While undoubtedly there is no better place than NYC, sometimes it’s a great idea to leave it for a minute so that you can appreciate it even more.

 

Here are 5 ideas for weekend trips that are under 3 hours away from the city.

 

Cold Spring, NY

You won’t believe your scenic good fortune if you take the Metro-North Hudson line along the Hudson. As you speed through palisades, marinas, and mountains, the water catches the light and sparkles on the surface.

 

If you’ve ever ridden this train, perhaps on your way to Beacon for art or even Poughkeepsie, you’ve probably seen Pollepel Island, which is home to the majestic Bannerman Castle.

 

Get off at Cold Spring and investigate. The community, which boasts good hiking trails, a charming Main Street, and plenty of suburban charm, is also the starting point for some fantastic Hudson kayak tours, including trips to Pollepel Island and other notable locations.

 

Montauk

The picturesque South Fork of Long Island is dominated by majestic white sand beaches, plenty of hiking trails, and comfortable seaside inns, making it a hugely popular weekend escape for New Yorkers and beach lovers alike.

 

Make a point of visiting the Montauk Point lighthouse, which may be climbed – it has been there since 1797 and offers panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. Beach BBQs are free to the public but require reservations and only take place on Monday and Wednesday evenings if you’re staying in the neighborhood.

 

Head to the freshly redesigned OG Coffee & Juice for grab-and-go options, including beer, wine, and cocktails, as well as a range of light nibbles. The rooms at The Surf Lodge, conveniently located two minutes from the LIRR Montauk stop, includes whitewashed walls and sun-bleached pine floors. And it’s only a 3-hour drive away!

 

Lake George, NY

Lake George, in the heart of the Adirondack Mountains, is a place full of recreational activities, magnificent lakes, an abundance of vegetation, as well as plenty of alternatives for leisure that New Yorkers typically overlook. Expect plenty of landscapes, which you may recognize from the work of renowned artist Georgia O’Keefe.

 

Lake George is 32 miles long and surrounded by breathtaking alpine scenery. Whether you enjoy a day of window shopping or consider yourself a nature fanatic, there are plenty of activities to keep you engaged. The legendary Sagamore at Bolton Landing is excellent for sumptuous accommodations and outstanding service, all while overlooking Lake George’s shoreline.

 

Greenwich, CT

This posh Connecticut town is so much more than its ultra-preppy image suggests. It’s true that it’s known for its hedge fund billionaires and Hollywood types–but given that it’s only a short drive from New York City, it’s a convenient option to escape the concrete jungle and immerse yourself in what feels like European countryside.

 

The Homestead Inn, a renovated Victorian manor turned boutique hotel, is a charming, beautiful, and dignified place to stay. End your weekend at the Delamar Greenwich Hotel’s outdoor waterfront dining location L’Escale, where you can take in harbor vistas while feasting on the freshest king crab, shrimp, and oysters you’ve ever had.

 

Beacon, NY

Beacon is a lovely historic hamlet town located 60 miles north of NYC. This city was called after the signal fires that were put on top of adjacent Mount Beacon during the American Revolutionary War. Because it was home to more than 50 hat factories, Beacon was once dubbed the “Hat Making Capital of the United States.”

 

Beacon now has the ideal mix of attractions for a day excursion. You can spend the afternoon hiking on Mount Beacon, learning about art at the city’s art museum, such as the infamous Dia:Beacon, and dining and drinking along the lovely Main Street.

 

If you’re looking for things to do in Manhattan, check out the “backyards” on Pier 17, large art installation on the West Side by David Hammons and/or the new Little Island park.

 

Photo via Haizhan Zheng/Getty Images