, this town is the epitome of a small, charming town. For some historic context, “Washington Irving’s The Legend of Sleepy Hollow tells the story of a schoolteacher in Sleepy Hollow, New York, around 1790. The Dutch settlement is rife with ghost stories and supernatural occurrences, including the legend of the Headless Horseman, a soldier decapitated during the American Revolution.” It’s taken the town by storm and become a landmark figure in the city, attracting crowds from all over to get into the Halloween spirit.
4. Rochester: Rochester is a charming town right along the Erie Canal. Its history dates back to the 18th century, when the settlement of the city began. It’s a great starting point for visiting the Finger Lakes & Niagara Falls. If you are looking for a full guide, check out Carly Marie Travel W Me. She’s an expert for Western NY State travel!
5. Sugarloaf: Founded in the 1740s, this town is known for its unique craftsmanship, artistry, and shops, all in the pre-Revolutionary village. They have a number of fairs and festivals each year, celebrating local artisans, which I’d recommend going to get the full experience. Check out Sugarloaf here and thank me later!

Images By: TheBrooklyniteAbroad.com

If You’re Feeling Spiritual, Lily Dale Is Your Destination

1. Lily Dale: Lily Dale is the world’s largest center for spiritualism. It all started in 1848 when two young sisters, Margaret and Kate Fox, discovered their ability to interact with spirits. They established the first Spiritualist Society of Laona, and since then, they have taken the city by storm (Lily Dale Source). Get a reading from a credible list of registered mediums and get connected to your spiritual side one weekend getaway at a time.
2. Woodstock: Woodstock is way more than the festival. It’s a hub for connecting with your spirituality. From checking out the Woodstock Awakening to energy work at Woodstock Healing Arts, this town is the perfect retreat for a mental escape. For any Woodstock fans, the Bethel Woods Center is the original grounds from the iconic festival. The town vibe is similar to Beacon with a bit more of a spiritual, hippie vibe.

Out-of-State Weekend Getaways

1. Washington D.C: The U.S. capital is none other than the iconic Washington D.C., and is worth checking out at least once in your life. D.C is filled with history and culture, perfect for a family weekend, a girls’ trip, a solo adventure, or a romantic getaway. From visiting the O Museum in The Mansion, a quirky museum with 100+ hidden doors, to the historic Larz Anderson House, shedding a glimpse into the Gilded Age.
2. Philly: The city of brotherly love is certainly filled with love. From the iconic Reading Terminal Market to the Rocky steps, Geno’s Steakhouse, and the Magical Gardens, a weekend is all you need to get the Philly experience!
3. Atlantic City, NJ: If you like lounging, gambling, and relaxing, Atlantic City is a great choice. Everything is in close quarters, and they also have coach buses running from NYC, so you don’t even need a car!
4. Cape May, NJ: If you want to lounge and relax but not gamble and enjoy some historic Victorian homes, Cape May, NJ, is a go-to. The perfect weekend trip to enjoy the sun, especially if you have a 4-day weekend.
5. Boston, MA: If you want to experience Philly to the max, Boston is the answer. From the Freedom Trail to the Boston Tea Party and Quincy Market, there’s something so charming about how they preserved the beginning of America’s history.
6. Delaware Water Gap (Delaware & Pennsylvania): Perfect for a rafting trip floating down the Delaware Water Gap, this is the ideal way to spend a lazy weekend, soaking in the sun. Even better if you camp in the area and go for round two the next day.
7. Block Island, Rhode Island: If you’re feeling bougie, Block Island is almost impossible to visit without an insane price tag, but on my bucket list. Enjoy a ferry ride from Montauk or Connecticut to this charming island, where people ride mopeds and bikes around, hang out at local restaurants, and chill at the beach. Now that sounds like heaven.

Images By: TheBrooklyniteAbroad.com

There You Have It

Who says that your trip to NYC can be extended to get to know the greater New York area? You’ll soon realize that New York has it all. From mountains to lakes and beaches to cute, charming, hippy & adventurous towns, there’s something on the list for everyone.

Veronica

Hi everyone! My name is Veronica, but you can also call me Vee! I grew up in the iconic city of Brooklyn, NY, the cultural hub of the world, and hence learned about so many different cultures. It was those experiences that inspired me to travel and from then on, I had learned the power of travel. In return, I want to give others that same experience, to help inspire others to unleash their inner travel enthusiast no matter the trip.

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