People live in New York City because it's an epicenter of action, fashion, food, culture and fun. But sometimes, the city's pace and energy can take a toll on even the most grounded, vibrant citizens. When that happens, there's nothing better than a weekend getaway to recharge the ol' batteries.
For New Yorkers who want to experience nature but also learn a thing or two along the way, there are plenty of retreats and activities to keep you occupied – while also giving you ample time to decompress.
Below, we've rounded up four weekend trips that will remind you that even though your true love is this crazy, loud city, there's plenty of goodness to be had outside of it.
Catch a show on the Asbury Park Boardwalk
The Stone Pony has launched notable names like Bon Jovi and Springsteen — Photo courtesy of Acroterion/Wikimedia Commons
The Jersey Shore gets a bad rap, but obviously those people have never been to Asbury Park. Normally a sleepy beach town, Asbury comes alive in the summer and fall with a rock star lineup of bands at famed venues on the boardwalk, including The Stone Pony.
If that name sounds familiar, that's because none other than Bruce Springsteen launched his career there and plenty of other notable names have since graced the stage.
The town took a nosedive in the '80s and '90s, but it's now back in the full swing of things as the perfect place for a weekend getaway. The train from Penn Station runs all the way to Asbury and a quick car ride or 25-minute walk will put you directly in the sand and surf.
If you're into rock history and want to see it alive and well, put Asbury Park at the top of your fall bucket list.
Cost: $42 round trip
Reboot your work life with a career passport
Get back in touch with yourself (and your career) in an idyllic setting — Photo courtesy of Jill Ozovek Coaching
Sure, you love living in New York, but your job? Not so much. That's where Jill Ozovek comes in. As a career coach, Jill usually works 1-on-1 with 20- and 30-something women looking for more satisfaction on the job. But this fall, she's launching a retreat series where women focus on specific career topics through a mix of partner, individual and group hot seat work, plus private coaching with Jill and quiet reflection time.
At her first getaway at a lake house in the Poconos, attendees will dig into questions including:
- "What am I even qualified for?"
- "How do I make myself stand out in a sea of applicants?"
- “Why isn't anyone responding to my resume?”
Future retreats will focus on everything from launching a company to balancing baby and business.
Included in the cost: Transportation, lodging, organic meals, all activities and plenty of time to reflect and rest
Connect to your sacred space at The Garden
Yoga retreat — Photo courtesy of The Garden
If an 18th-century country villa in the Hudson Valley, ample quiet space, seasonal vegetarian food and meditative yoga sound like something you could get into, allow us to introduce you to The Garden. With monthly weekend retreats through the fall, this is the ticket if you're looking to zen out in a serene location.
Inspired by gardens both local and far, the proprietors of The Garden have created a haven near Beacon, N.Y. where busy New Yorkers can unplug and unwind from the stresses of city living.
If you think attempting to find such stillness might make you restless, The Garden's location makes it easy to do short excursions to places in the area, including Storm King Art Center, The Russel Wright Design Center or Boscobel House.
Included in the cost: Four yoga classes, all meals, a hands-on cooking class and nutritional talk, and plenty of time to relax and rest
Move your body on a fitness adventure
Meditate and imbibe on a fitness adventure — Photo courtesy of Surf Yoga Beer
Sitting at a desk all day (and sometimes night) wreaks havoc on your health. Instead of hitting up the crowded gym, consider joining the team of Surf Yoga Beer for a fitness adventure upstate. Staffed by a crew of cycle instructors and fitness junkies, SYB posts up in the mountains for a weekend of high-intensity interval training, restorative yoga sessions and possibly the most important aspect – booze!
The team is a big fan of the detox-to-retox model where you'll sweat it all out during the day, then pour a few cold ones and cheers to your hard work at night. Eddie Larios, owner of the Soho restaurant, Salud, is also on-site cooking up food to keep you fueled.
The team does retreats all around the world, but their weekend getaways from NYC are a great place to meet new friends and stay slim and trim while doing it.
Included in the cost: Transportation, lodging, all meals and activities
