Truthfully, there’s enough going on in New York City to keep anyone busy for a lifetime. But despite everything the Big Apple offers, sometimes you just need to take a break and go somewhere new. Luckily, New York’s great public transportation infrastructure makes that easy. And Grand Central Station, located right in Midtown Manhattan, makes for an ideal gateway to exploring more of this area.
Drop off your bags at a Grand Central Station luggage storage and enjoy some of these great things to do in the area. Easily reachable by train, these destinations will show you a different side of New York State and beyond and let you recharge your batteries before heading back to the city.
Wassaic
Located about two hours north of Grand Central Station, Wassaic is a small town in the Hudson Valley that offers a peaceful and picturesque escape from the city. Check out the Maxon Mills, a former textile mill that has been converted into artist studios and galleries while you’re here. This is a fabulous weekend trip for art lovers, and if you like to sample food and shop local, the area has several farms and farmer’s markets.
One of the highlights of a trip to Wassaic is the Wassaic Project, an annual summer arts festival that takes place at Maxon Mills. The festival features a mix of visual and performing arts, including music, dance, and theater. It’s a great way to experience the local arts scene and meet artists from the area.
While in Wassaic, be sure to visit the Harlem Valley Rail Trail, a 22-mile recreational trail that runs through the town. The trail is perfect for biking, hiking, and horseback riding and offers stunning surroundings in the Hudson Valley.
Poughkeepsie
Poughkeepsie, about an hour north of Grand Central Station, is the largest city in the Hudson Valley and a great destination for a weekend getaway. With several colleges and universities in the area, it has a vibrant and diverse culture.
One of the must-see attractions in Poughkeepsie is the Walkway Over the Hudson, a pedestrian bridge that spans the Hudson River and offers stunning views of the river and surrounding landscape. The bridge is 1.28 miles long and is the longest elevated pedestrian bridge in the world. What better place is there to take a leisurely stroll and take in the views?
Poughkeepsie is also home to the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum, which is dedicated to the life and legacy of the 32nd President of the United States. The museum has a variety of exhibits and programs that cover FDR’s life, career, and impact on the world. You’ll learn more than you ever wanted to know about one of America’s most influential presidents here.
In addition to its cultural attractions, Poughkeepsie offers lots of parks and outdoor spaces, so if you like to get outside, this town is perfect. Be sure to visit the Hudson Valley Rail Trail, a multi-use trail that runs through the city and offers beautiful views of the Hudson River.
Albany
Albany is the capital of New York and a fantastic destination for a weekend getaway that’s about three hours north of Grand Central. The city boasts a number of historic and cultural attractions, including the New York State Capitol, which is the seat of the state government. The Capitol is open to the public and offers guided tours that provide an in-depth look at the history and architecture of the building.
In the city, you’ll also find the Albany Institute of History & Art, a museum that showcases the history and culture of the region. With a bunch of exhibits and programs that cover a wide range of topics, including art, history, and science, this is an ideal itinerary addition if the weather isn’t cooperating.
Albany isn’t short on things to do outside, either. Czech out the Washington Park and the Corning Preserve to start. These parks offer a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, biking, and picnicking.
Danbury
Located about an hour and a half from Grand Central Station by train, Danbury is a city with a rich history and a vibrant arts scene in neighboring Connecticut.
One of the top things to do in Danbury is the Danbury Railway Museum, which celebrates the city’s rich history as a transportation hub. You can learn so much here about rail systems through their collection of historic trains and railway equipment. You can even take a ride on a vintage train through the scenic countryside. The kids will enjoy this one too.
When you visit Danbury, you can also tour the Danbury Music Centre. It’s a community music organization that hosts concerts and educational programs. Or stop by the Military Museum of Southern New England, where they preserve the region’s military history through exhibits and educational programs.
New Canaan
Around an hour from Grand Central Station, the town of New Canaan in Connecticut offers a completely different atmosphere to New York City. The New Canaan Nature Center features hiking trails, a pond, a greenhouse, and a variety of educational programs and events. You can also visit the animals at the nature center, including rabbits, guinea pigs, and chickens. The downtown area has unique stores and boutiques, as well as restaurants and cafes. You can also take a walk or bike ride through Waveny Park where you can explore over 300 acres of open space, including hiking and biking trails, a playground, and a pond.
New Canaan hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including the Summer Sidewalk Sale, the New Canaan Wine Festival, and the Christmas Tree Lighting. And don’t forget to check out the Glass House. This modernist property, designed by renowned architect Philip Johnson, is open to the public for tours. The Glass House is full of modern art and is set on 47 acres of gardens with outdoor sculptures. Additionally, New Canaan embraces cultural events that celebrate various heritages, reflecting the cultural diversity of India through food festivals and performances. Visitors can experience a vibrant blend of traditions, with everything from Indian dance showcases to culinary tastings that showcase the rich flavors of Indian cuisine. These events not only enhance the community spirit but also provide an opportunity for residents and visitors alike to appreciate the global tapestry of cultures present in the area.
Conclusion
As you can see, there’s no shortage of good places to go from Grand Central Station. A train trip makes the ideal way to relax and decompress from the chaos of the city, and you won’t need to worry about anything except having a good time. Check out some of these underrated destinations on your next weekend trip from New York.