suggestions for weekend getaways 2hrs from nyc
 

looking for places to explore up the Hudson, fun and interesting and beautiful, about 2-3 hrs away from teh city.

Do you have a car? That'll make a difference in the recommendations.

If you don't have a car and enjoy nature/hiking, consider Cold Spring.

Is Cooperstown 2-3 hours from NYC? I've only been once and can't recall, but we really enjoyed it--museums, restaurants and scenery enough to fill a nice weekend.

Cold Spring, definitely. It's a cute town on the river, rull of little shops and cafes. Just north of town are some spectacular hiking trails.

Go to Mohonk Mountain House in New Paltz, NY. You can take a bus from Port Authority to New Paltz and the resort will transport you. A beautiful, fun step back in time.

Someone just posted this same content over last weekend. I recommended Hyde Park area- Culinary Institute for lunch or dinner, FDR's home and museum, the Carngie mansion (it is carnegie, right? someone will correct me if it not).

Someone posted on another thread but the area of mid-Hudson Valley btwn Rhinebeck and Hudson is wonderful. Woodstock is around there too but other than some great restaurants I find the whole town overly touristy and considering its tradition as a laid back "hippie" enclave, not very restful! If you need a place to stay, Rhinebeck has the oldest inn in the area -- http://www.rhinebeckinn.com/

Have a great trip!