Well, you’ve come to the right place, because we’ve got a variety of suggestions depending on your idea of an ideal summer sojourn. Maybe all you want is a day at the beach, or maybe you yearn for a wellness retreat. Perhaps you want to hike through the woods, or a leisurely stroll down the quaint streets of a 19th-century town is more your style. (We’ve got picks for all of those, in case you’re wondering. This guide contains multitudes—as do you. )
Below, five perfect weekend getaways from New York, each within driving distance of the city. Or, in the case of one, seaplane from the East River distance (though you can still drive to that one too). Whatever fits your fancy, really—just make sure to travel safely, responsibly, and with a mask. And before we forget: always check with your hotel, Airbnb host, or tourism website for the most up-to-date information on COVID-19 safety measures and re-opening phases. Now, without further ado—
The Wellness Weekend: The Berkshires
A cottage at the Miraval Berkshires.Photo: James Baigrie/Courtesy of Miraval
Wellness fiends are going wild with the July 15 opening of Miraval Berkshires, the famed brand’s first retreat in the Northeast. (For the uninitiated: Miraval Arizona essentially invented the idea of the “destination spa.”) Sitting upon a 380-acre expanse in Lenox, Massachusetts, it’ll have a state-of-art-spa, but also a golf course and a ranch dotted with horses for equine therapy. A bonus? Its minimalistic, clean-line architecture is an aesthete’s dream. The new space is in good, Goop-like company: Canyon Ranch also has a property in Lenox, which reopens on July 9 from its COVID-related closure. If a summer de-stressing session is your top priority, Western Massachusetts should be top of mind.
Driving distance from NYC: 2 hours and 45 minutes
What to pack: An Outdoor Voices exercise crop top for pilates class, Adam Selman sweatpants to lounge in afterwards, a travel yoga mat that folds nicely into your suitcase. Oh, and some CBD gummies so you can really relax.
The Little-Town-by-the Lake Trip: Finger Lakes, New York
Aurora Inn, in Aurora, New York. Photo: Courtesy of Inns of Aurora
New York isn’t quite the land of a thousand lakes–but, if one cares to venture to its northernmost region, it is the land of 11! The stunning, scenic Finger Lakes are chock full of charming inns and boutique hotels. Chief among them are the Inns of Aurora, a collection of five historic, centuries-old properties owned by American Girl founder Pleasant Rowland. For those who want to be smack dab in the middle of town, stay at the Federalist-style Aurora Inn, or, if you’d like to be near the water, the spacious Rowland House, with its pristine green lawn that rolls right into Lake Cayuga. The Inns are small, boasting at-or-under 10 rooms, and also allow buyouts by families or large groups.
Opening in August is The Lake House on Canandaigua. This sprawling new resort, which includes a main house, a spa, a timber-frame barn, a stand-alone tavern restaurant, and beachside bar, is perfect for those who’d prefer not to venture from hotel grounds. It’s sure to attract a design-loving crowd: the project is a collaboration between Studio Tack and The Brooklyn Home Company. Oh, did we mention you don’t actually need to drive here? The Lake House offers seaplanes from the East River right to its grounds.
Obviously, with all the lake access, water sports—from boating, to kayaking, to canoeing—are a main draw. But don’t miss strolling through the Finger Lakes’ local towns (while wearing a mask, of course), many of which date back to the early 19th or even 18th century. The region is also known for its plethora of wineries, many of which specialize in Riesling. Consider it a near-home Napa.
Driving distance from N.Y.C: 4.5 hours.