Considering the fluctuating prices of gas and the present state of our economy, re-enacting your version of Oprah and Gayle’s road trip may not be at the top of summer vacation plans. Who really wants to spend $100 before they leave the state? For the frugalist that this economy has driven most of us to be, we want a double return on our investment – a getaway that’s local (yet far), entertaining and relaxing and affordable. The Northeast region offers many of these amenities all within arm’s reach. From the beaches of the Hamptons in New York to the Long Island Sound of Connecticut to Martha’s Vineyard of Massachusetts, there are a plethora of exciting, financial friendly and fun, memory creating getaways right in our own backyard.
New Haven, Connecticut (Connecticut)
From the free historical walking tours to golfing to gambling and entertainment at Sports Haven, enjoy the waterfront tours of the Long Island Sound on The Schooner, Quinnipack and weekend evening cruises at Long Wharf Pier. Visit East Shore Park which offers softball, baseball, soccer fields, tennis and basketball courts and trails for walking, jogging and inline skating or Lighthouse Point Park, Carousel & Beach which offers a public beach for swimming and picnicking, antique carousel and playing fields. Experience their Little Italy neighborhood and dining of various cuisines. Restaurants to Try: Prime 16 (American), Miya Japanese (Japanese and Sushi), Ibiza Restaurant (Spanish and Tapas) Oaxaca Kitchen (Mexican; about $30) Bru Rm at BAR (American, Pizza, Seafood; $15-20).
Martha’s Vineyard (Massachusetts)
Boasts of several fine leisure enjoyment pleasures and opportunities such as spas (The Mod Spa, Conscious Massage, Yoga & Fitness), specialty shops (Chilmark Chocolates, Bowl and Boards, Black Dog Bakery), historic walking tours (Ghost, Gossip & Downright Scandal), and Polly Hill Aboretcum garden. Create memories at some of the vineyard’s lighthouses (Aquinnan, Edgartown, and Gay Head), Flying Horse Carousel and campgrounds. Enjoy photo ops along scenic drives (Cranberry Lands) or along the various beaches (Lucy Vincent, South Beach, Katama). Experience golf and miniature golf at Farm Neck Golf Club or Island Cove Mini Golf, Circuit Avenue attractions, Witch of Endor Sailing Charters or Chappaquiddick Island. Fine dining, bars and clubs (Lola’s, David Ryan’s, The Lampost/Rare Duck).
Jersey Shore (New Jersey)
Long before a group of self proclaimed “guidos” made this location popular via reality television, this was (and still is) a place of summer time enjoyment. Experience Turdo Vineyards and Winery, Cape May Carriage Company, Morey’s Piers or Salt Marsh Safari. Profile along Ocean City Boardwalk or Washington Street Mall when not tanning on Wild Wood or Sunset Beach. Restaurants to Try: Tony Boloney’s (Italian, Pizza, Vegetarian:$2-10), Brando’s Citi Cucina (Italian), Dock’s Oyster House (Steakhouse & Seafood;$30-40), 701 Mosaic (Caribbean, Mediterranean), Mad Batter at the Carroll Villa (American Continental;$15-30), Juan Pablos Margarita Bar (Mexican;$8-23).
The Poconos – The Pocono Mountain Area (Pennsylvania)
Not just for cozy lovers and bubbly newlyweds looking to snuggle in the snowy scenery of the winter, but the warm weather extends the attractions of the mountains of the Poconos as well. The Pocono Manor Stables offers horseback riding while Sky’s The Limit Skydiving Center offers a generous sports complex to fitness and fun enthusiasts alike. Stock Car Racing Express race car tracks, Camelback, Bushkill Falls waterfalls, and Great Wolf Lodge is one of the largest indoor water park and resorts for the inner child in all of us. The Delaware Water Gap National Recreational Area is a great place to fire up the grill and have some great outdoor fun. Need a break from all this excitement? Deerfield Spa is here to send you back home relaxed. Restaurants to Try: Pupster’s Pub & Grub (American,$5-15), Saen Thai Cuisine Limited (Thai), Moya (Eclectic), Sand Spring Restaurant (Contemporary;$31-50), Kundla’s (American;$10), My Daughter’s Place (International).
The Hamptons (New York)
Notorious for hosting for some of the most posh parties and happenings for some of the most wealthiest and A-list people, the Hamptons also has much to offer some of us whom they neglect to mention on the “A-list” as well. *wink* Become the life of the party at Liars Saloon karaoke bar, enjoy Sailing Montauk boat tours, or take it easy at Hither Hills State Park and Atlantis Marine World Aquarium. Visit Cooper’s Beach for taking in some sun, maybe after a class or two at Aloha Surf School then spend an evening Montauk Point Lighthouse watching the sun set. Relax with therapy at Naturopathica Holistic Health Spa or enjoy retail therapy at Tanger Outlets. Restaurants to Try: Joni’s (American;$8), Navy Beach, Jerry and The Mermaid ($20-30), Phao Restaurant (Asian $15-40), Michaels’ at Maidstone Beach (American, Seafood, Steakhouse;$30), Tate’s Bake Shop.
So now that you have some tantalizing options, text the posse and make plans; grab your overnight bag, fill up the car, charge the camera and create some memories this summer!
“There’s an App for that”: Check out TripAdvisor for some insightful advise – just type in your destination and vialoa!
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