6 Charming Upstate Towns for an NYC Weekend Getaway
Looking to get out of the city for a few days? You’re not alone—even die-hard New Yorkers need a change of scenery.
In fact in the last few years, going upstate has become one of my favorite ways to spend a weekend.
Whether I’m with friends and family or it’s just Andrew and I, there is so much to see and do in the Hudson Valley and the Catskills.
I always enjoy exploring what New York state has to offer—from museums and antiquing to unique dining experiences and breweries there’s a truly spot for everything so no matter what you’re looking for in a weekend getaway, you can find it.
Here are 6 towns that make for a great NYC weekend trip, all accessible in about 2 hours or less by car (and listed in order of the closest to furthest from the city!)
Cold Spring
Drive time from NYC: about 1 hour and 20 minutes
A picturesque Hudson Valley village, Cold Spring is famous for its well-preserved 19th-century architecture and stunning river views.
Visitors come for the hiking trails at nearby Breakneck Ridge, as well as the variety of antique shops and cozy dining options.
Where to stay
- Pig Hill Inn is a quaint B&B which features rooms dating back to the early 1800s.
Where to caffeinate
- Cold Spring Coffeehouse was definitely the hot spot when Devon and I drove up there on a beautiful fall morning! We shared a scone and grabbed lattes.
What to do
- Go for a hike at Breakneck Ridge in the morning (be warned this involves rock scrambling) and reward yourself in the afternoon by exploring the cute storefronts on Main Street.
Where to dine
- I haven’t had dinner in Cold Spring yet, but two spots on my radar the next time I’m there are Cathryn’s for Italian or Le Bouchon for French!
Beacon
Drive time from NYC: about 1 hour and 30 minutes
Once an industrial town, Beacon has transformed into a creative hub, home to the renowned contemporary art museum Dia:Beacon.
Its charming Main Street features unique shops, coffee spots, and breweries, all set against the scenic backdrop of the Hudson Highlands.
Where to stay
- We stayed at The Roundhouse Hotel in Beacon, which is a boutique hotel on the east side of town. It’s a beautiful property and they even do weddings here.
Where to caffeinate
- Bank Square Coffeehouse is just a few blocks from the train station and is a great place to chat with your travel companion or get lost in a book.
What to do
- Visit the Dia:Beacon in the morning and spend the afternoon exploring the town. I definitely recommend checking out all of the breweries in the area like Hudson Valley and Two Way.
Where to dine
- We had a lovely dinner at Quinn’s, which is a laid back spot serving Japanese comfort food.
Kingston
Drive time from NYC: about 1 hour and 45 minutes
As New York’s first capital, Kingston boasts rich history, charming waterfront areas, and a vibrant arts community.
The city is divided into three distinct areas—uptown (stockade), midtown, and downtown (rondout)—each offering a mix of colonial history, creative spaces, and trendy restaurants.
Where to stay
- Hotel Kinsley is a collection of four individually distinct 19th century buildings closely nestled in the uptown section of Kingston.
Where to caffeinate
- Rough Draft is the best place to grab a coffee while also browsing books! They also serve beer in the evenings, making the name doubly punny.
What to do
- Shop around at the antique shops and clothing stores in the midtown area.
Where to dine
- I’ve only had lunch in Kingston but Lola’s for Italian or Front Street Tavern for American classics have both been on my radar.
- Hotel Kinsley also has a restaurant that looks great.
Callicoon
Drive time from NYC: about 2 hours
A hidden gem in the Western Catskills, Callicoon sits along the Delaware River and offers a mix of charming small-town appeal and a growing arts and food scene.
It’s perfect for a relaxing escape, whether you’re exploring the local farmers’ market or tubing on the river.
Where to stay
- The Boarding House at Seminary Hill is where we stayed on our recent visit to Callicoon and the building was actually formerly the town’s hospital and was later converted into apartments.
- It has now been completely restored as a boutique property. You’re given codes to unlock the front door and your room (which has its own kitchenette) and a breakfast spread featuring local goods is served on the weekends.
Where to caffeinate
- You’ll likely find locals walking around with turquoise blue cups from The Kitchen Table Cafe as the primary coffee shop in town. Devon and I grabbed lattes and split a scone while we sat and chatted at the corner table.
What to do
- Take a tour of the cidery at Seminary Hill in the morning and wander down to the main town area to explore vintage shops, a record store and grab a coffee.
Where to dine
- The Black Walnut is a restaurant and concept space that brings together homewares, craft cocktails and delightful dining. Everything I tried here was fantastic from the martini to the rigatoni.
- Seminary Hill also has an amazing dinner menu in their beautiful space overlooking the apples fields!
Tannersville
Drive time from NYC: about 2 hours and 15 minutes
Nestled in the Catskills, Tannersville is a colorful and quirky town known for its vibrant painted buildings and access to outdoor activities like hiking and skiing.
It’s a gateway to the Hunter Mountain area and great for cozy winter weekends or fall leaf-peeping.
Where to stay
- I am fully obsessed with Hotel Lilien and had the pleasure of staying here last winter. From the beautiful bedrooms to the cozy lobby and cocktail bar, this is the perfect place to book for a romantic weekend.
Where to caffeinate
- We picked up a latte from The Pantry on Main which was just a short drive from the hotel. The main street of Tannersville is very walkable, which is great!
What to do
- Explore the local antique stores and main town, you can also take a hike by the Kaaterskill falls which are supposed to be beautiful.
Where to dine
- We got drinks at Tabla in the town of Tannersville and I was fully salivating looking at everyone’s entrees, but I would also recommend grabbing some light bites and cocktails in the lobby of Hotel Lillien.
Hudson
Drive time from NYC: about 2 hours and 15 minutes
A vibrant small city along the Hudson River, Hudson is a popular recommendation for an NYC weekend getaway, known for its thriving arts scene, antique shops, and a mix of historic architecture and modern design.
Its walkable Warren Street is lined with boutiques, restaurants, and galleries, making it one of the most popular answers when a city dweller asks, “where can I go for the weekend?”
Where to stay
- The Maker Hotel is probably the most luxurious hotel that I’ve stayed at. It’s not luxurious in a stuffy sense—you can truly feel the care and all of the detail put into making this property special. I actually have a whole blog post about our stay here.
- If The Maker is out of budget, I’ve also stayed at The Wick which was nice as well! It’s a short drive up to Warren street or a 10 minute walk if you don’t mind the hill.
Where to caffeinate
- Wylde Hudson was a spot that I had immediately saved on Google maps and if I lived in Hudson, I know this would quickly become one of my favorite hangouts. There were people working, reading and chatting over cappuccinos.
What to do
- Walk along Warren Street! The beauty of Hudson is that it is so walkable and you’ll find no shortage of cute clothing stores, homeware shops and breweries.
- I also highly suggest booking a session at Poured Candle Bar where you can make your own candles and have a drink while doing so!
Where to dine
- The Maker restaurant is my favorite spot for dinner in Hudson. Not only is all of the food wonderful but the atmosphere can’t be beat and the staff is super attentive.
- You don’t even have to wander far for a nightcap—The Lounge is just through the back hallway.
Which town will be your next NYC weekend getaway? Let me know in the comments!
yours,
Austen
