By Edward Drummond
New York isn't just a great place to live; it's a great place to launch a weekend trip. Several major cities,
beaches and mountains are all a short drive or train ride away. Not only that, but it's sometimes easier to see your favorite New York sports team play in a nearby city than it is at home. Here are some ideas for your weekend travel from New York.
Long Island
The "Island Next Door" is home to hundreds and hundreds of miles of beaches, from the calm shores at Sunken Meadow State Park to the surf-happy waves of Gilgo beach. For the "rich and famous" experience try a weekend in beaches, bars and clubs of the Hamptons.
The Amtrak Corridor
There are several major cities just a short ride away from New York on Amtrak, or just a few hours' drive if you prefer to take your car. Washington, Baltimore, Philadelphia and Boston are all within easy reach, and they make great weekend destinations. For added fun, try seeing a New York sports team in one of these cities.
The Hudson Valley
The mountains and lakes of the Hudson Valley are home to some awe-inspiring hiking trails and top-notch rock-climbing. The region also has a burgeoning wine-making industry. New Paltz, Woodstock and Rhinebeck are all mid-size quirky towns with tons of local vibe and easy access to outdoor recreation, and all are within 90 minutes to two hours of New York City.
The Jersey Shore
New Yorkers like to have their fun at the expense of New Jersey, but the Jersey Shore remains one of the region's great beachfront playgrounds. The Jersey Shore is a string of coastal towns and cities with great beaches, bars and dining
Gambling Weekends
For generations, Atlantic City was the premier weekend playground for New Yorkers who wanted to eat, see a show and gamble. Atlantic City remains the East Coast's answer to Vegas, but Indian casinos such as Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods in Connecticut give New Yorkers extra weekend alternatives.
Montreal
Just six hours due north of New York City is Montreal, which can seem like an exciting and alien world to a New Yorker. It's a great place to brush up on your French, enjoy some great food and get out of the country for the weekend without having to board a plane.
Resources
About the Author:
Edward Drummond has been writing for newspapers, magazines and the Web since 1992. He's been a first-hand witness to some of history's biggest events, and written about some of the world's most remote and unique places from Asia to Antarctica for publications around the world. Drummond has a Bachelor of Arts in journalism and political science from SUNY New Paltz.
