Quaint stores and farm-to-table eats are the pot of gold at the
end of a journey north along the Hudson River. The easiest way to
reach Cold
Spring? Take the Metro-North Hudson train departing from Grand
Central; the line hugs the banks of the river. On arrival, stretch
your legs out and breathe in a few lungfuls of country air in the
15-acre Stonecrop Gardens – more adventurous folk can opt for
a kayak tour with Hudson River Expeditions. Don’t leave without
lapping up one of Moo Moo’s Creamery’s ice cream cones, with almost 100
different flavours on rotation. Our order? Butter Pecan and Graham
Cracker. If you can time your train ride back to Manhattan in line
with the sunset, you’ve hit the visual jackpot.

If you grew up in New York City or the surrounding suburbs, it’s
likely you’ve either hiked Bear Mountain or
know at least ten people who have. A hotspot for New Yorkers
wanting to get in touch with their wild side, this national park stretching across Rockland and Orange
counties is threaded with paths for hiking (the Appalachian Trail
crosses through), biking, cross-country skiing and sledging, and
plays host to attractions that run the gamut from a bird sanctuary
to an Oktoberfest knees-up. Bring a picnic and a good
camera – the views here are especially beautiful in autumn.

Hankering after a taste of the real Empire State? Look no further
than Blue Hill Farm.
World-famed for its high-end farm-to-table fare that makes the most
of produce from the Hudson Valley , this place draws NYC locals and
visitors upriver to its smallholding just outside Sleepy Hollow.
Dining isn’t the only draw; the on-site market is packed with
homemade preserves, toiletries and kitchenwares – bring a tote to
haul back any goodies you pick up after your meal.

A two-hour drive from Manhattan, Sannino Vineyard scratches
that itch for those who want to go to California’s Napa Valley or
Portugal’s Douro Region. Located on Long Island’s North Fork, it’s
the perfect getaway for those who’ve had their fill of the Hamptons. Opt for a wine tasting – there’s a bed
and breakfast on-site, so your day trip can easily turn into an
overnight jaunt.

A hotspot for New Yorkers looking to decompress, Storm King Art Center
is 500-acre expanse of undulating countryside flecked with
gargantuan sculptures and installations – it’s among the US’s
largest collection of contemporary outdoor art. Backdropped by
Storm King Mountain, this is a place where the bond between art,
nature and people reigns supreme. Expect to see pieces by the likes
of Alexander Calder, SolLeWitt, Roy Lichtenstein and Maya Lin.
Don’t feel like walking? Bikes are available for rent.

A quick Metro-North ride from Grand Central Station will whisk
you to this chocolate-box town that gazes over Long Island Sound
from Westchester County. Larchmont is famed for the
striated rocks, scenic vistas and winding pathways of Manor Park –
take a walk before heading inland to local restaurants and shops.
Get your fill of wholesome fare at Stan’z
Café before picking out your future waterfront mansion on the
waterfront. This is suburban living at its best.

Although technically in NYC, Queens’ Rockaway Beach (yes, the one the
Ramones sang about) could easily fool visitors into thinking
they’d made it to the Hamptons – minus the deep drive into Long
Island. Simply take the A train or avail of New York’s ferry
services to reach this expansive beach. It draws a whole host of
sunbathers and surfers, so people-watching here is second to none.
Grab a bite from one of the many food trucks and prepare to be
entertained.

It’s hard to believe that the Noguchi Museum is in NYC. Located in
Queens’ Long Island City, its serene outdoor sculpture garden
incorporates elements of Japanese and American culture and serves
as a homage to sculptor Isamu Noguchi’s roots. Just 10 minutes
drive from here is Casa Enrique, one of New York’s best spots for
traditional, Michelin-starred Mexican food – a perfect way to end
your day.