While there’s always plenty to do in New York City, there are moments when you must go away. These are the most spectacular locations in the city that never sleeps, all within a few hours’ drive.
New York City offers a plethora of things to do. New York City is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, regardless of whether you’re a student living in the city, recently moved here for work, or have grown up there. The city offers everything, from the newest eateries to museums, retail establishments, parks, plays, performances, and concerts. Thus, it could seem as though you never have to go. However, sometimes you must go, no matter how excellent a place is. You may just be searching for an adventure or some fun with your pals, or you may find the hustle and bustle too much and want some peace, quiet, and fresh air. These are the best spots to visit within a few hours of New York City when you’re ready for a vacation from the City that Never Sleeps.
Fans of Gilmore Girls, unite! Gather your friends and travel to Litchfield, Connecticut, if you’ve always wanted to see Stars Hollow in person. The creator of Gilmore Girls, Amy Sherman-Palladino, stated that Washington, Connecticut, inspired the made-up town. There are numerous additional towns in Litchfield to visit after exploring the region and taking some pictures, each with its own unique charm and shops and eateries to discover. Litchfield is the quintessential country retreat, with plenty of hiking opportunities, stylish stores, and charming cafés and restaurants. Mohawk Mountain, a nearby location, offers snowboarding and skiing as well. The Litchfield Inn is ideal for your cottage core-inspired material, so reserve a room or two there. There’s a complimentary breakfast buffet every morning with everything you could desire, including an omelet bar and endless coffee. There are 32 rooms, 12 of which are themed. After a tiring day of exploration, you can return to the inn for cookies and refreshments. There’s also a great outside area where you can play cornhole and relax with a fire pit.
New York’s Lake Placid
Adult your group and travel to Lake Placid, New York, if you want to spend some time outside, taking in the clean mountain air, hiking, and experiencing lake life at its best. There are many things to do in Lake Placid throughout the year. It served as the venue for the 1980 Winter Olympics. Take the elevator up to the Olympic Ski Jump Complex and see how far you can jump to test your fear of heights. It would help if you also visited the museum and Olympic Center. You may go hiking, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, paddle boarding, or out on Mirror Lake or Lake Placid in the summer and fall. Alternatively, read theyoungthe young adulthile lounging by the lake. You may cross-country ski, ice skate, or sled in the winter and then curl up in front of the fire. There are plenty of eateries and stores to explore around the town. Remain at the inn in Mirror Lake. Its prime position is unbeatable, directly on Mirror Lake with beach access and only a short stroll to town and Lake Placid. The resort offers a beautiful spa, an indoor and outdoor pool, a private beach with complimentary boat rentals, lounge chairs, towels, and two on-site restaurants. The rooms and décor have that classic Adirondack vibe. If you’re in the mood for something nice, visit The View, which serves delicious dinner fare and breakfast spreads and has the most breathtaking views of Mirror Lake. Visit The Cottage for lunch or supper for a more laid-back dining experience. The views are breathtaking, the cuisine is excellent, and the atmosphere is lively.
If you reside in the New York region, the Catskills, the scene for Dirty Dancing, are a fantastic spot to visit. There’s no more picturesque backdrop for breathtaking photographs than waterfalls, lakes, mountains, and vibrant foliage. Take a hike or a canoe trip, or drive about and snap many amazing pictures.
You’re nearly ready to leave now that you know where you’re going. However, you must ensure you have the proper setup to arrange a truly fantastic trip. This includes a ton of drinks and food for the journey, cash for pit stops, petrol money, a roadside help number in case something goes wrong (also, make sure your car has a spare tire and repair kit), and a fantastic soundtrack.
Your Instagram and TikTok videos will be protected if you stay at Scribner’s Catskill Lodge. The resort has a hip, rustic-modern atmosphere and breathtaking environment. The rooms are large and capture the hip Catskills vibe. There is a swimming pool on-site, lawn games, and a ton of hiking during the summer. In the winter, you may skate at the on-site rink, cross-country ski, and go snowshoeing. The superb on-site restaurant, Prospect, is worth making a reservation for. Go for supper, but you’ll return for breakfast and perhaps lunch since it’s so delicious.
Kennebunkport is well worth the journey, even if it is a little further out from the city. The resort location is breathtakingly gorgeous. Savor lobster rolls, relax at the beach, take a bike ride into town, and explore the neighborhood stores and eateries as you embrace the quintessential New England atmosphere. Stay at the historic Nonantum Resort, directly on the lake. The rooms and décor are the epitome of seaside flair, and they make the ideal setting for an exciting weekend in New England. The resort has a pool, a quiet beach, and a private dock. The resort places a high priority on sustainability, so you can also feel good about visiting. The breakfast buffet is a must-try; you’ll look forward to it each morning. Get a table at Latitudes for waterfront dining with a view, or stop by Heckmans Kennebunkport for delectable casual food.
You’ll see why Woodloch Resort was chosen, even though the Poconos seem like an unlikely travel choice from New York City. Woodloch is the ideal resort if you want everything you need, so you never have to leave. The resort offers endless recreational opportunities, including pools, go-karts, a climbing wall, tennis, mini golf, water slides, beach sports, archery, boat excursions, gaming rooms, entertainment venues, dance clubs, and various dining options. It’s a year-round getaway from the city since there’s enough to do indoors and outside during the winter. To put it briefly, this place has everything you could desire for a holiday.
Southern Vermont is an ideal escape from New York City, whether you want to get away and hit the slopes or want to appreciate the mountains in the summer and fall. Hiking, skiing, and touring the neighboring towns are all options. Be sure to check out Highwood Retreat for an unforgettable experience if you’re searching for a true adventure. Glamping without the long travel is what this is. You’ll be staying in a canvas safari tent comparable to a luxurious hotel room within a tent. However, you have to see it to believe it. This is the ideal location to unplug and escape it all. Although solar panels provide energy, the main idea is to completely unplug, delete social media, and spend some time in the woods.
Conclusion
- Escape the hustle of New York City by exploring picturesque locations within a few hours’ drive.
- Visit Litchfield, Connecticut, for a Gilmore Girls-inspired experience with charming towns, hiking opportunities, and a cozy stay at The Litchfield Inn.
- Experience the outdoor beauty of Lake Placid, New York, with activities like hiking, fishing, and winter sports, and stay at the scenic Mirror Lake Inn.
- Explore the Catskills for a Dirty Dancing-esque getaway, enjoying waterfalls, lakes, and mountains, and stay at Scribner’s Catskill Lodge for a hip, rustic-modern atmosphere.
- Venture to Kennebunkport, Maine, for a quintessential New England experience, savoring lobster rolls and staying at the historic Nonantum Resort with seaside flair.
- Discover Woodloch Resort in the Poconos for a comprehensive getaway with various recreational activities, entertainment, and dining options.
- Experience Southern Vermont’s mountains in all seasons, with options for hiking, skiing, and glamping at Highwood Retreat for a unique unplugged experience.