Some people in other parts of the world may think New Yorkers wouldn’t ever want to look for weekend getaways from NYC. It is true that New York City may be one of the most exciting cities in the universe, but even die-hard Applelistas (Fanhattanites?) need to get away from it all every once in a while. Even better, you don’t even have to venture that far out of the city to feel like you’re Someplace Else. If you’re itching to get away for a bit, check out these five great weekend getaway options.

1. Seneca Lake Wine Trail

Any respectable NYC-based oenophiles worth their tannins need to spend a weekend sipping homegrown reds and whites on the Seneca Lake Wine Trail in New York’s Finger Lakes region. Home to nearly three dozen fabulous wineries, grape nuts will have a blast driving through the area’s 65 miles of wineries, postcard-ready lake views, distilleries (for that half hour when you don’t want any wine), and everything to make you forget that you’re mere hours away from home. Seneca Lake’s wineries host their own events through the year, including happy hours and barbecues. Stay in the lodging of your choice, from luxe hotels to private rental homes.

2. Montauk

You know how you’re always going on about how the Hamptons used to be? Montauk is kind of still like that. Take a scenic ride on the Jitney if you’ve got the time and the dime, or sling your overnight bag over your shoulder and head to Penn Station (or Atlantic Avenue if you’re heading in from Brooklyn) and take the LIRR, transferring at Jamaica to the Montauk train. Boat rides, strolls through the town and on the harbor, and relaxing sunbathing on one of the public beaches like Ditch Plains (gorgeous cliffs and handy outdoor showers and restrooms) or Gin Beach (great for the kiddos with its low-key surf). Chow down on lobster with chili butter at the beloved Surf Lodge and devour duck tacos at Sole East. Stay at a plush resort or rent a cottage.

3. The Berkshires

From heading to Tanglewood to see the Boston Symphony Orchestra perform at its summer home to visiting the Norman Rockwell Museum and infusing your grey matter with vintage Americana, there’s plenty to see, do, and experience in the Berkshires — a mere two-and-a-half-hour car ride away from NYC. Hike the Mohawk Trail or the Trail of the Ledges before laying out a scrumptious picnic lunch of wine, grilled cheese sandwiches from Aura Whitman’s new spot, Naturally Catering & Takeout at Berkshire Organics. When you’ve had your fill of food, music, and art, you can soak in one of the clawfoot tubs at Blantyre and call it a night.

4. Fire Island

Located about 60 miles from the city, Fire Island is easy to get to — and it can be a bit hard to leave after spending a weekend strolling the beach at Robert Moses State Park, biking to nowhere, munching on cake from Rachel’s Bakery, and laying in the sun. Head to Ocean Beach Village or Fire Island Pines if you’re looking for a scene, or chill in pleasantly secluded Lonelyville if you want to be alone.

5. New York City

Yes, New York City. You know why? Now matter how long you’ve lived here, chances are, there are parts of the city you’ve never visited, so weekend getaways from NYC can be in NYC as well. Looking for ideas? Here’s a start. And here’s another. Take a staycation, and enjoy.

Image Source: Flickr/Ted Eytan

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