There is no denying that New York City is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world with more than 62.8 million people visiting the Big Apple in 2017. As much as you enjoy exploring all the busy tourist attractions scattered across the city, you may realize that you are yearning some tranquility during your visit to NYC as well. While locking yourself in your hotel room is certainly an option, you will probably find it more gratifying to escape the confines of the metropolis and road trip to one of many impressive destinations, nearby.
Prepping for your road trip
Before you pack your car and head out of NYC in search of a different kind of adventure, it is important to ensure that you are prepared for the journey. One of the most crucial prerequisites for any road trip is a reliable vehicle that will help you reach your destination safely. Make sure your car is roadworthy and have the brakes, windows, fluid, and tires checked prior to your departure. Pack smartly, only taking what you need and not everything you can lay your hands on. Always have some healthy snacks, bottled water, and a basic first aid kit in the car, even if your journey is not going to be exceptionally long.
Unwind during a day trip to Beacon
A mere 90-minute drive from Manhattan, Beacon is the perfect day-trip destination for anyone looking for a reprieve from the craziness of the city. Nestled in the Hudson Valley, the town boasts countless attractions such as a Dr. Who-themed restaurant, a motorcycle museum, the Hudson Valley Brewery, and the Mount Beacon Park. You can even engage in some crowd-free shopping in Main Street which is home to a large variety of shops such as More Good, Hudson Beach Glass, and Notions N Potions Inc. If you have a penchant for the outdoors, make sure to take a hike up Mount Beacon the very mountain in which shadows the city lays. The steep, winding trail is just over a mile long, one-way and is bound to give your lungs and your legs a decent workout.
Visit a town in which nature meets art
Approximately 54 miles from NYC, lays the riverside hamlet of Cold Spring. With its old-world charm, you might find it hard to believe that you are still within a stone-throw of the city. Upon your arrival in Cold Spring, the very same place where Don McLean wrote ‘American Pie’, you will be enveloped by typical all-American hospitality. Apart from merely enjoying the natural beauty of the area, you can spend your time visiting numerous popular landmarks such as the West Point Foundry Preserve, the Boscobel House & Gardens, and theHudson Highlands State Park.
Indulge in the historic architecture of New Paltz
The thriving village of New Paltz is a two-hour drive from NY and is home to a superb selection of farm-to-table eateries, an impressive live music scene and a number of charming shops and boutiques. If you fancy yourself a bit of a historian you will be delighted to find that New Paltz is brimming with spectacular examples of historical architecture that dates as far back as the 17th century. Must-visits include the historic Huguenot Street which features 10 acres of exquisitely-preserved buildings, home, and artefacts. If the weather permits, have a picnic next to Lake Mohonk and take a hike through the Mohonk Reserve to burn off your excess energy.
Spending time in NYC will undoubtedly provide you with enough unadulterated excitement to last a lifetime. It may also leave you feeling somewhat drained. Thankfully there are countless nearby destinations where you can escape to for a reprieve from all the hustle and bustle that is contained in one of the most amazing cities in the world.
