If you’ve ever walked to class avoiding the various mysterious puddles in the streets, took the long way through Washington Square Park to get a glimpse of a tree or got off a crowded subway simply needing space to breathe, it’s time to take a weekend and get out of the city! Living in New York as a college student is pretty glamorous, but at times we all crave some nature and peace and quiet. To skip out on city livin’ for a day (or maybe two!), check out these five spots far enough to get rid of the city feel, yet close enough for a student budget to handle. We love you New York, but we need a break!
City Island
Visiting City Island is a way to get out of the hustle and bustle of the concrete jungle while staying in NYC. The quaint island is just off of the Bronx and runs only a mile and a half long (perfectly walkable). Taking a day to visit the island can include hanging in mom and pop cafes and enjoying some seafood by the water.
The Hamptons
If you’re looking for a weekend of quiet solidarity, take a trip on the Hampton Jitney over to South and East Hamptons or Montauk Beach. Since the summer season is over, the towns will be pretty much deserted with the exceptions of a few diners, coffee shops and shopping. Unlike the Hamptons on Labor Day weekend, fall and winter months are a great time to relax by the ocean side without huge crowds of traffic.
Wilkens Farm
Fresh food may be available at Union Square’s Farmers Market, but there is nothing like picking fresh apples, pumpkins and peaches. Wilkens Farm in Yorktown Heights, New York is open throughout fall and winter for pumpkins, Christmas trees, apples, peaches and more. Pick your own food or stop in the farm’s fresh market and bakery for sweet home cooked desserts (the apple cider chocolate dipped donut is to die for!). Plus, the views from the farm are the strikingly beautiful panoramas of nature you just can’t find in the city along with a scenic train ride along the Hudson.
Hershey Park
Chocolate lovers unite! For a further trek away from NYC, head past Philadelphia to Hershey, PA to visit their famous amusement park, Hershey Park. Get to know the history of Hershey Chocolate, take a picture with a giant Reese’s, ride the best wooden rollercoasters, and eat endless amounts of candy at the tourist attraction. Ticket prices are student friendly, and who doesn’t love an excuse to pig out for a weekend?
Grounds For Sculpture
Grounds For Sculpture in Hamilton, New Jersey is a 42-acre sculpture park with multiple art galleries. The park will take you through various artists’ sculptress in a vast open area of land, something you just can’t find in the city.