Photo Cred: Pixabay
Not a siren was heard all weekend in Nyack, New York, located approximately thirty miles from Manhattan. Of course, this wasn’t my first time venturing out of the city by train, but it was my first time in a while and it felt great not having to take a plane to paradise. Some much needed r&r was on my agenda. Most commonly known as upstate New York ( the southern region of New York City that includes Rochester, White Plains, Westchester, Sleepy Hollow etc) is as beautiful with fall foliage and lush bodies of water in the cold as palm trees in the hot Miami sun. That’s why it wasn’t hard for me to take the Metro - North thirty minutes to Pleasantville. From there my dear friend from college met me at the train station for lunch and then drove me to The Time, Nyack for my staycation. For anyone who needs a break, a little more space to move around or restored sanity, stay local and save some cash. Explore the outskirts of the NYC. It’s officially Uggs season!
How to get there:
The train ride to Nyack is gorgeous and relaxing. Unlike the subway or public transportation in Manhattan, the seats are slightly more comfortable and the train ride is smooth. If you are traveling to a friend’s house, an Airbnb or The Time Nyack ( which is one of the newest and modern hotels in the area), this town can be easily accessed by Uber or Lyft.
What to see:
Did you know that New York state has over 7,000 dams and reservoirs? It’s funny because when people think of New York, there’s an assumption that it’s only bright lights, the “big apple” and overcrowded streets. However, New York state is more than a city; it’s huge! Once you go out of the metropolitan area, it’s nothing but forest and vast greenery. On the way to my lodging reservations, there were a few beautiful dams with walking paths and parks. Kensico Dam Plaza is one of the few dams that actually has a 9/11 Memorial, picnic grounds, and pathways. In the fall, it’s a great activity to venture out of the car and walk or bike along the dam’s property to get a glimpse of the Hudson river.
Where to sleep:
The Time Nyack is the perfect hotel for a staycation. It’s located literally right off Interstate 287. The boutique style hotel was built a few years ago, transforming an old four-story factory into a chic space for out - of - towners and locals. The loft style rooms are adorned with modern furniture with staple oriental rugs that include skull illustrations. I especially loved the long, velvet turquoise drapes that brighten up the high-ceiling rooms. And on top of that, the balconies were an added bonus, unlike most hotels that make you feel closed off.
What to Eat:
There’s a very lively bar located in the hotel and there’s also a Bobby Vans restaurant you can go for dinner. The bar is open until 2 am and there’s a DJ! Pro tip: Go for brunch and order the french toast; you won’t be hungry all day.
Where to go:
Aside from numerous hiking trails like the Nyack Beach State Park, there’s also lots of antique and vintage shopping. Furthermore, just minutes away from The Time is a magical place called The Palisades Mall. It’s the second-largest mall in New York and the eighth largest in the country. So you see why Nyack is a fashion girl’s getaway? I don’t know about you but sleeping in a comfortable bed and retail therapy is the ultimate staycation.