Summer is coming to an end in the northeast. You might be thinking about planning a weekend getaway to enjoy the last of the warm weather or perhaps you are still looking for ideas for Labor Day weekend.
Here are my Top 5 local weekend getaway recommendations for the end of the summer. If you’re looking to go a little further away I also highly recommend Maine, Quebec, Ontario, and upstate NY!
Hoboken
You’ll Love it if: You love NYC but don’t want to stay in the city. Hoboken is just a path ride away from NYC so it’s very easy to go into the city for a broadway show, a concert, etc. and spend the rest of your weekend in Hoboken. Hoboken also has fantastic views the NYC skyline. There’s a great mainstreet as well as lots of parks on the water.
Food: Anthony Davids, Blue Eyes
Sightseeing: NYC Skyline, Pier 13
Stay: The W Hoboken
If you like here, try: Montclair, Jersey City, Brooklyn
Baltimore
You’ll Love it if: You love sports and seafood. Camden Yards is one of my favorite baseball stadiums, it’s walking distance from Inner Harbor, and the outside of the stadium is lined with bars and restaurants.
Food: The Rusty Scupper, Sullivan’s Steakhouse, Nick’s Inner Harbor Seafood
Sightseeing: Inner Harbor, Aquarium, Camden Yards
Stay: Marriott Inner Harbor, Royal Sonesta
If you like here, try: Philadelphia, Toronto, Ottawa
Philadelphia
You’ll Love it if: You are a history buff, art geek, or wannabe food critic. Philadelphia has so much rich American history, if you haven’t spent a day seeing the Liberty Bell and Declaration of Independence, it’s a must. The Philadelphia Art Museum (famed by Rocky) has an extensive collection of art from some of history’s most celebrated artists. There’s always something to do in the summer in Philly. I recommend checking out visitphilly.com before you the go.
Food: Reading Terminal Market, Alba’s, R2L
Sightseeing: One Liberty Observation Deck, Penn’s Landing, Independence Hall
Stay: Sonesta, Marriott
If you like here, try: Baltimore, Montreal
New Hope/Lambertville
You’ll Love it if: You live in a city and are looking for something with a slower pace. Or you are looking for a very walkable main street with lots of cafes and antique shops. New Hope and Lambertville are seperated by a walkable bridge with breaktaking views of the Delaware River. Both cities boast bustling main streets lined with restaurants, cafes, galleries, and more. It’s also a short drive from local wineries, pick your own farms, and Peddler’s Village (a local outdoor shopping center).
Food: Under the Moon Cafe, Marsha Browns, The Logan Inn
Sightseeing: Main Streets, Delaware River
Stay: The Lambertville Inn
If you like here, try: Cape May
Asbury Park
You’ll Love it if: You want a shore getaway with more to do than lay on the beach. You are looking for a town that has nightlife as well as a boardwalk.
Food: The Watermark, Porta, Brickwall Tavern
Sightseeing: The Convention Center, The Stone Pony, The Ocean (duh)
Stay: The Asbury Park Hotel
If you like here, try: Avalon, Cape May, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
The Poconos
You’ll Love it if: You are really looking to get away. To be with nature, go on hikes, see waterfalls, go golfing, etc. The Poconos is hugely popular in the winter, but it’s also beautiful in the summer. There are also a variety of waterparks in the area.
Food: The Frogtown Chophouse
Sightseeing: Tannersville Shopping Outlets, Bushkill Falls
Stay: The Shawnee Inn, Air b n b lakefront cabins
If you like here, try: Maine, Vermont, Quebec