Image via Complex Original
Fall is in the air. Mornings are crisp and girls in UGG boots warm their chilled bones with pumpkin spiced lattes. Along the streets of New York City, street vendors are busting out scarves next to their fake designer handbags. You’re beginning to wonder how many pumpkins you consumed last year through all that festive pumpkin beer. While fall in New York City is a beautiful experience, it’s also a time when you want to get away from the city noise and be able to smell the leaves without your nostrils being assaulted by hot dogs and sauerkraut. On that note, here are 10 Weekend Trips That Every New Yorker Should Take This Fall.
New Paltz, N.Y.
Just south of the Catskill Mountains, Mohonk Mountain House serves as a getaway for New Yorkers year round. However, New Paltz is probably best enjoyed during the fall, when the mountains explode into color, and there’s no better location than on Lake Mohonk. Mohonk Mountain House boasts an award-winning spa, an indoor pool, and 85 miles of hiking trails.
Phoenicia, N.Y.
According to the last census, Phoenicia has a population of 309, which makes for perfect small-town charm. Located in the Catskills as well, Phoenicia also has one of the quaintest, most comfortable, hotels in the area. With only 20 rooms, The Graham & Co is perfect for a fall getaway. The Graham & Co is quite possibly the best escape away from busy subways and greasy bodega bacon, egg, and cheese for every meal.
Cooperstown, N.Y.
Throw on a powdered wig, as Cooperstown has old-time American charm. Except, don’t do that, because that’s weird. Cooperstown has beautiful main streets that feel like a step backwards in time, people who are actually friendly (what’s up with that?), and a lot of awesome things for a baseball fan (eh...) or a spirits fan (yeah) to enjoy. The Baseball Hall of Fame is the focal point of the village, along with the Farmers Museum, but after enjoying the beautiful Glimmerglass State Park, Cooperstown also has a flavorful beverage tale featuring Brewery Ommegang, a number of wineries, and Fly Creek Cider Mill.
Bethel, N.Y. and Port Jervis, N.Y.
For music fans, Bethel Woods is a must see, as the original site of Woodstock now features a museum, many concerts, and many harvest and wine festivals throughout the fall. A short drive away from Bethel are some of the best apple orchards in New York state, and one of the most famous scenic byways to enjoy fall foliage, Port Jervis’ Hawk’s Nest. If you feel like supporting the town that hosts you, Field of Dreams Pumpkin Patch is a short drive across the Delaware River.
New Canaan, Conn.
Like the old saying goes: those in glass houses should not walk around naked—wait, that’s not it. Anyway, The Glass House is located in New Canaan, and serves as a perfect retreat for New Yorkers who are fans of art, architecture, and the unusual. Surrounded by the beauty of Connecticut in the fall, The Glass House rests on 49-acres, alongside outdoor sculptures.
Rhinebeck, N.Y.
There’s not a lot you can have in common with people in 1766; for example, you have an electric shaver, and they would call you a witch. But you could stay at the same inn that they enjoyed. Beekman Arms is the oldest continuously operating inn in America. Like, if Yelp was around back then, they’d be like “Hear ye, hear ye! I do declare I giveth Beekman Arms five celestial bodies!” Rhinebeck is a beautiful small town known for its slower pace of life with locally owned shops, historic sites, and, for the partiers, antiquing! If it’s good enough for Chelsea Clinton’s wedding, then it’s good enough for your weekend getaway.
Pocono Mountains, Pa.
The Poconos have served as a getaway for savvy New Yorkers since the dawn of the family-owned vehicle. The foliage of the Pocono Mountains is second to none, and the resorts promise to keep their guests entertained with horseback riding trails, hay rides, apple picking, wineries, and dry-land dog sledding. We’ll repeat that, you can pretend you are dog sledding, without freezing.
Bloomville, N.Y.
Located in Bloomville, Table on Ten promises all the sights you crave in the fall, but nothing too pretentious. You truly get to enjoy the country sights and quiet when you check into the cafe’s upstairs, with only three beautifully decorated bedrooms. Just be sure to save us a slice of pie.
Pocantico Hills, N.Y.
For the New Yorkers that don’t feel totally comfortable leaving the city life behind, here’s your answer—Blue Hill at Stone Barns. The original Blue Hill in New York opened in 2000 in Greenwich Village, but the real magic happens in Pocantico Hills. Just 30 miles north of the city, Barn Hill is a year-long working farm and education center that provides guest with farm fresh food of every variety. Not bad for a quick trip away.
Bear Mountain, N.Y.
Like cruises but not the Caribbean? Bear Mountain Cruises will pick you up at Pier 83, and you enjoy a trip up the Hudson to Bear Mountain State Park. There, you can have a picnic, go on a hike, and enjoy the changing leaves. As a bonus, starting on October 27 is Oktoberfest at Bear Mountain, and admission to the festivities are free. Who needs hiking when there’s pretzels and beer? You can see the leaves through the bottom of an empty stein.
