Nearby Vacation Destinations

I don’t know about you, but this year so far has left me in dire need of a vacation. The summer has been lovely, but 2014 has been just as crazy and complicated as 2013 (if not worse)! I keep thinking one of these years needs to get a little more laid back, but it doesn't look like it’s going to happen anytime soon, so it’s officially time to take matters into our own hands! I wanted to make an awesome little list of places in close proximity that you can get away for a short vacation without spending the whole time driving!

Start with a quick hop, skip, and jump to Bear Mountain. This is a state park and historic preserve situated in the mountains above the west bank of the Hudson River. There’s enough hiking, biking, fishing, swimming and adventuring to keep the whole family happy! Best part? It'll only take you about 2 hours from the center of Suffolk County to get there (so give or take a little from wherever you’re situated)!

Looking for a quick getaway up into New England? Jump on the New London ferry… and go very little further! New London usually flies under the radar for vacation seekers: they get off the ferry and keep on heading north for further destinations. New London has its own charms and attraction for a weekend of entertainment. Check out history building, mills, and churches; art centers, state parks, and even take a short ferry ride to Block Island. Including the New London ferry ride (which is an adventure of its own) this trip should take you just about 2.5 hours, if you're starting from central Suffolk County. Still not completely sold that there’s enough to keep everyone entertained? Once you've completed New London, Mystic Seaport is just a short 15-20 minute drive away with its own aquarium, shops, and much more!

Looking for a quiet coast to get away to and just absorb what’s left of the summer? Head the short distance from Long Island to Sea Girt, New Jersey. This quiet little borough of New Jersey offers stretches of beautiful beach, along with small town charm and local history. It’s perfect for family or romantic relaxation away from the usual “Jersey Shore” volume. This trip will take you just under 3 hours to get there from central Suffolk County.  

For more of what New York has to offer, head up to Phoenicia, NY for a mixture of small town relaxation and mountain area activities. The town has coffee shops, boutiques, and festivals for everyone to enjoy. Phoenicia is also nestled in the shadow of Slide Mountain, also offering tubing, kayaking, hiking, and more! It’ll take you just about 3 hours to get to Phoenicia from central Suffolk County.