Where to go for a long weekend from NJ?

Submitted by stickybluerug t3_120u2on in newjersey

We live in central Jersey. My boyfriend and I want to go away for a few days in early May. We want to drive about 3-5 hours, and we are looking for something peaceful. We went to Burlington, Vermont a few months ago and that was enjoyable. Hopefully, there would be some shopping around, along with potentially some interesting things to do outdoors.

Right now, we are considering Annapolis, Portland, or maybe somewhere in MA/NH, but we are not sure. Does anyone have any good suggestions for a trip like this?

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New_Stats t1_jdj6uy5 wrote

Lancaster. Go to John J Jefferies while you're out there, it's so good

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The Hershey botanical gardens are lovely

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Hannibam86 t1_jdjcvyr wrote

If you have a passport, Montreal. Fantastic city, wonderful people, and delicious food. Perhaps 6hrs fron Central Jersey, but worth it

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newwriter365 t1_jdjei02 wrote

Watch your timing - college graduations are in May - you’ll pay more for hotels and restaurants will be difficult to get into in some areas. I seek out towns with breweries and distilleries, so Albany is my suggestion.

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jayradano t1_jdjfnmf wrote

Just went to Fenwick island Delaware and it was awesome. Very pretty and lots of cool history and not too far

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TimSPC t1_jdjfv2y wrote

Newport, RI is cool. They've got the shopping and the mansion tours.

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snarkuzoid t1_jdjg2i8 wrote

Wodstock is very nice. A little farther, Albany was nice years ago, though I haven't seen it in a long while. The Finger Lakes are lovely. At the high end of your driving you could get to Toronto or Montreal (I forget which one of those was about 5 hours by car).

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whaler76 t1_jdjhb6f wrote

Another vote for Newport, RI.

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DCStoolie t1_jdjhjmd wrote

DC, northern Virginia or the Delaware beaches are awesome

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ImPrblyWeird t1_jdji7en wrote

Shinhopple, NY. More specifically Peaceful Valley campground. The dude Arnie who owns the campground basically owns the town of Shinhopple, too. It's got 3 camping options: rent a cabin, or camp on one of two islands. It's got hot showers (for quarters) and clean bathrooms (including port-a-potties on the islands), an olympic-sized pool, hiking all over, plane rides (you pay for gas), and hosts music festivals a few times per year; they sell firewood during the day at their trading post, and there's a 24 hour gas station/convenience store down the road that also sells bundles of firewood if you get to PV too late. It's an absolute hidden gem that's in the middle of nowhere, almost-mid-state NY and is a few hours drive. Next door is the town of Downsville. The downtown area is awesome if you like booze, coffee, good food, and antiquing. Since it's in the middle of nowhere they have a lot of strange and interesting antiques; illegal taxidermy, knives/swords, paintings, vinyl, all sorts of weird almost black market stuff! You're in the middle of nowhere, it's mostly quiet, it was ranked #1 in trout fishing in America for so many years in a row (it's on the Delaware), got great tubing too, but 20-30 minutes in either direction down the 2-lane, super fun to drive on, highway you have the semblance of civilization. Downsville itself is a trip. But yeah, kind of droning on here. If you're looking for a nice quiet getaway that's not too far away and won't cost an arm & a leg then check that shit out

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healthierlurker t1_jdjisd7 wrote

This is going to be controversial, but the favorite place for my wife and I is a couple’s resort in the Pocono’s called Cove Pocono Resorts. Totally cheesy in a lot of ways but the rooms we get have their own indoor pool and (heart shaped) hot tub. We love it there and have gone three times to their Cove Haven and Pocono Palace locations. It’s worth doing at least once.

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KilnTime t1_jdjjwhl wrote

Lenox, MA and surrounding towns. They have art galleries, good restaurants, great thrift stores and antiquing, music and theatrical performances. If you go, stop in at the Lion's den on a night when they have live music, then you can go wander the halls of the hotel and look at all the collectibles that are sitting in the hallways

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PracticableSolution t1_jdjlnea wrote

Kennet Square PA / longwood gardens. You can spend two days in the greenhouse alone.

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MamaPajamaMama t1_jdjlxku wrote

Cape Cod

Hershey or the Poconos

Finger Lakes region in upstate NY

Ocean City, MD

Williamsburg, VA (this might be outside your driving range but if you tack it on to Ocean City it works)

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Meowsipoo t1_jdjn8pg wrote

We love Saratoga Springs, NY. Get a B&B within walking distance to downtown so you don't have to find parking downtown. Best places for date night dinners in Saratoga that won't break the bank are The Mouzon House and The Wine Bar. The Wine Bar has this thing where you can order a smaller glass of wine for around $5 which is a good size pour on its own.

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blumpkin_donuts t1_jdjockd wrote

Cambridge, Mass right outside of Boston is nice. Saratoga Springs, NY is also a nice visit. Annapolis is fun too.

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brassmonkey89 t1_jdjp70a wrote

Saugerties NY is great. Right on the Hudson, lots of cute shops downtown, great kayaking and hiking. Just south of Woodstock which is amazing too! I did an Airbnb tiny house up there during the pandemic and had a relaxing time. That river walk out to the lighthouse is beautiful!

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irelace t1_jdjq8cd wrote

Rhode Island is a favorite for me. Shenandoah National Park area of Virginia is close and absolutely breathtaking. If you go there, visit the Luray Caverns! It's surreal!

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Glengal t1_jdjrbqr wrote

Newport or Mystic CT/ Watch Hill RI. I like to swing by the Florence Griswald Museum in Old Lyme on the way home

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TheEggplantRunner t1_jdjrmq5 wrote

Replying to MamaPajamaMama (#2,342,843)

Hershey is one of those things that doesn't require the extra day, IMO. We went in early February for a comedy show. Without the park open, we basically combed through a few restaurants, the museum (amazing), the Hershey Hotel and the outlets all in about 2 days (midday Thursday to midday Saturday). Not knocking Hershey, as we loved not having any crowds, but it's definitely doable as just one night (vs the three day weekend OP is talking about).

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Iamdickburns t1_jdjrwkt wrote

May I suggest Stanton Virginia area. Bout an hour north of Richmond, surpising chill town surrounded by rural opportunities. We did a few days there and now want to retire that way.

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NorthWoodsGamecock t1_jdjsm8e wrote

Lancaster, Pa. the First Friday of the month if possible. I haven’t been since COVID, but they used to have a street fair every first Friday of the month.

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Piney1741 t1_jdjsrrw wrote

If you’re looking for a nature/hiking type getaway Shenandoah National park in Virginia is amazing. I proposed to my wife there and now we try to go every year. I went a lot as a child and always loved it. Takes us about 3.5-4 hours to get there from south jersey.

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outofdate70shouse t1_jdjsuq9 wrote

I always recommend Virginia Beach. It’s one of my favorite places

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ser_pez t1_jdjtzs2 wrote

Western Massachusetts. I like the Pioneer Valley (Northampton, Amherst, Shelburne Falls, etc) but the Berkshires are nice too. Only about a 3.5 hour drive from central NJ, lots of good food, lots of breweries if that’s your jam. There’s decent hiking/outdoor activities and good antiquing. I also have to recommend The Book Mill in Montague (a used book store and cafe housed in an old grist mill).

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MSomethingM t1_jdju1qj wrote

Hudson New York was lovely my fiancé and i went and i cannot recommend it enough

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InspiredBlue t1_jdjus9h wrote

Pennings farm in Warwick, NY or Alstede Farms in Chester NJ. Both are great spots for drinking, food and hanging out. At Alstede you get to feed farm animals too

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PawneeGoddess20 t1_jdjviyc wrote

Eastern shore of Maryland. But go to the Saint Michaels area, not Annapolis

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Woodbutcher31 t1_jdjvnvo wrote

Jim Thorpe pa. Pretty, nice little town. Few decent restaurants. Penns Peak is smaller concert venue nearby (haven’t been, but looks ok, 2nd string older stuff) White water rafting in season, train rides…

Lake placid Ny beautiful- everything from 5star, To camping. We like mirror lake inn.

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bananapeeled t1_jdjwgxo wrote

Berkshires, MA.... Check out the local wineries, breweries and cideries.

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Mink-Merkin t1_jdjwrws wrote

lake winnipesaukee NH. Then you can shop at the Tanger outlets in Tilton

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jayac_R2 t1_jdjx5lh wrote

Saranac Lake and Lake Placid are beautiful places to visit and close to one another.

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moyismoy t1_jdjxm6g wrote

Try ithica NY best trails on earth.

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pigthens t1_jdjxvha wrote

Gettysburg, PA for history stuff or the Finger Lakes in NY, which is the area from Ithaca to Rochester. Thats wine and hiking country.

It also depends on what you like to do.

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swharbor t1_jdjyt12 wrote

My boyfriend and I stayed at the Hasbrouck House in Stone Ridge at the end of last year. Lovely town and lots of outdoorsy things to do in the area. I think the hotel offers day passes to the Mohonk preserve as well. It was about 2 hours from central Jersey and a very easy drive.

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19374729 t1_jdjz2kp wrote

portland was a chill hang when I went last fall

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scaryclown148 t1_jdjz9er wrote

Amherst, MA may be what you’re looking for. 3 hrs, college town that’s not in session, nice outdoor activities

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SailingSpark t1_jdk0bgh wrote

St. Michaels MD. If you do not go there for the vacation itself, at least spend a day there.

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mikejd3171 t1_jdk0s1j wrote

Portland, Me was awesome (I.e. walkable & had some romantic spots). Flight was cheap from newark

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EliotHudson t1_jdk6qdr wrote

Replying to healthierlurker (#2,342,490)

Omfg my wife and I went there and it was…not what we were expecting, lol. After we realized we enjoyed it but holy shit, lol

I never knew how much in common young black guys and old white guys have because those were the two people who LOVED this place with a sincerity that defied kitch

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phoenix823 t1_jdk7w8r wrote

There are tons of good recommendations in this thread. Heading north, we really liked Portsmouth New Hampshire. Heading east, we like the North Fork of Long Island or Old Saybrook CT. The Poconos are fun, but you could also do Lambertsville/New Hope and kayak in the Delaware River.

Going south I'll throw out something I haven't seen yet - take the Cape May-Lewes ferry to Delaware and check out Chincoteague on Virginia's eastern shore. Very relaxing, and you're not going to find wild ponies anywhere else on the east coast. As long as you do it before Memorial Day you should be OK.

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healthierlurker t1_jdk8fdw wrote

Replying to EliotHudson (#2,345,279)

Yeah it’s so low brow and kitschy but it’s our guilty pleasure. The last time we went my wife was like 6 months pregnant lol. The rooms are what make it great but we go to the events and play the games too. As far as the rooms go, they are much nicer than most other similarly priced hotels. Having an en-suite pool is awesome.

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ptowndavid t1_jdk8gpw wrote

Replying to irelace (#2,343,356)

My brother in Taylor haminess- I drive from Paterson to Old Orchard Beach (exit 36 on 95) monthly. Sometimes twice in the month. It is 4 hours and 20 minutes going about 80. They key is to stay away from rush hour and not being in season here.

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jejunebug t1_jdk9bd4 wrote

I’ll get downvoted to hell for this but - Baltimore. It can be peaceful if you want it to be - there is so much more than the inner harbor. There are many museums including the Walter’s Art, American Visionary Arts, Baltimore Museum of Industry, and the Reginald F Lewis Museum. We have great green spaces, including Fort McHenry, home of the Star Spangled Banner, and Patterson Park with the Observatory that was built in 1890. They’re both great spots to have an afternoon picnic. Druid Hill Park had been compared to Central Park and is home to the Rawlings Conservatory and the Maryland Zoo, which hosts Brew at the Zoo in May. Flower Mart is in Mount Vernon (home of the original Washington Monument) in May, which is the city’s oldest festival dating back to 1911. Fells Point and Hampden both have excellent restaurants and shops. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. I’m Jersey born & raised but live in Baltimore now and would be happy to answer any questions.

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mbc106 t1_jdkau94 wrote

Replying to chemistg23 (#2,344,262)

La Banquise for 24/7 poutine; Au Pied du Cochon for a nice meal (pork/duck heavy); The Sparrow for brunch; Jean Talon Market, indoor farmers market; Portuguese roast chicken place near Parc Fontaine/La Banquise whose name I can’t remember

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SK10504 t1_jdkayfp wrote

- lancaster, pa

- luray caverns, va

- newport, ri

- watkins glen, ny / finger lakes

- saratoga springs, ny

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fawn_fatale t1_jdkbfds wrote

Jim thorpe is cute for shopping or new hope

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TheAdamist t1_jdkbmq1 wrote

Portland is cool, and lots of nature nearby, but a 6-8 hour drive. Its pre season, so you might be able to get a reasonable rental on the beach in old orchard beach and have a nice relaxing but chilly walk along the beach. I saw whales way in the distance when i was there in November.

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whaler76 t1_jdkbpw6 wrote

Replying to freckledfrida (#2,345,759)

Yes! That is a great stop on the way. I know OP probably doesn’t have kids but the aquarium was a cool stop and the seaport was great, especially being able to go on the ships and at the time I was there, the old whaling ship they were rebuilding.

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healthierlurker t1_jdkf5nd wrote

Replying to mataushas (#2,346,165)

The rooms I’ve stayed in never struck me as dirty. And the restaurant and food were fine, even for us being vegan. Mind you, it doesn’t compare to the luxury resort in Riviera Maya we stayed at last year, but for being so close it’s a nice honest escape.

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Mobile_Broccoli3530 t1_jdkgtxy wrote

There was a place called Daniels Top-O-The Poconos. It was cheap and they didn’t give a fuck. Kids went crazy, adults went crazy. Kids were stealing drinks off the bar while the adults were dancing on the bar, buying $2 cigarettes from the old pull machines, getting lost in the woods, partying in “the cave” as we called it. The bunk room of the Eastern European girls that worked there, most likely undocumented. I recommended that place to everyone. I’ve been trying to find a new magic place like that. It’s now a Jewish camp.

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nerdly90 t1_jdkh4eg wrote

Beijing LOL KNOW WHAT IM SAYIN

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Sudovoodoo80 t1_jdkkn4i wrote

How About DC? Lots to see, museums and memorials.

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FriedHummus t1_jdklp5i wrote

New Hope, PA. It’s out of state but right over the bridge so you don’t need to drive far.

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Ill-Forever880 t1_jdklytk wrote

Mystic CT with two casinos nearby is a great getaway spot.

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ksbwalker43 t1_jdkq6on wrote

Lake Placid NY so much to do all year long

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dualvansmommy t1_jdkqs9p wrote

Saratoga Springs, NY was a fun trip last summer. They have natural hot springs spa.

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CarLover014 t1_jdkral4 wrote

Catskills or Adirondacks if you're into hiking

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lifefuedjeopardy t1_jdkuiia wrote

Long Island, NY. Way out on the end towards the beach is very quiet and peaceful.

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etceteraetcetera t1_jdkveoy wrote

Only 2 hours from Central Jersey, but check out Cape May if you haven’t already.

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StillNotWeirDanuff t1_jdkya3r wrote

Newport, Rhode Island. Fun mansion walk on the coast. Great food and shopping.

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Wishilikedhugs t1_jdl067n wrote

Replying to ohlewis (#2,340,548)

I went to school at SUNY New Paltz and stayed for a few years after. Absolutely stunning in the Hudson Valley. Lots of hiking trails. It's a great place to relax, especially in the fall. If you want to see something that'll blow your mind, go there during the first few weeks of autumn. Jaw dropping colors. Anyway, highly recommend Bear Mountain, Storm King art exhibit and flying drones over/ canoeing over to Bannerman Island off the coast of Newburgh to anyone interested.

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Porchdog67 t1_jdl2kh7 wrote

Finger Lakes region in NY. Wineries, boating, great shopping and dining in Skaneateles.

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jstaszczak t1_jdl7ne3 wrote

Portland Maine might be at the cusp of how far you wanna go but I love it there. The drive isn’t too bad and it’s beautiful there. Lots to see and do

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Theo_dore229 t1_jdluh7e wrote

I think Newport, RI is definitely somewhere that should be on your list, if you haven’t been there before. I’ve been to Newport numerous times, Portland number our times, and Annapolis numerous times. Newport is definitely my favorite out of the three, it’s not even close. The weather in Portland can also still be unpredictable and potentially shitty this time of year.

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beachcity t1_jdluhzs wrote

Replying to New_Stats (#2,341,209)

This is a good one, there’s something for everyone here, you have the city with tons of great restaurants art galleries, breweries, shopping etc. but you are minutes away from framers markets, Amish stuff, farms etc. Plus it’s comparatively cheaper than places like Newport, Boston, Portland. Also, depending on where you like to stay they have everything from cute Bed and breakfasts/ air bnb type places all the way through the large chain type hotels if you are into using hotel points (Hilton, Marriott, IHG, etc)

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Theo_dore229 t1_jdlvagw wrote

Replying to objectimpermanence (#2,347,617)

I’ve not personally been there, but I would imagine that you definitely get more swingers there than at your typical resort, lol.

Those types of places are like the “sex motels” of resorts. Idk how to really describe it.

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Savings_Spell6563 t1_jdlx0rz wrote

MONTREAL !!! Maybe not the MOST peaceful—although definitely peaceful things to do there (Mont Royal is beautiful)—but obviously great shopping, dining (food tours!!!), and Old Montreal to wander.

Also should mention it’s 5-5.5 hr for me and I’m in North Jersey right off the parkway so it’d be a little over your drive-time window

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EbolaFred t1_jdm4xne wrote

Alexandria Bay in upstate NY is great for a long weekend. Lots of cool/peaceful things to do for a couple. Just about five hours. That time of year should be good as it's right before tourist season, when it gets packed.

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bros402 t1_jdmebj6 wrote

I mean if you just want nature, the hudson valley area of NY is great - Saugerties, Woodstock, that area is great

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mtotes t1_jdv47by wrote

Replying to whaler76 (#2,342,299)

If I'm traveling with 2 very young children and want to stop somewhere for a couple of hours along the drive from northern NJ to Newport, where should I stop? One option is Mystic CT, assuming we can make it 2.5-3 hours. If we want to stop somewhere west of Mystic, where?

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