Get-a-way betwen Boston-NYCy
February 6, 2007 2:47 PM   Subscribe

I am looking for a great city, or place to have a weekend get-away. It should be accessible by train, no more than 2-3 hours from Boston or New York, for a relaxing weekend. Any suggestions? (I've already been to Mystic, CT).
posted by quiverandquill to Travel & Transportation (18 answers total) 4 users marked this as a favorite
 
Newport, RI?
posted by holgate at 2:58 PM on February 6, 2007


Portland, ME
posted by kuujjuarapik at 3:17 PM on February 6, 2007


oh, sorry, you said between.
posted by kuujjuarapik at 3:18 PM on February 6, 2007


Newport isn't accessible by train.
posted by Ruki at 3:26 PM on February 6, 2007


Northhampton? I think you can take a bus. Providence is okay, but may be hard to get into if you don't know anyone.
posted by dame at 3:45 PM on February 6, 2007


>Newport isn't accessible by train.
It is by bus! Or train to Providence RI, then bus to Newport. Or just check out Providence.

U said 2-3 hours from either Boston or NYC. So do you mean somewhere on the train line between these 2 cites, or anywhere reacheable with 2-3 hours in any directions from either city?
posted by zaphod at 3:51 PM on February 6, 2007


Seconding Northampton! UBER CUTE TOWN.
posted by clango at 4:19 PM on February 6, 2007




Brattleboro? It's unlikely you'll run into naked people this time of year, but it's a neat town.
posted by Saucy Intruder at 6:01 PM on February 6, 2007


Yes also to Northampton and thereabouts (Amtrak to Springfield or the daily service to Amherst), though you'll probably end up relying on buses if you want to nip between those little college towns -- which you ought.

I'd have said Old Saybrook, but that might be too similar to Mystic, and it's better in-season.
posted by holgate at 6:16 PM on February 6, 2007


I went to college in Northampton and it's a pretty awesome place.

I also live in Providence, which is an equally awesome place. Thayer St. on the East Side is a particularly happening place to hang out. The RISD museum is small, but has a really great collection for its size.

There's definitely more to do in Providence, in NoHo most activities are shopping related. Though there are plenty of cafés if what you're interested in is sitting around and watching college kids.
posted by grapefruitmoon at 8:21 PM on February 6, 2007


There are easy Greyhound rides to Northampton several times a day (and the same really friendly/polite woman has been behind the counter every time I've gone though there for the last few years... it's hard to believe you're in a Greyhound station).
posted by allterrainbrain at 8:48 PM on February 6, 2007



Mohonk Mountain House is a cool retreat in New Paltz, NY. New Paltz is about 2.5 hours north of NYC by train. Mohonk is a resort on the edge of a filled in quarry. The movie "Road to Wellville" was shot there. New Paltz is a small but funky town. The legend is it was tarted when hippies couldn't find their way home from Woodstock.
posted by sharkfu at 11:32 PM on February 6, 2007


If you go to Northampton (which you should) be sure to check out East Heaven Hot Tubs. You pay for an hour or half an hour in these really beautiful hot tubs by yourself or with a friend or special friend. Being in their outdoor hot tubs in winter is *awesome*.

Also in Northampton, the Smith College art museum is a pretty decent little museum. Not to be missed.

Also, a ton of really good "ethnic" food.
posted by sneakin at 3:15 AM on February 7, 2007


I live in Portsmouth, NH, which is a lovely little town on the seacoast (although if you're not into the cold, it'll be lovelier in another couple of months). It's not accessible by train, but is just an hour away from Boston on a very nice bus.

Newburyport, MA is accessible by train and has a similar -- if slightly more suburban -- New England coastal atmosphere. Same deal with Rockport, MA.
posted by dseaton at 4:20 AM on February 7, 2007


Disclaimer: I'm a RI resident.

Another vote for Providence and Newport, RI. Newport is even better in the winter than in the summer (in terms of relaxing). Both cities have a decent number of great restaurants, cafes and bookstores.

My first thought was New Hampshire. North Conway, perhaps, but I'm not sure how the public transportation works in getting there.
posted by LouMac at 6:04 AM on February 7, 2007


Best answer: South Norwalk, CT, perhaps? You can take Metro-North from NYC, and there's a nice downtown area with shops and restaurants walking distance from the train. For a weekend, there are probably a few B&Bs in the area.

I 2nd Portland, ME, too.

I also Nth Providence, RI. Lots of shopping, restaurants, attractions and lodging. See a show at the Trinity Rep, splurge on a romantic Italian meal on Federal Hill, watch a movie on the couches at the Cable Car. All of this, plus the mall and convention center, are accessible by RIPTA Trolley.
posted by Sprout the Vulgarian at 7:02 AM on February 7, 2007


I know you said "city" but I'm seconding New Paltz and the Hudson Valley in general. SO beautiful, so many interesting things to do and see. Just to give you some idea of how much I love this place, I moved from there to NYC three years ago, and I still go back to visit at least once a month, usually more.
posted by silverstatue at 9:43 AM on February 7, 2007


« Older Maybe I should grow hair to put flowers in...   |   What's an easy way to backup my e-mail yet still... Newer »
This thread is closed to new comments.