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The Top-3 Gateways from New York City

05/10/2023

A BLEND OF ART, culture, food end NATURE

Travelers in love with New York City's allure and cultural vivacity may want to consider broadening their city experience through unforgettable day trips from the Big Apple.

These road trips take you out towards the East Coast in the spirit of good old-fashioned Americana: traditional and reassuring, yet still brimming with a deep and undeniable charm.

These are simple getaways not too far from the city, without the need for air travel. Short stays dedicated to culture, hikes, and leisurely strolls through historic small towns, reachable by car and best enjoyed with friends and family.

Let's explore three ideas for those seeking something more than just the vibrancy of NYC!

EDITOR'S NOTE: If you can avoid national holiday weekends like Memorial Day (late May) or Labor Day (early September), we recommend doing so to prevent long lines and unnecessary crowds.

1- NARRAGANSETT (RHODE ISLAND)

Narragansett, the less pretentious seaside town near Newport, Rhode Island, is the perfect place to unwind by the sea, and it's just a 3-hour drive or a 6-hour bus ride from New York.

The area, stretching between Pattaquamscutt River and the opening of Narragansett Bay, offers a wild landscape with secluded beaches, and evocative period architecture.

If the journey from NYC seems too long, a pitstop at Frank Pepe’s for a slice of New-Haven-style pizza (a thin, crispy crust topped with seafood, aged cheese, and a hint of garlic) is a great idea.

Upon arrival, you're greeted by The Towers: the town's symbolic 19th-century architecture, acting as a gateway to the city, repeatedly burned and rebuilt, and open for guided tours.

For those seeking solitude, the secluded beaches of Scarborough, Roger Wheeler, and Salty Brine are available, the latter being particularly ideal for children who love frolicking in the waves.

If the simple beach life isn't satisfying enough for a day trip from NYC, fishing and surfing activities, delightful boutiques for shopping, and numerous restaurants are also available to elevate your experience.

After a refreshing swim, be sure to climb the historic Point Judith Lighthouse built in 1857. The lighthouse is still partially in use, and the top provides an opportunity for unforgettable photographs.

To round off your trip to Narragansett, savor some local dishes. The most appreciated local spots include:

- Matunuck Oyster Bar, specializing in fresh seafood dishes (particularly oysters, but also shrimp and lobsters);

- Coast Guard House, where you can enjoy exquisite sea & land dishes with a panoramic view;

- Del’s, is a small refreshment spot known for its fresh lemonade (also watermelon flavored) and charming gadgets.

2- ALEXANDRIA (VIRGINIA)

If you are driving to this location near Washington DC, you can break up the 4 to 5-hour journey with an intermediate stop, for example in Baltimore, where you can visit the famous National Aquarium.

From here, it is less than two hours to reach Alexandria: a stay in this place, characterized by relaxation, history, and excellent food, is perfect for both couples and families.

The historic center of the city (founded at the end of the 18th century) is called Old Town and represents the main tourist attraction of the area; strolling through the cobblestone streets and visiting St. Joseph's Church is essential to understand local history.

Walking up King Street, along the shops and restaurants, you reach the bank of the Potomac River. Nearby, it is recommended to also visit the Torpedo Factory Art Center (the contemporary art gallery created in the 1970s within a former factory).

But this is not the only historical and cultural point of interest in Alexandria: architecture enthusiasts can also appreciate the 1941 Pope-Leighey House. Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, it is an airy and elegant "L"-shaped building.

If you still have time, you should consider visiting the home of the first American President George Washington –– Mount Vernon Estate through a guided tour.

For something different, we suggest the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum, where you can visit a perfectly preserved example of an old pharmacy with its vast collection of natural remedies, tinctures, books, and brass scales.

In Alexandria, the choice of places to dine is also quite wide: after a visit to the city, for example, you can relax at the Brabo Brasserie (a Belgian-style venue) or at the more traditional Virtue Feed & Grain (located in an 1800s house).

For the night, you can stop at the renowned "The Alexandrian Hotel" (a short distance from the points of interest aforementioned) or at the smaller Morrison House (a small historic building, but rich in style).

3- THE BERKSHIRES (MASSACHUSETS)

To conclude our roundup of the best day trips from New York City, we cannot help but mention Berkshire County located in the western region of Massachusetts. Long serving as a haven for artists and writers seeking inspiration, the Berkshires provide the ideal setting for a mini-vacation immersed in nature.

Getting there is less than a 4-hour drive. Alternatively, you can reach the area by taking a 5-hour bus ride from New York City, or by train, stopping at the Berkshire Mountains station (in this case, the journey will take around 5 and a half hours).

If you're driving, consider making a pit stop just before your destination at the tranquil town of Great Barrington, known for its colonial ambiance. Here you can try the local cuisine and browse through the numerous antique shops.

Once you reach the lush and beautiful countryside of Berkshire County, you might want to opt to overnight in Lenox or the more modern Pittsfield (a mere ten-minute drive away).

Regardless of where you choose to stay, outdoor activities are the best way to experience all that Berkshires can offer.

The best route for a walk or bike ride is located within the largest natural park in Massachusetts, known as October Mountain State Forest (which seems to have been named by Herman Melville, due to its distinctive fall foliage).

For the more adventurous hikers, a paved high-altitude trail (about .7 miles) ascending from the base of Massachusetts' highest peak, Mount Greylock, is available.

But the Berkshires isn't just about wild nature. Art enthusiasts can head over to the Clark Art Institute, where they can admire a small but significant collection of French impressionist paintings, as well as an interesting collection of vintage photographs.

From a culinary standpoint, the Berkshires have much to offer its visitors. Among the numerous eateries and restaurants available, three stand out:

- No. Six Coffee Depot Roastery and Cafe, located in an old train station, it's perfect for breakfast while admiring a gallery of works by local artists.

- Mezze Bistro + Bar, ideal for refueling after a full day outdoors, sampling some of the numerous homemade dishes.

- The Airport Rooms at Tourists, a historic venue situated in a cozy 1800s boarding house. The menu changes based on locally available ingredients and is always prepared in creative combinations. This place is also known for its small selection of natural wines.

If the thought of a three-hour drive back to New York City after dinner sounds less than appealing, there are numerous hotels available in both Lenox and Pittsfield.

3 DAY TRIP IDEAS FROM NYC: THE MAP

During a vacation in the Big Apple, it's well worth taking an entire weekend to disconnect from the exciting but frenetic rhythms of the city and discover a picturesque America that truly connects you with nature. The attractions of the places described and the fantastic local cuisine will undoubtedly make any day trip from New York City a memorable one.