Let's face it, your Google Calendar is more cluttered than a Manhattan sidewalk during rush hour. It's high time to swap those endless notifications for the serenity of a weekend getaway. From the art-filled corners of Cold Spring to the Gilded Age glamour of Newport, these NYC weekend getaways are your ticket to recharge, refresh, and enjoy yourself.
Photo Credit: Sound View Greenport Hotel
Greenport, NY:
Come for the food, stay for the wine.
Where to Stay:
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Hotel Morraine: Modern farmhouse meets panoramic views of the Long Island Sound. It's like a postcard, but you can sleep in it.
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Sound View Greenport: Freshly redesigned and beach-adjacent. It's as if your dream beach house started taking reservations.
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The Menhaden: Nestled downtown and furnished in Restoration Hardware. It's not just a stay; it's an aesthetic experience.
Must-See, Must-Do:
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Oyster Season: September kicks it off. Sample the sea's finest at Little Creek Oysters or elevate the experience with a Peeko Oysters tour.
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Vineyards to Visit: Kontokosa Winery offers views that pair well with any vintage. For a more laid-back sip, Osprey’s Dominion has you covered, live music and all.
Dining Destinations:
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Léon 1909: An 8-minute ferry to Shelter Island takes you to this culinary gem, known for its exceptional French-Italian fare.
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Bruce & Son Greenport: On Main St and perfect for brunch. Outdoor seating offers a front-row seat to Greenport's vibrant people watching.
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The Frisky Oyster: Just off Main St, this elegant spot is all about the excellent raw bar and a wine list that showcases the best of local vineyards.
Getting There:
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A 2.5-hour drive if you're in the fast lane, or a 3-hour train ride if you prefer to let someone else take the wheel.
View of the train from NYC to Cold Spring
Cold Spring: Come for the Gilmore Girls Vibes, stay for the art
Where to Stay:
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Airbnb Chalet: A mid-century modern haven with views that make the 15-minute drive to Cold Spring more than worth it.
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Pig Hill Inn: An 1825-era B&B that nails the details. Four-poster beds, claw-foot tubs, and lacy coverlets set the stage for cozy evenings by the fire with a glass of red.
Must-See, Must-Do:
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Magazzino Italian Art: A brutalist haven dedicated to postwar Italian art. And yes, they have 16 mini Sardinian donkeys, in case you're into that.
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Bannerman Castle: A boat ride takes you to this abandoned castle in the middle of the Hudson. It's as intriguing as it sounds.
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Dia: Beacon: Housed in a repurposed Nabisco box factory, this museum is a contemporary art lover's dream.
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Storm King: A sprawling 500-acre outdoor museum featuring large-scale sculptures set against a backdrop of stunning fields. It's a must-see, no questions asked.
Dining Destinations:
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Cold Spring Coffeehouse: Your go-to for casual coffee and pastries that hit the spot.
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Riverview: A Cold Spring staple since 1941. Come for the dinner, stay for the pizza and the Hudson River views.
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Le Bouchon: A bistro that transports you straight to Paris. Expect fabulous food, warm hospitality, and an atmosphere that's authentically French without trying too hard.
Getting There:
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A quick 90-minute train ride on Metro North from Grand Central lands you in the heart of Cold Spring.
Photo Credit: Castle Hill Inn
Newport, RI: Come for the Gilded Age glamor, stay for the ocean views
Where to Stay:
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The ‘Quonset’ AirBnB: If you're in the mood for a more laid-back vibe, this guest house is your sanctuary. Featured in Rhode Island Monthly, it's a quick jaunt to the beach and a mere 30 minutes from downtown Newport.
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The Vanderbilt, Auberge Resorts Collection: Situated in an old mansion in the heart of Newport, this iconic hotel offers modern luxury and a roof deck with fabulous sunset views.
Must-See, Must-Do:
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The Cliff Walk: It's a visual feast with Gilded Age mansions on one side and endless ocean on the other. Non-negotiable on your Newport itinerary.
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Tour The Breakers Mansion: Built by the Vanderbilts in the 1890s, this mansion isn't just grand; it's the grandmaster.
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Castle Hill Inn: Before the chill sets in, claim an Adirondack chair overlooking Narragansett Bay. Sip a cocktail and let the sailboats in the distance complete your picture-perfect moment.
Dining Destinations:
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The Mooring Seafood Kitchen & Bar: Right on the Newport Waterfront, this is where casual seafood gets a prime-time slot.
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White Horse Tavern: With 350 years under its belt, this place knows a thing or two about New England farm-to-table.
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Giusto: The new kid on the block serving "freestyle" Italian that's as inventive as it is delicious.
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Hard-Pressed Cider Company at Windmist Farm: On your way out of town, make a pit stop in Jamestown for what could be the state's best apple cider and cider donuts. Debate encouraged.
Getting There:
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A manageable 3.5-hour drive from NYC, and worth every minute.
So there you have it, a curated list designed to turn your weekends into mini-vacations. Whether you're an art aficionado, a foodie, or someone who simply loves to explore, these NYC Weekend Getaways offer a slice of escape without the long-haul flight. Pack your bags, set that out-of-office reply, and get ready to discover what's just a train ride away. Happy travels!
