There's never a shortage of things to do in New York City. Whether you're living in the city for school, you just got your first apartment and job, or its where you've grown up, New York City is one of the world's top tourist attractions. From the hottest new restaurants to museums, shopping, parks, musicals, shows and concerts — the city truly has everything. So it may feel like you never need to leave. But no matter how cool a place is, sometimes you just gotta get away. The hustle and bustle can get overwhelming and you might crave some quiet and fresh air, or maybe you're just looking for an adventure or some fun with your friends. When you're ready for a break from the City that Never Sleeps, here are the coolest places to visit within a few hours of NYC.
Litchfield, Connecticut
Calling all fans of Gilmore Girls! If you always wanted to visit Stars Hollow IRL, grab your crew and head to Litchfield, CT. Gilmore Girls show runner, Amy Sherman-Palladino has said the fictional town was inspired by Washington, Connecticut. After checking out the area and snapping some pics, there are several other towns to visit in Litchfield, each with their own charm and shops and restaurants to explore. The ultimate country escape, Litchfield is filled with chic boutiques, adorable cafes and restaurants, and lots of hiking spots. There’s even skiing and snowboarding at nearby Mohawk Mountain. Book a room or two at The Litchfield Inn, which is the perfect backdrop for your cottage core-inspired content. There are 32 rooms, 12 of which are themed rooms, and your stay includes a complimentary breakfast buffet every morning, with everything you could want, including an omelette bar and all the coffee. When you’ve finished a long day of exploring, you can come back to the inn for cookies and snacks, and there’s a fun outdoor space with a fire pit where you can hang out and play corn hole.
Lake Placid, New York
If you're looking to spend some time outside, breathing in fresh mountain air, hiking and enjoying lake life at its finest, grab your crew and head to Lake Placid, New York. Lake Placid was the site of the 1980 Winter Olympics, and there's plenty to do there any time of year. Visit the Olympic Ski Jump Complex and test your fear of heights by taking the elevator up to see how far you can jump. You'll also want to check out The Olympic Center and museum. In the summer and fall, you can hike or head out on Mirror Lake or Lake Placid to fish, canoe, kayak, canoe, or paddle board. Or just spend some time along the lake reading the newest YA book. During the wintertime, you can ice skate, sled, or cross country ski before cozying up in front of the fire. The town is filled with restaurants and shops to explore. Stay at the Mirror Lake Inn. The location simply can't be beat — it's right on Mirror Lake with beach access and just a few minutes walk to town or Lake Placid. The rooms and interiors have that old school Adirondack feel, and the property has everything you need — an indoor and outdoor pool, an amazing spa, a private beach with complimentary boat rentals and lounge chairs and towels, as well as two on-site restaurants. If you're feeling fancy, hit up The View, which not only has the most amazing views of Mirror Lake but an incredible breakfast spread and dinner menu. For a more casual experience, hit up The Cottage for lunch or dinner. The food is delicious, the atmosphere is fun, and the views are amazing, too.
The Catskills, New York
The setting for Dirty Dancing, the Catskills are a fun place to explore if you live in the New York-area. There’s no prettier background for amazing photos — waterfalls, lakes, mountains and colorful leaves everywhere. Go canoeing or hiking, or just drive around and take tons of cool pics.
Now that you’ve got the destination nailed down, you’re almost ready to go. To plan a really epic trip though, you want to make sure you have the right set-up. That includes plenty of bevs and snacks for the road, cash for stops along the way, gas money, a number for road side assistance in case something happens (and make sure you have a spare tire and kit in the car), and of course a killer playlist.
Stay at Scribner's Catskill Lodge, and you'll have all your TikTok and IG vids on lock. The setting couldn't be more beautiful and the resort has a cool rustic modern vibe. The rooms are spacious and perfectly nail the cool Catskills aesthetic. In summer, there's tons of hiking all around, lawn games and a pool on site. And in winter, you can snow shoe, cross country ski, and skate at the on-site rink. Definitely make a reservation at Prospect, the delicious on-site restaurant. Go for dinner, but you're going to come back for breakfast and maybe lunch too — it's that good.
Kennebunkport, Maine
While a bit further of a drive from the city, Kennebunkport is definitely worth the trek. The resort destination could not be more beautiful. Embrace the New England vibe and enjoy lobster rolls, hang out at the beach, bike ride to town, and check out the local shops and restaurants. Stay at the Nonantum Resort, a historic hotel located right on the water. The interiors and rooms embody coastal chic, and provide the perfect backdrop for a weekend of New England fun. The resort offers a private dock and secluded beach, and a pool. The resort prioritizes sustainability, so you can feel good about your stay too. Don't miss the breakfast spread — you'll look forward to waking up to it every morning. For waterfront dining with a view, book a table at Latitudes, and for delicious casual fare, there's Heckmans Kennebunkport.
The Poconos, Pennsylvania
The Poconos may sound like a random destination from NYC, but once you arrive at Woodloch Resort, you'll understand why this spot made the cut. If you're looking for a resort that has everything you need so you never have to leave, Woodloch is it. The resort literally has everything you could want from a vacation — pools, go carts, a climbing wall, tennis, mini golf, water slides, beach activities, archery, boat tours, game rooms, shows and dance clubs, numerous food options... we could go on. Even in the colder months, there's still plenty to do both indoors and out, making it a year-round escape from the city. Suffice it to say, everything you could ever want out of a vacation is here.
Springfield, Vermont
Whether you're looking to get away and hit the slopes or want to enjoy the mountains in summer and fall, southern Vermont is a perfect getaway from New York City. There's everything from hiking to skiing to exploring the nearby towns. If you're looking for a real adventure, stay at Highwood Retreat, an experience like no other. This is glamping without the long flight. You'll stay in a canvas safari tent, that's like a really nice hotel room in a tent, but you really have to experience it to get it. When you really want to get away from it all and unplug, this is the perfect spot. There are solar panels providing electricity, but the whole point is to really unplug, sign off social media and enjoy some time in the woods.
Kristin Koch is the Editor in Chief of Seventeen, overseeing the content and editorial operations for all of Seventeen's digital and print efforts. Before coming to Seventeen, Koch held editor positions at Glamour, Vanity Fair, and The Knot. In 2016, she founded lifestyle blog, Closetful of Clothes, where she covers everything from style and interiors to travel. A Chicago native, Koch graduated from Colgate University with a degree in History. She loves pizza, rom-coms and HGTV.
