New York can feel like it’s running on espresso and deadlines, which is probably why road trips mean so much to me. The moment I’m out of the city—past the skyline and into open space—the tension in my shoulders starts to melt. I don’t need an expensive resort or a flight somewhere tropical. Just a good playlist, decent coffee, and a tank of gas can change everything.
Over the years, I’ve found a few favorite drives that never fail to reset my brain. Each has its own rhythm — some are short escapes that still get you home by Sunday night, others stretch just far enough to feel like a true reset. Here’s where I go when the city gets too loud.
Hudson Valley — The Easy Escape
The Hudson Valley is the road trip I take when I don’t want to overthink it. Just a couple of hours north, and suddenly you’re surrounded by rolling hills, antique shops, and farm stands selling local honey.
I usually stop in Cold Spring first — it’s small, charming, and has one of the best views of the Hudson River. If you’re into hiking, Breakneck Ridge is nearby (though it’s a workout). Otherwise, there’s Main Street, where you can grab coffee at Rough Draft or lunch at Hudson Hil’s.
What makes the Hudson Valley special isn’t just the scenery — it’s how calm everything feels. The air smells cleaner, time slows down, and conversations somehow get deeper.
The Catskills — Mountains, Diners, and Quiet Roads
The Catskills are my go-to when I want both nature and nostalgia. The drive up Route 28 feels like stepping back into an older America — motels with neon signs, diners that still serve bottomless coffee, and winding roads framed by forest.
I usually stay near Phoenicia or Woodstock, both of which have a mix of cozy cabins and slightly eccentric locals. There’s something healing about waking up in the mountains, making breakfast on a porch, and realizing your phone hasn’t buzzed in hours.
In fall, the colors are unreal. In winter, you can ski. And in summer, you can float lazily down the Esopus Creek. It’s one of those places that makes you think, I could live like this.
Montauk — Where the Land Ends
When I need the ocean, Montauk is the answer. It’s about three hours from the city (depending on traffic, which is always part of the story), but once you hit that stretch of dunes and salt air, you forget the drive.
I’ve made this trip with friends, with a partner, and once completely alone — each version feels different. There’s the ritual of stopping at the Lobster Roll, the quiet of early morning walks on the beach, and the magic of watching sunset from the lighthouse.
Montauk used to be sleepy; now it’s busier, but if you visit off-season — late spring or early fall — it still has that edge-of-the-world calm. Bring a book, some wine, and no expectations.
The Berkshires — Art, Nature, and Long Dinners
Western Massachusetts feels both cultured and deeply rural, which is an odd but perfect mix. The drive takes about three hours, and it’s ideal if you want to combine hiking with museum-hopping.
I usually base myself near Great Barrington or Lenox. MASS MoCA is worth a detour — it’s one of the best art museums in the country, tucked inside a repurposed factory. Evenings are for long dinners at small restaurants where you can hear yourself think.
This trip feels more like nourishment than escape — a reminder that beauty doesn’t need to shout to be felt.
The Adirondacks — The Long Drive That’s Worth It
When I have a long weekend and want a real reset, I head for the Adirondacks. The drive is around five hours, but the reward is silence — deep, forested silence.
Lake Placid is the obvious choice (and for good reason), but I’m partial to Saranac Lake. It’s less polished, more local. Rent a canoe, find a quiet lake, and stay somewhere where the night sky actually shows stars.
The Adirondacks make you feel small in the best way. They remind you that the city isn’t the center of the universe — it’s just one of many.
Practical Tips Before You Go
- Leave early. Getting out before 7 a.m. can save you an hour of traffic.
- Download your maps. Signal disappears quickly once you’re out of cell range.
- Don’t overplan. The best moments usually come from random detours.
- Bring real snacks. Gas station chips don’t count as a meal.
My Verdict
Each of these road trips has its own rhythm, but they all share one thing: distance without disconnection. I never leave New York for long — I just leave far enough to see it differently when I return.
If you live here, you already know how intense the city can get. Sometimes the smartest thing you can do for yourself isn’t another productivity hack — it’s a weekend away with the windows down and no agenda.
Written and tested by Chi Tran for 123Review.net.
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