You know the “itch.” That feeling you get when you’ve been in New York City for too many days in a row and all you can think about is getting away for a few days. I know that feeling all too well! While flying off to Paris or Mexico for the weekend isn’t usually a realistic option, there are tons of family-friendly destinations that are within five hours of the city. Here are my top five favorites.
5 Favorite NY Weekend Getaway Ideas:
1. Martha’s Vineyard
It doesn’t get more American than taking a vacation on this historical, colonial and perfectly manicured island. They might as well just hand you a bike, a glass of lemonade and play Mungo Jerry’s “In The Summertime” as you get off the ferry! The island is scattered with tiny little towns—perfect for shopping, eating, fishing and relaxing on the beach. The best part? You don’t need a car. Catch theSeastreak from the east side of Manhattan for a direct five-hour ferry ride to the island. It’s a relaxing way to travel and there’s even activities for the kids. Bonus: When you get there, keep an eye out for the POTUS—he just might be vacationing there at the same time!
Best place to eat:
The coolest place to eat in Martha’s Vineyard is Nancy’s in Oak Bluffs. The restaurant has been there since 1960 and specializes in seafood. It’s indoor/outdoor and loud—perfect for kids. (You just walk up to the counter to order what you want.) It’s also known to be a presidential favorite. We actually met the Attorney General there; he had stopped by after a golfing excursion with Obama to grab some fish sandwiches to go!
Fun fact:
Jaws was filmed in Martha’s Vineyard—everyone there loves to talk about that! A little bridge called the Jaws Bridgeconnects Oak Bluffs and Edgartown—it was in the movie and you’re allowed to jump off it! It’s not too high, and everyone can jump off—even little kids. If you’re too chicken to jump or have toddlers in tow, there’s also a beach where you can relax and watch others take the plunge!
Recommend stay:
The Kelley House in Edgartown. I suggest renting a cottage with a full-size kitchen and dining room (it also has deck!). Plus, they have warm cookies and milk every day at 5pm in the hotel lobby. Swoon.
Travel time: 5 hours by ferry
2. Fire Island
If Martha seems a bit too far away, try Fire Island—it offers many of the same summer activities like tennis, biking, swimming and even clamming. Say what? Clams are to Fire Island as maple syrup is to Vermont. Walk out into the water, dig around in the water with your toes, and when you feel those hard shells, pick them up and take them home to cook for dinner. Clams are abundant, so you can find them on pretty much any beach. What a great lesson (and boredom buster activity) for the kids! Fire Island also offers special activities for little ones throughout the summer; check out the schedule here.
Best place to eat:
Eating your clams at home on the deck is the way to go here. For an after dinner treat, though, stop by Unfriendly’s Ice Cream Shop. It’s located right by the dock overlooking the bay, and a five-minute walk from the beach.
Fun Fact:
You are allowed to climb the Fire Island Lighthouse. Rent some bikes (or take a water taxi) for an afternoon trip. From the top, you can see amazing views of Long Island and even see the city on clear days!
Recommended stay:
Renting a house in Dunewood, Fair Harbor or Saltaire is best—those accommodations are specifically for families. (Read: You won’t have to worry about loud neighbors throwing parties!) Book one here.
Travel time: 1.5 hours by car, or take the LIRR from Penn Station to Bay Shore to avoid traffic!
3. Sesame Place in Langhorne, PA
We can tell you how to get to Sesame Street—jump in the car and head southeast for about 90 minutes! Prepare for your child’s eyes to pop out of their heads when they see Elmo, Big Bird and all of the other SS favorites right in front of them. New for this year: Cookie’s Monster Land. There, you’ll find five exciting rides (including the Flying Cookie Jars!), a three-story net climb and a soft play area for toddlers. Don’t forget to pack your bathing suits—a large part of the park is water rides and water play areas.
Best place to eat:
Grab breakfast with the characters right in the park. You can choose from Elmo and friends or Cookie Monster to kick-start the day—bring the camera to capture all of the special moments.
Fun fact:
Visit the nearby Kids’ Castle in Doylestown—it’s an eight-story wooden playground with a tree house, wooden bridge and moat, a toddler play area, lots of slides and swings. There’s an even a children’s amphitheater. Plus, it’s free! Downtown Philly is also only about 30 to 40 minutes—get in some history by visiting the Liberty Bell, Betsy Ross House and Independence Hall.
Recommended stay:
There are tons of affordable and family-friendly places to stay around Sesame Place. Find the best ones here. (You can also do Sesame as a day trip, but we have a feeling you’ll want to visit for more than one day!)
Travel time: 1.5 hours by car
4. Poconos
If you want to stay close to the city but still see some trees, the Poconos in Pennsylvania is just 90 minutes away. The Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort offers something for everyone in your family. You’ll be able to squash stress by hiking in the woods or taking in a game of golf on one of two vintage courses (it’s sure to transport you back to Caddyshack). The kids can skip rocks or ride kayaks in the shallow river that runs through the valley. There’s also a full amenity spa if you want to pamper yourself a bit. And did we mention all of the home-cooked food by the fireplace?
Best place to eat:
The River Room Restaurant is located inside the Shawnee Inn, so you don’t even have to leave the resort. They have great views of the golf course which makes breakfast entertaining for kids—they can watch the golfers tee off without yelling “FORE” and scaring them! You can also walk up the street a bit to The Gem and Keystone Brew Pub. They make their own craft beers for parents, and have a children’s menu for little diners.
Fun fact:
Just a few more miles down the road is the outdoor Crossings Premium Outlet Mall. Wear your walking shoes and get your shop on. They have a playground and lots of grassy areas for the kids to run around as well.
Recommended stay:
The Shawnee Inn, Poconos, PA—make sure to ask for a family-size room. They offer first-floor suites so you don’t have to haul the stroller up the stairs; the rooms have a separate bedroom.
Travel time: 1.5 hours by car
RELATED: 7 SIgns You Need To Escape The City This Weekend
5. Okemo Mountain, Vermont
Fresh air and homegrown food—and a return to the country—await in Vermont. Get ready for breathtaking views as you wind your way through the mountains into little hidden towns like Londonderry, Okemo and Proctorsville. Don’t be surprised to see chickens running around! You can also get fresh milk right from the cows and pick some wildflowers or herbs on an afternoon hike. Since it’s a ski town, it won’t be over crowded in the summer and you’ll actually get to relax and take in the mountain life. Everyone is extremely friendly, so don’t be afraid to let a local farmer give the kids a tour to get up close and personal with the animals. Maximo actually picked up eggs right as they were laid by the chickens for breakfast. And don’t worry, most bed and breakfasts still have Wifi if you can’t completely disconnect.
Best place to eat:
Jersey Girls Farm Market. The locals in Vermont take real food seriously. You won’t find GMOs or hormones here. In fact, it’s actually legal to buy raw milk right off the farm. Stop by the WAAWWE market (We All Are What We Eat) for macaroni and cheese that’s rich with fresh, raw milk and cheeses. We guarantee your kids will be begging you to bring some back home! Note: If you’re interested in purchasing raw milk, ask the owners for directions to their farm where you can walk in and buy it yourself using the honor system!
Fun fact:
Vermont is best known for its maple syrup. We visited the Green Mountain Sugar House which is just a few minutes away from Okemo Mountain. Ask for Doug and tell him we sent you—he’ll probably give you a little tour on how maple syrup is made!
Recommended stay:
The Golden Stage Inn, Proctorsville, VT—they offer cookies and milk at 5 pm (see a trend?), chocolate cake on Saturdays and a two-course breakfast everyday. Eggs and honey come right from the backyard! They also have family rooms with separate rooms for the kids.
Travel time: 5 hours by car
