Best Weekend Getaways In NYC, NJ And Connecticut
Itching to get out of the city? Here are some amazing weekend destinations that are just a car or train ride away. By Carly Petrone/John Friia
Mystic, Connecticut
More: Best Weekend Getaways In The Tri-State Area
Hop on the train to Mystic, CT and enjoy a weekend in this quaint New England village. Nosh on fresh seafood at The Daniel Packer Inne, check out the Red 36 or grab a slice of pizza at the famous Mystic Pizza. Walk through the enormous Mystic Seaport and experience what it was like to live in the 1800s, pick up sundries and souvenirs at Olde Mystick Village, or take the kids over to the Mystic Aquarium. Main Street is small, but filled with cute mom-and-pop shops that range from ice cream parlors to an upscale dog store. Stay downtown at The Whaler's Inn or feel like a native and stay at the House of 1833, a quaint B&B that's nestled within a residential area. If you're in the mood for a small town feel, this is the place to go.
Buttermilk Falls Inn in Hudson River Valley
More: Best Day Trips From Grand Central Station
Pamper yourself by booking a stay at the Buttermilk Falls Inn, located just a short, 90-minute drive away up into the Hudson River Valley. Relax at their eco-friendly Buttermilk Spa, where clients can enjoy massages, facials and body treatments that feature naturally-crafted and plant-based products. Dine at Henry's the Inn's farm-to-table restaurant that only uses the freshest produce, eggs and local honey. Many ingredients come straight from the Millstone Farm, which is also located on their property. The best part about the Inn is that all of the rooms and pet-friendly cottages come in different in style. Choose from The Sweet Basil - a Victorian-inspired room with a built-in fireplace, The Captains Room – an ode to all things nautical, or The Lotus Blossom – a tranquil setting filled with Asian antiques and French doors that lead into lush gardens. Take a leisurely stroll through the grounds of this 70-acre estate, but make sure you get back to the Inn in time for afternoon tea.
Caldwell House Bed and Breakfast
25 Orrs Mills Road
Salisbury Mills, NY 12577
People can escape the hustle and bustle of the city and head to Salisbury Mills in Orange County for The Caldwell House Bed and Breakfast. With complimentary transportation to and from the Cornwall train station, The Caldwell House is quaint place to relax for a staycation after the holidays. Built in 1802, the historic inn is filled with original antiques and paintings. Located near the Storm King Arts Center, Brotherhood Winery and the Woodbury Premium Outlet Mall, there are various activities to do in and around the bed and breakfast.
Inns of Aurora
391 Main St.
Aurora, NY, 13026
More: Wine Lover's Guide To The Finger Lakes
Take a road trip to the Finger Lakes and check into the Inns of Aurora. Nestle into this lakeside retreat and take advantage of their revamped culinary program, as well as all of their amenities. Start out your day with a cup of Joe at Dorie's Bakery and pick up some fresh cheeses or a lunch on-the-go from Village Market, which is adjacent to the Inn. There's so much to do in Aurora that you'll definitely want to bring snacks. Play a round of golf at the Wells College Golf Course, go biking or ski in the wintertime. Check out historic sites in nearby Auburn, go shopping at the Aurora Arts & Design Center or pick up hand-crafted tableware and other household goodies at MacKenzie-Childs. Take a break when you get back on your lakeside porch and enjoy the pristine views. It doesn't get much more relaxing than this.
North Fork, Long Island
More: Best Wineries, Vineyards On Long Island
If you're in the mood to go wine tasting then make your way to North Fork, Long Island. Get the best of both worlds by checking into The North Fork Table & Inn, a quaint hotel and restaurant that is busy serving up dishes based on local ingredients. Explore the vineyards of the area and sip on rich Merlots at Macari Vineyards, refreshing roses at Croteaux Vineyards, and crisp Reislings at Paumanok Vineyards. Stop through Greenport's Main Street to shop for everything from antiques to handmade jewelry. And don't forget about all the great food options. Head to Love Lane Kitchen in the morning for a decadent breakfast or enjoy some fresh seafood at Noah's. If you're still in the mood to shop, stop through the Tanger Outlets in Riverhead on your way back into the city.
Long Island's Gilded Coast
More: Best Waterfront Restaurants On Long Island
From Nassau County to Suffolk County, Long Island's Gold Coast was once home to presidents, industry tycoons and renowned philanthropists. Starting from Nassau County, people can head east and explore Sand's Point Preserve, Oheka Castle, Old Westbury Gardens, Sagamore Hill, Coe Hall and the Vanderbilt Mansion.
Crystal Springs Resort
1 Wild Turkey Way
Hamburg, NJ 07419
866-348-0958
More: Best Skiing, Snowboarding Getaways
With two hotels and 10 restaurants, Crystal Springs Resort is a relaxing staycation for New Jersey area residents. Nestled in northern Jersey, there are numerous activities that couples and families can enjoy. People can connect with nature by hiking, horseback riding, skeet shooting and skiing. Completing a dynamic food experience, Crystal Springs Resort has 75,000 bottle wine cellars that features the largest collection of fine wines in the Northeast and the highly acclaimed Restaurant Latour. The restaurant works with local farmers from the state to curate seasonal fare with farm-to-table dishes.
Newport, Rhode Island
More: The New Yorker's Getaway Guide To Rhode Island
Take advantage of Newport, RI's "Shoulder Season" (November – April) and explore this adorable coastal town before all of the summer tourists take it over. Walk through more than a dozen legendary mansions to find out how America's wealthiest Gilded Age families spent their summers or take a leisurely stroll along the 3.5-mile Cliff Walk path that's located along the edge of the sea. Take in the amazing views of Newport Harbor from Fort Adams while discovering more than 180 years of history and military culture. If you're up for sailing then this is the place to be. Set sail on the amazing America's Cup-winning 12-meter yacht or take it easy with a cocktail in hand on a lobster boat. Just make sure you've got your sea legs! Finally, after working up an appetite, dine at one of the many culinary hot spots in the area.
For the latest on all of the Tri-State's events and happenings, follow us on Twitter!
John Friia is a freelance journalist and native New Yorker writing about food, drinks and lifestyle.
Carly Petrone is a freelance writer living in New York City.