Getting To Grounds For Sculpture
Grounds for Sculpture is about a 1.5-hour drive from New York City . The train from Penn Station in New York City will take you to Trenton or Hamilton, and then taxis, Ubers, or buses can transport you to the park from there. Check dates and times: Entry to Grounds for Sculpture is by advance timed ticket only, available online. Count on taking 2.5 to 3 hours to see everything and perhaps picnic on the grounds in good weather. Currently no wheelchair tours are available.
Originally part of the New Jersey State Fairgrounds, Grounds for Sculpture was founded in 1992 by artist and philanthropist John Seward Johnson II. His whimsical pieces were inspired by scenes from impressionist painters such as Monet, Matisse, and Renoir, many of which have become interactive art experiences.
The Chamber of Internal Dialogue by Seward Johnson copyright 2011The Seward Johnson Atelier, Inc. photo: Barbara Winard
Nearly 300 contemporary sculptures dot the landscape across 42 landscaped acres. The collection contains sculptures by 150 artists, including such luminaries as Anthony Caro, Kiki Smith, George Segal, Magdalena Abakanowicz, and Isaac Witkin, among others. A favorite work of ours and of the iPhone photo brigade is a 25-foot-tall, three-dimensional model of Grant Woods famous American Gothic painting.
Editors Note: For more on this unique destination, consider Sue Davies and Regina Angs12 Reasons Grounds For Sculpture Is New Jerseys Best Kept Secret.
Most Luxurious Getaway: Winvian Farm Connecticut
As you pass through the white gates of Winvian, revel in the feeling that you’ve done something right in your life. The resort sprawls over 113 acres, where 18 designer cottages include a 35 foot-tall treehouse, a secret society temple, and a multi-level stable.
Activities include croquet, seasonal al fresco feasts on The Restaurant’s stone patio, and complimentary mountain bikes to cruise around nearby Bantam Lake or visit Sunset Meadow Vineyard along the CT Wine Trail. All of the cottages are completely unique, but equally outlandishyou can even sleep inside a fully restored 890-square-foot 1968 Sikorsky Sea King Pelican helicopter once used by the Coast Guard. The hotel can also arrange off-site diversions like horseback riding, hot-air ballooning, and clay shootingand the 4,000-acre private White Memorial Nature Preserve is an eight-minute drive up the road for those looking to do a relaxed hike.
2 hours. The resort is also directly accessible via helicopter, if you’re feeling particularly lavish.
Places In New York: Albany
Albany is located on the west bank of the Hudson river and is the capital city of New York. Visitors can tour many of the citys mansions and historic buildings such as the New York State Executive Mansion, the Ten Brock Mansion, and Schuyler Mansion. Cultural attractions include visiting the Institute of Art and History and taking in a live performance at the historic Palace Theatre.
The USS Slater is a historic WWII-era ship that offers hour-long guided tours for tourists interested in military history. Outdoor activities nearby include hiking scenic trails at John Boyd Thacher State Park and fishing at the Washington Park Lake. Things to Do in Albany
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Where To Stay Near Greenwood Lake With Kids
Spend one of your family weekend getaways from NYC with a home rental through Vrbo or alternative services to feel more comfortable in this cozy community surrounding one of the best lakes in New York! Accommodations directly on Greenwood Lake are usually best, but you can expand into nearby areas to widen your search. For example, venture only ten minutes outside the lakes main area and youll find Warwick, New York. A fantastic place to visit even if youre not staying there overnight.
Lake Tiorati is one of seven man-made lakes in Harriman State Park. Located in Sloatsburg, New York, its about 90 minutes from NYC. As such, its perfect for a short family weekend getaway from NYC! Kids will love spending time at Lake Tiorati Beach,which provides plenty of swimming, fishing, and boatingopportunities. Biking is also available if you want to see more of the lake. With so many options, its no wonder this is one of the best lakes in New York! Of course, you can also explore Harriman State Park, offering plenty of hiking. Kid-friendly trails include The Torrey Memorial Trail for younger kids or The Reeves Brook Trail, which is rated more moderate but features local wildlife, rock scrambles, ridge views, creek crossings, and more. With so many outdoor adventures nearby, this is certainly one of the best lakes near New York City for families!
Visit Many Great Places In New York
Whatever your budget and whatever your interests, theres never a dull moment in vibrant New York. Have a great time by day and by night, visiting cultural icons, world-renowned architectural masterpieces, museums, art galleries, shopping areas, parks, skyscrapers, amusement parks, and more.
With a truly global dining and drinking scene and a wealth of excellent accommodations to suit every taste, you really can cram every moment of your New York adventure with fun.
Tick off these best places to visit in New York for a fun-filled, action-packed, and memorable time in one of the worlds most exciting destinations. When youre done with that, consider grabbing a car and checking out some epic road trips in New York.
What is the best place in New York in your opinion? Leave a comment and let us know!
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New Paltz Minnewaska State Park & Mohonk Preserve
- Downtown New Paltz
- Hiking in the New Paltz area
Some places in upstate New York are truly beautiful, and New Paltz is the perfect example. From the small, artistic town vibe to the Dominican restaurant at the end of Main Street, this is a special place. The downtown area is expansive, and nearby Huguenot Street takes visitors back in time to visit Americas history.
At nearby Minnewaska State Park, and the Mohonk Preserve, visitors partake in several of the best hikes in New York and can see:
- A rare dwarf pitch pine
- An ice cave, formed in such a unique way that it maintains ice even in warm summer months
- The Verkeerderkill Waterfall
- A literal labyrinth of climbing, ducking, and squeezing in tight places
- Sams Point Visitor Center
- Panoramic views at Gertrudes Nose
- Artists Rock trail
With all this to see and more, the New Paltz area is truly breathtaking.
Where To Stay Near Bantam Lake With Kids
Bantam Lake has plenty of accommodation options for visiting one of the best lakes near New York City for families. Try booking a stay at Winvian Farm, a hilltop hotel set in quaint farm cottages and rustic buildings, just four miles from Litchfield. Overlooking nearby Lake Waramaug, The Hopkins Inn & Restaurant is also a great option for families since it has its own private beach. Many also consider renting properties from Vrbo or Airbnb. Finally, for families who truly want to experience the great outdoors, Bantam Lake also offers camping at two locations on its shores. Head to Point Folly for lakefront camping on one of the best lakes near new york city for families. Or, try Windmill Hill for tent camping in the woods.
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Weekend Getaways Every New Yorker Should Take
You want to shake off work without having to drive too far. We get it. That’s why we found one-tank trips every New Yorker should take for all kinds of travelers.
Whether you’re looking for a weekend at the beach, a ski getaway, a family visit to an amusement park or a host of other quick destinations that feature everything for children and adults alike, we found 25 great getaways in the Northeast that won’t take more than a tank of gas.
Reported by Marshall S. Berdan, Lauren Chattman, Malerie Yolen-Cohen, Alison Gregor, Cate Latting, Erica Marcus, Mary Ann McGann, Jim Merritt, Ian J. Stark and Beth Whitehouse.
Providence Rhode Island: 35
Providence, Rhode Island exudes all the charm you’d expect from a once and forever great New England city. It’s a place where you’ll still find cobblestone streets, and narrow river walks, alongside modern dining establishments, world-class theater, and museums to rival any of its larger, big city counterparts. While in Providence, head to Waterplace Park, where a river relocation project in the 1980s and 1990s revived the area and brought tourism back to its heyday. Book a gondola with La Gondola to channel your inner Venetian for a ride down the river, or plan your trip around WaterFire, an art installation that lights up the Providence waterways with nearly 100 bonfires on several weekends throughout the summer and fall.
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Finding Sanctuary In Upstate Ny During Fall
The fall season is a wonderful time to travel, because its neither too hot nor too cold to go anywhere. Especially in upstate, NY, many families and travelers choose the fall season to head out and explore all these gems that weve mentioned. You should definitely have a list of upstate New York places that you can cross off whenever you have the chance to
Taking a road trip is possibly the best way to enjoy each of these experiences because you get to witness some of the most scenic views while you get to your destinations. Away from the city life and getting closer to the untouched beauty of these small, offbeat vacation spots, youre surely going to make some cherished memories.
We hope this list gave you just the motivation you need to book your next vacation!
Weekend Trips From Nyc: Saranac Lake Ny
Hotel Saranac is a 100-year-old hotel and an iconic landmark located in the picturesque Saranac Lake village. A perfect base for exploring the surrounding Adirondack Mountains, especially in the fall foliage season, the hotel has been meticulously renovated with care to preserve its charm and architecture. The magnificent Great Hall, inspired by a 14th century Italian palace, is there to greet the guests. The rooms and suites also seamlessly blend modern and historical with ornate crown moldings, smart TVs, free Wi-Fi, and other modern amenities. Some rooms have sofas and desks, while suites add mini-fridges, private bedrooms, and additional TVs. Premium suites have a wet bars, sofas, and dining areas. The guests enjoy shuttle services and mountain bikes to explore the mountain trails. The hotel also has the Campfire restaurant, Great Hall Bar, and Ampersand Spa and Salon.It’s a great kid friendly destination from NYC.
100 Main Street, Saranac Lake, NY 12983, Phone: 518-891-6900
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East Village And Lower East Side
While once there was little reason to venture into these neighborhoods, and certainly not at night, they now come alive then the sun goes down, and, for many New Yorkers, the best two reasons to visit the Lower East Side and East Village are to drink and to dine.
The once-mean streets of the Lower East Side, an enclave of immigration in previous centuries, are now very much the domain of hipsters.
To witness this renaissance, check out the restaurants around Ludlow and Clinton streets.
Even once-lowly Bowery is becoming a restaurant mecca.
For a taste of the areas heritage, however, visit Katzs Delicatessen or seek out the colorful, inexpensive Indian restaurants along Sixth Street between Second and First avenues, known collectively as Curry Row.
For a look at the East Village scene, check out hip bars and restaurants along avenues A and B, although expect to feel old if youre over 40, unfashionable if youre wearing a color other than black, and out of sync if you show up before 10 oclock.
Gurneys Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa
Gurneys Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa prides itself on being the only resort within the Hamptons that is open all year round, featuring gorgeous beach views. The oceanfront rooms and suites are supplemented by studios and cottages, with the latter featuring a kitchen as well as one to three bedrooms, a terrace, and fireplace.
Each oceanfront room has a private veranda and floor-to-ceiling windows to take advantage of expansive beach views, with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth providing high-end technology. The Seawater Spa includes a fitness center, ocean-fed and sand-filtered heated seawater pool, Finnish rock sauna, Roman baths, and salon and cosmetology services. This includes six body treatments, three Thalasso treatments, seven body therapies, three aromatherapies, and ten massages in addition to special spa packages. The Seawater Grill at Gurneys has ocean-fresh fare in an elegant dining room with panoramic ocean views, The Beach Club is a full-service restaurant right on the beach, The Ocean Cafe has casual dining with ocean views, and The Market is a grab and go cafe perfect for breakfast or a snack. If you don’t keep a car in NYC, take the Hampton Jitney. Rooms start at $185 per night.
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One Hour To One Hour And A Half
306 NY-304, Congers, NY 10920845-268-7020The hayride at Dr. Davies Farm has been a family favorite for over two decades. Bring your family along for some amazing fall fun as you learn about the farms tradition and history while looking around on the hayride and picking pumpkins. Another reason to choose Dr. Davies? Dogs are welcome. Due to Covid-19, the hayrides will be operating at limited capacity. Open 10 am 4 pm, daily. Cash only ATM available.
122 Oakdale Road, Chester, NJ 07930908-879-5353
Purchase your Farm Pass which includes all sorts of fun such as admission to apple orchard, pumpkin field, and other produce fields , and a fun farm wagon ride which is available on weekends and when as long as it is safe to ride.
130 Hardscrabble Road, North Salem, NY 10560914-485-1210Be part of the excitement at Harvest Moon for their biggest time of the year. This family-owned and operated apple orchard has a variety of delicious apples and activities for everyone. on weekends go for a hayride and enjoy the scenic route around the farm, listen to live music. Be sure to check out their farm store with stone fruits and vegetables. Open 10m am 5:00 pm, daily .
The Irish Hunger Memorial An Unknown Place To See In New York
Jon Bilous
- Off the beaten track
- Links to history and immigration
- Designed to look like an Irish landscape
Why its awesome: The Irish Hunger Memorial is located in Manhattan. Built in the early 2000s, the memorial remembers the large amounts of Irish people who starved to death in the mid-1800s during The Great Irish Famine. More than one million people lost their lives during this period. A peaceful and scenic spot where you can pay your respects, the memorial contains stones from all of Irelands 32 counties .
The earth and plants were moved to the site from the western coast of Ireland, lending even more authenticity to the area. Its certainly not the best place to go in New York but those with Irish ancestry should pay a visit.
What to do there: Absorb the peace and tranquillity as you remember those who lost their lives through starvation. If you have Irish heritage or an interest in immigration, it is especially moving. Visit the 19th-century Irish cottage, donated to the park by the Slack Family. Admire the vistas, made to look like rural Ireland, complete with dry-stone walls, potato fields, and plants that are common in the wetlands of Connacht.
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