Summer Weekend Getaways from New York City
Of all the summertime rituals of New York City life – patio dining, Shakespeare in the Park, and regular visits to farmers markets for fresh tomatoes – one absolute favorite among locals is the weekend getaway.
The five boroughs sit within driving distance or an easy train ride to quaint small towns, glorious seaside destinations, arts and culture hubs, wineries galore, and vast expanses of farmland where you can score fresh-picked goods. Here are some summer weekend trips from New York City to help you escape the city’s steamy heat while staying in a New York state of mind.
Madison, Connecticut
This summer marks the debut of the Madison Center for History and Culture, a shrine to all things Madison, past and present. It’s a quick skip from the Madison Green National Historic District, a stretch of the historic Boston Post Road plus surrounding churches, community buildings built in the 19th century, and war memorials. This old-meets-new setup defines this charming beach town in southeastern Connecticut on the Long Island Sound.
Local institutions like Lobster Landing, a century-old seafood shack that locals promise has the best lobster roll, and R.J. Julia Booksellers, a celebrated independent shop, give Madison a distinctly New England vibe.
However, the prime attraction is Hammonasset Beach State Park, a two-mile stretch of shoreline with camping sites, fishing, walking trails, and picnic shelters. The park also features Meigs Point Nature Center, an environmental education center renovated ahead of the summer that houses over 50 species of wildlife in various habitats.
All in all, Madison feels like a remote, well-preserved oasis, a bit of a surprise given that it’s a two-hour drive from Manhattan or a 2.75-hour train ride on Metro North’s Shore Line East from Grand Central Terminal.
Asbury Park, NJ
You might say that the multimillion-dollar renovation of the 1.5-mile Asbury Park Boardwalk last year was the crowning jewel of this Jersey Shore town’s renaissance. Long a victim of urban decay, the recent revitalization has turned Asbury Park – immortalized by Bruce Springsteen, who got his start playing concerts at the still-rocking Stone Pony – into a vibrant destination for urban beach bums seeking a getaway.
Moreover, if you’ve got a surfboard, bring it. The development boom has introduced condos, hotels, and hip restaurants and brewpubs, many retrofitted into old warehouses and industrial buildings, yet it still maintains a firm grip on the bohemian culture that endured through tougher times.
The Stone Pony continues to offer a packed calendar of local musicians and national touring acts, and the renovated retro-chic Asbury Lanes features burlesque and punk shows. Furthermore, artists and designers have opened galleries, design-forward boutiques, and vintage clothing shops along the boardwalk.
For dining, visit Porta for excellent Neapolitan pizza and Barrio Costero for creative twists on Mexican fare. Don’t leave without enjoying a session at the Silverball Museum, which houses over 600 working pinball machines.
New Jersey Transit’s North Jersey Coast Line from Penn Station will get you here in less than two hours, typically with a transfer at Long Branch.
North Fork, NY
Never mind Napa. A two-hour-and-forty-minute ride on the Long Island Railroad from Penn Station will land you at Mattituck, a small hamlet on Long Island’s North Fork, the more down-to-earth cousin of the ritzy South Fork where society folks clink glasses in the Hamptons. It’s also the East Coast’s answer to Napa or Sonoma, boasting more than 60 vineyards to explore.
Of course, you’ll need sustenance throughout the day to complement North Fork’s celebrated merlot. Dining options range from elegant farm-to-table eateries like Love Lane Kitchen in Mattituck to cozy fish shacks serving top-notch lobster rolls. You might swing by one of the many family farms for fresh produce and local specialties.
Moreover, Lavender by the Bay invites visitors to wander through 17 acres of aromatic lavender fields to pick their own buds. And don’t forget to pack your swimsuit – the North Fork’s serene beaches are ideal for fishing, sailing, and swimming.
Millerton, NY
You’d be hard-pressed to find a town within 100 miles of Manhattan that embodies the classic Small Town, USA vibe better than Millerton in Dutchess County. Established as a railroad hub in the 19th century and listed on the National Registry of Historic Places in 2010, its quaint old-world ambiance serves as an antidote to the sweltering New York City heat.
Summertime draws are plentiful here. Three old rail lines have been remade into the Harlem Valley River Trail, a 16-mile path perfect for biking and walking. The McEnroe Organic Farmers Market showcases whatever produce is picked that morning, alongside sandwiches and other picnic-ready foods. Alternatively, slow down and spend an afternoon downtown with a cup of java at Irvington Farm Coffee House, made with beans roasted just a mile down the road, or indulge in a selection of teas from Harney & Sons, known for its extensive range of 250 varieties.
Furthermore, there’s a bar at the tapas spot 52 Main, where you can sample the thoughtfully curated wine list. In the evening, join locals at the popular Moviehouse, known for live-streaming opera, dance, and theater performances.
Millerton is a two-and-a-half-hour drive from NYC; thus, consider making a night of it and staying at the recently renovated Millerton Inn, a charming venue steeped in old-time elegance.
Bethel, NY
There’s a good chance you think you’ve never heard of Bethel, New York, a small hamlet home to about 4,100 people, located 100 miles northwest of Manhattan, around a two-hour drive along the scenic Palisades Parkway. However, we assure you that you know it.
On August 15, 1969, 350,000 people descended on the town for the legendary three-day concert and love fest known as Woodstock, and the freewheeling, arts-loving spirit that defined that moment endures to this day.
One of the main draws here is Bethel Woods, a performance venue that opened in 2006 on the original festival site. Each summer, it hosts a roster of marquee-name musicians. Carlos Santana, Alice Cooper, and Nelly are just a few of the familiar faces appearing this year. Bethel Woods also houses an interactive museum commemorating Woodstock and its cultural history.
Go for the music, stay for the lakes. White Lake is popular among anglers for its bounty of bass and trout. In addition, Lake Superior State Park offers rowboat and paddleboat rentals for a day of fun.
