Where to go this weekend
Five places within reach of New York, chosen because the journey leaves you enough time to actually be there.
Hudson Valley
Dia Beacon, Storm King and river towns — the easiest car-free weekend from the city.
Philadelphia
Independence Hall, Reading Terminal Market and the Rocky Steps.
Boston
The Freedom Trail, Beacon Hill and the North End in a weekend.
Washington, D.C.
Smithsonian museums, the Mall and Georgetown.
Niagara Falls
The falls, Maid of the Mist and a night in Buffalo or Niagara-on-the-Lake.
Catskills
Hiking, small towns and a slower pace — car or bus, not Metro-North.
Jersey Shore
Asbury Park, Ocean Grove and the boardwalk, by train.
Berkshires
Mass MoCA, Tanglewood and Great Barrington.
Finger Lakes
Watkins Glen, Seneca Lake wineries and Ithaca — the long-weekend exception.
Cape May
Victorian streets, a wide beach and birding at the tip of New Jersey.
Atlantic City
Boardwalk, beach and casinos — the easiest beach weekend by bus.