The bright lights of the big city attract the sort of restless spirit who takes an all-or-nothing approach to life, but even those seemingly indefatigable energy seekers sometimes need a break from the go, go, go.Thankfully, the Big Apple is ideally located near a diversity of places where the living is much easier, and warmer weather means it's the perfect time to explore them all.From small-town idylls to seaside getaways, we rounded up 8 easy weekend getaways from New York City.SEE ALSO:The best beer from every stateHudson Valley, NYThe boom-bust towns of New York's Hudson Valley are once again en vogue thanks to a coterie of stylish Manhattan expats who are restoring them to their pre-industrial glory. Leading the way is Hudson, a riverfront antiques-shop town (don't miss the French pieces at Red Chair or the midcentury furnishings at Finch) that's also a hipster's paradise. Set up camp at Rivertown Lodge, a motel that was recently rehabbed by indie-favorite Brooklyn design firm Workstead, then sample the best of the hyper-local food scene. Some of our favorite bites: the hearth-fired slipper loafs at Bonfiglio & Bread (for now just across the street, but the bakery will reopen this summer in nearby Athens, just a short ferry ride across the river), the farm-raised roast duck breast at Wm. Farmer and Sons, and the spring-dug parsnips with guanciale at Fish & Game. For souvenirs, the artisan-made textiles and tabletop items at Hawkins NY are musts.RELATED: The Hamptons Has Nothing on These Bucolic Upstate New York StaysSaratoga Springs, NYJust over three hours on Amtrak's Ethan Allen express takes you along one of the country's most scenic routes. (JS Tip: sit on the left for sunset views of the Hudson River on your way north.) Check into one of the seven cheerful rooms at the Inn at Five Points, a bed and breakfast housed in a restored 1886 Victorian home, then choose your own adventure: watch former Kentucky Derby winners working out at Saratoga Race Track over breakfast, hike to the legendary mineral springs at Saratoga Spa State Park, or ride the waves on Saratoga Lake or nearby Lake George, a former playground of America's elite. Then, head back to Broadway, the town's main thoroughfare, for local craft beers on the patio at Druthers Brewing Co. and farm-to-table Creole-style dishes at historic Mouzon House.North Fork, Long IslandIf youre seeking a quick getaway that has it all, look no farther than Long Island. Every summer, jet-setters and chino connoisseurs alike flock to Shelter Island and the Hamptons for their pretty beaches and stately shingle-style housesplus the occasional velvet-roped club. For a quieter experience, consider the islands rural sibling, the North Fork, a bastion of family-owned vineyards, no-fuss farm-to-table bistros, and fresh-shucked oysters. With its crisp white palette and simple modern dcor, Greenports American Beech sets the tone for a low-key wine weekend. After a day spent hunting antiques (just try to leave Beall & Bell on Main Street empty-handed), unwind with a sundowner at mixology den Brix & Rye before tucking into risotto fritters and clam-braised hake atNorth Fork Table & Inn.RELATED: Why the North Fork Should Be Your Next GetawaySee the rest of the story at Business Insider
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