New York City is fabulous but sometimes, you need a quick escape. These weekend getaways will leave you feeling refreshed and ready to get back to the hustle and bustle after a few blissful days. These are some excellent road trip weekend get-a-ways.
LONG BEACH ISLAND, NEW JERSEY
Long Beach Island is a quiet tranquil destination. Stretching along 18 stunning miles is the perfect place to bask in the sun or sightsee. Hotel LBI is a luxury hotel with 102 rooms, fine dining and a rooftop terrace which is the perfect spot to watch the sunset.
While in LBI, you can visit the Barnegat Lighthouse where you can enjoy views of the bay and beach or brows in the former fishing shops that have been transformed into boutique retail space. For your dining pleasure, try one of the local spots Pinky Shrimp’s Seafood Company or Mud City Crab House.
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS
If you enjoy history than a long weekend away in Boston, Massachusetts is perfect.
Spend time walking along the famed Freedom Trail to trace the city’s history as it weaves in and out of Boston’s most charming neighborhoods. Stop into places like Old North Church, the site of the Boston Massacre, and the Paul Revere House to get a taste of what life was like around the time of our nation’s birth.
A historic hotel to consider is the Omni Parker House. It is the longest continuously operating hotel in the country. It counts both Malcolm X and Ho Chi Minh as ex-employees, and writers like Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry Wadsworth Longfellow as regular guests. For a traditional stay, the Four Seasons Hotel is perfect. It is centrally located and boasts amenities like a wellness center, fine dining options and curated experiences to help you make the most of your time in the city.
BURLINGTON, VERMONT
On your trip to Burlington, sign up for a tour with City Brew Tours for a behind-the-scenes look at how some of the best beers are made. Burlington boasts a lively waterfront scene. Enjoy a bike ride along the public trails or a stroll around Lake Champlain. There is an interactive science museum, ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, dedicated to maintaining the lake. If you prefer to enjoy the lake first hand, you can rent a boat from the Community Sailing Center.
The Essex Junction Resort and Spa is a charming resort set on 18 acres overlooking the Green Mountain Range.
THE ADIRONDACKS, NEW YORK
The Adirondacks is a perfect upstate get-a-way. Enjoy nature by hiking, biking, kayaking or white-water rafting.
Enjoy the unique, historic hotel, The Point. The boutique hotel has 11 guest rooms and was built in 1929. Although this hotel is rustic, on Wednesdays and Saturdays, dinner at the hotel is a black-tie event. Another option is The Sagamore, a Victorian luxury resort.
MYSTIC, CONNECTICUT
Mystic is a picture-perfect village that is home to less than 5,000 permanent residences. Although small, there is still plenty to do. You can visit the Mystic Aquarium, book a sail on the Argia Mystic Cruises or meander in and out of the shops in town.
A twenty minute drive from Mystic is Watch Hill Rhode Island which is the perfect spot to call home base at The Ocean House. The famed inn provides guests with New England charm, stunning ocean views and world-class amenities.
PHILADELPIA, PENNSYLVANIA
The City of Brotherly Love is ready to welcome you whether you arrive by car or Amtrack train.
This city provides so much to see and do. Some “musts” include climbing the “Rocky Steps, visiting the Liberty Bell and touring Independence Hall.
Enjoy Philly’s high-end culinary scene but it’s important to try the traditional Philly cheesesteak. There are plenty of tasting options in the city’s food hall, Reading Terminal Market.
The Logan is the perfect spot to rest after your active day. This hotel features local artwork, fine dining, a full-service spa and a rooftop terrace.
WASHINGTON, DC
Washington, D.C. is another major city New Yorkers can escape to either by car or by train. It has endless activities fit for all interests. Lean into D.C.’s history which includes the Smithsonian Museums, the city’s plethora of monuments and memorials and a visit to the White House.
After a day of adventure, check in to The St. Regis Washington D.C. which has hosted A-listers and dignitaries alike for nearly 100 years.
NEWPORT, RHODE ISLAND
An iconic New England town is Newport, Rhode Island where you can explore the Newport Mansions which includes artfully restored homes that will make you feel like you’re living in The Great Gatsby. Follow this up with a 3.5-mile stroll down the Newport Cliff Walk, which provides some of the most breathtaking coastal views along the entire Eastern seaboard. Anyone looking to get on the water can do that too by renting out a sailboat to take you through the bay on your own personal regatta.
Enjoy a stay at The Vanderbilt, Auberge Resorts Collection, a hotel originally built by Alfred Gwynne Vanderbilt himself. With just 33 guestrooms, it’s a place where you’ll enjoy five-star service.
NANTUCKETS, MASSACHUESETTS
Nantucket is drivable from New York City but it’s about 7-hour drive time and then putting your car on the ferry. Another option is a short one-hour flight. Nantucket is full of activities to try that will help you slow down and appreciate the little things. Rent a bike and go for a slow peddle around town, stroll and take in the shingled homes, cruise through the harbor or cast a line and go fishing.
Stay at the White Elephant, a hotel boasting a stunning lawn along the waterfront, so you can both start and end your days with the soothing sounds of the crashing waves.
PORTLAND, MAINE
The picturesque city of Portland Maine is a place where everyone can find a slice of vacation bliss. From above-average antique and vintage shops to a craft beer scene that must be sipped and savored with plenty of nearby outdoor space to roam, it’s a spot where you can explore with a group, or treat yourself to a solo trip.
Enjoy a lobster dinner at Eventide. The raw bar and restaurant are well-known for scrumptious New England bites. Settle in at White Barn Inn, Auberge Resorts Collection, located about 30 minutes outside the city in Kennebunkport.
HUDSON VALLEY, NEW YORK
For a weekend trip that feels like close, head to the Hudson Valley for a weekend retreat filled with fine dining and fine wines. Visit the Culinary Institute of America or The Dutchess Wine Trail, which takes you through winding vineyards, leading you straight to some delicious tasting rooms. Enjoy the creations of chef Jean-Georges at The Inn at Pound Ridge. Book your stay at The Maker, a newly opened hotel that radiates class and culture.
CAPE MAY, NEW JERSEY
Cape May is a short drive from the city. Enjoy this stunning oceanfront community where the best traditions have been well-preserved. Rent a bike or take a trolley tour to see as much of the colorful town as possible, or take an afternoon cruise to see Cape May from the water. Reserve a table at The Blue Pig Tavern for dinner or grab a drink while listening to live music at Exit Zero.
Enjoy the quaint vibes with a stay at The Virginia, a 24-room boutique hotel in a lovingly restored a building constructed in 1879.