It’s undeniable that New York City is one of the most exciting places in the world to live and visit. For that very reason, residents and visitors alike also appreciate romantic weekends away. A change of scenery, fresh air, and the escape from the city’s crowds and hectic pace can revive a relationship on the brink of urban decay. Read on to discover dreamy escapes just a short trip away from NYC.
A Weekend Getaway Northwest of New York: The Catskills
Two hours north of New York City, the Catskill Mountains area has long drawn Big Apple refugees. The historic Mohonk Mountain House sprawls over 2,200 picturesque acres outside the college town of New Paltz. You don’t have to be a hiker to appreciate the stunning scenery; an easy path circles the hotel’s small lake, with gazebos along the way that are perfect for a romantic pause.
Couples don’t need a car to access Woodstock, approximately half an hour north of New Paltz. Shops, restaurants, live music, and an easygoing spirit bring visitors to Woodstock, making it an ideal day or weekend destination for New York City travelers. Trailways buses frequently leave NYC’s Port Authority Terminal for Woodstock.
For those wanting to combine their romantic trip to the Catskills with some pampering, the Lodge at Emerson Place, located 20 minutes from Woodstock (car necessary), is affiliated with the award-winning Emerson Spa.
At the northern end of the Catskills, the Roxbury Motel presents a fun and funky getaway complete with whimsical rooms designed to inspire laughter and encourage fun.
A Weekend Getaway Northwest of New York: The Finger Lakes
Situated in the heart of New York State, the scenic Finger Lakes invite romantics to enjoy picturesque country roads, welcoming wineries, intimate lodgings, and world-class museums. Approximately a five-hour drive from New York City, this region is perfect for a charming getaway.
One must-visit location is the Corning Museum of Glass. This incredible museum will surprise you with the beauty and artistry involved in glass-making. Plan to spend several hours here, exploring the exhibits, learning to blow glass, and taking a crafted souvenir home.
Where to Stay in the Finger Lakes
- A romantic 1914 Italianate-style villa on Seneca Lake, Geneva on the Lake, is an AAA Four-Diamond inn where each room is uniquely decorated.
- Located at the southern tip of Seneca Lake, Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel features suites with large bathtubs. It’s perfect for a cozy evening.
- You can find Aurora Inn, nestled beside the largest Finger Lake, Cayuga, close to several award-winning wineries.
- Mirbeau—an inn, spa, and restaurant—brings Claude Monet’s Giverny garden to life in Skaneateles, a picturesque town five hours from New York City.
- Relive your college days at prestigious Cornell University in Ithaca, where the Statler Hotel is staffed by students.
Play Ball
If you’re looking for a shorter drive, consider Cooperstown as a romantic weekend getaway. This charming town is about an hour closer to New York City than the Finger Lakes, offering baseball games that create lasting memories.
A Weekend Getaway South of New York: Pennsylvania Dutch Country
About four hours south of New York City, the rolling hills and country lanes of Pennsylvania Dutch Country offer a peaceful and rejuvenating romantic weekend. This charming area presents quaint towns with unique names, such as Blue Ball, Bird-in-Hand, and Intercourse.
In Lancaster County, some residents still travel via horse and buggy, creating a sense of tranquility that contrasts sharply with city life. Although lodging options may be limited, the area excels in offering delicious restaurants focused on fresh, locally sourced food.
Even if buffets aren’t usually your thing, the ones here are exceptional, featuring clean settings and freshly made dishes. Indulge in local specialties, including various kinds of pudding and the region’s famous shoo-fly pie.
Whether you choose to buy handcrafted hex signs or intricate quilts, souvenirs from Pennsylvania Dutch Country will serve as lasting memories of your romantic weekend away.
A Weekend Getaway North of New York: Mont Tremblant, Canada
Mont Tremblant is a picture-perfect village that seems to spring from a storybook when dusted with snow. This enchanting destination is just a one-hour flight from Newark Airport. Its Gallic charm becomes evident at the airport, resembling a cozy ski lodge with inviting fireplaces and comfortable seating.
Before heading to Mont Tremblant, be sure to check in at the Tremblant Activities Center if you’re interested in booking activities such as snowmobiling, dog sledding, or acrobalance, a snowy twist on zip-lining. Various hotels and condos make for convenient access to the ski mountain.
With a wide variety of winter sports available, couples can also enjoy selecting from a range of charming restaurants and shops within walking distance of the mountain base.
A Weekend Getaway North of New York: Adirondacks
Encompassing 6 million acres, New York’s Adirondack State Park is the largest in the U.S. While there are few towns in the vast Adirondacks, Lake Placid draws visitors across all seasons. In summer, boating and relaxing at the beach are popular activities. In the fall, stunning foliage attracts visitors. Skiers flock to Whiteface Mountain, the site of the 1980 Winter Olympics, to trace the routes where gold medalists triumphed.
Lake Placid is home to the Mirror Lake Inn, a cozy establishment offering delightful lakeside views along with a fantastic dining experience. Additionally, the recently updated Colonial House features enormous bathtubs and balconies overlooking the lake, providing the ideal retreat.
The historical The Sagamore emerged in 1883 and boasts a sprawling, seventy-acre resort nestled on a private island in Lake George, just sixty miles north of Albany, the New York state capital.
