We all love New York City, but it certainly lives up to its “city that never sleeps” nickname. Sometimes, even those of us adore NYC need a getaway, but it’s hard to know where to go. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the top 5 underrated NYC getaways that you can do in a day.
NYC Getaway #1: Artemis Hill Farm
Artemis Hill Farm is a one-of-a-kind experience located in Orange County, New York, just a little over an hour away from Manhattan. Arriving at Artemis Hill Farm, you will immediately be struck by breathtaking views and beautiful wildlife that will help you decompress from your time in the city.
Artemis Hill Farm doubles as a retreat and a rescued horse sanctuary. It features a number of customizable wellness experiences which can include horse meditation, donkey walks, and hikes along the Appalachian trail. It is also the perfect place to plan a writer’s retreat, a charity event, or a networking event. If you need some time away from the hustle and bustle of New York City, this is where you want to be!
NYC Getaway #2: Catskill Mountains
The Catskill Mountains are a subsection of the Appalachian Mountains found in southeastern New York, roughly two hours outside of Manhattan. Featuring countless gorgeous views, the Catskills have hikes accessible to those of all skill levels. If you’re a beginner or are taking children along with you, it is worth checking out “Frick Pond Loop” which is a short and sweet hike where you don’t have to worry about steep elevation gains. The trail is mostly flat, clocks in at just over 2 miles, and it’s one of the most beautiful spots in the entire region.
For something a little more difficult, look no further than “Giant Ledge” which is still a relatively short hike (3.75 miles), but significantly steeper as you’ll be going up almost 1000 ft. All of that is worth it though, because Giant Ledge features several astonishing views that rank among the best New York has to offer.
NYC Getaway #3: Yale University
Many universities make for great day trips! Established in 1701, Yale is one of America’s oldest universities as well as one of its best. Located in New Haven, Connecticut, Yale is a bit further away than the other locations on this list, but it is well worth the trip. Beyond just walking around to see the amazing architecture, you can visit the Yale University Art Gallery which features an impressive array of ancient American, African, and Mediterranean exhibits. You should also stop by the Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History where you will find a number of Ancient Egyptian relics, including a mummy.
NYC Getaway #4: Branch Brook Park
Branch Brook Park is located in Newark, New Jersey, approximately 45 minutes from Manhattan. Officially designated as a park in 1895, Branch Brook is over 350 acres and features exquisite architecture and beautiful views. Branch Brook Park is most famous for its cherry blossom trees because you can find more of them here than anywhere else in the country. Furthermore, if you decide to visit in April, you can take part in the Cherry Blossom Festival which includes Japanese Cultural demonstrations, food, music, and more.
NYC Getaway #5: The Barnum Museum
Located in Bridgeport, Connecticut, roughly an hour and a half from Manhattan, is The Barnum Museum. The Barnum Museum was built in 1893 by the famous American showman P. T. Barnum and its exhibits are one part spectacle, one part history. Barnum loved to trick the public and here you can find many of his famous hoaxes on display, including the “Fiji Mermaid.” The Barnum Museum is great for families, as it boasts a number of activities for kids, while also providing plenty of entertainment for adults. Plus, when you’re finished with the museum, you can go check out the rest of Bridgeport which features a lot of great food.
