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The charming downtown area of Lake Placid, New York. Editorial credit: Karlsson Photo / Shutterstock.com

10 Best New York Towns For A Weekend Trip

The city that never sleeps. During the day, New York is a business hub of non-stop rushing. At night, it is a playground for young and old, and family, kids’ sports and cultural activities, and hobbies overlap somewhere in between. It’s a rat race, chasing the next paycheck and not enough hours in a day. Everyone needs time off to recharge and relax to avoid burning out. A vacation doesn’t necessarily mean going abroad. A weekend break in New York is satisfying and gratifying, and it has far less travel stress and is far more cost-effective. New York has many cities suited to every interest, whether water sports, history buffs, or the arts.

Alexandria Bay

Boldt Castle in Alexandria Bay, New York.
Boldt Castle in Alexandria Bay, New York. Image credit: Frances Maas RECE via Flickr.com.

Bordering the Canadian border, St. Lawrence Seaway provides ample activities for amateurs and pros on the water. After checking at a resort like Capt. Thomas Resort or the Cedar Point State Park for campers on the waterfront, enjoy a boat ride around the bay, fishing, or absorbing the stunning scenery. There is much to entertain over the weekend: Uncle Sam Boat Tours cruise the scenic region and Boldt Castle. Families can enjoy much-needed quality time at Alex Bay 500 Go-Karts, mini golf, and slow the evening down at the Bay Drive-In Theater. Alexandria Bay is a food paradise with many restaurants that cater to every taste bud. The Riverboat Bar has live music while serving excellent meals and drinks. No vacation is complete without a bit of shopping. The Gift zone has everything from footwear to souvenirs. A weekend at Alexandria Bay invigorates and restores the soul.

Old restaurant sign in Alexandria Bay, New York.
Old restaurant sign in Alexandria Bay, New York. Image credit Dirk Ingo Franke via Wikimedia Commons

Montauk

Montauk Point Lighthouse.
Montauk Point Lighthouse.

Beat the city syndrome and escape to the seaside, where surfing, fishing, beach fun, and excellent seafood await in Montauk. But before diving into the inviting Atlantic Ocean, book into the Beach Plum Boutique Resort. The ocean views from the bedrooms are spectacular. To satisfy seafood cravings, dine at the Inlet Seafood Dock & Restaurant on eight acres of the waterfront, allowing stunning ocean and sunset views from every seat. Six local fishermen own it, so the cuisine is fresh and expertly prepared. A visit to the Montauk Point Lighthouse is enlightening. Authorized by President George Washington in 1792, it was the first lighthouse in New York State. Climb the 137 steps and be blown away by the incredible panoramic views from the top. The beach, surf, fishing, and mini golf at Puff ‘N’ Putt are must-dos in Montauk. However, it has ample shops for the perfect memorabilia and clothing, like Blacksheep MTK. Before leaving wonderful Montauk, experience homemade ice cream at John’s Drive-In while watching a movie. Time seems endless at Montauk, so savor every moment.

Shops on main street Montauk, New York.
Shops on main street Montauk, New York.

Beacon

The springtime in Beacon, New York.
The springtime in Beacon, New York. Editorial credit: Wirestock Creators / Shutterstock.com

Looking for a weekend of shopping, dining, nightlife, and endless modern and contemporary art galleries, visiting Beacon will fulfill every desire. Dia Beacon’s venue is 300,000 sq. ft., exhibiting art from the 1960s to the present day. The natural light from the skylights has given it the name “Daylight Museum.” The Howland Cultural Center hosts many art, culture, and history events. The Northcutt Hall’s acoustics are outstanding for a phenomenal audible experience. Hunger is not an option at the Hudson Valley’s Food Hall. Cuisine from many cultures will tantalize every taste bud, like Mexican, Nicaraguan, and Middle Eastern food, and enjoy a variety of live entertainment while there. A great way to spend an evening in Beacon is at the Towne Crier Café, which has excellent music, food, and fun. There are shops galore in Beacon to meet every need or desire, from musical instruments to organic items, antiques, accessories, candles, toys, fashion, and gift stores. Hudson Beach Glass is a glass-blowing studio offering many items for a one-of-a-kind gift. With so much to do at Beacon, staying at the Beacon Hermitage Bead & Breakfast is the perfect resting place. Live in the past for a few hours in this romantic setting. Beacon has it all, leaving everyone wanting more.

Beacon, NY - USA - Nov. 29, 2020: Landscape view of the corner of Main Street and South Street in Beacon, NY.
Beacon, NY - USA - Nov. 29, 2020: Landscape view of the corner of Main Street and South Street in Beacon, NY. Editorial Credit: Brian Logan Photography via Shutterstock.

Cold Spring

A charming sidewalk scene in Cold Spring, New York, on a crisp fall day.
A charming sidewalk scene in Cold Spring, New York, on a crisp fall day. Editorial credit: Joe Tabacca / Shutterstock.com

During the Civil War, Cold Spring was an artillery center. Today, visit the National Historic Landmark, West Point Foundry Archeological Site, and view remnants of the ironworks manufactured during the war. The Dockside Park on the bank of the Hudson River offers breathtaking views of Storm King Mountain and the valley, so relax and absorb the natural beauty, breathing in healthy fresh air. Hikers embrace the trails and undisturbed natural environment. While there, pop in at the Storm King Art Center, an open-air contemporary art museum. Spend a day at the Bannerman Castle, built in 1901. Take a guided tour, relish a farm-to-table delicious meal, and attend riveting theatrical and special events. Main Street has an eclectic variety of shops, like Cold Spring Antiques Center and Burkelman, and restaurants, like the Hudson House Inn on the waterfront. Hudson House is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places, so spend the weekend in its inn’s impeccably restored rooms with views of the Hudson River.

Intricate Victorian Gothic architecture on the Episcopal Church of St. Mary-in-the-Highlands in Cold Spring, New York.
Intricate Victorian Gothic architecture on the Episcopal Church of St. Mary-in-the-Highlands in Cold Spring, New York. Editorial credit: Brian Logan Photography / Shutterstock.com.

Hudson

Warren Street in downtown Hudson, New York.
Warren Street in downtown Hudson, New York. Image credit quiggyt4 via Shutterstock

Besides the mile-long shopping extravaganza of Warren Street, with antiques galore and something for everyone, Hudson has beautiful surrounding areas, inviting nature lovers to explore. Hudson has so much history to discover, such as the Hudson-Athens Lighthouse, which is listed as one of the 11 Most Endangered Places. Take a cruise to the lighthouse in the middle of the Hudson River. The Olana, a 19th-century home, has a newly acquired center for art, the Frederic Church Center for Art and Landscape. Check out the events at the Basilica Hudson, a 19th-century reclaimed factory, such as flea markets and unusual performances. Let the children be intrigued at the Museum of Firefighting, the 鶹AV’s largest, exhibiting equipment and artifacts past and present. Wind down after a day of exploring this amazing city at the Hudson Brewing Co., Hudson’s first brewery since prohibition. Enjoy a brew from its 12 taps and a delicious meal. The Hudson Whaler is the epitome of Hudson with its blue and white nautical theme, showcasing local art and antiques from locally-owned stores. Guests will feel the pulse of Hudson while staying at the Hudson Whaler.

View along Warren Street in Hudson, New York.
View along Warren Street in Hudson, New York. Editorial credit: quiggyt4 / Shutterstock.com

Kingston

Wall Street in the historic Stockade District of Kingston, NY.
Wall Street in the historic Stockade District of Kingston, NY. Editorial credit: Brian Logan Photography / Shutterstock.com

New York’s first capital, Kingston, is laden with history and culture but blended with modern amenities. Museums and monuments are aplenty, such as the Civil War Monument, the Old Dutch Church and Museum, and the Fred Johnston Museum, built in 1812. The art and culture scene will delight enthusiasts as Kingston has many galleries and theaters. The Ulster Dance Company hosts yearly performances, and the Kingston Pop Museum is a must-see. Shop till you drop with the variety of shops, from Antiques at Milne Antiques or Clove & Creek, with a wide range of items. While walking around downtown, the many murals are inspiring and fascinating, making shopping a pleasure. Escape the city and embark on the train ride of a lifetime through the incredible landscape scenery of the farmlands, creeks, and the Catskill and Hurley Mountains. Nothing will make a weekend in Kingston more unforgettable than staying at Hutton Brickyards, where every accommodation has riverfront views, a spa to massage and revive the body, and hiking trails in its 100-acre surrounding landscape.

The historic center of Kingston, New York.
The historic center of Kingston, New York. Editorial credit: Alexanderstock23 / Shutterstock.com

Saratoga Springs

People walking on the sidewalk in downtown Saratoga Springs, New York.
People walking on the sidewalk in downtown Saratoga Springs, New York. Image credit aimintang via iStock.com

Saratoga Springs is the perfect weekend getaway for those who love everything horses. Hosting thoroughbred horses since 1863, Saratoga Race Course is not only about the best horse races in the country. It’s about everything it offers, from locally-owned restaurants to a mineral spring, picnic grounds, and lively festivals. Interesting places are the grounds where the movie Seabiscuit was filmed or the National Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame. Check-in at Elements at Saratoga Lake State Park for incredible views and modern amenities, including a clubhouse, and enjoy many water activities like boating, swimming, or hiking in the natural surroundings. Horsepower of a different kind is at the Saratoga Automobile Museum, which showcases vehicles throughout time. Don’t leave Saratoga Springs without browsing Broadway’s many shops, including boutiques, gifts, and clothing, and since it is a pet-friendly city, Forever on Stone will draw your pet’s portrait on stone for a one-of-a-kind treasure.

Saratoga Springs NY.
Saratoga Springs, NY. Editorial credit: Enrico Della Pietra / Shutterstock.com

Troy

Tugboat and Downtown Troy, New York in Rensselaer County along the banks of the Hudson River.
Tugboat and Downtown Troy, New York, in Rensselaer County along the banks of the Hudson River.

Considering a weekend getaway? Troy offers something of interest to every family member, including the furry one. Riverstone Apartments are pet-friendly and the ideal accommodation solution. The nature trails nearby are perfect for walking the pets and breathing healthy, fresh air. Troy has endured many revivals, from Victorian to Greek and Gothic, and each has left its stamp on the architecture and historical places. Walking in Central Troy’s Historic District, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is a walk to centuries past. Shopping in the district is a pleasure, with art galleries, gifts, toys, clothing shops, and markets. After shopping and viewing beautiful old buildings, stop at Dinosaur Ber-B-Que for mouthwatering meals while enjoying live music and spectacular views. Let the kids burn off their energy at Prospect Park, one of three major parks in Troy. The park consists of rare tree species, like Hawthorne, Magnolia Grace, Catalpa, and European Beech. It includes tennis, handball, basketball courts, picnic areas, and a soccer field. Take a break from the outdoors at Bard & Baker Troy, the district’s first board game café. Snack on freshly made sandwiches, pizza bagels, or pastries while playing games, such as Clue, Scrabble, Catan, and Ticket to Ride, among many others.

Landscape view of the historic Rice Building in Troy, New York.
Landscape view of the historic Rice Building in Troy, New York. Editorial credit: Brian Logan Photography / Shutterstock.com

Lake Placid

Lake Placid Lodge in Lake Placid, New York.
Lake Placid Lodge in Lake Placid, New York. Image credit Leonard Zhukovsky via Shutterstock

Host to two Winter Olympic Games, Lake Placid is excellent for winter activities, like skiing and snowboarding. However, it is equally inviting in summer with mountain biking and fly fishing. Like a typical alpine village, Lake Placid is a picture-perfect village that is people and pet-friendly. Main Street has everything from hotels to dining and shopping. High Peaks Resort has three hotels, all on the waterfront and entry from Main Street. Main Street has a wide range of shops, including antiques, books, jewelry, outdoor gear, maple syrup, and rustic furniture. Drive five minutes from Main Street to Big Slide Brewery & Public House for delicious farm-to-table meals, ten house beers on tap, and spectacular views of the Olympic Ski Jumps. At Lake Placid’s Olympic Sports Complex, tackle cross-country skiing or mountain bike riding at Craig Wood Trails. Make your kiddies' dreams come true at the North Pole, Home of Santa’s Workshop. This theme park will enthuse and entertain the children with classic rides and enchanting shows.

Buildings in downtown Lake Placid, New York.
Buildings in downtown Lake Placid, New York. Editorial credit: Karlsson Photo / Shutterstock.com

Rhinebeck

East Market Street in Rhinebeck, New York.
East Market Street in Rhinebeck, New York, via Ritu Manoj Jethani / Shutterstock.com

Rhinebeck is an ideal relaxing, inspired weekend getaway. Break free from stress, high tension, and chaos in Rhinebeck with its many wellness retreats. Book your stay at the Omega Institute, a spiritual experience with workshops, retreats, or merely rejuvenating the soul. Drive five minutes to Ferncliff Forest, 200 acres of breathtaking nature, and hike an easy trail to a fire tower and view nature in all its splendor. Rhinebeck’s tree-lined streets give shopping an exquisite experience. Shops include jewelry, art studios, skateboards, housewares, toys, books, clothing, and pet shops. Food markets like Sunflower Natural Foods Market sell organic, natural food, aligning with Rhinebeck’s nurturing vibe. Gigi Hudson Valley serves Mediterranean meals using local farm ingredients in a comfy ambiance. For the most incredible views and an invigorating experience to complete a weekend in Rhinebeck, hop into a 1929 biplane at the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome and see the 鶹AV from its open cockpit.

East Market Street in Rhinebeck, New York.
East Market Street in Rhinebeck, New York. Editorial credit: Ritu Manoj Jethani / Shutterstock.com

New York is an eclectic blend of history and modern age. It offers a wide range of opportunities for fabulous weekend trips, whether it’s the countryside or the ocean you seek. Delve into the country’s history by visiting museums and historic places or absorb the sun’s vitamin D rays at the beach. Relax, do nothing, or be active at hiking, biking, or horse riding trails and water sports. Invigorate the soul at a retreat or shop like there’s no tomorrow. No matter the reason for a weekend trip away from home, New York has a place for everyone.

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