The Four Best Day Trips from New York City

Ah, New York City. The Big Apple. So many people dream of living the big city life, and why wouldn’t they? With more restaurants than you could visit in a lifetime, a store for everything you could possibly need or want, world-class entertainment, and a collection of some of the most prominent global businesses, New York City beckons those seeking a suave, urban lifestyle.

For those that live outside New York City, the city makes for a wonderful vacation. However, for those who already call the city their home, the bright city lights, cacophony of sounds, distinctive odors, and cluttered streets can become overwhelming. If you’re looking for a brief escape before summer draws to a close, consider making a day trip out of one of these four places, all located within a four hour drive of New York City.

Fire Island, NY

Fire Island is the perfect, tranquil escape from New York City that’s only about an hour and 45 minutes away. The barrier island off the coast of Long Island, which forms part of the Fire Island National Seashore, is only accessible by ferry, but luckily the ferry runs frequently in the summer months.

To make the most of your day, you’ll want to spend some time on one of the beautiful beaches- check out the family-friendly Robert Moses State Park, or Smith Point County Park. Looking to do some shopping as well? The town of Village of Ocean Beach is bordered by the bay and ocean, and offers a charming collection of shops and restaurants. If lounging on the beach all day isn’t your thing, be sure to stop by the Fire Island Lighthouse, listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Sleepy Hollow and Nyack, NY

Pay a visit to Sleepy Hollow, just a 30-45 minute metro ride from the city, and you just may catch a glimpse of the Headless Horseman — just kidding about that, but you will experience a taste of history if you visit the Philipsburg Manor Upper Mills living-history museum. The museum consists of a farm and mill dating back to 1750, and you’ll be able to try your hand at traditional tasks such as grinding grain.

After all that work, you’ll probably have an appetite, so swing by the Bridge View Tavern for craft brews and pub grub. While you’re in Sleepy Hollow, it’s just a short trip across the Tappan Zee Bridge to Nyack, a charming riverfront town with a vibrant downtown featuring boutiques, restaurants, theaters, and galleries.

Wevertown, NY

Wevertown may be a little out of the way (about 4 hours), but the trip is worth it if you’re looking for an adventurous, action-packed day! It may be hard to believe, but there are some intense class III and class IV rapids located just hours from New York City. Beaver Brook Outfitters runs three different tours down two rivers for whitewater rafters of all skill levels. Tours run through October, so there’s plenty of time to check it out!

Cold Spring, NY

Just about an hour and 20 minutes from New York City is the town of Cold Spring on the Hudson River. While visiting this riverfront town you can have experience the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation.

If you have an enthusiasm for history and hiking, be sure to explore the ruinous old mansions along the Cornish Estate Trail. Those with a sense of adventure can tackle the climb to Breakneck Ridge which, though challenging, will reward the climber with spectacular 360 degree views of Storm King Mountain, Bannerman Castle, and even the distant Catskills on clear days.

How to Blend in Wherever You Travel

To read more of Ryan Hemphill’s travel advice, visit his website RyanHemphill.net.

There is arguably nothing worse than traveling to a new location and failing to blend in with the people around you, as it makes it incredibly obvious that you are, in fact, a tourist. This could leave you susceptible to scams, being overcharged at restaurants and shops, and even pickpockets and other thieves.

Although there is no surefire method to easily live like the locals do, there are several ways to ensure you do not stick out like a sore thumb. Here are several tips you should follow the next time you travel abroad:

Learn a few common phrases in another language

No matter where you are traveling, it would be wise of you to learn a few common pleasantries in their native language, such as please, thank you, hello, and so on. If you’re not necessarily adept at picking up other languages, try a free translation app like DuoLingo, which can aid you in preparing for your trip and even help you on the fly while you’re abroad.

Make a small purchase at a local shop

Although this tip may seem a bit out of the ordinary, travel expert Pauline Frommer explained that this tactic is one of the best she was ever told — especially for women who are traveling alone or venturing away from the rest of their party.

Carrying around a bag from a locally-owned shop will establish street credentials of sorts, affording travelers the ability to blend in with others around them — no matter how differently they may be dressed.

Dress appropriately

Going off of the previous point, it’s essential that you dress appropriately for your surroundings. Although it would be nearly impossible for you to blend in with everyone in a given country, there are some common steps you can take to look more local than tourist. Avoid brightly colored clothing at all costs, don’t wear open-toed or athletic shoes, and be sure to leave your expensive or flashy jewelry at home.

Avoid tourist traps

While there is nothing wrong with stopping at the usual tourist sights abroad, make it a point not to linger in the adjacent area for too long.

For example, if you’re visiting the Trevi Fountain in Rome, be sure to eat lunch or shop in places that are outside the immediate vicinity. In other words, avoid where tourists eat and shop, as you will lower your risk of being overcharged for coming in with the masses and appearing to be a foreigner.

Tips for Traveling in Italy

Packed with ancient history, rich culture, and ineffable urban and rural landscapes, Italy is one of Europe’s prized jewels. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that so many tourists flock to its most popular locations — Rome, Florence, and Venice — during the summertime.

If you’re planning a trip to this Mediterranean oasis, or just plan to put it at the top of your list of places to visit, be sure to make the most of your holiday abroad by following some of these tips:

Take your time

Although Italy was the birthplace of Western civilization, the overall atmosphere of the country is far more relaxed than that of the United States’. And while it may be tempting to pack your days with as much sightseeing and photo-snapping as possible, it would greatly benefit you to take your enthusiasm down the notch and simply focus on immersing yourself in the Italian culture.

While you may not be able to see as many famous landmarks and tourist traps in one day, you’ll definitely see more of the country’s incomparable character — something money just can’t buy.

Experience authentic Italian cooking

Forget chain and tourist-populated restaurants and opt to eat at small, locally-owned restaurants instead. Although you may need to brush up on your Italian (or have a translator app at the ready), you will not only get to enjoy authentic Italian cooking, but you will also lessen your chances of being overcharged by greedy servers as well.

Visit national parks

Although many people choose to spend their time in sprawling urban areas, there is indescribable beauty to be found in Italy’s countryside and along its shores. Soak in these sights by taking a day or even two to hike along the gorgeous hills and harbors of Cinque Terre, or  visiting Vesuvius National Park to get a bird’s eye view at the ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum, which were destroyed by Mount Vesuvius’ infamous 79 AD eruption.

Visit the southern “heel”

If you’re looking to experience more of Italian’s rustic and charming countryside, consider taking a drive around the boot-shaped country’s “heel.” Not only will you likely be able to avoid tourists entirely, but you’ll also get a glimpse of where much of Italy’s produce comes from.

Don’t forget Sicily

While Sicily is most known for its abundance of mafia families and deep-dish pizza, there is much more to this island than meets the eye. Stunning art, historical landmarks, prehistoric ruins, and jaw dropping beaches can be found on the island, along with accommodating locals and unbeatable cuisine. Regardless of how you choose to spend your time in Sicily, it will be time well-spent.

To read more of Ryan Hemphill’s travel advice, visit RyanHemphill.net.

Best NYC Hotels

One of the best things about visiting New York City is staying in one of the luxurious hotels that the city has to offer. However, with so many hotels, it can be difficult for first-time visitors to know which hotels to avoid and which ones to spend the night in. The below list highlights some of the city’s best hotels. Before you make your next trip to New York City, take a look below.

The Greenwich Hotel

Fans of actor Robert De Niro’s work should consider staying in the Greenwich Hotel, which he owns. The hotel is located in the trendy Tribeca neighborhood home to numerous celebrities, sports stars, and other notable people. There are 88 rooms in the hotel where guests can stay, and the hotel boasts that each room is unique in some way. Locanda Verde, which serves Italian food, is located in the hotel. The hotel also features a pool, spa, and gym.

Located on top of the building is the exquisite TriBeCa Penthouse. The penthouse features three bedrooms, two and a half bathrooms, a beautiful terrace, and a number of exclusive accommodations like daily breakfast and groceries upon arrival. Keep in mind, though, that all of this luxury will cost you $15,000 per night.

The Lowell Hotel New York

The Lowell Hotel New York, or simply the Lowell, has been around since 1927. The hotel is located on the Upper East Side, a neighborhood that has been featured in countless films, books, and television shows. Located inside the hotel’s doors, visitors will find 74 different rooms. Guests can dine in Majorelle or have a cocktail in the Jacques Bar. The Pembroke Room focuses on breakfast, brunch, and afternoon tea. Take a look at the Lowell website to see some of their current deals.

Crosby Street Hotel

The Crosby Street Hotel is located in SoHo. Its 86 rooms and suites have been described as whimsical yet classy by visitors. The Crosby Bar is open from 7:00 in the morning until 1:00 in the morning. Take a look at the menu here. In addition to its spacious rooms, the hotel also features a gym, a movie theater, concierge service, and a garden on the roof. There are a number of special packages that the hotel offers. One of the packages includes a champagne breakfast, two bottles of wine upon arrival, and a late check out in the afternoon.

*This post originally appeared on www.ryanhemphill.nyc.

Watch Hill, Rhode Island

Rhode Island may be the smallest state in the United States, but it has a lot to offer visitors. The state’s nickname is “The Ocean State” due to its proximity to the ocean and various inlets. Without a doubt, one of the best aspects of visiting Rhode Island is taking in the ocean scenery. The town of Watch Hill is one of the best summer destinations in Rhode Island. New Yorkers can reach the town in three hours, and it’s even possible to see Montauk from the town when the weather is nice. Keep reading to learn more about what you can do when you visit Watch Hill.

Where to Stay

Ocean House is the most famous hotel in the area due in part to the fact that it’s the “first and only AAA Five Diamond and Forbes Five-Star hotel in the state” (About). However, even if it didn’t have five stars the view alone would make the hotel one of the best in the region. The hotel features 13 acres that guests can explore in privacy. While staying at the hotel, guests can play shuffleboard, croquet, or lounge on the beach.

In the beginning of 2017, the hotel’s rooms went under renovation. The renovation included an upgrade to technology, new linens, and new wood for each of the rooms. Every day guests can participate in different resort activities like yoga or cooking classes for free. To see a complete list of the resort’s amenities, visit this link.

What to Do

If you Watch Hill during the summer season then the most popular activity is lounging on the beach. The Watch Hill Lighthouse and Museum is a fun place to visit to learn more about the area’s lighthouses. You can also find many cafes and shops that are worth exploring. The surrounding area of Watch Hill is also worth exploring. You can find vineyards, farmers’ markets, and hiking trails all within close driving distance of the hotel.

If you have children or you’re just fascinated by life under the sea, you should visit the Mystic Aquarium located across the Rhode Island border about thirty minutes away from the hotel. The town of Mystic is also home to Mystic Seaport as well as the Olde Mistick Village. (I have previously written about Mystic Seaport here.) The Olde Mistick Village features lots of unique shops and places where you can enjoy a meal.

*This post originally appeared on www.ryanhemphill.net.

Best Restaurants on the East Coast

The East Coast of the United States is home to some of the country’s oldest cities and most historically important sites. It is also home to some of the best restaurants. This post traces a journey from Maine down to Florida and looks at where you can stop along the way to eat a delicious meal.

Maine

Maine is known for its lobsters, so when you visit you can’t leave before dining on a lobster roll. Bite Into Maine has three food trucks that serve refreshing takes on lobster rolls. The original truck is located in Fort Williams Park, so you can eat your lobster park while walking through the woods or sitting on the beach and enjoying the view.

New Hampshire

When you pass through New Hampshire make sure you stop at Republic Cafe. The restaurant emphasizes farm to table fare and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. On the restaurant’s website you can view each of the farmers that the Republic works with to source its food.

Massachusetts

Boston is Massachusetts’ best-known city, and it is home to numerous excellent restaurants. If you want a fine dining experience you can’t go wrong with Ostra or Mistral. Ostra focuses on seafood while Mistral serves French cuisine. If you’re looking for a delicious sandwich, Sam LaGrassa’s is your best option. The sandwich shop has been open since 1968 and continually gets rave reviews from visitors. Prepare yourself for long lines, though!

Rhode Island

Rhode Island may be the country’s smallest state, but it fits a lot of fantastic restaurants within its state borders. Hemenway’s Seafood Grill & Oyster Bar is a must-visit for seafood fanatics. The restaurant has been operating for more than thirty years and shows no signs of slowing down.

Connecticut

New Haven, Connecticut features some unforgettable restaurants. At Union League Cafe you can eat fine French cuisine in a setting that will make you think you’re really in Paris. If you want your mouth to water, take a look at some pictures of the menu’s dishes.

New York

New York is home to some of the best restaurants on the planet. I’ve previously written about many of them, and I encourage you to take a look at some of those articles to learn more about what NYC has to offer.

New Jersey

New Jersey frequently gets made fun of in American media, yet its restaurants are no laughing matter. When it comes to diners, no other state matches New Jersey—it has more diners than any other place on the planet. Tops Diner, located in Newark, is one of the state’s best diners. It was recently voted as the top diner in the country, so make sure you don’t miss it when you pass through the state.

Pennsylvania

Philadelphia is Pennsylvania’s largest city, and it’s home to some of the state’s best restaurants. The city is also famous for its cheesesteaks. Gino’s and Pat’s are the two most famous cheesesteak spots in the city, and they’re located right across from one another.

One of the city’s most famous Italian restaurants is Ristorante Pesto, located in South Philly. If you’re looking for upscale fine dining, consider visiting Vetri. Finally, vegetarians (and even non-vegetarians) will want to eat at Vedge, one of the city’s most popular restaurants. Last year even the New York Times raved about Vedge.

Delaware

When you pass through Delaware, stop at Harry’s Seafood Grill for a great dining experience. Whether you eat dinner or lunch or just stop in for drinks, you’ll enjoy the food and the view of the river. The restaurant’s raw bar is a big draw, so you shouldn’t skip out on ordering something from that section of the menu.

Maryland

Maryland is another state that’s famous for its seafood—it’s crabs in particular. If you visit during summer then feasting on crabs is a must. However, there is much more to Maryland cuisine than just crabs. Plan on visiting one of the following restaurants when you pass through the state: Papermoon Diner, Chick & Ruth’s Delly, and Chaps Pit Beef.

Virginia

Virginia is for lovers of food. If you’re in Richmond, eat at Lemaire. Chef Patrick Willis is a Virginia native who focuses on cooking New American fare. The menu also features a good selection of bourbons.

North Carolina

Fans of barbecue must make a stop at the Pit Authentic Barbecue (aka The Pit) in Raleigh, North Carolina.

South Carolina

If you didn’t get enough meat at The Pit, then continue to South Carolina and eat at Halls Chophouse. This steakhouse has two locations, delicious food, and live entertainment every night.

Georgia

One of the most famous restaurants in Georgia is the The Olde Pink House located in Savannah. The building was built in the eighteenth century and is actually a mansion. It’s definitely a unique setting. Diners rave about the food. The restaurant currently has over 2600 reviews on Yelp. Book your reservation months in advance if you want to eat here when you visit Georgia.

Florida

Miami Beach is one of Florida’s most lively cities and home to some of the state’s best food. In particular, the city is famous for its Cuban cuisine. If you’re looking for an upscale dining experience, though, make a reservation at Ola at the Sanctuary. The restaurant serves some of the best Nuevo Latino food you will ever eat.

New Zealand

In recent years New Zealand has become an increasingly popular travel destination. One reason for its increase in popularity may be due to the Lord of the Rings films which were shot in the country. The films showed the world the natural beauty of New Zealand, and many travelers took note. Even if you’re not a fan of Lord of the Rings, you will still find a lot to love about Australia’s neighbor.

Queenstown

Queenstown is one of New Zealand’s most popular destinations. The town is located on the South Island, and it has a reputation for adventure tourism. You’ll find lots of opportunities for skydiving, snowboarding, and white water rafting. Hiking is another popular activity—especially in Queenstown Hill. Visitors can walk the Queenstown Hill Time Walk which takes about three hours and offers some wonderful views of Queenstown.

Experience Māori Culture

The indigenous people of New Zealand are called the Māori. They have lived in New Zealand for hundreds of years. Māori culture is very important to New Zealand. The phrase “kia ora” is a popular greeting in New Zealand, and it comes from the Māori language. If you want to learn more about Māori while you are in New Zealand, then you should tour a marae which is land that belongs to a Māori tribe. When you visit, you might be able to hear singing, or you’ll be able to tour the beautiful meeting houses.

Milford Sound

It doesn’t get more beautiful than Milford Sound. The area features astonishing fjords which are best viewed from the deck of a tour boat. Some adventurous tourists prefer to explore Milford Sound via a kayak. The Milford Track is perfect for hikers.

The Shire

If you are a fan of The Lord of the Rings, then you must visit the location that was used to represent the Shire. Many of the hobbit houses that were used during filming remain intact, and you can even enter some of them. While you won’t find any hobbits when you visit, you’ll definitely feel like you’ve entered Middle-earth.

Hike a Glacier

Not many people can say that they have hiked a glacier, but if you visit New Zealand, you’ll get the chance to do just that. There are two glaciers called Fox and Franz Josef that can be accessed via a helicopter. Once you land on top of the glacier, an experienced guide will take you on a tour of the area.

 

Top Summer Vacation Destinations

*This post originally appeared on Ryan Hemphill.

Summer is quickly approaching, and that means it’s time to start planning your vacation if you haven’t already done so. If you want to get the most of your summer vacation, then the first step is selecting a destination where you’ll be sure to get plenty of sunshine. Two of the most popular summer vacation spots are the mountains and the beach. However, if you really want an unforgettable vacation you should also consider traveling to a tropical island. Below are five of the top summer destinations. Break out your bathing suit and keep reading!

Hawaii

Hawaii is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the world—and not just during summer. Clear skies, surfing lessons, and majestic beaches are just three of the features that draw travelers year after year. While Hawaii may seem like an exotic destination due to its lush environment, the good news is that if you’re an American citizen you don’t need your passport to visit. Hawaii is a great destination for families, couples, and even solo travelers. If relaxing is your goal during your summer vacation, you won’t be disappointed with Hawaii.

Miami, FL

In general, Miami tends to be less crowded during the summer than other seasons. Why? It gets hot. Still, visitors from all over the globe make their way to Miami to escape colder temperatures. If you can stand the heat visiting Miami during the summer is absolutely worth it. Plus, if you spend your days poolside or in the ocean, the heat won’t be an issue. Once the sun sets you can enjoy Miami’s famous nightlife. When you visit Miami, make sure you pack sunscreen, flip-flops, and tank tops.

Ocean City, MD

Ocean City is one of the best beach towns to visit in Maryland. The town is famous for its boardwalk, and—since it’s in Maryland—its crabs. Take a look at this list to learn about some of the town’s best crab spots. Ocean City is an especially good destination for families. On the boardwalk, you’ll find amusement rides, arcade games, and candy shops. If the boardwalk isn’t your kind of thing, there is always the beach where you can relax and enjoy the water.

Bora Bora

Bora Bora is a part of the Society Islands which is one of the island groups that make up French Polynesia. The island’s resorts are famous for their bungalows that sit above the water. If you want to get around on the island on your own, be prepared to rent a car or a bicycle since there isn’t any public transportation. Snorkeling and scuba diving are two of the most popular tourist activities. The island’s waters teem with colorful fish, coral, and stingrays. To learn more about Bora Bora visit take a look at this link.

A Look at the Best Museums in NYC

This post originally appeared on Ryan Hemphill.

New York City has some of the best museums in the country. Whether you enjoy art, history, or religion, New York’s museums have something to offer every visitor. Here are some of the city’s must-visit museums.

The National 9/11 Memorial & Museum

The National 9/11 Memorial & Museum honors the memory of every person who was killed during the September 11 attacks. In the locations where the towers used to stand, two pools now occupy the areas. Waterfalls surround the walls of both pools, and around their edges, you will find the names of every person who was killed during the attacks. The surrounding plaza features numerous trees and sitting areas. The designers of the memorial paid special attention to its design to ensure that it would be sustainable. Located beneath the plaza is the museum itself. One section of the museum is called Foundation Hall. It features a wall from the World Trade Site that wasn’t destroyed. To learn more about the National 9/11 Memorial & Museum, visit the official site.

The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)

The MoMA is one of the most well-known art museums in the United States. It features a number of famous paintings like  Vincent van Gogh’s The Starry Night, Salvador Dalí’s The Persistence of Memory, and Pablo Picasso’s Les Demoiselles d’Avignon. In addition to its permanent collection, the museum features many temporary exhibits that highlight various mediums like film, sculpture, and photography.

Ellis Island Immigration Museum

The history of America has been shaped by the influx of immigrants who came to the country with dreams of finding a better life. During its heyday, Ellis Island served as the gateway for the majority of immigrants who made their way to America. In the 1950s the immigration station was closed. For many years the building sat unused and deteriorating. Yet after an expensive renovation, it was reopened in 1990 as a museum. The museum’s exhibits examine the immigration experience and bring it to life through photos, interactive displays, and artifacts.

The Met Cloisters

If you feel like stepping back in time to Medieval Europe, then you need to visit the Met Cloisters. Each of the cloisters features materials from authentic Medieval European monasteries. The pieces were shipped to New York and then reconstructed to form the current cloisters. In the gardens around the structures, you’ll be able to see plants and flowers that would have grew in real Medieval gardens. Medieval art, manuscripts, and stained glass are located inside of each cloister. To learn more about this fascinating space, read this article.

4 New England Restaurants You Should Check Out

This month I took a look at some of the top reasons to visit New England. One thing I didn’t focus on in that post, though, was food. Below are four restaurants you should visit the next time you’re in the New England area.

BLACK TRUMPET

Located in Portsmouth, New Hampshire Black Trumpet’s dinner menu boasts chicken leg fricassee and pan-fried sunchoke pierogi among many other delights. Chef Evan Mallett was a James Beard semi-finalist for Best Chef, Northeast in 2011, 2013 and 2014.

AL FORNO

One of the best restaurants you’ll find in Providence, RI (and all of New England) is Al Forno. This legendary spot offers some of the best thin-crust pizza you’ll ever taste.

HEN OF THE WOOD

Hen of the Wood has been serving guests since 2005. The menu changes daily based on local ingredients, but every visitor agrees: each dish is delicious.

AMERICAN SEASONS

At American Seasons you’ll find wine, scallops, and a line that’s out the door. If you want to visit, make sure you make your reservation weeks in advance.