NeoPatrick

OK, here's the deal, but it may not come to pass. We're spending a month in NYC on our way to London. The apartment rental ends on Wednesday, June 13. On Friday night, the 15th, we have a free night near JFK for our early Saturday morning day flight to London. Originally we had planned to go to Massachessetts for a few days (Buzzard Bay area) to see clients and do a little work there (she needs some updating decorating).
But the bad news is that she has just been diagnosed with ovarian cancer, just had surgery, and will begin chemo in two weeks. She called and is not sure that she's going to be up to anything. So chances are we won't be going up there.

Meanwhile I had rented a car for that time (actually I have two rentals reserved now, one for pickup in the city on Tuesday, the 12th and one for Wednesday, the 13th). Either returns in the evening on Friday to JFK.

So here's the question. In the event we don't go to Mass., what's a fun option that won't cost us an arm and a leg? We haven't been out on Long Island in years. Any suggestions for 2 nights there somewhere (fortunately we're talking about during the week, not a weekend). Anything in particular to do? We've also never been to the Poconos. Is that a worthwhile option -- visiting waterfalls, some "light" hiking? It's pretty close, isn't it? Since we'll have a car available, any other suggestions? We're talking leaving the city early Wed. morning, so we have all day Wed., Thur., and Fri., but that includes driving to wherever and getting to JFK in the evening on Friday.

NeoPatrick

An additional thought -- summer theatre in the area? I'm really out of touch with this. Just googled Tappan Zee and found it's been closed for years. Any other summer stock within a couple hours of NYC -- not looking to go to Cape Cod or Maine. ?

SusieQQ

You might consider Spring Lake, NJ. They have a community theater which is putting on 42nd Street at that time.

http://www.springlake.org/

http://visitmonmouth.com/page.asp?ag...ion=860&ID=860

I'm not a fan of the Poconos nor Long Island unless you go the whole way out to Montauk

steviegene

The Litchfield area of CT is beautiful.
There is great antiquing, cute shops and nice places to eat. There are a few vineyards, spas, and gardens.
There are state parks if you like moderate walks and some scenic small lakes to bike around.
The scenery is very pretty, and the towns are quaint.

For places to stay - The Boulders in New PReston is nice - located on beautiful Lake Waramug.
Their prices are probably high - I havent been there in quite a while.

The Golden PEar B&b is in bethlehem - (http://www.goldenpearbb.com/) which is a more country town - in close prximinty to nice shopping/dining in Washington and New Preston. It is very nice - with antique furnishings and such. Friends of our stayed once, and found it very comfortable.

There is also the Windmere B&B in New Preston.
Which I have no actual experience with, but is located in a very nice area.
(http://www.bedandbreakfast.com/conne...breakfast.html)

If you would like further info - I am from this area.

Or go the southern route in CT, and you could visit Greenwich/Westport area. It is very posh.

NeoPatrick

SusieQQ, so how about Montauk? I just did a bit of googling and it's about 2 to 2 and a half hours from the city -- no problem and less back to JFK. And I see there's a daily high speed passenger ferry from Montauk to Block Island which might be a fun way to spend Thursday -- would Block Island without a car be OK?

steviegene, now I'll check out your suggestions.

Dohlice

Have you been to New Hope, PA? It's really a beautiful area and there's a lot to keep you occupied. I think there are even some wineries and there's a theater - I think it's the Buck's County Playhouse. There are a lot of galleries and it's a very artsy kind of place. There's an angelic canal and tow path running behind the town. While I love the Poconos I think New Hope would be a better choice for you. You could think about Jim Thorpe, PA on the outskirts of the Poconos. It's about 2 hours from NY and it's very pretty. It might be a long time to spend there, but it could be sort of restful for the rest of your adventure. They do have music and theater and some galleries, but I'm not sure there will be any shows while you're there.

lisettemac

What about the Berkshires? There's always Tanglewood for music (www.tanglewood.org).

BTW, mapquest may tell you that Montauk is 2 to 2 1/2 hours away, but that is extremely unrealistic. On a Friday or Sunday it will be 4+ hours. Even on a weekday (unless it is mid-day) it will take longer.

NeoPatrick

Leaving the city about 9 AM on a Wednesday? Returning to JFK on Friday late afternoon (wouldn't that be totally opposite most traffic?)

I checked the Poconos, and while we're not into the "romantic B&B's" nor the resorts with giant champagne glass shaped spas -- it does look pretty, and yes, I was sort of focusing on Jim Thorpe. But no, there doesn't seem to be any theatre or even concerts midweek then.

We've been to New Hope and Bucks County Playhouse a couple of times in the past few years -- but maybe I will check out what's playing there and consider.

I'm kind of fascinated now with Block Island now as a day trip from Montauk, where we could have a couple nice nights and lobster dinners. I don't think biking will work for us, would it be a waste of time to go there without biking and with no car?

steviegene

There is always more traffic than you think going out of NYC. It seems that there is always some kind of construction, accident or congestion. So I would just assume it would take longer than 2 hours (but you might get lucky).

I agree about the Poconos - very cheeeesy.

I think Block Island would be very, very lovely. Perfect time of year, and you can spend time at the beach, walking, strolling the shops. The downtown is quite small - but if you cant do bikes there are moped rentals or taxis.

You can also get a ferry from New London, CT. But to be honest there are no guarantees that I-95 would be any better traffic-wise than going to Long Island.

lisettemac

9 am on Wednesday should be pretty easy (although some people do reverse commute, ya know), but I still say no way it's 2-2 1/2 hours. It takes longer than that to get to Amagansett. Friday afternoon could be dicey -- again, reverse commuters and people heading into the city. I'll be curious to hear how the trip goes for you.

I've heard Block Island is lovely.

steviegene

With all this Block Island talk.......Im having a major craving for a lobster roll.....

owlwoman

Patrick,

You'll be fine, the kids are still in school so traffic should not be a nightmare, unless there's a major accident. I love going away in the middle of the week, makes life very easy. Considering you need to be at JFK Friday night, I would definitely do East Hampton/Montauk, do a day trip to Block Island. As much as I love the Berkshires, I think you'd be better off staying on Long Island.

You should be able to find some mid-week deals, as season does not really start until the July 4th weekend, especially in Montauk. Check out Gurneys. They have a nice spa there and are on the beach, nicest place in Montauk. For dinner, don't miss Harvest (we have one near where I live), food is great and grounds are beautiful, and don't miss the sunset!

I've been following your tales, I work near Lincoln Center, so you've been kind of a "neighbor" for the month.

Have a great time. Sorry to hear about your friend, and I admire your patience as a caregiver!

mp

If Montauk doesn't work out, you might investigate the North Shore of Long Island - Shelter Island, Greenport - lots of wineries and small inns/hip motels . . . it's really pretty there, and since it's midweek and still early in the season, prices might be almost reasonable and very few crowds. I can also really recommend a visit to Sagamore Hill, Teddy Roosevelt's beautifully restored home . . sorry to be so vague, but Patrick I KNOW you know how to research!

SusieQQ

I like Montauk because it is a real beachy town...bonfires on the beach at night, lots of seafood restaurants, and of course spa treatments at Gurneys..don't know of any theaters..can't say much about Block island since I only been there once for dinner during the off-seaon

Pausanias

Block Island would be a great destination. You're a little before the season starts, so it shouldn't be too busy. There is no need for a car. You can rent bikes or mopeds. Bikes are all you need.

There are two main areas to stay -- New Harbor and Old Harbor. The ferry from New London docks in New, that from Point Judith RI in Old. Not sure where the one from Montauk goes -- probably New Harbor. Accomodations in New Harbor are marina/resort types. In Old Harbor you have small hotels, B&Bs and a few old Grand Dames Hotels which may or may not need updating.

I'd suggest you stay in the Old Harbor. You can walk out to the old lighthouse, bicycle around the summer cottages, spend some time on one of the beaches. If you're tired, there is taxi service.

TarheelsInNj

If you're looking for summer theatre, it's hard to top the Berkshires. The area literally comes alive with the arts, as you probably know. Between Williamstown Theatre Festival, Barrington Stage Co. and Berkshire Theatre Festival, you'll have plenty to choose from...not to mention Tanglewood, Jacob's Pillow, and a host of others.

travelbug44

How about exploring the Hudson valley? YOu can go to Lyndhurst, Philips Manor, Kyukkit, CIA-MidHuson valley, Bear Mountain, etc.

I wish you and your partner many years of healthy traveling together.

NeoPatrick

What a lot of great recommendations. But the more I think about it, IF this happens (I mean if we end up not going to Buzzard's Bay), then I'm really liking the Montauk/Block Island idea. One great advantage is that I get the feeling we won't have to plan or book anything ahead. It sure sounds like the ferry to Block Island wouldn't be full on a Thursday in mid June, and I've checked motels that are about half the price weekdays in June from the weekends, so I strongly suspect we won't have a problem last minute. I don't think that is the same case in the Berkshires (which incidentally we've done twice in the past few years). And I don't dare get any show or theatre tickets in advance in case we end up going to the clients' after all.

Besides, I see a great advantage of going from Montauk to JFK late on a Friday, rather than coming through from north of the city to JFK!

EmilyC

Spend your time in Montauk and go out for a half day for the best striper fishing anywhere!!!

ripit

I love both Montauk and Block Island, but unfortunately I don't think that the ferry begins daily service until June 15. You could probably arrange a charter from Montauk but it would be very expensive. Fortunately there is plenty to keep you busy for a few days in Montauk. I wouldn't count on a 2 hour drive from Manhattan though. Figure closer to 3.5 as you are bound to hit local traffic along the way. I'f figure on at least 3 to JFK from Montauk.

Another nice option on the South Fork is Sag Harbor, which is technically in "The Hamptons" but more down to earth IMO. You could even spend one day and night in Sag Harbor and the next morning take the ferry over to Shelter Island and then continue on to Greenport by ferry. From Greenport you can visit the North Fork wineries as mentioned above.

Of course there is also "The" Hamptons (East, South, West or Bridge) which would actually be pretty nice at this time since it is a weekday and early in the season.

You could also drive out to Bay Shore and take the ferry to Fire Island. It would a lot closer to Manhattan and JFK than Montauk.