Taking a vacation drive from NYC to .....? (New York, Niagara Falls: rental, motels)

[southdown]

Hi all

We are a British family living in Texas for a year or two, hoping to see some of this fine country later this year.

We are thinking of flying to NYC, spending a few days there, then renting a car to drive to and stay somewhere beautiful (lakeside maybe) for a week or so.

Any recommendations on a scenic drive out of NYC and where to go? Not tooooo far (8 hr max drive) or expensive, water activities good, etc.

Thanks!

[skaneatelesmom]

Please consider Skaneateles, NY. It is about 4.5 hours from NYC. It is a beautiful lakeside village with a very relaxed pace. Lots to see and do, if you want, including nearby wineries, polo grounds, lakeside concerts, shopping and of course lake activities. Go to the village website for cottage rental information and more.
Skaneateles Area Chamber Of Commerce - HOME
Joanne

[Honeycrisp]

There's a lot to do in NYC (Statue of Liberty, museums etc) but tops on my list w/b Niagara Falls in W NY. It might be a little further than 8 hours though, it's been quite some time since we've gone but it's gorgeous there, just amazing, you could even go into Montreal. Lake George and the Fingers Lakes in NY are nice too, also the Jersey Shore (although I'm no expert on it) if your trip w/b in the summer. Just a few thoughts.

[Viralmd]

Frankly, given a choice, I'd go and head up to the Bershires, in Western Massachusetts....beautiful scenery, wonderful music (at Tanglewood in Lenox)...wonderful place.

[honeychrome]

An 8 hour 'radius' give you a lot of options. Catskills, Lake George, the Adirondaks, Newport RI, Cape Cod, maybe even southern Maine. When exactly are you making the trip? Summer is vacation season and getting around much of the northeast can be a pain, and all of the 'usual' places will be crowded with vacationers...

[karen824]

I'd second the suggestion of the Adirondacks. One beautiful spot is Blue Mountain Lake. There are a few different places to stay there where you can either have a room in a lodge or get a cottage, and meals are included. I'll put links to a couple that I know of:
webc
Hemlock Hall, Resort on Blue Mountain Lake, Cottages, Motels, Lodges, Adirondacks of NY.
I'd say driving to either place from New York City would take about 5 hours.

[southdown]

Originally Posted by honeychrome

An 8 hour 'radius' give you a lot of options. Catskills, Lake George, the Adirondaks, Newport RI, Cape Cod, maybe even southern Maine. When exactly are you making the trip? Summer is vacation season and getting around much of the northeast can be a pain, and all of the 'usual' places will be crowded with vacationers...

We'll get forced to go at the worst time as DH gets company shutdwon around 4th July

[honeychrome]

Ouch, the 4th... Probably better to steer clear of Newport or the Cape. You'd probably find things a little less crowded in the Catskills or the Adirondaks.

[Iron Sun 254]

Saratoga is an option and then up to the Adirondacks since Saratoga doesn't get as crowded until August.

[ss58yy]

If you're looking for lakes, I'd recomment the Adirondacks over the Catskills. Plenty of lakes up there (and mosquitoes, too.)