Hi All-
My boyfriend and I want to get away for a weekend trip- this weekend. We live in NYC, don't own a car (but can rent easily enough) and we're not skiers. We're into art, architecture, nice restaurants, scenic drives, walking (city or country), and relaxing. Any suggestions?

We were thinking of Washington DC, but we've been there a bunch of times already. We've also taken weekend trips to Philly, Wilmington DE, Saratoga, Cooperstown, New Paltz area, York PA and the Delaware Water Gap. I guess we're looking to go someplace we haven't been before!

Any help would be much appreciated - Thanks!

I know you've been to New Paltz, but how about Rhinebeck? Cozy inns, mansion tours (check for winter schedule), Nice restaurants, inc. CIA at Hyde Park. You can take the train to Rhinecliff station, and maybe rent a car in town.

Or, it's also a great time to visit Vermont. . .

Suzanne, have you done a Long Island trip? You would need a car, but there are so many great options. You mentioned enjoying scenic drives. Well, I don't think there's a prettier one than driving along the beach, starting at Meadowbrook Pkwy and driving past Jones Beach to Robert Moses Beach and the Fire Island lighthouse. Anywhere along the way you may want to stop to walk on the boardwalk or beach. Once down by Robert Moses beaches, there is a great boardwalk with paths to different beach communities and the lighthouse. The lighthouse has tours and an interesting museum. There are deer all along the walk. While on Long Island, you may be interested in the wineries on the east end, particularly the north fork. There are also some small museums worth visiting. I was down by the lighthouse today and there were many people with the same idea. Of course, our exceptional weather for this time of year helps!

Rhinbeck is nice, but it sounds like you've really done that sort of thing before, particularly covering Mohawk Valley as well as Hudson from what you've said.

How about Lancaster PA? Although most folks think of PA Dutch country, you'd also be able to go to Wheatland, the DeMuth house, and a Lancaster walking tour for architecture. The drives around the old covered bridges are great and the country around Lancaster is very nice. On the way you might consider stopping in New Hope PA as well.

why don't you try Newport RI and have a look at the great mansions along the shoreline and / or get on a ferry to Martha's Vineyard or Nantucket that's scenic and about 4 hours drive from NYC. Enjoy!

We go to Rhinebeck, often..there is a lot to do, you can go antiquing in Hudson, or in Millbrook..there are auctions,and flea markets up there that can be a lot of fun.There are some good places to eat, and stay..we stay at the Beekman Arms in Rhinebeck, or at the Belvedere Mansion, nearby.They both have websites.The drive up is scenic,the homes in the area are historic and beautiful..if you haven't been there, try it~

Hi,
I just checked out Newport for a winter weekend trip for myself - there are some nice rates at the B&Bs, but many of the mansions are closed until mid-april. Check into it before you head up there. We decided to postpone Newport until the spring - it sounded fantastic and there is tons to do in early spring before the tourists hit!

The towns of Nyack & piermont in Rockland county are beautiful. They both have quaint shops, great restaurants, and an amazing view of the tappanzee bridge & hudson river. They are about 5 minutes from one another. I highly recommend it!! You could do the scenic drive up route 9W

The Berkshire mountains in Mass. are a great getaway. There's a Norman Rockwell museum in Stockbridge (as well as the Red Lion Inn). Lots of nice inns, restaurants, antique shops.

How about Princeton, New Jersey. Stay downtown near the university. There are some good small museums, restaurants, nice architecture, etc. And it is only 60 miles or so from NYC. You can take the train - NJ Transit from Penn Station.

Hi Suzanne...my suggestion is New Hope/Lahaska, PA in Bucks County...lots'of b&b's, shops, restaurants...it's about a 1 1/2 to 2 hour ride...lots of websites...check out the Pineapple Inn.

Thank you all for the helpful suggestions! I have been to most of the places mentioned, as I've lived in the area between NYC and Albany my whole life. But I think some of these places should be revisited! I haven't been to Rhinebeck since I was a teen, and I've never been to Hyde Park or Princeton or Newport RI though I've heard good things about them.

Darn, I wish it wasn't going to be so cold this coming weekend...right now it's spectacular outside.

Try the Hampton's and the North Fork of Long Island. There are several wineries all relatively close to one another starting from Riverhead out to Southold. (I can't tell you if they are open this time of year.)

You can then catch the ferry to Shelter Island and then from Shelter Island to Sag Harbor, the the Southfork. There are plenty of hotels and motels between Montauk and Easthampton.

Otherwise, you may want to head towards Newport.

Hi Suzanne,

Do a search for "Newport" here on the board. I have posted numerous messages re: Newport. It really sounds like what you're looking for, although if it rains it won't be all that pleasant. Great restaurants and great scenery.

Have fun!