With the arrival of warmer weather in New York City, many are beginning to imagine the perfect weekend retreat. This guide offers a selection of exceptional summer getaways, each providing a unique experience within easy reach of the city, from coastal towns to cultural hubs and tranquil nature escapes.Unwind and Explore: Diverse Weekend Retreats Near the City
Newburyport, Massachusetts: A Hidden New England Treasure
Beyond the well-trodden paths of Cape Cod lies Newburyport, a less-discovered New England gem. Visitors can wander through quaint cobblestone streets, savor fresh seafood and fine wines at establishments like Brine, and refresh themselves with a swim in the invigorating ocean at nearby beaches. Charming accommodations such as The Garrison and Blue offer a perfect base for exploration, with options right in town or directly on the waterfront.
Hudson Valley, New York: A Cultural and Scenic Escape
For those seeking a blend of artistic flair and natural beauty, the Hudson Valley offers an ideal balance, avoiding both the bustling Hamptons and the deep seclusion of the Adirondacks. This region is celebrated for its abundant art galleries, unique antique shops (where one might uncover a Murano glass lamp), and farm-to-table dining experiences. Kingston, with its distinctive Hotel Kinsley housed in historic buildings, and Hudson, home to the elegant Maker hotel, are must-visit towns. The area also boasts Pocketbook Hudson with its relaxing bathhouse and the acclaimed Stissing House for an unforgettable dining experience. For more expansive settings, Wildflower Farms in Gardiner provides a luxurious retreat with extensive amenities, while Inness in Accord, designed by Taavo Somer, offers a high-design sanctuary amidst stunning landscapes. Historically significant Troutbeck, once a retreat for Transcendentalist thinkers and civil rights leaders, now welcomes guests seeking peace and rejuvenation across its vast property. The Six Bells also offers a charming, rustic experience.
Amagansett or Montauk, New York: The Quintessential Beach Experience
The Hamptons, while a popular choice, perfectly fulfill the criteria for a beach-focused weekend escape, offering sun, sand, and lively social scenes. Amagansett provides a relaxed charm, with idyllic properties like The Roundtree, offering cottages and bike rides to the beach. The Reform Club, near Amagansett Square, provides a sophisticated atmosphere with an art collection and apple orchard. The Maidstone in East Hampton also offers a delightful stay. For those desiring a beachfront experience at the tip of Long Island, Marram Montauk delivers "barefoot luxury" amidst the dunes, emphasizing surfing, fine dining, and wellness. Alternatively, the McKinley Bungalows offer a comfortable house rental option for a more private summer retreat.
Catskill, New York: An Immersive Forest Retreat
For a deep immersion in nature, Piaule in Catskill offers a serene forest escape. Its 24 modular cabins, featuring floor-to-ceiling glass, provide uninterrupted views of the surrounding woodland, while the spa's indoor-outdoor design further connects guests with nature. Dining options include Piaule's on-site restaurant and local spots like Lil' Deb's Oasis in Hudson or HiLo in Catskill. Families might enjoy The Chatwal Lodge, an expansive property within a nature reserve, offering a myriad of activities from horseback riding to duckpin bowling. Food enthusiasts can savor the culinary delights at The Henson, featuring the Michelin-starred Matilda restaurant and the casual Day June diner, as well as Hemlock Neversink.
The Berkshires: A Rejuvenating Wellness Weekend
The Berkshires, now more accessible thanks to Amtrak's service from New York City, are a prime destination for wellness enthusiasts. Miraval Berkshires, a renowned destination spa, offers a comprehensive wellness experience across its 380-acre estate, complete with a spa, golf course, and equine therapy. Canyon Ranch also maintains a property in Lenox, further establishing the region as a hub for de-stressing. For a more transcendentalist-inspired escape, Tourists in North Adams, set on 80 acres along the Hoosin River, offers hiking, meditation, and guided plant foraging. Life House Berkshires provides another appealing mountain retreat with a cocktail bar, restaurant, and library, all set against a beautiful natural backdrop.
Finger Lakes, New York: Lakeside Charm and Wineries
The Finger Lakes region, with its eleven scenic bodies of water, is an enchanting destination for a lakeside getaway. The Inns of Aurora, a collection of five historic properties, offer intimate stays with small room counts and options for group buyouts. Their spa, recognized as one of the best in the U.S., provides Ayurvedic treatments, saunas, and hot and cold pools amidst stunning lake views. The Lake House on Canandaigua offers a stylish retreat with a spa, timber-frame barn, and beachside bar, and even seaplane access from the East River. Beyond water sports, visitors can explore charming historic towns and indulge in the region's renowned wineries, particularly those specializing in Riesling.
Litchfield County, Connecticut: A Picturesque Countryside Escape
Litchfield County in Connecticut, often likened to England's Cotswolds, has long been a favored country retreat for prominent New Yorkers. Its stone barns, rolling hills, and farm stands epitomize New England charm. The stately Mayflower Inn, set on 58 acres, offers a range of leisurely pursuits including tennis, croquet, and antiquing. The newly opened Belden House & Mews in Litchfield town boasts luxurious accommodations with butler service, an extensive spa, and an outdoor pool with scenic views. The Abner Hotel provides another boutique option with farm-to-table dining at its Courtroom restaurant and a rooftop bar. Culinary enthusiasts will appreciate Bantam, home to Arethusa Farm's restaurant, Arethusa al Tavolo, a breakfast and lunch cafe, Arethusa al Mano, and a dairy plant offering delicious old-fashioned ice cream.
Shelter Island: Classic Americana by the Sea
Nestled between Long Island’s North and South Forks, Shelter Island offers a timeless slice of Americana. It's a place where bicycles are the preferred mode of transport, strawberry ice cream is enjoyed on town benches, and local mom-and-pop shops thrive. The renovated Pridwin hotel, a grand dame of the island, reopened in 2022, and The Chequit, a 150-year-old Victorian inn, are popular choices for accommodation. For dining, Sunset Beach provides a vibrant scene, while SALT offers classic lobster rolls with harbor views.
Newport, Rhode Island: A Historic Seaside Vacation
Newport, Rhode Island, stands as a historically rich American summer destination, once a playground for Gilded Age industrialists. Its magnificent 19th-century mansions, featured in HBO's The Gilded Age, can be admired along the famed Cliff Walk. Stay at The Vanderbilt, a 33-room mansion by a Vanderbilt heir, or the classic Castle Hill Inn. The newer Gardiner House on Lees Wharf offers convenient access to iconic Newport restaurants. Shopping highlights include the Spring Street Bookstore and Newport Lampshade Company for New England homewares, while Bannister and Bowen’s wharves host numerous boutiques and art galleries.
