Unique (and Last Minute!) Weekend Getaways from NYC for July 4th
this could not only be @cbporcii91’s view but yours too!
“4th of July is just around the corner…” *cue the scramble to plan your last minute getaway from New York trip*. Stressing about where to go celebrate America’s birthday this year? Well, it’s not too late to plan your weekend getaway from NYC and make sure you’re not the only New Yorker left in the city. Whether you’re looking for rustic charm, a city bursting with things to do, or a relaxing beach vacation we’ve found the best places to visit. Check out these five unique destinations that will be sure to fill your stomach with good food and camera roll with gorgeous pictures.
North Fork, Long Island
North Fork seems to be the city that is defying all Long Island stereotypes and becoming the secret gem of summer vacation destinations. Only about 2 hours outside of New York City, this town has everything from wineries to fresh seafood and boat trips. This Hamptons alternative is the perfect getaway destination for this holiday weekend.
Where to Stay:
Photo via Airbnb
Breakwater cottage sits on a three acre farmhouse property and is available for $250 a night. The space sleeps four and is the perfect place to stay in order to explore all the farm stands, beaches, vineyards, and restaurants North Fork has to offer! Your cottage rental also includes a porch equipped with a grill, picnic table, lounge chairs, and hammock looking out onto a private wooded backyard. Another bonus, for anyone escaping New York City, the Hampton Jitney and Long Island Railroad stop minutes away from your weekend destination.
Where to Eat:
@maudsgerard trying the calamari at Noah’s
One of the most raved about foodie stops in this town is Noah’s restaurant. The head chef is a Long Island native who is adamant about producing excellent dishes from local seafood. It’s said you can’t miss the calamari and lobster bucatini — we’re salivating just thinking about it. If you’re looking for a more laid back vibe, checkout Crabby Jerry’s & Claudio’s Clam Bar, both at the Greenport Wharf. When visiting Crabby Jerry’s it is highly recommended that you order the Cold Lobster Platter, this plate is loaded with steamed lobster, peel-and-eat shrimp, clams, corn, and coleslaw. At Claudio’s you can grab a great cocktail while partaking in some boat-watching accompanied by live music.
What to Do:
@vhoff06 is making us wish we were on the vineyard
North Fork is great because there are a ton of options for daytime activities. For those who want to celebrate America’s birthday all weekend, check out one of the many vineyards in the area for a day of wine tasting. Paumanok Vineyards is an awesome option for any kind of group, they offer tastings ranging from $6-$12 per person, and the setting will totally give your friends who stayed in the city major FOMO. If you’re looking for more of a day at the beach, take the short ferry ride over to Shelter Island. The boat leaves every 10–20 minutes starting at 6 am and ending at Midnight.
The Hudson Valley
The Hudson Valley is one of New York’s best kept secrets AND one of the easiest last minute weekend getaways from NYC. A rustic area that is progressively becoming more urban (in a good way!), the Hudson Valley has so many different towns that will give you a relaxing 4th of July escape. Whether you’re staying East of the Hudson and visiting trendy art galleries, like Dia:Beacon, or exploring the West Side and channeling your inner nature freak, Woodstock will do that to you, this weekend trip is sure to be a great experience.
Where to Stay:
Photo via Airbnb
What better way to have an authentic upstate visit, then to stay in a Carriage House ($300/night)! This Airbnb rental is within walking distance of all Rhinebeck village shops and restaurants, making it the perfect place to stay. The Carriage House sleeps four and also has a pool and jacuzzi (hello relaxation). Sticking to the farm feels within the Hudson Valley, the space is decorated with rustic touches and will make you feel like you’ve truly traded in skyscrapers for sky-high pine trees — even if it’s just for the weekend.
Where to Eat:
@bsfoodstagram trying out the famous BBQ Duck Quesadilla from The Terrapin
The center of Rhinebeck is full of different eateries that are revered by locals and visitors alike! If you’re looking for a meal that is full of Hudson Valley staples be sure to check out “The Terrapin” which strives to characterize their menu using local ingredients. If you want something a little more adventurous visit Aroi Thai Restaurant which is famous for their traditional Thai cuisine and award winning desserts.
What to Do:
@freemanstone capturing the scenic beauty that is the Hudson Valley
The Hudson Valley is home to some of the most beautiful hiking opportunities in the state. A great one, located about 10 minutes from the city center of Rhinebeck, is Poet’s Walk Park. This is an easy hike that will provide you with unreal views of the Hudson (hello Instagram photo opp). If you’re looking for something a little more physically challenging, travel across the river to the Mohonk Preserve for a day of serious hiking.
Portland, Maine
Maine’s largest city, Portland, is home to an amazing design, art, and food scene. The Arts District is one of the most famous areas within the city and is filled with art galleries, museums, schools, and even a theater company. Since this Fourth of July weekend kicks off on the first Friday of the month, your trip can include a visit to the “First Friday Art Walk” which lets you to visit all the local galleries, museums, and businesses while sampling different food and drink.
Where to Stay:
Photo via Airbnb
This home is a 5-star place to spend your weekend this 4th of July. Sleeping up to 6 people, for $300 a night, this Murray Hill apartment is sure to give you a weekend filled with memories. The apartment is in a great location and puts you in walking distance to almost all areas of the city. The space also provides a great view of Casco Bay (morning coffee goals) and plenty of space to sprawl out and relax. This rental will have you feeling like you’ve found a home away from home during your last minute getaway.
Where to Eat:
@superyeh’s picture has us drooling
Food is an essential aspect to this city, which is something we love, obviously. One of the most highly recommended places to visit is Duckfat — if you consider yourself a french-fry connoisseur than you HAVE to visit this place. Aligning with their name, all french fries are fried in duckfat, yup you read that right. And not only are the fires done with that, almost everything else on the menu has duck incorporated somehow, there’s even a sea salted duckfat caramel milkshake. Another place to check out while in Portland is The Fishermen’s Grill for some authentic seafood fare. The recommended dish by all here, is the haddock sandwich, but anything seafood is guaranteed fresh at this local foodie destination.
What to Do:
@brianarocks shows us a packed Hadlock Field
A city filled with food, art, and design, Portland is a plethora of summer activities. For those of you who want to spend time on the water, try a sunset sea kayak tour of Casco Bay, this will give you beautiful views. For something to do during the day, visit the Allagash Brewery, where you can tour the facilities and try their Belgian inspired beers. If you’re looking for something all-american (patriotic duty, we get it), visit Hadlock Field, home to the Portland Sea Dogs minor league baseball team, these games are fun for everyone!
Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
Delaware may be tiny but it certainly is not lacking when it comes to last minute getaways. This celebratory weekend be sure to visit Rehoboth Beach for some of the cleanest beaches accompanied by some of the clearest waters on this side of the Atlantic. This beach town is the epitome of everything you could want in your last minute vacation from NYC. Whether it’s tanning on the beach or running up and down the boardwalk to play games, you’ll be sure to enjoy your entire weekend here.
Where to Stay:
Photo via Airbnb
The Winkler is an awesome modern apartment that will give you the best of the beach and the woods. Named after Henry Winkler, from the TV show Happy Days, this apartment sleeps two and goes for $140 a night. Located in the Rehoboth Beach Yacht & Country Club community, you’ll be able to enjoy days filled with sun and sand and then come back to a relaxing home secluded by the woods. The rental also includes a hot tub and bicycles!
Where to Eat:
Great looking food snapped by @carolynrosecina
This beach town has much more to offer than just seafood and boardwalk cuisine. Before spending your day on the beach, check out Green Man Juice Bar & Bistro. Only serving breakfast and lunch, the juice bar is famous for it’s Salmon toast and adorable atmosphere. Even though Rehoboth has more to offer than seafood, that doesn’t necessarily mean we’re opposed to eating some fish during our vacation, does it? If you’re craving some of the ocean’s finest fare be sure to visit Claws Seafood House — famous for their Maryland Blue Crabs and Alaskan Snow Crab legs this place has great options.
What to Do:
@emmabeyn captured a perfect day on the boardwalk
Rehoboth is a picturesque beach town that will give you exactly what you need while trying to escape the concrete jungle known as New York City. With beautiful beaches, you could easily get lost in a good book while your toes are in the sand, all day. But if you’re looking for something more active hit up the boardwalk for a day filled with games, rides, and ice cream. Or for the adventurous, rent a paddleboard you’ll not only have a great time but also get a little workout in!
Providence, Rhode Island
The capital of the America’s tiniest state, Providence, is filled with fun this July 4th weekend. Only about three and a half hours driving from New York City, this city is a great option for a last minute getaway. Filled to the city limits with historic sites, museums, and theaters, there will never be a dull moment during your time away from New York and in Rhode Island’s capital city.
Where to Stay:
Photo via Airbnb
Providence is a town filled with historic charm, so while visiting why not stay in a Victorian home from 1880? This private room rental sleeps 2 and goes for $89 a night! The great part about this is that the room is secluded from the rest of the house and provides you with your own full bath and free parking. With a gorgeous interior and great location you really can’t beat this historic College Hill Airbnb for your 4th of July weekend.
Where to Eat:
@liviaaprillia went for the sweet & savoury option
Providence is a little city pushing out massive flavors. There are options for almost every kind of cuisine and ambiance you could ever desire. One of our favorites is The Duck & Bunny which classifies itself a “snuggery”(a cosy and comfortable place) — we define it as a must have meal during your weekend getaway. It’d be criminal not to try the banana nutella cupcake or their truffle fries. Since this is America’s birthday weekend, you could celebrate it in the most fitting way possible, with burgers and fries duh. Visit Haven Brothers Diner, this place is a Rhode Island staple and will fill your stomach with some of the best diner food you’ve ever had. We suggest trying anything on the menu and if you’re really feeling frisky grab an oreo caramel milkshake.
What to Do:
@jcio capturing an awesome room in the RISD Museum
Since this city is home to 3 of the most renowned schools in the nation, there are a ton of learning chances you can have here! Brown University, Rhode Island School of Design, and Providence College all have infused a ton of cultural opportunities into this tiny city. Take your pick from the Roger Park Williams Zoo, RISD Museum or Art, or just walking around the Historic Federal Hill district. Also, since it is 4th of July weekend, be sure to check out the Bank of Rhode Island’s independence day celebration in India Point Park, it’s one you can’t miss.
