10 Easy Trips From NYC You Need to Take This Summer

Woodstock (Catskills)

Escape to the scenic Catskills on an easy two-and-a-half-hour bus ride north on Adirondack Trailways, putting you right in the heart of Woodstock. While you might associate this town’s name with a historic musical celebration, the 1969 Woodstock Music Festival actually took place about an hour west at what is now the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts. Shop and stroll on lively Tinker Street lined with local businesses with neat trinkets, crafts, souvenirs, restaurants, and Food Network competition-winning baked goods from Peace, Love and Cupcakes. Experience the wonder of the Catskills on a mild 2.7-mile hike around the Ashokan Reservoir or the more challenging 2.5-mile Overlook Mountain Path. Get your summer music fix at the Woodstock Playhouse’s Summer Theater Festival or Bearsville Theater’s lineup of summer concerts. If you’re up for a mini-road trip, the World’s Largest Kaleidoscope, Opus 40, and the famous Phoenicia Diner are all easily driveable within 20 minutes or less. Looking to extend your stay? Check out some of Woodstock’s lodging options like the comfortable Woodstock Inn on the Millstream, the spunky Herwood Inn, or music-themed Woodstock Way Hotel, all steps away from Tinker Street.

Beacon (Hudson Valley)

Renowned art, breathtaking Hudson Valley views, and a main street filled with quirky local businesses await in Beacon. The hour-and-a-half train ride on Metro-North from Manhattan will land you at Beacon Station, where you’re only a 10-minute walk from all the Main Street fun. Stroll through a street lined with friendly and welcoming local shops including Beacon Bread Company, Dickinson’s Antiques, and Bank Sq. Coffeehouse. If you’re up for adventure, hike to the Mount Beacon Fire Tower or admire sparkling waters on an island cruise to Bannerman Island and tour the Scottish-style Bannerman Castle. MTA Away currently has a deal offering a discounted round-trip ride, boat cruise of the island, and tour admission. For a more artistic experience, visit the 300,000-square-foot art collection at the famed Dia: Beacon, MTA Away offers a package for discounted rail and admission tickets, or take a glass blowing class at Hudson Beach Glass, which also has a remarkable fine art gallery. Sample Beacon brews at favorites like Two Way Brewing and Hudson Valley Brewery. If one day isn’t enough to do it all, check out comfortable lodging options like the industrial-chic Roundhouse with tasty dining options or the award-winning Beacon B&B which was voted best B&B in the Hudson Valley by Hudson Valley Magazine.

Albany (Capital-Saratoga)

Do some city-hopping this summer and pay a visit to the state’s capital. Admire the changing scenery as you travel north on a two-and-a-half-hour Amtrak train ride directly to the Albany-Rensselaer station. Walk to some of Albany’s must-see stops like the New York State Capitol with intricate 19th-century architecture, the Empire State Plaza, the Egg, and the Corning Tower which is the tallest skyscraper in the state, outside of New York City. Choose from exciting activities such as catching a live show at the Palace Theatre, exploring the state’s history at the New York State Museum, taking a stroll through Washington Park, or touring Albany by water on a Dutch Apple Cruise. Foodies and history buffs alike will want to pop by the Olde English Pub and Pantry, found in the historic Old Quackenbush House, where you can sample authentic British beers and English pub fare. Nine Pin Cider Works’ tasting room is worth a visit, crafting delicious ciders made 100% from New York State apples. Explore more and extend your stay at the Hampton Inn & Suites, just steps away from popular attractions or The Desmond Hotel which was voted the region’s best by the Capital Region Living Magazine.

Hudson (Hudson Valley)

A quick two-hour Amtrak ride directly to Hudson Station will put you in the center of eclectic shops, delicious dining options, and the wonder of the Hudson Valley. Start out with a stroll of Hudson’s charming and walkable Warren Street. There’s truly something for everyone with dozens of antique shops, jewelers, art galleries, and boutiques as well as breweries and restaurants like Wm Farmers and Sons and Hudson Brewing Company. Just 10 minutes outside of town is the 250-acre Olana State Historic Site which is home to Hudson River School painter, Frederic Church’s persian-inspired estate with unrivaled views of the Catskills and the Hudson Valley. If you’re visiting on a Saturday, take a gander at the fresh summer produce grown throughout the region at the Hudson Farmers Market or take a boat tour of the Hudson Athens Lighthouse, with tours running on select Saturdays throughout the summer. Looking to make Hudson a weekend adventure? The Rivertown Lodge, Hudson B&B, and The Amelia Hudson all make for great stays.

LEGOLAND® (Hudson Valley)

The only thing you need to worry about is catching the hour-and-25-minute Coach USA bus ride straight to the largest LEGOLAND theme park in the world for your next weekend of ultimate fun. Climb, build, and adventure through seven different LEGO-themed lands spread over 150 acres with over 50 rides, shows, and attractions. Escape the summer heat and cool off at the Water Playground with awesome waterslides and a cascading splash. Keep the Bricktastic fun going at the LEGOLAND hotel with LEGO-themed rooms, kid-friendly accommodations, and a resort-style pool. Check out summer events like Summer Saturday Nights and the five-day Red, White, and Boom! July 4th celebration. MTA Away offers discounts on admission through July 31, 2023.

For a full list of Easy Trips From NYC You Need to Take This Summer, view the full article at I LOVE NY.