As much as I love New York City, sometimes I yearn for an escape. I find myself craving being away from the crowded streets and busy roads. Even though New York hums with adventure, I sometimes seek to step outside the noise, to hear birdsong without it being drowned out by someone yelling for a cab or ordering an iced latte. Sometimes, I just need a break.
Whether you’re feeling homesick, tired, or just need a change of scenery, getting out of the city for a bit is perfectly normal. My freshman year was full of excitement, discovery, and growth. But with all of that came the occasional wave of exhaustion. I was used to the slower pace of home, where long drives with friends and late-night music felt like therapy. While I can’t say you can gain easy access to a car in Manhattan and zoom out of the city when things get tough, there are plenty of places nearby to escape to that can fulfill your mood.
One of my favorite out of city adventures that I went on was upstate New York during my freshman year. I visited one of my best friends at the University of Rochester during my fall semester. I chose October for peak foliage, and the Amtrak ride alone was enough to reset my spirit. Watching yellow, red, and orange leaves blur past my window with Taylor Swift’s Red album in my headphones? Total main character moment.
That weekend was filled with hayrides, apple picking, warm cider, and just enough nostalgia to make me feel like a little kid again. It was exactly the break I didn’t know I needed. Not every escape needs to be far, either. Some of my favorite day trips are just a short train ride away. If you’re craving cozy fall vibes without the long haul, Cold Spring and Sleepy Hollow are perfect for quick getaways before winter hits.
If you are looking for an escape during the warmer months of the season, there are also plenty of beaches close by where you can soak up the sun and do all of the daydreaming your heart desires. I love taking weekend trips to the Jersey Shore, where I can find myself getting a good bite to eat and sinking into warm sand as the ocean waves crash in front of me. Long Island is in the other direction, but still has some amazing beaches to visit, as well wooded areas filled with calm walking paths that soothe the mind. For any trip out of the city, my best advice is to plan early so that you can goon these fun adventures without hurting your wallet.
I used to think needing to leave meant I wasn’t cut out for New York, but I realize now it’s quite the opposite. Understanding your limits, listening to your body and mind, and giving yourself permission to take a breather is what allows you to actually enjoy the city when you return.
So don’t feel guilty if you need to step away. Take the trip. The city isn’t going anywhere. Your MetroCard will still work, the bagels will still taste like home, and the lights will still be twinkling when you return.
By Skylar Park
Skylar Park is a Film & TV student at NYU with a passion for storytelling and city adventures. When she’s not writing or filming, you can find her running by the East River or hunting down the coziest bookstores in New York City.
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