5 Best Weekend Getaways from New York City

If you cruise up Hudson River from Manhattan, you’ll eventually land in the picturesque Kingston, in the heart of the Hudson Valley. You’ll find homages to Rip Van Winkle almost everywhere—given that it’s where the legendary character fell asleep for decades. This cozy riverside town that offers Hudson River sightseeing cruises of all the historic sights and natural wonders in the Hudson shoreline.

Looking to fully unplug for the weekend? We know just the place—and the people—to help. The Amish community in central Pennsylvania are known for their rejection of technology, while they embrace traditional ways of life. You’ll see their horse-drawn carriages along the sides of the road in Lancaster, and you’ll find their traditional handmade goods in stores all around the area. Book an Amish Country tour to see first-hand this simple, peaceful, and impressive way of life, while making Lancaster your home base for the weekend will provide some historical insights of the area. Oh, and did we mention there’s a bustling craft beer scene, too? A little something for everyone.

Beautiful coastline, historic mansions, and plenty of ghosts. This world-renowned coastal community has everything you could ask for in a weekend getaway. At one point a weekend getaway for the Gilded Age New York elites, Newport is now a fascinating and stunning historic landmark of a lost era. The gorgeous cliffwalk trail hugs the rugged coastline, while passing by some of the most iconic mansions in the US, once owned by the Vanderbilt family. At night, trek the cobblestone streets with a guide to discover some of the haunted history of one of the country’s oldest settlements.

Nothing says “get away from the city” like some good, old-fashioned outdoor adventure. And Vermont checks all the outdoor boxes you can think of. From mountain bike guides to snowmobiling in the winter, the adrenaline-filled opportunities are boundless. Or for something more low-key, Vermont is a brewery haven and is even home to some of the best wine vineyards on the east coast.

This small coastal city has been making waves in recent years for its world-class culinary scene. Sure, the lobster capital of the US has plenty of amazing lobster rolls to go around, but walking around the Old Port in downtown will reveal amazing eateries on par with other culinary capitals of the world. For New Yorkers looking to get a dose of New England scenery, book a city tour, replete with stops at historic lighthouses around the idyllic Atlantic coastline.