9 Picturesque Small Towns Just A Short Drive From New York
There are plenty of in- and out-of-state towns around New York City (NYC) that hold a spotlight of their own with a picturesque spread filled with engagements. These top nine choices are home to vibrant attractions and endless entertainment options, including spots to try incredible cuisines outside of the Big Apple on a weekend trip to remember.
Cold Spring, New York
There is Long Island's Cold Spring Harbor, and then there is the town of Cold Spring in Putnam County, with easy access right on the Hudson Metro-North line. The quaint village with picture-perfect thoroughfare feels eons away from the big city amidst an eclectic range of independent shops, including the Cold Spring General Store, the Cold Spring Apothecary with organic skincare, and memorabilia at countless patriotic souvenir places.
One can explore the rich nature around via biking, boating, and kayaking, while The Cold Spring Depot is best for lunching in a wistful setting along train tracks with a bonus of a picturesque patio to sight speeding trains. The downtown spread awaits with charming bed and breakfasts amidst 19th-century architecture that gives the town a deserving spot on the National Register of Historic Places. For a weekend-exclusive treat, a regional trolley runs from downtown to the doors of Boscobel's restored 19th-century mansion in Garrison.
Clinton, New Jersey
Only 53 miles or one hour drive from NYC brings one to this New Jersey must-visit for a weekend full of sights and pursuits. The Red Mill Museum, perched above a waterfall, is one of the country's most photographed buildings. One can also spend a relaxing afternoon at the Spruce Run recreation with sublime activities like stand-up paddle-boarding.
After a fill-on scenery, one can choose the Clean Plate Kitchen for a great lunch but skip dessert and chow down an amazing ice cream cone from J.J. Scoops or take one to-go for a stroll along the Raritan River through downtown that hosts the cutest Rubber Ducky Races. For a quick bite into the evening, why not try the state's best BBQ at The Real Deal BBQ food truck, like brisket and mac & cheese?
Frenchtown, New Jersey
Frenchtown is a perfect place to satisfy all the soul's scenic cravings and a food lover's heart desires in one compact setting. The dream getaway from the city is just 65 miles out of NYC between Bethlehem and New Hope. One can start an exploration-fueled day with a short stack of banana nut pancakes at Frenchtown Cafe before tubing down the Delaware River or biking along myriad picturesque paths and covered bridges.
An actively-rewarding afternoon calls to test-taste some classic American fare on the front porch at The Frenchtown Inn. The main drag of colorful colonial buildings immerses in the coziest atmosphere on a stroll right from Western-style films. It is home to the Old Fashioned at The Rathskeller bar from 1851, a former brothel and stagecoach stop at the National Hotel.
Greenport, New York
The town embracing North Fork is an excellent base to explore the surrounding Long Island charm on a weekend trip from NYC. Greenport has plenty of options for picturesque pursuits, like wonderful beaches for relaxation or water recreation during summer. There's a great food scene among some of the best restaurants in the region, like the new favorite local spot, American Beech, for great chow and the option to utilize it as a double-duty hotel.
One can head for a nautically-inspired stroll down the waterline or opt for a 30-minute ferry ride to Shelter Island for a change in pace and more pursuits with a different perspective of the lovely town. To end the night back on the mainland, the Brix & Rye has quality cocktails, and Greenport Harbor awaits with an excellent selection of craft beers.
Highlands, New Jersey
It takes only one hour from NYC to immerse in the scenery overload along the picturesque seashores bounding Highlands. The pristine and uncrowded spread, even during the summertime, offers plentiful waterfront dining options on par with big-glam restaurants in the neighboring Atlantic City. There is the Bahrs Landing and Windansea with its own Tiki bar like in Miami, while Zika is a local favorite to try before heading on a bike ride cruise down the car-free coastline akin to Jersey shores.
The Twin Lights Lighthouse from 1828 is known for its highest natural point location on the Atlantic Coast mainland. It offers unforgettable picnic vistas overlooking the panoramic Sandy Hook, Raritan Bay, and the Atlantic Ocean. In the fall, one can take up the Twin Lights Ride through the state that ends on a "high" note in Highlands over a rewarding feast. The wistful town is also accessible right out of Manhattan via a breezy hour's cruise on the Seastreak ferry with a $27 one-way ticket.
Princeton, New Jersey
The college-town reputation bids Princeton well with interesting engagements at student prices. One can take up the popular two-hour tour with the Princeton Tour Company around the university and town for an initial taste of highlights. The picturesque Princeton University Art Museum on the Ivy League campus has an incredibly diverse artwork collection.
Following that, a two-in-one trip at The Morven Museum & Garden will engage all senses amidst colonial artifacts on a picturesque stroll. For a sugar kick, Thomas Sweet' sells homemade ice cream from two locations in town or a grab a to-go cone to savor overviews via a winding stroll down the Towpath trail along Lake Carnegie.
Ridgefield, Connecticut
The thriving arts community is a must-visit for creatives with institutions like The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum, inspired by the late fashion designer's private collection. The Ridgefield Playhouse offers a lovely evening spent watching fantastic films or a performing arts play with past appearances, including comedian Marc Maron and musician Loretta Lynn.
The Ridgefield Theater Barn playhouse welcomes visitors with a rustic dairy barn setting, while history fans will appreciate the area's significant Revolutionary War tales at the Keeler Tavern Museum. There is even an authentic tavern with embedded cannonballs fired by the Brits.
Stratford, Connecticut
Stratford comes with all the charms of Long Island living wrapped in nautical nostalgia, just 65 miles or one hour drive from the Big Apple. Despite its minuscule spread, the town presents big-time attractions like the world's first helicopter ascent and wistful strolls down the water parapet, followed by a sundowner at the Biagio Osteria restaurant on renowned Italian affair.
Stratford is a true foodie's paradise with exciting options for any palette, like savoring fantastic fish tacos at Outriggers Restaurant or heading to Danny's Drive-In for a scrumptious bite of the 9-inch hot dog. One can wash it down with Honeyspot Road IPA from the Two Roads Brewing Company. Also, a concoction from the Donut Crazy pairs perfectly with a cup-o-Joe to kick-start the next day's adventures at the outlandish Boothe Memorial Park, America's oldest homestead.
Tarrytown, New York
Tarrytown was once home to Washington Irving, the author of the timeless "Headless Horseman," making it one of the world's most haunted places and a dream visit for all the bookish fans. The townscape only 50km north of New York City spreads scenically along the eastern shore of the Hudson River. It is a former Dutch settlement from the 17th century with steep local history.
The ideal escape is home to notable landmarks like the historic Lyndhurst Mansion, Jay Gould's Gothic Revival estate, and Sunnyside, Irving's home. The Castle Hotel & Spa welcomes with a tremendous 19th-century Norman-style facade for a stay overlooking the Hudson River. The Horsefeathers will satisfy all cravings during a lovely dining experience with good ol' American fare and a sidewalk patio.
These towns offer an unexpectedly vibrant way to diversify scenery on a day trip from New York or a full-blown getaway for a memorable weekend. The small scape induces nostalgia and cleanses the palette from big city grit with refreshing pursuits that re-energize to breeze-through long winter work weeks before the next big vacay.
