Stellar New England Weekend Getaways From NYC

As much as we love the bustle, even the proudest New Yorkers would agree — sometimes you need to get away from it all. When the urge to get outta dodge strikes, where better to turn to than your New England neighbors? Whether you travel by car or train, there are tons of New England destinations within a few hours of the Big Apple. Here are some of the most convenient, yet restorative, places to go for weekend getaways from NYC.

Connecticut’s Greater New Haven Area

For something more low-key than NYC, without abandoning the city feeling completely, venture to the greater New Haven region. Indulge in an afternoon at the Yale University Art Gallery or a show at Shubert Theatre. Get a taste of crisp air with a day by the sea at Hammonasset Beach State Park or pop over to the Field House Farm for an exquisite field-to-table feast (offered monthly). At the end of the day, fall asleep to the sound of crashing waves at The Madison Beach Hotel.

Connecticut’s Litchfield Hills

Just a two-hour drive from NYC, Connecticut’s Litchfield County offers hiking, swimming, and camping opportunities at Black Rock State Park or majestic waterfall views at Kent Falls State Park. Outside of the woods, relax at The Mayflower Grace boutique hotel and spa in the charming town of Washington, Conn. — recognizable to Gilmore Girls fans as the small town inspiration for “Stars Hollow.” Looking for even more opportunities for fishing, boating, and outdoor recreation? Head over to the Interlaken Inn to spend a weekend by the lake.

Connecticut’s Mystic Country

Planning weekend getaways from NYC to Mystic Country’s stunning coastal scenes will entice travelers of all ages. Explore the areas of Mystic Seaport and Olde Mistick Village for beautiful representations of centuries-old coastal life, or plan a visit to Mystic Aquarium for exciting marine life exhibits and programs. Out on the water, you can take a boat tour or keep your balance on a stand-up paddleboarding trip. Quaint B&Bs and historic inns dot the coastline on this eastern side of the Connecticut River, ensuring beautiful views no matter where you choose to homebase from. To bypass the horror of I-95 traffic, rely on the area’s convenient Amtrak access to get you to and from home.

Connecticut River Valley & Hartford

Find the perfect balance during weekend getaways from NYC by surrounding yourself with rolling hills along the Connecticut River Valley. Follow the river north and stay outside of Hartford for a mix of relaxation and excitement. Sticking close to the state’s capital opens the door to day trips like the Mark Twain House and Museum, Harriet Beecher Stowe House, or the family-favorite Connecticut Science Center. By night, catch a play at Hartford Stage or go big with a concert at the XL Center.

Visitors venturing south of the capital can find their way into (and hopefully back out of) Middletown’s popular Adventure Rooms or take a hike at scenic Wadsworth Falls State Park. Along the coast on the western side of the Connecticut River, enjoy afternoons by the beach, take a trip to Lynde Point Light, or get pampered with a selection of area spas.  

The Berkshires and Western Massachusetts

Travel north to the Western Massachusetts for weekend getaways from NYC that extend beyond the Nutmeg State. From outdoor adventure to quiet afternoons in museums, there are things to do in the Berkshires for everyone. Get a taste of the area at micro-brew Big Elm Brewing or craft distillery Berkshire Mountain Distillers. Admire the arts at museums like Animagic, a unique museum dedicated to animation and special effects. Outdoor activities can take you on hikes along the Appalachian Trail, zipping through the woods at Catamount Aerial Adventure Park, or down the river on whitewater rafting adventures. Snowmobiling and a handful of area ski resorts make weekend trips in the winter just as exciting. Shopaholics won’t return home empty handed, either, after navigating multiple antique stores or delighting in finds from outlet malls.

From New York City to Southern Vermont

Whether you traipse through the trails in the summer, admire fall foliage, or hit the slopes come wintertime, weekend getaways from NYC to the Green Mountain State offer year-round adventures. Hop aboard the Vermonter Amtrak train for a leisurely ride from New York City to Brattleboro, Vt., where you can drop your bags and capitalize on the easy access to local hiking, downtown shopping, or a trip to Keene, N.H. Heading west, enjoy a scenic drive along the Molly Stark Byway for accessible mountain views or a stop at Mount Snow for summer mountain biking or winter skiing and snowboarding. For a truly rural “away from it all” trip, plan a rustic rest at one of southern Vermont’s much-lauded country B&Bs (and discover your own hidden gem).

Amtrak’s Ethan Allen service can also deliver you to the west side of Southern Vermont, landing you in Rutland, just a hop-skip-and-jump away from the mountain playground at Killington, Vermont. You’ll also be in the neighborhood of the storied, resort-like town of Manchester where you can visit the historic Lincoln family estate or reach the summit of Equinox Mountain, the highest peak of the Taconic Range.

The city may never sleep, but sometimes you need a weekend away to recharge. From the neighboring state of Connecticut to the further reaches of Southern Vermont, weekend getaways from NYC are aplenty!

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