Fall is an excellent time to be in New York City, however, we often find ourselves craving the wide-open spaces of the countryside around this time of year.
This early October weekend holiday is a great time to get out of the city — and pick up a bit of Italian American culture while you go leaf-peeping.
Fortunately, there are a lot of locations within a weekend’s driving distance where you can see the colorful fall foliage, visit festive farms, and slow down the pace of life.
These are nine of the first-rate weekend getaway destinations to pressure to from New York City this fall.
New Paltz, New York
New Paltz is a picturesque town that’s perfect for a fall weekend getaway. It’s a favorite spot among rock climbers because the Shawangunk Ridge is one of the top climbing spots on the East Coast.
When you’re here, you can also visit Minnewaska State Park and the Mohonk Preserve to the fall foliage.
Other top things to do here include the Robibero Family Vineyards, the DM Weil Gallery, the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail, and Dressel Farms for farm fresh apples. Jenkins Lueken Orchards and Apple Hill Farm are other great destinations in New Paltz for fall fun. The Mohonk Mountain House is a Victorian castle resort that you can stay at when visiting New Paltz this fall.
Boldt Castle,Thousand island
Did you know there’s an archipelago of 1,864 islands straddling New York (USA) & Ontario (Canada)?
Honestly, it wasn’t until I heard about Boldt castle.
How could I have not known about it, despite living in New York my whole life.
Luckily, I made couple years ago that I set out to have an epic 1000 Islands vacation; exploring the best the region has to offer.
Now, if you’re looking for getaways near NYC that you can get to in one day, the drive is only a little over five hours.
Although Boldt Castle never achieved its intended glory, the shell and grounds now are open to day visitors who pay an admission charge. The facilities are also available for outdoor wedding ceremonies. They are typically located at the Dove-Cote in the courtyard next to the Italian Gardens, allowing brides to make a grand entrance from the Castle itself. Receptions must be held elsewhere, and the Riveredge Resort across the bay is a popular venue.
Early May through mid-October, Boldt Castle can be reached by water taxi, private boat, or tour boat. Uncle Sam Boat Tours ply the 1000 Islands, make a stop at the Castle, and allow passengers to alight and explore the property.
Saratoga Springs, New York
Saratoga Springs is a favorite retreat destination of New Yorkers, and its popularity dates back hundreds of years to when the area’s natural mineral springs drew in tourists. This is a fun area to find corn mazes, apple picking, fall farmer’s markets, and fall foliage hikes. Of course, you can also visit Saratoga National Historical Park to learn a little something about history during your visit. The Saratoga Fall Festival takes place in downtown Saratoga Springs, and nearby apple orchards are Bowman Orchards, Saratoga Apple, Inc., and Kovarovic Orchard. Sunnyside Gardens is your Saratoga Springs destination for pumpkins in the fal.
Newport, Rhode Island
To get a different type of culture fix than you’re used to in New York City this fall, head to Newport, Rhode Island. Here you’ll find impressive mansions that look stunning with the fall foliage and make you feel like you’ve taken a step back in time to the colonial era. Fun fall events in Newport include the Newport Mansion Food & Wine Festival, the Norman Bird Sanctuary Annual Harvest Fair, and the Bowen’s Wharf Seafood Festival.
Finger lakes, NY
After the hustle and bustle of the daily life in the city, where you just don’t know where your day time has gone to it’s hard to just stop. Sometimes is even hard to go on a romantic date with your partner or just a getway with the family. Figer lake its the perfect place for that Because in fact, you can do just that there because you are in a place surrounded by nature, with local wine and cheese, where time just goes slower. In the Finger lakes you and your family can actually take your time and enjoy a very romantic setting.
