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20 Weekend Getaways from NYC

Sometimes you just need a break and let’s face it, we all could use a change of scenery which helps us relax and can do wonders for our attitudes. But with work and other responsibilities getting in the way, it’s just hard to get on that plane or take that long drive. We also love to camp but sometimes it’s just not worth taking the camper on a short trip (yes remember we live on Long Island and need to go over the New York City bridges to go just about anywhere). So this is when a weekend trip getaway from NYC comes to mind.

Over the years we have taken many of these trips, so check the following list to see where you want to take your next fast getaway to. I’ve also taken many of these trips with my friends (girl’s weekend) that we look forward to every year.

Pine Creek Gorge Pennsylvania’s Grand Canyon Guide

The Pine Creek Gorge Pennsylvania’s Grand Canyon is located in the Tioga National Forest is an area known as the “PA Wilds”. The gorge covers 165,000 acres of pristine mountains and beauty. It’s an outdoor adventurer’s dream.

There are many outdoor activities in the area from biking the Pine Creek Rail Trail to many miles of hiking trails and paddling Pine Creek. There are several state parks in the area that offer stunning views of the gorge and have their own programs for you to experience. I’ve put together a list of things to see and do so you can enjoy the Pine Creek Gorge Pennsylvania’s Grand Canyon.

Pennsylvania’s Pine Creek Rail Trail

Pennsylvania’s Pine Creek Rail Trail is a 62-mile trail where you ride through the Pine Creek Gorge, also known as Pennsylvania’s Grand Canyon. Built on the former Jersey Shore, Pine Creek and Buffalo Railroad the trail runs through Tioga and Lycoming Counties. It begins north of Wellsboro and ends in Jersey Shore. Its located in the Appalachian Mountains in the area called the PA Wilds.

Voted the best rail trail by USA Today in 2001, this trail offers stunning scenery as you ride on a nearly level crushed limestone surface with only a 2% grade. Running through the Tioga State Forest and Tiadaghton State Forest makes for a peaceful ride passing beautiful waterfalls and mountains along the way.

Badlands National Park

Badlands National Park was never really on our bucket list. When you think of what national parks you really want to see the Badlands doesn’t usually come to mind. But a few years ago very unexpectedly we took a trip from New York to Wyoming because we brought an RV travel trailer and we decided instead of having it shipped we would make an adventure of picking it up.

Things To Do in The White Mountains, NH

The White Mountains of New Hampshire are an incredible place to vacation. There is something for everyone, young and old, to see and do in this beautiful area surrounded by some of the highest mountains on the east coast. These are some of the destinations you should consider when planning your trip here.

Killens Pond State Park

Killens Pond State Park and Campground (opened all year) is located in Felton Delaware in Kent County about 13 miles south of Dover just off Route 13. This park has so much to offer with a big beautiful pond, fishing, boating, playgrounds, picnic area, camping, and rental cabins. It is one of the nicest state parks we’ve visited.

Killens Pond

Killens Pond is a 66-acre body of water located along the Murderkill River and allows non-motorized boating. This park surrounds the pond with a day-use area on one side and the campground located on the other. The day-use area offers a water park, nature center, boat rentals, disc golf, fishing, and picnic pavilion area.

Campground Choices on Chincoteague Island

So you want to go to Chincoteague Island and you need a place to camp. Campground choices on Chincoteague Island are somewhat limited. If you’re like me, you research all your options to find the best fit for you. However, there is only one type of camping on the island no matter which one you chose.

The campgrounds here are all privately owned and offer resort type camping. Campsites are close together. I also found them to be on the expensive side of what I would usually spend for a campsite, which I wasn’t expecting from this small town beach community. The following are all your campground options.

The Ultimate Guide to Chincoteague Island VA

Chincoteague Island is a small-town beach community (only 7 miles long and 3 miles wide) that has that southern charm that makes it so special with so much to explore and do. Waking up to beautiful sunrises and ending your day with stunning sunsets, Chincoteague should be on your list of places to visit, at least once if not more, in your lifetime. Chincoteague has something for everyone from families with young children to retired folks, this community is one to be enjoyed.

Go see the Wild Ponies

In my opinion, this is the real reason everyone goes to Chincoteague, the wild ponies. They are simply beautiful in their own environment and are truly a sight to see. It’s a short ride from anywhere on the island to get to Assateague Island National Seashore where you can experience these fine animals.

The ponies are “owned” by the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Department and they give them healthcare and food when needed. They are allowed to live on Assateague Island by a special permit from the US Fish & Wildlife Service.

Visit Assateague Island Virginia

Visit Assateague Island Virginia and experience the Assateague Island National Seashore and the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge. Together there are over 14,000 acres on unspoiled beachfront, marsh, dunes and maritime forest. The island has over 300 species of birds depending on the time of year as well as Chincoteague Ponies.

This is an amazing place, the beach goes on forever and is clean and beautiful. If you love nature and quiet beauty this is a place for you to visit.

America’s Rail Trails

You may say what are Rail Trails and how can you take advantage of them?

Rail trails are converted railroad bed used as multi-purpose trails for recreation use. Because of the gentle grade on most rail trails you can walk, bicycle, hike, horseback ride, run, inline skate and cross-country ski. Although most trails are multi-use trails, no motorized vehicle are permitted.

Most importantly rail trails make these activities available to most everyone’s physical condition. The flat to gentle grade makes it possible for all ages, young and old to enjoy the scenery and tranquility that awaits you. Most of these trails are by mountains, rivers and historical landmarks. I’ve been to some that have benches to rest along the way and picnic areas to stop and enjoy lunch.