While NYC has much to offer, there are also many great places to explore outside of the city. In this two-part series, we will explore some of the small towns near the city that are worth a daytrip or a weekend getaway.
Cold Spring, New York
Located along the Hudson Metro-North line, Cold Spring, New York boasts a postcard-worthy main street. As an added bonus, the regional trolley will pick you up downtown and drop you off in front of the Boscobel, which is a restored 19th-century mansion located in Garrison.
Fire Island, New York
With a ban on cars, Fire Island, New York offers a great get-away-from-it-all vibe where you can relax and decompress. Meanwhile, the iconic black-and-white lighthouse serves as the perfect backdrop for an afternoon picnic or bike ride.
Greenport, New York
Offering plenty of charm, Greenport, New York is known for having some of the North Fork’s best restaurants. The town is also home to lovely beaches as well as a ferry that takes visitors to the nearby Shelter Island.
Hudson, New York
Known for its farm-to-table food scene and its exceptional antiquing opportunities, Hudson, New York also offers an impressive cultural scene. Among these are the Basilica Hudson, which is a former cathedral transformed into a concert venue and event space by Hole bassist Melissa auf der Maur.
Kingston, New York
Located on the banks of the Hudson River, Kingston, New York is rick in nautical history. The Hudson River Maritime Museum, which has excellent exhibits as well as opportunities to take tours of the area, is a great place to visit while in Kingston. The quaint Roundout Lighthouse, which makes for great photo opportunities, is also located here. The town is also home to a wine bar and a number of hip shops and restaurants.
New Paltz, New York
A college town, New Paltz, New York features plenty of late night dining options and laptop-friendly coffee shops in addition to its Huguenot Street Historic District. This well-preserved group of 18th century stone houses and church have roots dating back to the Huguenot settlers. The town also offers ample opportunity for hiking, stand-up paddleboarding and spa treatments.
Peekskill, New York
A former industrial town that was home to the original Crayola crayon factory, Peekskill, New York offers gritty charm and great places to visit. Among these is the Hudson Valley Center for Contemporary Art, Peekskill Brewery and the recently-restored 1930s Paramount Theatre.
Phoenicia, New York
Situated deep within the Catskill Mountains and offering a laid-back feel, Phoenicia, New York is becoming just as popular among NYC expats as towns like Hudson or Beacon. Main Street is home to a number of charming and quirky shops, while the outdoor space offers seemingly endless possibilities for fun. Phoenicia is also home to a variety of lodging options ranging from quaint B&Bs to hip hotels.
In this first part of a two-part series, we focused on great small towns in New York that you can visit for a daytrip or a weekend getaway. In the second installment, we will explore small towns outside of the state.