Rural getaways near NYC???

[dema]

Hey guys,

Mind if I have some of your time for a bit. I live in Brooklyn, NY and I want to get away for a few days with my girl (by car.)

I was thinking going to see somethings I haven't like, SleeplyHollow in NY, or Amish country in PA. I think travelling south to Williamsburg VA might be fun too.

I'll have about 3-4 days for this getaway, any suggestions?


I'm asking this question here because we are looking for a rural getaway. I live in NYC and it's nice to see a forest once in a while.
And I know the DnD peeps know where all the forests are ( I hope.)


This trip should happen from Jan. 18 - 21.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.


-dem

 

[Sagan Darkside]

I was thinking going to see somethings I haven't like, SleeplyHollow in NY, or Amish country in PA.

I'll have about 3-4 days for this getaway, any suggestions?

This trip should happen from Jan. 18 - 21.

Too bad your timing is not a touch better

Winter is a hard time to find a nice rural getaway- unless you like to ski.

Sleephollow is best saved for fall - the colors and atmosphere is better.

I would not imagine farm country in PA is too much fun in winter.

My suggest would to surf for some bed&breakfast listings in the states you are interested in- many offer local activities and options appropriate for the season.

Also keep the Catskills and Vermont as an option if you are going to go the B&B route. They are both still beautiful in the winter, but keep in mind that travel in winter rural areas can be rough if the weather turns bad.

Good luck
SD

PS- Stay away from Poughkeepsie. It is a black hole of the soul- even if some parts are quiet nice to look at.

 

[haiiro]

I used to get together with a few friends and take Metro North to the Appalachian Trail stop. It's not a very long train ride (though I don't remember the exact length), and you can follow the trail for about 3 miles - over very pretty ground and up a large hill, which can be a tough hike depending on your fitness level - to a campsite with a permanent lean-to and a john.

There's an overlook with a beautiful view right by the site. The lean-to (sort of a 3-walled mini-cabin, I guess) can hold 5-7 in cozy quarters, and there's a good pitch site for tents behind the lean-to. There's also a fire area.

Depending on the season, there might be a couple others there, but I've always met cool people. As long as you pack for the weather and take food it's a pretty low key camping experience. Very cheap, too (just the train ride and supplies).

It's wonderful.

Edit: I've never been there later than Fall. Probably not the best idea in winter, I imagine. I got so excited remembering it that I didn't catch that little detail. Keep it in mind, though.

 

[Nellisir]

I might head south. I live in New Hampshire & went to school in southern Vermont, and could give you directions to some great places, but only if you really want to go skiing, snowshoeing, or ice climbing.

What do you want to do?

 

[dema]

The b and b thing sounds about right- why is winter now? argh.

Forget about the snow thing. BTW we went sking before, and well someone hit a tree (I was worried to hell.)

B and B, some creature comforts, that's the ticket.

Thanks guys, as always the EnWorlders know just about anything.

-dem

 

[el-remmen]

Hey, I live on the Planet of Brooklyn, too. . .

If it were still fall I would have recommended the area around New Paltz, NY (across the river from Sagan) - It is beautiful there - and places like Minnewaska State Park and Mohonk Mountain House are great places to spend a day - or spend the whole weekend the area - do some wine-tasting at Rivendel winery, go hiking or bike-riding and then get a meal at one of the great restuarants.

I lived there for years - that is why I sound like the Tourism Board.

Anyway, I guess I wasn't very helpful b/c I told you somewhere to go in the Fall.

If I can think of anything else - I'll let you know.

 

[Barcode]

The 'Gunks (the New Paltz, Mohonk, Minnewaska region) is a great area for rock climbing in warmer weather, as well as snowshoeing and x-country skiing in the winter. It is a little limited in other activities for a 3-4 day trip, IMO. It's a solid overnight though, and pretty close - only 2 hours sans traffic.

Since you mentioned Colonial Williamsburg, you are presumably fine with driving 5-6 hours (that would be the drive to Williamsburg from NYC without traffic), I'd suggest going up to Lake Placid. Lots of different winter activities up there - kind of a winter sports Mecca, and the surrounding Adirondack High Peaks are both accessible and beautiful.

Of the various mountain ranges in driving distance to NYC, I am most partial to the White Mountains in N.H, though it is quite a hike - probably close to 9 hours. The Presidential Range is a nice ridge of high granite peaks, though I'd recommend saving that for a nice three day weekend in warmer weather (a warm April or May would let you beat the crowds but still be able to get to most things).

Of course, to hype my own area, the Finger Lakes are very pretty this time of year - lots of gorges with frozen waterfalls, plenty of forests with x-country skiing and hiking/snowshoeing trails, wineries, and a huge selection of B&B's. I usually can make it to Brooklyn in just over 4 hours from Ithaca. I'd be glad to give you more details and make specific suggestions if you like. I have sacrificed much in the way of career opportunity in order to live amongst the natural beauty of this area, so there's my testimonial.

 

[megamania]

I might head south. I live in New Hampshire & went to school in southern Vermont, and could give you directions to some great places, but only if you really want to go skiing, snowshoeing, or ice climbing.

What do you want to do?

Which college? CCV, CSC or BENN?

 

[megamania]

Being winter I tend to agree with the others about a Bed & Breakfast. Vermont seems to have an overabundance of them. In my town along I can think of about 8 (town pop=2500). Depending on your interests and the like, you may want to check out Northern VT. Stay in a B&B then travel into Burlington for theatre or the such. Even though Burlington is VT's biggest town I figure it will be small to you. If shopping is your thing there is Manchester in southern VT. Many outlet stores and I'm told good deals. Keeping in mind the Manchester area there are scenic horse drawn sliegh rides and the such in Londonderry and Peru. Outdoorsy and romantic.
I belief Manchester has a website but I'm not sure.

 

[Drawmack]

Come to the Poconos. 2.5 hours and all kinds of tourist traps, er I mean recreation for you.