Escaping the City

Yes, we all know New York City is a fabulous place to live, but after some time you begin to tire of the dissonant voice of a subway performer filling the dank underground air, shoving past a hundred people to find a seat in the nearest Starbucks with free Wi-Fi, or sharing limited plots of grass with thousands of dogs and their excrement. If, and when this time occurs, we’ve got an escape plan. We have searched for the most delightful and accessible getaways near New York City, and just in the nick of time, have put them right before you. We suggest you take advantage of one or two, and don’t worry, asking for vacation time may not be necessary because these trips can be taken on any weekend of your choosing.

Want to get the Vegas feel without having to fly cross-country? Well, Atlantic City, New Jersey may just be your heaven on Earth. In addition to the famous and populated casinos overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, you can enjoy the sights, such as the lovely boardwalk or the recently restored Absecon Lighthouse. If you go during the summer, there will be plenty of water-based activities to keep your skin pruny for days.

Providence, Rhode Island has been deemed one of the best places to live in the US. By visiting Providence, you’ll find that the years of restoration efforts definitely paid off. Visit the historic sites, theaters, museums, mega-mall, outdoor skating area, and “The Hill,” where you can find many tantalizing restaurants.

At Skaneateles, New York, you can rest your mind and rediscover nature. Sometimes the LED screens of Times Square may be so blinding, that you actually forget what real stars look like in the night sky. If you’re worried about how to pronounce the name of the town, you’re not the first. Skaneateles is an Iroquois word meaning long lake, which definitely holds true. The 16-mile lake at Skaneateles is strikingly beautiful and clean. You will also find quaint shops that will fill your heart’s desire, ones without uppity salespersons who glare at you for not dropping a grand. The downtown district is home to many shops and galleries, most of which reside in restored buildings dating all the way back to 1796.

The town of Saranac Lake, New York is definitely a sight worth seeing in Upstate New York. It lies deep within the Adirondack Mountains (so bring your walking shoes), meaning that it is surrounded by beauty of all sorts. Exciting entertainment takes place annually at Saranac Lake, such as North America’s largest rugby tournament, the oldest winter carnival on the East coast, and New York State’s longest canoe race. If you ever plan on visiting Albany, New York, Burlington, Vermont, or Montreal, Canada, Saranac Lake is only about two and a half hours away.

Saratoga Springs, New York is a classic getaway to see old Victorian houses, tree-lined streets, front porch swings, and all things lovely and simple. The town has thirteen golf courses, ten museums, boutiques to make  it feel like your home away from home, and scrumptious restaurants. Also, you musn’t forget the natural spring spas or the Lincoln Mineral Baths. It ain’t called Saratoga Springs for nothin’.

If you’re into shooting hoops or watching hoops being shot, definitely plan on visiting Springfield, Massachusetts, the birthplace of basketball and the home of the Basketball Hall of Fame. In fact, this town is also home to the esteemed, Dr. Seuss! Legend has it that the zoo in Forest Park was the inspiration behind many of Dr. Seuss’s stories. We’re wondering if there’s green eggs and ham hidden somewhere in the aviary.

J. Jacobs is a guest blogger for My Dog Ate My Blog and a writer on online schools for Guide to Online Schools.