Fall & Winter Getaways from New York
We all love New York City, but sometimes a weekend getaway is more than necessary - it's vital! Besides that, during the Fall/Winter season, the sky tends to get gloomy quite often. Of course, one can complain about that, but you can't deny that bad weather sometimes creates perfect days for a cozy romantic vacay. Because nothing screams more "Can we please go somewhere with a fire pit, a starry sky, and a pack of 12 bottles of wine?" than being stuck with your partner in your New York apartment on a rainy day!
Unfortunately, some small towns in the United States are not really receptive to LGBTQ+ couples walking around, holding hands, and being fearlessly happy - love and freedom are really disturbing to some outdated people. But luckily New York state has cities that are evolved enough to be honored with our presence. We listed a few of them here to help you plan your Weekend Gay-taway!
+ Why is Fire Island so gay, and how do we get there?
Beacon
Beacon has always been attracting new yorkers, but in 2003 the city reinvented itself becoming an art kingdom. That's when Dia:Beacon, the largest museum of contemporary art in the United States, was founded, leading to the opening of many small galleries in the area.
Dia:Beacon is located in a former Nabisco box printing factory on the banks of the Hudson River, which has been converted into a museum space with different galleries. The collection has masterpieces of the '60s and '70s, with work of Dorothea Rockburne, Richard Serra, Donald Judd, Andy Warhol, and Charlotte Posenenske.
The Main Street of Beacon has a collection of remarkable galleries, such as Fine Art Gallery, Howland Cultural Center, and Bannerman Island Gallery. You can also find decor shops, eateries, and wine bars. Ps. On the second Saturday of the month, the galleries stay open late, and there's live entertainment everywhere.
How to get to Beacon from New York City?
Take the Metro-North from Grand Central to Beacon's train station. The ticket is about $30 for a round trip. The train ride takes an hour and a half.
Storm King Art Center
You've probably seen some pictures of this sculpture park in Mountainville, New York, on your Instagram feed. The Storm King Art Center displays large-scale pieces from noteworthy artists like Maya Lin, Douglas Abdell, and Alexander Calder.
The Storm King Art Center was founded in 1960 by Ralph E. Ogden and H. Peter Stern, co-owners of the Star Expansion Company. The museum developed 500 acres, preserving the natural beauty of the region.
This is a perfect destination for those who are planning to stay over in Beacon for a weekend. The Storm King Art Center is about 14 miles southwest of Dia: Beacon, and the sculpture park offers packages with shuttles leaving from the Beacon Station.
How to get to The Storm King Art Center from New York City?
You can take a Short Line Bus from the Port Authority. A day package includes departure from NYC at 10am and leaves Storm King at 5:02pm. The other option would be taking the Metro-North from Grand Central to Beacon's train station and transferring to a shuttle.
Woodstock
Thanks to the famous festival that took place about an hour away from Woodstock in the 60s, the homonymous town inherited a bohemian reputation that attracts thousands of tourists every year. All of them are looking for hippie art, thrift shops, and live rock - and that's what they will find!
Woodstock is definitely one of the most charming towns in the Catskills. The main street has boutiques, crafty stores with creative gifts, and so many restaurant options. If you are there, don't skip breakfast at The Mud Club, where they serve wood-fired bagels in a charming outdoor restaurant with fire pits keeping you warm.
Other classics for food are Three Turtle Doves and Silvia. Or you can shop at Tinker Street! But if you are looking for live music, then Levon Helm's Studio is the place to be.
How to get to Woodstock from New York City?
Unfortunately, there's no train station around. So instead, you can take one of Trailways bus lines or rent a car on Lyft.
Atlantic City
Located two hours south of Staten Island, in New Jersey, Atlantic City has always had opened doors for the LGBTQ+ community. The town hosts the Miss'd America Drag Pageant every year and has plenty of options for parties and entertainment.
This destination is way different from Beacon and Woodstock. If you're going Upstate, you want to find peace in the middle of the woods; In Atlantic City, you're looking for fun, casinos, and concerts.
You can check The Absecon Lighthouse, offering breathtaking views, or go to the Steel Pier, an amusement park with rides and different games.
How to get to Atlantic City from New York City?
Take the Greyhound bus at Port Authority towards Atlantic City. The trip is about 3 hours.
Ithaca
Once chosen as one of the 10 Best Cities for Gays and Lesbians to Live by The Advocate magazine, Ithaca is a lovely town located 12 miles from Cayuga Lake. Not only will you find incredible nature views, but also crafty stores, art galleries, and fun nightlife.
Part of Ithaca's young and progressive spirit comes from the liberal art institution Ithaca College. You can visit the Americana Vineyards, an LGBTQ-owned winery, stay at the gay and lesbian-friendly Purple Roofs, and drink at bars like Silky Jones and The Watershed.
If you are into nature, visit the gorgeous waterfall at the Cayuga Lake or explore one of Ithaca's hiking trails.
How to get to Ithaca from New York City?
Take a bus to Schwartz Performing Arts Center from Port Authority, or try Cornell's Campus-to-Campus Bus Service that provides a way more comfortable travel.
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