New York is surrounded by scenic countryside, ocean beaches, fruit orchards, rolling mountain slopes and a river valley. Some folks simply jump in the car -- if they have one -- or on a train to take off on the spur of the moment. No matter which way you do it, plenty of great destinations are within easy weekend getaway distance from NYC. Enjoy a two- or three-day weekend away all through the four seasons -- to the north, east, south, and west -- without ever heading for the airport. Or escape the city to explore another city where the need for a car isn't a consideration.
Lighthouses and Links on Long Island
- People from Nassau and Suffolk counties just call it "the island." If you don't have a car, trains depart from Penn Station going everywhere the Long Island Rail Road serves. Grab a tote bag for a glorious weekend at one of the world-famous beaches other people swoon over in travel brochures. Choose Jones Beach, Fire Island or the Hamptons; even the island's farthest reaches at Montauk Point Lighthouse are within 120 miles. Sailing lessons on Long Island Sound could be the perfect remedy for a week stuck in the office. If sun, sand and water are not your thing, Bethpage -- less than an hour from the city -- has five public golf courses, including Black Course, one of the nation's most challenging. Or spend a day at the races. Belmont and Aqueduct are two of America's best thoroughbred tracks, both less than 30 miles from Midtown.
Autumn Leaves and Delicious Apples
- The scenery along the Hudson River is so lovely it launched an important landscape art movement in the 19th century, called the Hudson River School, after its inspiration. Board a Metro-North train at Grand Central Terminal for a delicious apple-picking weekend in the Hudson Valley. Stay at a pretty little inn or the grand Thayer Hotel and take the two-hour tour of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, overlooking a strategic bend in the river. The Depot, founded in 1730, is a nifty burger place by the railroad tracks in Cold Spring where the Hudson House has been operating as an inn since 1832. Browse antiques in town or visit nearby Garrison for a live show at The Phillipstown Depot Theater. Or drive west through the Catskills; the three weekends before, during and after Columbus Day are great timing for nature's colorful fall foliage extravaganza.
Grab Your Ski Goggles and Gloves
- If you long to pop a pass around your neck, click into your boots and pull on the goggles, Hunter Mountain is spread over three slopes in the Catskills just two hours' drive west of New York. For Bear Mountain head north up the Hudson River Valley. At Lake Placid's Whiteface Mountain, you can experience the ski jumpers' vertical drop, just like during the 1980 Olympics. The slopes of New England are all within reach, more practical on a long weekend. Famous resort names such as Stowe and Killington are among the Vermont choices; Bretton Woods and Waterville Valley are just two more over the New Hampshire state line.
Urban Wanderings Within Reach
- Super spring weather brings out a long list of options, naturally. Consider an urban adventure. Within 180 miles, you can be dining on lobster and touring mansions in Newport, Rhode Island. Travel just 215 miles and you can be walking Boston's Freedom Trail, paddling a swan boat in the Public Gardens or enjoying a frank at Fenway Park. Take a train to see the Liberty Bell in Philly; it's only 95 miles away. Go south 225 miles for a long-overdue visit to the Smithsonian Museum in Washington and take a moment to reflect at the nation's great monuments before seeing how the new $100 bills are produced at the Bureau of Printing and Engraving. Besides, you already paid for your museum admissions in D.C. They are all free of charge since your tax dollars foot the bill. These great cities are super easy to reach on Amtrak or via bus lines such as Bonanza and Peter Pan.
