If you have been looking for the perfect way to escape the city for a few days to recharge - look no further. We know there is no shortage of things to do in and around New York City and weeding through all of the suggestions can be exhausting. A quick Google search will give you thousands of recommendations on where to go. However, compiling them together into an itinerary that makes sense can be challenging - not to mention time consuming. But living in a city with so many fantastic places within a short driving distance has its perks. If you can push through that research fog and find getaway opportunities that really excite you, every weekend can feel like a vacation. Here, we have compiled a list of the ten best itineraries for weekend road trips that will help you to create wonderful memories and reset for the week ahead.

Modern Architecture in Connecticut

Let’s face it, New York City has some of the most amazing architecture in the world. Chances are, you have grown an appreciation for it. If you are looking for a quiet, easy weekend away from the city, why not take a little road trip to Connecticut? Here, you will find many stunning examples of modern architecture. You are welcome to admire them from afar (or on the sidewalk) with a coffee in hand or actively turn your sightseeing into an opportunity to learn about the designers and architects who constructed these masterpieces. If you’re looking for a more structured visit, you should check out The Glass House, an architectural museum comprised of 14 structures over 49 aces.

Craft Spirits and Gourmet Food in the Hudson Valley

Food tourism is a thing. And if you can’t convince your buddies to plan a whole trip to Italy just to eat some pasta, you can definitely convince them to take a trip to the Hudson Valley for the weekend. If you love food, you will love the selection of fine dining available in the Hudson Valley. We especially love The Bocuse Restaurant, a contemporary French bistro with stunning architectural design. You will also have plenty of access to local, craft cocktails and liquors since the Hudson Valley is home to plenty of vineyards, cider houses, distilleries and ale houses. We won’t tell if you spend the whole weekend eating and drinking. Isn’t that what weekends are for?

Local Art on the North Fork and South Fork

If you knew there was a place that combined your love for art and the outdoors, would you drop everything and go in a heartbeat? Well, there is, and it’s only a quick little road trip from NYC. Spend the weekend touring local art exhibits, famous outdoor sculptures and renowned museums. While you are here, you can also go for a hike and take in the scenery or explore the wide variety of restaurants along the route. While you are here, you definitely need to check out the LongHouse Reserve, a sculpture museum founded by textile designer Jack Lenor Larsen. The reserve has a four-lever indoor museum, as well as an outdoor sculpture component, and is located right on the beach.

Wine Tasting on the North Fork and South Fork

After a long week, a wine tasting getaway is exactly what you need. Set against a lush forest backdrop, this series of vineyards will make you feel like you have been transported somewhere far, far away from NYC. Amongst them, Kontokosta Winery will sweep you off your feet with waterfront views of Long Island Sound. This award-winning vineyard aims to be fully sustainable and is entirely powered by its own wind-generated energy. If you are a fan of oysters, you also need to check out Little Creek Oyster Farm and Market, where you can shuck and enjoy fresh oysters on the waterfront, from a small business built out of an old whaling ship. This is the perfect way to fill your weekend with a little bit of luxury, without having to break the bank. So, grab your best buds and hit the road!

Majestic Views and Ziplining in the Catskills

This getaway is perfect for the New Yorker who likes a little bit of excitement, at a moderate pace. Especially if you are someone who appreciates a little time in the great outdoors, you will love this trip among the treetops. While this getaway does have a few higher-intensity activities such as ziplining with New York Ziplining Canopy Tours, it also includes some smaller adventures such as a lift ride with stunning views thanks to the Windham Mountain Sky Ride. Once you have worked up an appetite, The Prospect is the perfect place to continue enjoying the mountains on their outdoor patio around a fire pit, or inside looking through their floor-to-ceiling windows.

Apple Orchards and Craft Breweries in the Hudson Valley

Especially for the fall harvest, this unique tour itinerary is an experience you will never forget. After leaving the “Big Apple”, you will find yourself dining at the Angry Orchard among the trees. Afterwards, you will head on over to one of several craft breweries in the Hudson Valley. The next day, you can explore the rest. If you are looking for an opportunity to eat some fine food and drink some good beer - this is it. You will definitely get excited about this itinerary when you check out Obercreek Brewing Company which has several rotating brews on tap including IPAs, stouts, saisons, pale ales and more.

Modern Art and Historic Architecture in the Hudson Valley

The Hudson Valley may not be as well-known as NYC for its modern art and historic architecture, but it’s certainly worth a trip to explore. This is the best place to spend your weekend if you’re looking for a laid-back adventure. The Hudson Valley boasts a large collection of art galleries and design centers, as well as unique art experiences such as the outdoor sculpture gardens. Storm King Art Center is particularly impressive with several hundred acres of walking trails and sculpture installations. As for historic architecture, a quiet walk through the neighborhoods with a pastry and your favorite warm beverage will leave you reminiscing about the olden days.

Hiking Mountains and Waterfalls in the Catskills

If you had no idea that mountains this gorgeous were only a short road trip away from NYC, you’re not alone. But now that the secret is out, you need to take a weekend away to hike up mountains, bike through forest trails and go searching for breathtaking waterfalls. We recommend looking up Overlook Bicycles, where you can choose from several types of traditional, mountain and electronic bikes, which you can take on a tour through the Ashokan Rail Trail. The Catskills have no shortage of outdoor activities awaiting you, but when you are ready to come back and relax, a quaint forest retreat will be ready for you.

Modern Art and Meditation in the Hamptons

If you are looking for a getaway that will give you maximum relaxation - this is it. The Hamptons have a surprising number of wellness services, including a meditation center. Take the weekend to reconnect with yourself and get the rest you truly deserve. We couldn’t think of a better place to go, with the beach right at your doorstep and plenty of yummy treats to indulge in, from local bakeries, cafes and restaurants. If you would like to immerse yourself in rich culture, we definitely recommend a stop at the Parrish Art Museum where you will find a curated rotation of art exhibitions, film screenings and musical performances. You should also make a stop at Elaia Estiatorio if you are a big fan of fresh seafood and Greek cuisine.

Surfing and Laid-Back Beaches on Montauk

If you have always wanted to go surfing, this is your chance: you can easily book a lesson through Engstrom Surf Lessons. Or, if you are someone who simply likes to hang back and watch others surf - that’s cool too. In fact, Ditch Plains Beach is well known as one of the best places to do so. Either way, you need to take a weekend trip to Montauk. This quiet little surf town is the perfect place to relax and enjoy some local cuisine. The beach club is the best way to add in a little luxury if that’s more your speed. Otherwise, pull up a chair, open a good book and the rest is up to you.

So, the next time you have a weekend without any plans and you’re starting to feel a little antsy, don’t hesitate to pack a bag and hit the road. There is certainly no shortage of fantastic weekend holidays that you can take away from New York City with ease. We’d even challenge you to take as many of these getaways as you can, since all ten of these destinations are bucket list worthy.