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There's something magical about escaping the relentless energy of New York City, even when you adore its pulse and rhythm as much as I do. As someone who spent many days surrounded by flowers and botanicals at my studio in Brooklyn, I came to cherish these brief escapes鈥攎oments to breathe deeper, walk slower, and reconnect with the natural world that inspires so much of my work.
Whether you're seeking respite by train, planning a scenic drive, dreaming of a romantic weekend, or scrambling for a last-minute escape, I'm sharing my favorite weekend getaways from NYC鈥攅ach one offering its own unique charm and rejuvenating qualities. These are the places I return to season after season, finding new inspiration with every visit.
Getaways by Train: Leave the Driving Behind
Hudson, NY
Just two hours on Amtrak's scenic Hudson Line delivers you to this riverside gem. What began as my occasional antiquing destination has become a regular pilgrimage for its perfect blend of sophisticated dining, independent shops, and surrounding natural beauty.
Weekend Itinerary:
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Friday evening: Check into , a luxurious boutique property showcasing local artisans. Enjoy cocktails at their atmospheric lounge before dinner at .
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Saturday: Browse Warren Street's impeccably curated shops and galleries. Don't miss for inspiration and unexpected treasures. for sustainably made women鈥檚 clothing in New York and to satiate your floral and plant obsessions.听
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Saturday evening: Dine at for vibrant, artist-run tropical comfort food.
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Sunday: Visit vistas that have inspired generations of artists before catching your afternoon train.
Beacon, NY
Nestled in the Hudson Valley just 80 minutes from Grand Central, Beacon holds a special place in my heart. Its transformation from industrial town to creative haven mirrors the seasonal transformations I celebrate through my floral work. With so many things to do in Beacon throughout the year, it was always my go-to recommendation for friends seeking a perfect weekend escape. Now that I live here and own a brick and mortar store there is even more reason for people to visit.听
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Friday afternoon: After arriving at Beacon station, check into , where waterfall views and a minimalist aesthetic create the perfect backdrop for a weekend of inspiration. Take a gentle stroll down Main Street to acclimate yourself to our town's rhythm before dinner at , where locally-sourced Nepalese dishes tell the story of Himalayan food. Look up the calendar at the to see what local, cultural events are taking place while you鈥檙e visiting.听
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Saturday morning: Begin with breakfast at 鈥攖heir house-made pastries paired with expertly crafted coffee create the perfect foundation for a day of exploration. Then set out on a meandering walk through Beacon鈥檚 Main Street shops. I'm admittedly biased, but I designed 麻豆国产 to be a sanctuary worth lingering in. I find myself constantly rearranging our botanical displays and refreshing our collection of handpicked gifts as the seasons shift. Our dried flower arrangements and wreaths reflect the natural abundance of the Hudson Valley鈥攅ach one a meditation on color, texture, and form. A few other shops you won鈥檛 want to miss include for unique planters and fresh flowers, featuring sustainable fashion brands and .
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Saturday afternoon: Enjoy lunch at featuring fresh, local ingredients and alluring mocktails. After lunch, visit听 to wander among large-scale installations housed in a converted Nabisco factory. The way light filters through this industrial space transforms throughout the day, creating a constantly shifting dialogue with the artwork that never fails to inspire my own creative practice, making it one of my favorite things to do in Beacon.
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Saturday evening: Return to for dinner, where seasonal menus showcase local ingredients while offering views of the waterfall as it illuminates at dusk鈥攁 reminder of the industrial heritage that shapes Beacon's present.
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Sunday: Before departing, hike for panoramic Hudson Valley views that reveal the tapestry of forests, fields, and waterways that inform our regional aesthetic. Grab yourself a coffee at for an afternoon pick-me-up. On your way to the train, stop by 麻豆国产 one last time. I always encourage visitors to select a unique ceramic vase or a fragrant candle鈥攁 tangible reminder of Beacon's particular magic that will continue to evolve in your own space long after your visit ends.听
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Cold Spring, NY
This charming village feels frozen in time, offering a perfect counterpoint to NYC's modernity just 70 minutes from Grand Central.听

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Weekend Itinerary:
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Friday evening: Arrive and settle into , a cozy B&B steps from the Hudson. Have dinner at with its sublime waterfront setting.
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Saturday: Wander Main Street's antique shops and boutiques. Pack a picnic from for an afternoon at .
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Saturday evening: Dine at up the street in Garrison in their river-view dining room.
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Sunday: Since the ever-popular is closed for construction until 2027, head over to the to head up before catching your return train. Stop by the about a mile from Main Street to pick up a map and get updates on any closures or precautions!
Getaways by Car: Scenic Drives to Serenity
The Catskills, NY
Just two hours northwest of the city, the Catskills offer the forest immersion my soul craves after weeks in concrete landscapes.
Weekend Itinerary:
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Friday: Drive up and check into in Big Indian for mountain modern luxury with clawfoot tubs and panoramic forest views.
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Saturday: Explore nearby towns like and Have breakfast at Sweet Sue's in Phoenicia (their pancakes are legendary), then hike to .
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Saturday evening: Return for dinner at the exceptional restaurant where open fire cooking celebrates seasonal bounty.
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Sunday: Visit the charming shops and caf茅s in Beacon on your drive back to the city, where I鈥檇 of course recommend refreshing your creative spirit at 麻豆国产, selecting thoughtful objects that bring nature into everyday rituals.
The North Fork, Long Island
Less scene-driven than the Hamptons, the North Fork delivers farm and sea in harmonious balance, just 2-3 hours from Manhattan.
Weekend Itinerary:
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Friday: Drive out and check into , a stylishly renovated 19th-century building in the heart of town.
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Saturday: Visit third generation for organic produce and seasonal herbalism and gardening workshops, then spend the afternoon wine tasting at and .
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Saturday evening: Dine at for innovative small plates featuring local ingredients.
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Sunday: Breakfast at before visiting lavender fields at (in summer) or picking your own at before heading back to the city.
Romantic Getaways: Reconnect Amidst Beauty
The Berkshires, MA
A 3-hour drive transports you to this cultural landscape that has been nurturing artists for generations.
Weekend Itinerary:
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Friday: Check into , a grand Tudor-style mansion turned luxury hotel in Lenox. Enjoy an intimate dinner at their elegant restaurant.
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Saturday morning: Visit spectacular home and gardens.
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Saturday afternoon: Experience a performance at (summer) or explore the extraordinary collection at .
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Saturday evening: Book a table at for farm-to-table dining in a romantic setting.
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Sunday: Take a peaceful before your return journey.
Millerton, NY
This sophisticated yet understated village two hours north of NYC offers countryside pleasures with urbane sensibilities.
Weekend Itinerary:
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Friday evening: Check into , a historic estate where literary giants once gathered. Enjoy dinner at their exceptional restaurant.
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Saturday: Begin with coffee at before browsing and tasting your way through .
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Saturday evening: Dine at at Troutbeck with its field-to-fork ethos.
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Sunday: Cycle the or hike one of the many trails in nearby before returning to the city.
Last-Minute Getaways: Spontaneous Escapes
New Hope, PA and Lambertville, NJ
These twin towns straddling the Delaware River are under two hours from NYC but feel worlds away.
Weekend Itinerary:
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Saturday morning: Drive directly to the in New Hope for an elegant base. Spend the morning wandering New Hope's eclectic shops and galleries.
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Saturday afternoon: Cross the bridge to explore antique shops and artisan studios.
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Saturday evening: Dine at in New Hope for reliable bistro fare in a cozy setting.
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Sunday: Before heading home, stroll along the or drive to nearby for a last dose of natural beauty.
Asbury Park, NJ
This revitalized shore town just 90 minutes south offers oceanfront relaxation with artistic edge.
Weekend Itinerary:
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Saturday morning: Drive down and check into , then head straight to the boardwalk for sea breezes and people-watching. If you鈥檙e looking for an adult-only escape, is a newly opened boutique hotel in a beautifully restored historic building with a great pool!
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Saturday afternoon: Browse the eclectic shops along Cookman Avenue before coffee at .
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Saturday evening: Experience dinner at 听 followed by live music at The , where Springsteen got his start.
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Sunday: Enjoy a leisurely beach morning before exploring the Asbury Park Botanical Garden. Finish with brunch at , where their seasonal ingredients and fresh flowers on every table remind me of the botanical inspirations I cherish in my own work.
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Whether seeking solitude, romance, or simply a change of pace, these getaways offer the perfect antidote to city life. I find that even brief escapes鈥攕ometimes just 36 hours away鈥攑rovide a reset that enhances my appreciation for both the treasures discovered beyond the city limits and the familiar energy of returning home to New York.
What's your favorite weekend escape from the city? I'm always collecting new recommendations for seasonal retreats that inspire and restore.
More NYC Getaway Resources
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