Most of the threads listed are for ideas on people coming to the city. I'm in my late 20s, I have access to a car, and I'm always looking for good ways to get out of town. Ideally, within 1 1/2 hours. Anything new and different would be great. day trips, overnight, long weekends, whatever. I need to change it up a little for this Spring and Summer. thanks.

It's a little further than an hour and a half but Newport is always nice for a weekend. If you must, stay in Middletown and drive to Newport to hang out (about 10 minutes).

Go up to the mid-Hudson valley area. Probably 1 1/2 to 2 hours from NYC. One of the many truly beautiful places. Nice villages. Historical places to see. Go to Hyde Park. Rhinebeck.

The Hamptons and Montauk are great even in the Spring the atmosphere is relaxing and the beaches are beautiful.

Visit historic Bethlehem during Musikfest Aug. 2-11 (www.musikfest.org) Best way to see it is by staying overnight at the Radisson Hotel in the historic district. (About the only way to get parking in the area.) Have a great time checking out the contemporary music acts and then let your hair down with the rest of the Lehigh Valley in the Polka Tent (don't have one of those in Manhattan, do you?).
Bethlehem is reached very easily from NYC via I-78.
If you want some peace and quiet, take a drive out to the Vera Cruz Nut House (one of the oldest continually operating taverns in the U.S--opened in the mid 1700s and has been the locals hangout ever since) or the Limeport Tavern. Take a drive down Limeport Pike til it ends in Hosensack and see some beautiful PA Dutch (non-Amish) stone farmhouses. This far corner of the Lehigh Valley where it touches Berks County has some pretty country scenery. Expensive developments are slowly moving in, but there aren't that many yet.

If you enjoy hiking, I'd recommend going upstate to the New Paltz area. Nice hiking and pretty drives.

**I found this on aol digital city and it sounded interesting to me so I thought I would share it~

For a taste of classic New England's rolling hills, clapboard houses and historical treasures, take a trip to Litchfield Hills. You'll find plenty to do, from visiting grand old mansions to hearing the oldest chamber music series in the United States (Music Mountain in Falls Village). It's a remote, peaceful location; with more than 1,000 square miles of unspoiled land, you'll feel like you're stepping back in time. Inns, bed and breakfasts, campgrounds and resorts fill the area, and many are historic sites themselves.

Exploring the beauty of these natural surroundings is key to having an enjoyable stay in Litchfield Hills. Whether you decide to hike, bike, drive or sail, there are plenty of options for drinking in nature in its purest form. Contact the Litchfield Hills Visitor's Bureau to get their suggested itineraries for self-guided tours. While traipsing through the countryside, you'll find scores of antiques and specialty stores waiting to sell you the perfect souvenir. --

Newport is great, but a good 3+ hours away. Philly can be fun if you've never been. I think the Hamptons/Montauk would be a good time for a daytrip or overnight, but many of the b&b's require a two night stay. For very mellow hiking, there's Bear Mountain, which is very close to Woodbury Commons - great shopping!

day trip - 20 minutes from NYC - Ridgewood, NJ, little shops, 46 restaurants, pedestrians really do hve the right-of-way in the small cross walks.
New Paltz: Mohonk Mt. (nice for a day dtip or overnight) the hotel runs theme weekends,yet still maintains a retreat like atmosphere with wonderful walks and gardens -
Spring Lake (NJ) about 90 minutes from NYC - quiet area of Jersey Shore, try Whispers for dinner (make reservations) or go into town, small shops a few eateries
Spring Valley (NY) about an hour from NYC - Matterhorn Nursery - a walking park/nursery, everything for sale is actually on exhibit -
Longwood Gardens (PA) about 2 hrs from NYC or just under 2 hrs. in Kennet Square PA. wonderful escape!