There really is no place in the world like New York City, and there’s never a lack of activities or events when you live here. But living here can certainly get exhausting! If you’re craving time away from the noise and the buildings of the concrete jungle, you’ve got plenty of options—even without having to take a full vacation. The following three locations are all within driving distance and are perfect for a quick weekend away from NYC.

●  New Hope, Pennsylvania:  Located in scenic Bucks County, New Hope provides much needed respite from the hustle and bustle of life in the city. In just under two hours, you can enjoy the spot that Travel + Leisure Magazine dubbed one of “America’s Favorite Towns.” Shop at eclectic indie boutiques, take your kids to the Bucks County Children’s Museum, spend some time at Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve or simply get some much needed rest and relaxation at one of the bed and breakfasts in town.

●  Bear Mountain, New York:  Just over an hour outside of the city is Bear Mountain, NY. Perfect for when you really want to immerse yourself in the great outdoors, Bear Mountain has state parks with truly picturesque views. Hike miles of trails, paddle through serene lakes or visit the trailside museums and zoo. The historic Bear Mountain Inn is the perfect place to stay!  Built in 1915, this beautiful inn has been renovated and includes luxury guest rooms, a spa and a delicious restaurant. Before you head back to the city, be sure to stop by the hand-painted Merry-Go-Round at Bear Mountain State Park for a bit of fun for the kids!

●  The Berkshires, Massachusetts:  If you relish weekend trips to the Hamptons, you’ll also love escaping to the Berkshires in western Massachusetts. The Berkshires has all of the same luxuries as the Hamptons - art, dance and theater - minus the busy nightlife. Enjoy the simplicity of this mountainous area with plenty of outdoor activities, or soak up some culture at the MASS MoCA, one of the country’s largest centers for contemporary art. If you really want a weekend of meditation and relaxation, head to Canyon Ranch and enjoy daily seminars, the spa and activities like tennis and guided hikes.

No matter how much you love the city, sometimes you just need to surround yourself with fresh air and sunshine. Planning on permanently heading to a more rural area? Let Morgan Manhattan take care of the heavy lifting so you can enjoy a stress-free move! Call us for more information on our services or complete our convenient online form for your free estimate.