For some, there's New York City and then there's the rest of the world. Some might even have you believe there's no reason to leave with so much to offer within the five boroughs.
But those with a bit of wanderlust and a set of wheels will soon discover that life exists north, south, east and west of the city, and what a life it is!
So grab your Enterprise Rent-A-Car and let's take a joy ride.
Destination: Sleepy Hollow, NY
Time: 45 minutes.
There's more to Sleepy Hollow than headless horsemen. There is, many will be shocked to find, much more. While the "getting there" is a pretty drive on its own, the destination offers up even more charm. There's even a castle! Take a stroll through town, do some shopping and later, a tour of the Sleepy Hollow cemetery to see where Washington Irving is buried, as well as Andrew Carnegie and William Avery Rockefeller.
Destination: Kent, Conn.
Time: 1.5 hours.
Nestled in the northwest hills of Litchfield County, Conn., sits the romantic village of Kent. Outdoor enthusiasts will be thrilled to explore Kent Falls State Park, home to a 250-foot waterfall. In addition to some pretty spectacular scenery, the park offers plenty of hiking trails and chances to go trout fishing, as well as spots to plop down and have a picnic. Those who prefer their activities indoors won't want to miss a visit to the Kent Falls Brewing Co. or the nearby Inn at Kent Falls.
Destination: The Hamptons, Long Island, NY
Time: 2.5 hours (depending on the season).
The drive itself might not be all that exciting, especially if you find yourself headed out on any Friday in the summer, but once there The Hamptons more than makeup for it. Visitors will find plenty to see and do, even when not cavorting in the waves. Drive past the multi-million dollar mansions to catch a glimpse of how the other half lives, do some window shopping at a luxury boutique or relax and enjoy a drink as you watch the sunset at one of the many waterfront restaurants.
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Destination: West Point, NY
Time: 1 hour.
If you pick a football weekend, especially in the fall, well, there might not be a better place to see a college football game. At least, Sports Illustrated magazine thought so several years ago when it chose the United States Military Academy at West Point and the Army football team as the best place to take in a game. The post - don't call it a campus, because it is technically a US military post - is absolutely stunning with its old Gothic architecture sitting literally on the banks of the Hudson River. It's worth it to spend the day here to also catch the morning Corps of Cadets formal parade. And, if you find the time, cross the Bear Mountain Bridge for the short drive to the charming village of Cold Spring across the river.
Destination: Hyde Park, NY
Time: 2 hours.
Hyde Park is the ancestral home and presidential library of Franklin D. Roosevelt, the longest-serving US president at 13 years before he died in office in April of 1945 and who famously guided the country through the Great Depression and World War II. Talk about history, this place has it all. A bonus: Literally right down the road, within five minutes, is the Vanderbilt Mansion, an epic homage to the turn-of-the-century gilded era of wealth. Another bonus? Stop in and eat at the Eveready Diner, also within minutes of both estates on Route 9.
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