If you're thinking about getting out of town for the upcoming holiday weekends, you don't necessarily have to get on an airplane.
Jacqueline Gifford, Editor in Chief of Travel + Leisure, stopped by "Mornings On 1" with a list of last minute getaways that are all reachable from the city either by car or by train.
Providence, RI
· Distance: Providence is approximately a three-and-a-half-hour train ride from New York City, accessible by Amtrak.
· Where to stay: The Dean Hotel, a historic building located in downtown Providence, has a starting rate of $159 + tax per night for both Christmas and New Year’s. Filled with custom furniture, craftwork from local purveyors and found objects from Europe and beyond, The Dean revels in the details. The Dean is also home to the acclaimed restaurant North, The Boom Box Karaoke Corner, and Bolt Coffee.
· Things to do: While spending the holidays in Providence, a top winter experience is Ice Bumper Cars at the Alex and Ani City Center. The Providence Rink is the first outdoor rink to host this exceptional experience, available to guests of all ages. Participants sit in the bumper car while moving forwards, backwards and sideways with a full 360 degree turn radius bumping opponents out of your way. Ice Bumper Cars are offered daily and must be booked in advance online. For hours of operation, car availability and to reserve a car, visit www.theprovidencerink.com
New Haven, CT
· Distance: New Haven is two-hours from NYC by train via Metro-North from Grand Central Terminal to Union Station.
· Where to stay: Conveniently located near New Haven’s happening downtown, luxury boutique hotel, The Study at Yale is the perfect place to stay as it offers easy access to Yale’s museums (free admission) and theaters, as well as New Haven’s boutiques, bars and lounges. The Study at Yale is offering Christmas package to guests, which includes fun and festive amenities like hand-delivered cookies on Christmas Eve. Package rate begins at $189.
· Things to do: Throughout December, Santa will make numerous appearances around New Haven to read stories to children and spread holiday cheer. On Dec. 23, spectators can enjoy an ice carving demonstration of the Nutcracker happening at The Shops of Yale. There’s also the Fantasy of Lights, a one-mile route through Lighthouse Point Park featuring over 60 holiday light displays.
Poconos
· Distance: Only about an hour and half driving from NYC
· Where to stay: The Woodloch Pines Resort is a Poconos family resort nestled in a pristine mountain lake vacation setting. The resort offers weekly activities, abundant amenities, nightly entertainment, and one of the world’s best destination spas. They’re offering a NYE package that includes entrance to New Year’s Eve celebrations complete with live music, food & drinks, countdown parties, and a firework show. Rates for this start at just $345 per night for NYE weekend.
· Things to do: Located just 90 minutes from NYC, the Poconos can be an often-overlooked weekend destination. Surrounded by mountains, nature and fresh air, the Poconos are a perfect getaway for busy New Yorkers seeking a detox from the hustle and bustle of city life. You can participate in all the winter activities you like, including skiing, snow tubing, ice skating and more.
Boston
· Distance: About 4-hour drive or train from NYC
· Where to stay: The Boston Park Plaza is an upscale hotel with elegant rooms, and its offering rooms at under $100 per night for NYE weekend.
· Things to do: Boston is a central hub for food, culture, and history and is visited by millions every year. Known as America’s walking city, it makes the perfect weekend trip from NYC year-round because you can see everything the city has to offer in a few short days. Visit the historic Freedom Trail route where you can learn about our country’s history; Go shopping on Newbury Street, Eat authentic Italian food in the North End; take a tour of the famous Fenway Park.
Philadelphia
· Distance: An hour and a half by train, car or bus
· Where to stay: As a major city, there are plenty of hotels to chose from, but some of our favorites are the Renaissance Philadelphia and The Logan, which are just under $160 per night around the holiday season.
· Things to do: Philadelphia is packed to the brim with world-class cultural institutions and outstanding restaurants. There’s an incredible foodie scene where you can try different cuisines (not just the famous philly cheesteak!) Visit the famous Rocky stairs at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and check out Eastern State, one of the first penitentiaries in the U.S. and now a historic site. Pop into Reading Terminal Market for some treats from Pennsylvania Dutch country and elsewhere.
Alexandria, Virginia
· Distance: About a 4 hour drive from NYC
· Where to stay: Kimpton Lorien Hotel & Spa and Hotel Indigo Old Town Alexandria are city favorites and are available for incredible values during the holidays, with most room nights throughout the city selling for under $150 per night.
· Things to do: In Old Town Alexandria, strolling historic King Street is like being in a real-life Dickens Village, with local boutiques, twinkling lights and cozy cafés. The town is packed full of authentic holiday traditions, including a spectacular firework show to ring in the new year and the 33rd annual Waterskiing Santa show on the Potomac River.