From romantic train rides in the Poconos and sunset dinner cruises on Lake George to quick trips to nearby New Jersey, escape the bustle of the big city with one of these romantic getaways from New York City.
Scenic beauty makes the Pocono Mountains a natural escape from the bustle of the big city. Take in the stunning mountain scenery on a romantic train ride aboard a 1930s-era Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway coach. Journey, roundtrip, on a 16-mile, narrated tour along the Reading and Northern mainline that follows the Lehigh River through the gorge.
Seek the rush of waterfalls at one of the region’s many parks. Bushkill Falls, known as the “Niagara of Pennsylvania,” offers eight cascades throughout roughly 300 lush acres, including the impressive 100-foot drop of Main Falls.
After a day of exploring, head out for an indulgent dinner at Louie’s Prime Steakhouse, known for its consistent steaks, seafood and cocktails in a rustic, wood-paneled space. Boulder View Tavern is a nearby alternative.
Book your stay at Best Western Inn at Blakeslee-Pocono.
At the Heritage Hotel, a part of the BW Premier Collection, sip a glass of sangria while you peruse the locally curated art gallery or pamper yourselves with massages at the spa. Take a dip in the indoor heated salt-water pool or hop in the hot tub for a relaxing soak after a long day of golf at the 9-hole Pomperaug Golf Club (The members-only local club is open to hotel guests.) On site, The Tavern serves American pub fare with local and regional craft beer on tap.
For a culinary treat off-site, head over to Lucas Loyal Oyster Bar. Starters include oysters, of course, plus sashimi, littleneck clams, octopus, crab, lobster and more. Save room for the main event: inventive entrées include char-grilled sea bass, scallops and Gulf of Maine halibut, plus a hearty burger with bacon jam, steak frites, venison, Nashville hot chicken and more.
Book your stay at Heritage Hotel, Golf, Spa & Conf Ctr, BW Premier Collection.
For a quick getaway, head to North Bergen, New Jersey. Situated on the Hudson Palisades, it is one of the hilliest places in the country. Make your way to James J. Braddock Park (named for the heavyweight champion boxer) and stroll along scenic paths that hug Woodcliff Lake. Grab a bench overlooking the lake and enjoy the peaceful fountain.
For dinner, share your secrets at Aumm Aumm, or “hush hush” in the Neapolitan dialect, as you enjoy a cozy, Italian culinary experience. The restaurant’s signature pie comes topped with sautéed steak and caramelized onions, or split a Quattro Stagioni, “four seasons”—a Margherita pizza with four sections topped with hot soppressata, sautéed eggplant, prosciutto and sautéed mushrooms. End the experience with a sweet cannoli, tiramisu or Italian-style cheesecake.
Book your stay at Best Western Premier NYC Gateway Hotel.
Roughly four hours from New York City, Lake George is a serene escape. Book a romantic brunch aboard the Lac du Saint Sacrement and let the Lake George Steamboat Company pamper you on a two-hour lake tour complete with fresh omelets, French toast, champagne and more amid stunning scenery. Lunch and romantic sunset dinner cruises are also an option, as well as sightseeing-only tours.
A short drive from Lake George, the Saratoga Performing Arts Center is a summer home of New York City Ballet and The Philadelphia Orchestra. Chamber music, opera, jazz and much more are all options, depending on the time of year. Share in one of dozens of inspiring performances offered year-round.
For a romantic dining experience, try Bistro LeRoux or enjoy the cozy, log-cabin vibe at Caldwell House or The Log Jam Restaurant.
Book your stay at Best Western of Lake George.
Nature lovers will love a quick jaunt to Lincoln, New Hampshire, for outdoor activities. Located in the White Mountains, snow tubing and skiing are draws in Lincoln. Parts of the town are in the White Mountain National Forest, and the Appalachian Trail crosses here, too.
Head over to Franconia Notch State Park, where Flume Gorge spans 800 feet and features stunning 90-foot high granite walls. Scenic moose tours, an arts center, kayaking and thrilling ATV tours are also available in Lincoln.
Share a meal at White Mountain Tavern (with live music Friday and Saturday nights). Here, the wood-burning fireplace draws the after-skiing happy hour crews. Or, at the Common Man, cozy up on a couch in front of the fireplace and then order the famed crab cakes or Nantucket pie.
Book your stay at Woodwards White Mountain Resort, BW Signature Collection.