Are you a New Yorker looking to take a break from the fast-paced city life? Look no further than these tri-state “daycation” spots. With affordable prices and minimal travel time, these locations offer the perfect escape from the urban madness.
1. Woodstock, New York
Take a trip back to the 60s with a visit to Woodstock, a suburb north of the city known for its rich history, unique art, and great hiking trails.
2. Montauk, New York
Dubbed “The End of the World,” Montauk is the easternmost point of Long Island and offers incredible beaches, surfing, fishing, sailing, and a picturesque beach town atmosphere.
3. Sleepy Hollow, New York
This village located in New York’s Hudson Valley is most well-known for being the setting of Washington Irving’s “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.” With spooky season right around the corner, a trip to Sleepy Hollow for their annual Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze or Haunted Hayride is a nice switch-up from the scares that can come from too much time in the crowded city.
4. Montclair, New Jersey
With a vibrant arts, theater, and film scene, Montclair is packed with creativity and uniqueness. Their vibrant downtown is perfect for shopping, eating, and exploring.
5. Belmar, New Jersey
One of the best beach towns of the famed Jersey shore, Belmar boasts a lovely downtown, beautiful beaches, and a vibrant summer nightlife.
6. Vernon Township, New Jersey
Looking to escape the city and really immerse yourself in nature? A visit to Vernon is for you. Outdoors lovers can find hiking trails, mountain biking, snowboarding, skiing, and one of the most fun waterparks in New Jersey, Mountain Creek Water Park.
7. Mystic, Connecticut
Mystic, in Southeast Connecticut, is a small village filled with lots of character. This seaside town is home to the Mystic Aquarium and the Mystic Seaport Museum, both of which are great places to visit for families (or alone!).
8. New Haven, Connecticut
Some may know New Haven just as home to Yale University, but others may know New Haven because of its local style of pizza and the famous Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana. In addition to Yale and pizza, New Haven has some incredible tourist spots including Lighthouse Point Park, stargazing at the Leitner Family Observatory and Planetarium, and climbing to an incredible aerial view of New Haven at East Rock Park.
9. Colebrook, Connecticut
Ready to ditch your apartment walls and trade them for a tent? Colebrook is surrounded by forests, mountains, and streams which is great for camping, hiking, and exploring the great outdoors. This quiet town is ideal if you are looking for tranquility and to reconnect with nature.
In conclusion, these nine places are just a sampling of the huge selection of places in the tri-state that offer a refreshing vacation from New York City. Keeping close to home and keeping to a budget does not have to make a vacation boring — rediscover the tri-state for yourself!