We are a couple in our early 40's coming to new york early next year.We will be staying in greenwich village and visiting art galleries, shopping, shows, restaurants etc but would like to have a 2/ 3 day trip out of new york whilst we are there. Any suggestions where we could go for a change of scenery..Hamptons?? We could hire a car and would be happy to drive for up to 4 hours .Let us know your thoughts

Knowing where you are coming from and more of your interests would be helpful. Personally I would take the train to either Philadelphia or Washington DC. Any of the Smithsonian buildings would do well for your change of scenery unless there is a snowstorm. Do you have any interest in skiing?

"early next year"
If you mean wintertime, then the Hamptons might not be the best choice. When is your visit?

How early is early? Late winter - Hamptons isn't the place to go. Early spring there is more to see and do - but you do;t get beach weather until June (and then it's still the North Atlantic - not warm water). (But do realize our trees don;t go into leaf until the end of April or early May - we're much colder than you are.)

If you want to visit wineries and see some historic towns - Hamptons can be good in the spring.

Or you could consider spending a couple of days up the Hudson - seeing some of the Dutch Padroon mansions, visiting the Rockefeller esttae and FDR's home at Hyde park - and perhaps the military academy at West point. Plus some cute old Hudson River towns that have been gentrified and have good antiquing, nice restaurants and some elegant, upscale inns.

Ok so here are a few more details, we are australian and we are coming in mid may . What are the names of some of the Hudson River towns you would suggest?

Take the Bolt bus to Boston. I am from New Zealand and next time I am in New York city I intend to do this trip. If you book early enough the fares can start from $1. On our last visit we took the Amtrak from Washington DC to NYC, you could do the reverse. We enjoyed the trip.

The dutch Padroon houses and Kykuit estate are in Sleepy Hollow - near Tarrytown. FRD's house is n Hyde Park (name of the town). US Military Academy is at West Point on the Hudson. Other town you might want to visit are Cold Spring and Rhinebeck. Also in the area - don;t miss the CIA ( Culinary Institute of America) - great restaurants with food by the students.

Here are some excellent posts about the Hudson Valley.

http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...-catskills.cfm

http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...y-new-york.cfm

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