There’s no place quite like New York City, and while we love this city that we call home, sometimes it’s nice to get a quick change of scenery. Thankfully, not far from the city are some of the most beautiful small towns – and they all make for quite the perfect quick escape from NYC!

Here is our list of the 10 most beautiful small towns near NYC:

1. Hobart Village, Northern Catskills region

This little village in upstate New York is a book lover’s dream–it’s made up practically entirely of bookstores! Seven different independent bookstores call Hobart Village home (along with a few other businesses like antique shops and art galleries), and it’s become quite a haven for readers and writers everywhere. They even host the annual Festival of Women Writers there! Read more about it here.

Where:  Hobart Book Village, Hobart, NY

Distance from NYC: 3.5 hour drive

2. Historic Hudson Valley, NY

More than 250,000 people visit Historic Hudson Valley and attend special events annually, and within the area visitors will find Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow, some of New York’s go-to fall destinations! Some of their most popular events you can expect to take part in include tours, such as church tours, tours of the 1750 plantation Philipsburg Manor, and tours of John D. Rockefeller Estate. Read more here.

Where: Historic Hudson Valley, NY

Distance from NYC: 1 hour drive

3. Lake Placid, NY

While NYC is gorgeous in its own way, from its stunning skyscrapers to its many beautiful parks, you have to admit there’s something charming and cozy about a quaint small town. And though we’d all remain loyal to NYC, New York’s Lake Placid was recently voted the twelfth most beautiful small town in the world! Read more about what makes this town so picturesque here.

P.S. you can also find this romantic lakeside escape in Lake Placid!

Where: Lake Placid, NY

Distance from NYC: 5 hour drive

4. Catskills, NY

The region of the Catskills in New York is arguably one of the most picturesque places in the world to travel to–especially during the fall when its foliage starts changing colors. There’s endless fun to be had here, and some of our favorite spots to head to include:

• This romantic lodge
• This Scandinavian-inspired hygge hideaway
• This private geo dome

You can even take a gorgeous fall foliage ride through the Catskills on historic railroad tracks in the autumn!

Where: Catskills, NY

Distance from NYC: Varies

5. Bethlehem, PA (aka Christmas City U.S.A)

Though New York becomes its own winter wonderland during Christmas time, sometimes you want a holiday getaway too! And the aptly-named Bethlehem, PA, also known as Christmas City U.S.A, is the perfect Christmas town to get in the spirit. Home of the first-ever Christmas tree in the United States in 1747, this eastern PA city since has fully embraced its holiday history, becoming a December destination every single year. Read all about this festive destination here.

Where: Bethlehem, PA

Distance from NYC: 2 hour drive

6. Cold Spring, NY

Cold Spring, located 50 miles north of Manhattan in the Hudson Highlands, is a rural area with very rich history. Here you can explore old ruins such as a crumbling mansion, swim in the Hudson River, hike Breakneck Ridge, or head to town for delicious restaurants and antique shops, coffee houses, and more. Learn more about visiting Cold Spring here.

Where: Cold Spring, NY

Distance from NYC: 1.5 hour drive

7. Greenport, Long Island

One of the most beautiful villages near NYC is Greenport, a small little fishing village located on the North Fork of Long Island. The village is filled with diners, ice cream shops, and quaint boutique stores perfect for a day of shopping. Plus the eating and drinking options are almost endless here, as the village is filled with tons of gorgeous vineyards and waterfront dining. Find out more to do in Greenport here.

Where: Greenport, Long Island

Distance from NYC: 2.5 hour drive

8. Woodstock, NY

Obviously we all know Woodstock for the 1969 festival, this quaint little village has much more to it than just that! From hiking and wandering through art galleries to taking a stroll along Tinker Street–the town’s main artery filled with galleries, shopping, restaurants, and architectural remnants of Woodstock’s centuries-old past–there’s so much to do. P.S. be prepared for endless tie dye!

Where: Woodstock, NY

Distance from NYC: 2.5 hour drive

9. Kerhonkson, NY

Kerhonkson is one of the most beautiful villages for those looking to spend some time exploring nature and enjoying the great outdoors. This village is home to Minnewaska State Park Preserve, which is comprised of 22,000+ acres filled with trails, a spot for rock-climbing, and trails suited perfectly for mountain biking. It’s also home to Awosting Falls! Plus, it’s several lakes are perfect for taking a swim in the warmer months.

Where: Kerhonkson, NY

Distance from NYC: 2.5 hour drive

10. Rhinebeck, NY

Dutchess County’s Rhinebeck village offers gorgeous views of the Catskill Mountains and is home to an awesome indie-shopping scene. The popular Sheep and Wool Festival, which draws thousands of artisans to the region, happens here each year, and you can also find some of the oldest buildings of Upstate NY here, such as America’s oldest operating inn, the Beekman Arms. Be sure to stop at Samuel’s Sweet Shop, which is owned by actor Paul Rudd!

Where: Rhinebeck, NY

Distance from NYC: 2.5 hour drive

The post 10 Most Beautiful Small Towns Near NYC To Visit Right Now appeared first on Secret NYC.

* This article was originally published here

Harlem Bespoke:  Another clean up day with Friends of St. Nicholas Park and local volunteers to help out for a monthly cleanup.  Mark those calendars and pitch in to help beautify one of uptown’s beloved parks.

* This article was originally published here

Monday, April 24th, 7:00PM, Black Swan, United Palace at  4150 Broadway by 175th Street.  Monthly movies have returned to United Palace for the new season and more classics return to uptown’s historic theater.The 2010 psychological roller coaster BLACK SWAN kicks off the return of MOVIES AT THE UNITED PALACE on April 24, the first of the season’s six films set in New York City and selected by the United Palace’s good friend, patron, and neighbor, Lin-Manuel Miranda. Immediately following the screening, attendees will be treated to a special conversation between Miranda and Darren Aronofsky, who directed BLACK SWAN, THE WRESTLER, and, most recently, THE WHALE, which featured Brendan Fraser’s Oscar-winning best actor performance. Tickets available at the official United Palace site: LINK

* This article was originally published here

Thursday-Saturday, April 13th, 14th, 15th, 7:30PM,  E-Moves returns to Harlem Stage
150 Convent Avenue by 135th Street, Tickets $25.  For over 20 years, Harlem Stage’s signature dance series, E-Moves, has brought together phenomenal choreographers, artists, musicians, and dancers of color to showcase their rhythmic visions and pull audiences into a grand celebration of movement and message.The Black Arts Movement: Examined series inspires this year’s program, curated by Jerome Robbins Award-winning dancer, choreographer, and Harlem Stage alum Stefanie Batten Bland, and will feature works in conversation with the Black Arts Movement.

Seats are still available so get them while you can at the Harlem Stage site: LINK

* This article was originally published here

Harlem Bespoke: An article originally posted back in 2015 in remembrance of the those who lost their lives on the Titanic.

* This article was originally published here