Photo by Beacon Transplant
There's something magical about escaping the relentless energy of New York City, even when you adore its pulse and rhythm as much as I do. As someone who spent many days surrounded by flowers and botanicals at my studio in Brooklyn, I came to cherish these brief escapes—moments to breathe deeper, walk slower, and reconnect with the natural world that inspires so much of my work.
Whether you're seeking respite by train, planning a scenic drive, dreaming of a romantic weekend, or scrambling for a last-minute escape, I'm sharing my favorite weekend getaways from NYC—each one offering its own unique charm and rejuvenating qualities. These are the places I return to season after season, finding new inspiration with every visit.
Getaways by Train: Leave the Driving Behind
Hudson, NY
Just two hours on Amtrak's scenic Hudson Line delivers you to this riverside gem. What began as my occasional antiquing destination has become a regular pilgrimage for its perfect blend of sophisticated dining, independent shops, and surrounding natural beauty.
Weekend Itinerary:
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Friday evening: Check into The Maker Hotel, a luxurious boutique property showcasing local artisans. Enjoy cocktails at their atmospheric lounge before dinner at Swoon Kitchenbar.
Photo by The Maker
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Saturday: Browse Warren Street's impeccably curated shops and galleries. Don't miss Magic Hill Mercantile for inspiration and unexpected treasures. Loup for sustainably made women’s clothing in New York and Flowerkraut to satiate your floral and plant obsessions.
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Saturday evening: Dine at Lil' Deb's Oasis for vibrant, artist-run tropical comfort food.
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Sunday: Visit Olana State Historic Site for Hudson River School vistas that have inspired generations of artists before catching your afternoon train.
Beacon, NY
Nestled in the Hudson Valley just 80 minutes from Grand Central, Beacon holds a special place in my heart. Its transformation from industrial town to creative haven mirrors the seasonal transformations I celebrate through my floral work. With so many things to do in Beacon throughout the year, it was always my go-to recommendation for friends seeking a perfect weekend escape. Now that I live here and own a brick and mortar store there is even more reason for people to visit.
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Friday afternoon: After arriving at Beacon station, check into The Roundhouse, where waterfall views and a minimalist aesthetic create the perfect backdrop for a weekend of inspiration. Take a gentle stroll down Main Street to acclimate yourself to our town's rhythm before dinner at MoMo Valley, where locally-sourced Nepalese dishes tell the story of Himalayan food. Look up the calendar at the Howland Cultural Center to see what local, cultural events are taking place while you’re visiting.
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Saturday morning: Begin with breakfast at Kitchen & Coffee—their house-made pastries paired with expertly crafted coffee create the perfect foundation for a day of exploration. Then set out on a meandering walk through Beacon’s Main Street shops. I'm admittedly biased, but I designed The Floral Society to be a sanctuary worth lingering in. I find myself constantly rearranging our botanical displays and refreshing our collection of handpicked gifts as the seasons shift. Our dried flower arrangements and wreaths reflect the natural abundance of the Hudson Valley—each one a meditation on color, texture, and form. A few other shops you won’t want to miss include Flora Good Times for unique planters and fresh flowers, Kaight featuring sustainable fashion brands and Little King.
Photo by Greta Tucker
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Saturday afternoon: Enjoy lunch at The Wild featuring fresh, local ingredients and alluring mocktails. After lunch, visit Dia:Beacon to wander among large-scale installations housed in a converted Nabisco factory. The way light filters through this industrial space transforms throughout the day, creating a constantly shifting dialogue with the artwork that never fails to inspire my own creative practice, making it one of my favorite things to do in Beacon.
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Saturday evening: Return to The Roundhouse for dinner, where seasonal menus showcase local ingredients while offering views of the waterfall as it illuminates at dusk—a reminder of the industrial heritage that shapes Beacon's present.
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Sunday: Before departing, hike Mount Beacon for panoramic Hudson Valley views that reveal the tapestry of forests, fields, and waterways that inform our regional aesthetic. Grab yourself a coffee at Big Mouth for an afternoon pick-me-up. On your way to the train, stop by The Floral Society one last time. I always encourage visitors to select a unique ceramic vase or a fragrant candle—a tangible reminder of Beacon's particular magic that will continue to evolve in your own space long after your visit ends.
Photo by Beacon Transplant
Cold Spring, NY
This charming village feels frozen in time, offering a perfect counterpoint to NYC's modernity just 70 minutes from Grand Central.
Photo by Beacon Transplant
Weekend Itinerary:
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Friday evening: Arrive and settle into Pig Hill Inn, a cozy B&B steps from the Hudson. Have dinner at Riverview Restaurant with its sublime waterfront setting.
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Saturday: Wander Main Street's antique shops and boutiques. Pack a picnic from Cold Spring Cheese Shop for an afternoon at Dockside Park.
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Saturday evening: Dine at Dolly’s up the street in Garrison in their river-view dining room.
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Sunday: Since the ever-popular Breakneck Ridge is closed for construction until 2027, head over to the Washburn Trail to head up Bull Hill before catching your return train. Stop by the visitor center about a mile from Main Street to pick up a map and get updates on any closures or precautions!
Getaways by Car: Scenic Drives to Serenity
The Catskills, NY
Just two hours northwest of the city, the Catskills offer the forest immersion my soul craves after weeks in concrete landscapes.
Weekend Itinerary:
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Friday: Drive up and check into Urban Cowboy Lodge in Big Indian for mountain modern luxury with clawfoot tubs and panoramic forest views.
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Saturday: Explore nearby towns like Phoenicia and Woodstock. Have breakfast at Sweet Sue's in Phoenicia (their pancakes are legendary), then hike to Kaaterskill Falls.
Photo credit
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Saturday evening: Return for dinner at the Lodge's exceptional restaurant where open fire cooking celebrates seasonal bounty.
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Sunday: Visit the charming shops and cafés in Beacon on your drive back to the city, where I’d of course recommend refreshing your creative spirit at The Floral Society, selecting thoughtful objects that bring nature into everyday rituals.
The North Fork, Long Island
Less scene-driven than the Hamptons, the North Fork delivers farm and sea in harmonious balance, just 2-3 hours from Manhattan.
Weekend Itinerary:
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Friday: Drive out and check into American Beech in Greenport, a stylishly renovated 19th-century building in the heart of town.
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Saturday: Visit third generation Sang Lee Farms for organic produce and seasonal herbalism and gardening workshops, then spend the afternoon wine tasting at Bedell Cellars and Kontokosta Winery.
Photo credit
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Saturday evening: Dine at Noah's in Greenport for innovative small plates featuring local ingredients.
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Sunday: Breakfast at Bruce & Son before visiting lavender fields at Lavender By the Bay (in summer) or picking your own at Harbes Family Farm before heading back to the city.
Romantic Getaways: Reconnect Amidst Beauty
The Berkshires, MA
A 3-hour drive transports you to this cultural landscape that has been nurturing artists for generations.
Weekend Itinerary:
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Friday: Check into Blantyre, a grand Tudor-style mansion turned luxury hotel in Lenox. Enjoy an intimate dinner at their elegant restaurant.
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Saturday morning: Visit The Mount, Edith Wharton's spectacular home and gardens.
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Saturday afternoon: Experience a performance at Tanglewood (summer) or explore the extraordinary collection at MASS MoCA.
Photo credit
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Saturday evening: Book a table at Prairie Whale in Great Barrington for farm-to-table dining in a romantic setting.
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Sunday: Take a peaceful canoe ride on the Housatonic River before your return journey.
Millerton, NY
This sophisticated yet understated village two hours north of NYC offers countryside pleasures with urbane sensibilities.
Weekend Itinerary:
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Friday evening: Check into Troutbeck, a historic estate where literary giants once gathered. Enjoy dinner at their exceptional restaurant.
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Saturday: Begin with coffee at Irving Farm Coffee House before browsing Oblong Books and tasting your way through Harney & Sons Tea lounge.
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Saturday evening: Dine at The Dining Room at Troutbeck with its field-to-fork ethos.
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Sunday: Cycle the Harlem Valley Rail Trail or hike one of the many trails in nearby Macedonia Brook State Park before returning to the city.
Last-Minute Getaways: Spontaneous Escapes
New Hope, PA and Lambertville, NJ
These twin towns straddling the Delaware River are under two hours from NYC but feel worlds away.
Weekend Itinerary:
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Saturday morning: Drive directly to the Logan Inn in New Hope for an elegant base. Spend the morning wandering New Hope's eclectic shops and galleries.
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Saturday afternoon: Cross the bridge to explore Lambertville's antique shops and artisan studios.
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Saturday evening: Dine at Karla's Restaurant in New Hope for reliable bistro fare in a cozy setting.
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Sunday: Before heading home, stroll along the Delaware Canal towpath or drive to nearby Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve for a last dose of natural beauty.
Asbury Park, NJ
This revitalized shore town just 90 minutes south offers oceanfront relaxation with artistic edge.
Weekend Itinerary:
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Saturday morning: Drive down and check into The Asbury Hotel, then head straight to the boardwalk for sea breezes and people-watching. If you’re looking for an adult-only escape, The St. Laurent Social Club is a newly opened boutique hotel in a beautifully restored historic building with a great pool!
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Saturday afternoon: Browse the eclectic shops along Cookman Avenue before coffee at Odyssey Coffee.
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Saturday evening: Experience dinner at Judy & Harry’s followed by live music at The Stone Pony, where Springsteen got his start.
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Sunday: Enjoy a leisurely beach morning before exploring the Asbury Park Botanical Garden. Finish with brunch at Cardinal Provisions, where their seasonal ingredients and fresh flowers on every table remind me of the botanical inspirations I cherish in my own work.
Whether seeking solitude, romance, or simply a change of pace, these getaways offer the perfect antidote to city life. I find that even brief escapes—sometimes just 36 hours away—provide a reset that enhances my appreciation for both the treasures discovered beyond the city limits and the familiar energy of returning home to New York.
What's your favorite weekend escape from the city? I'm always collecting new recommendations for seasonal retreats that inspire and restore.
More NYC Getaway Resources