New York Day Trips

The crispness of fall is just around the corner and by far my favorite season here in New York City. Greg and I were thinking of having a fun day together this weekend over labor day before the busyness of his job/school and the start of my new job (working as a nurse at Mount Sinai Hospital's Pediatric Intensive Care Unit!) begins. In researching possibilities for a day trip that is doable without a car, I surprisingly found so many fun adventures! Here's a list for anyone else out there looking for a mini-vacation :) It will be hard to choose from all of these!

Day trips that we've done and loved

Coldspring
Take the Metro-North train to Breakneck Ridge and from there walk to the start of the Breakneck Ridge Trail which offers stunning views of the Hudson River and valley. Be aware, the start of the hike is pretty intense as you gain elevation fast, but then it evens out a bit. The trail finishes within walking distance of the cute town of Coldspring, NY. Check out the antique shops and the Coldspring Depot for dinner!
Montauk
Rent a car or take the LIRR to Montauk -- a beach town on the southern-most tip of Long Island. Play tennis or enjoy the pool at Montauk State Downs Park and dinner is a must at The Harvest. If you have time to extend your trip, take the ferry to Shelter Island and spend the day kayaking.
Harriman State Park
Take the NJ Transit to Tuxedo and from there it is a short walk to the Harriman/Bear Mountain hiking trails. There are shelters along the way if you want to camp and be on the lookout for the YMCA/Canoe Club -- you can rent a canoe and enjoy paddling on the scenic lake for the day!
Fort Tyron Park and the Cloisters
Take the A train uptown to 190th Street and walk north into beautiful Fort Tyron Park. Wander through the park and further north to check out the Cloisters, a old monestary. Grab a bite to eat at one of our favorites -- the New Leaf Cafe!
www.nycgovparks.org/parks/forttryonpark, www.nyrp.org/newleaf, www.metmuseum.org/Works_of_Art/the_cloisters


Day trips that we want to do

Roosevelt Island
Accessible by tram or the F train, this little island sits just to the east of Manhattan and supposedly has great views of the New York City skyline. www.rooseveltislander.blogspot.com
Harlem Valley Rail Trail
Accessible via the Metro-North, I can't wait to rent bikes and check out this 22 mile trail through the valley! Especially when all the fall leaves are at their peak! Visit www.hvrt.org
Tarrytown
Accessible via the Metro-North, I want to see Sunnyside (Washington Irving's home), Philipsburg Manor, Stone Barns Center, and I have heard wonderful things about going to the Blue Hill Farm for dinner! Websites to check out include: www.hudsonvalley.org, www.stonebarnscenter.org, and www.bluehillfarm.com
Wave Hill
Located in the Bronx near the #1 train 242nd Street stop, I have heard these public gardens are beautiful any season! Wave Hill provides free van shuttle service from the 1 train to the gardens. More info at www.wavehill.org
Beacon, New York
Taking the Metro-North to this cute little Hudson valley gem of a town, I would like to see the DIA:Beacon art gallery, stroll through the riverfront park, and enjoy ice cream at the Beacon creamery! More info at www.cityofbeacon.org
Clarence Fahnestock State Park
Known for it's great cross country skiing trails! Check out http://nysparks.state.ny.us/parks/info.asp?parkID=129