Eight underrated weekend trips that are surprisingly easy from NYC

This British territory is known for its turquoise blue waters and stunning pink sand beaches. But it should also be known for just how easy it is to get to from New York City. There are non-stop flights to and from Hamilton on JetBlue, American, Delta, United and Bermudair (from Westchester). 

The natural beauty is Bermuda’s calling card. Horseshoe Bay Beach—dubbed the most popular stretch of beach on this 21 square mile archipelago known for its pink sand. If you’re down for diving, Bermuda is home to several notable shipwreck sites that attract beginners and the most experienced. There are also options for sailing, boating, fishing and other water sport activities. 

There are tons of lodging options including members only clubs like Coral Beach And Tennis Club to high-end hotels to wallet friendly Airbnbs.  Don’t forget to grab some grub. Understandably fish is at the center of Bermudian cuisine. It blends British, Portuguese and West African influences to create flavors all its own. Try a fish sandwich at Woody’s or get the freshest catch at Lost In The Triangle. Spiny Lobster—a staple of Island Cuisine is in season starting in September—at the Lobster Pot.

Two hours via plane from NYC

Vermont’s largest city is the getaway you’ve been waiting for as leaf peeping season approaches. An easy Amtrak ride up the Ethan Allen Express runs right from Penn Station to Burlington Union Station. While in town you can stay at Hotel Champlain which is only steps away from the train station. 

Take a stroll through the eclectic collection of shops and restaurants lining Church Street in the city’s bustling yet charming downtown. There you can find 60+ retailers and more than 30 restaurants including the iconic one the locations of Lake Champlain Chocolates—a local chocolatier which has gained national notoriety. 

If bike riding is your thing, check out the Burlington Greenway, which is part of the bigger Island trail. No bike? No problem! Rent a bike from Local Motion which also operates a seasonal bike ferry that can take you to other places to bike in the area. The ferry runs until October 14th. Looking for something more leisurely? Cruise around on the lake in the Spirit of Ethan Allen. 

Once you’ve worked up an appetite try a number of the city’s newest dining options including Original Skiff Fish + Oyster Frankie's Restaurant, or Gold Restaurant. 

Five hours via car, seven hours via train from NYC

This quintessential New England town is only a three-hour drive from New York City. Known for the massive mansions—the summer estates of some of America’s wealthiest families during the Gilded Age including The Breakers and The Rosecliff (which happens to be hosting the Newport Mansion Wine and Food Festival September 19-22). If boating is your thing, the Newport International Boat Show is September 12-15. That’s the largest in-water boat show in the country. 

If it’s still warm head to the beach. The largest option in town is Easton Beach. When in New England you must grab a lobster roll! Anthony’s Seafood in Middletown is a must try, after all, it was rated one of the best lobster rolls in New England for a reason. 

Three hours via car from NYC

West Michigan may be one of the most underrated destinations out there. With non-stop flights between New York to Grand Rapids Gerald Ford International Airport on Delta, American, United and Allegiant you can be there in roughly two hours. Grand Rapids is less than an hour drive from several stunning beach destinations along the shores of Lake Michigan including Saugatuck and Douglas; Grand Haven and Holland.  

With the charm of the midwest and a comparable allure to the beaches on Long Island, Lake Michigan beaches still have the same kind of stunning sandy beaches and crashing waves without the looming threat of a Hurricane, the salt water and of course it’s much less likely you’ll run into your neighbors from the city. Grand Haven state park was rated AAA’s top beach in Michigan.

Venture a little bit further south to Holland that has a charming and walkable downtown lined with shops and restaurants. Grab a coffee at Lemonjellos and stroll down 8th to the Holland Farmers Market which is on Wednesdays and Saturdays.  

There are several nearby beaches including Tunnel Park, and Holland State Park — with stunning views. While there are hotels like The Bluewater Inn And Suites across from Grand Haven State Park and the Tulyp in downtown Holland lodging culture in the area is much more centered around vacation rentals. Splurge a little for an Airbnb on the lake. You won’t regret it.  Even in September, the beaches are a must see despite a slight drop in temperatures.  

After a day on the water, grab a bite at Everyday People in Douglas or Pennyroyal Cafe and Provisions in Saugatuck. 

Two hours from NYC via plane

This one requires a drive, but it’s well worth the trip. The White Mountains of New Hampshire are the closest thing you’ll get to a Rocky Mountain escape without a long flight more than halfway across the country. Known for the hiking trails, the national forest has ample options. Most stunning option of course is the peaks in the Presidential range including the iconic Mount Washington or if the trek isn’t for you, then you can always take the train. The cog railway will bring you to the top of the mountain to show you stunning views of the region. 

Splurge for a night stay at one of the most iconic hotels in the country, the Bretton Woods Mt. Washington Hotel, which in addition to its world class, dining, spa, golf and ski options in the winter is a historic marvel. It was home to Bretton Woods monetary conference which led to the establishment of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund.

There are two fairly large towns in the region with walkable main streets, quaint shops and intriguing cafes—North Conway and Littleton. Have a sweet tooth? Head to Littleton which is home to Chutters, the world’s longest Candy counter. 

Seven hours via car from NYC

The Berkshire Mountains are a tranquil getaway roughly three hours north of New York by car. The region is  known for its art so take in the museums. The region has notable institutions including Mass MoCA, the largest contemporary art museum in the country; the Norman Rockwell Museum — a tribute to the iconic painter and illustrator who lived in that called Stockbridge his home for many years; and the Clark Art Institute.

The Berkshires are also home to steller hiking trails including at Mt. Greylock — sitting at 3,500 makes it the highest point in Massachusetts. Get a thrill at Jiminy Peak, the largest ski resort in Southern New England which has a massive mountain coaster open in the summer and fall months.

Stay at Miraval Berkshires, a resort which has everything from an 18-hole golf course and spa to an on-site farm and bees that make honey on site. 

Three hours via car from NYC

With an election coming up, why not take the Acela for the weekend to dive into a city vital to American history. Hit The Freedom Trail and check out some of the most iconic sights with a story to tell including the Faneuil Hall, the Paul Revere House and the USS Constitution among 13 other key sites and maybe take a look into 35 Presidents at the JFK Presidential Library. 

Get outdoors with a stroll along the Charles River, walk through beautiful campuses of Harvard and MIT campus in Cambridge or the Boston Common. Catch a game at Fenway (the Yankees will face the Red Sox September 12-17) or for a concert (Pearl Jam will play on the 15 and 18 and Post Malone on the 18). 

For food, grab a bite at Legal Seafood. The clam chowder has been served at every Presidential inauguration since 1981 or check out some of the latest editions at the Time Out Boston food hall including a new destination for traditional french crepes called PRB Boulangerie.

Four hours via car / train, one hour via plane from NYC

Yep, you read that right, one of the most stunning resorts in North America, which also happens to be pretty much on the other side of the country is not actually that challenging to get to for a weekend trip to New York City. Both NYC and Salt Lake City are hubs for Delta Airlines but you can also fly non-stop on United and JetBlue. Park City is only about 45 minutes from the airport. 

In the summer and fall months the ski resort is home to some of the best mountain biking you can find. The resort added two new expert trails this year. Park City is also home to the biggest Alpine Slide and Mountain coaster in North America. There are several options to stay while in town including the Grand Summit Hotel where you can also hit the spa and outdoor swimming pool. 

September 2 is the town’s Miner’s Day—a tribute to the city’s gold rush past with a fascinating event called The Running of The Balls in which 15,000 golf balls race down three city blocks. Or head to Deer Valley and grab a beer at the Mountain Mountain Brew Festival which is September 14-15. There is plenty to do here in the late summer and early fall well before the winter season is slated to begin here November 22. 

Five hours via plane from NYC