Escape NYC With These Fall Weekend Getaways

NEW YORK — The leaves are turning, the breezes are getting brisk and the streets smell a little less like hot garbage baking in the sun. After a brutally hot summer, there's no doubt New Yorkers welcome these signs of fall in the season's first month.

But there's no need to confine oneself to the five boroughs just because the summer travel season is over. In fact, some nearby destinations may be less crowded on a crisp autumn weekend than when the urban masses are trying to escape the city.

From the New Jersey boardwalk to Hudson Valley history to apple-picking near Montauk, here are some fall weekend getaways that will tempt New Yorkers to ditch the city through the winter.

Asbury Park, New Jersey
Where is it? About 60 miles from Midtown.
How do I get there? NJ Transit's North Jersey Coast Line or a roughly two-hour drive (if traffic is bad).

Take in the historic buildings on a stroll down the boardwalk in this beach city known for its ties to Bruce Springsteen. The beaches may be done for the season, but you can always catch a show at the legendary rock club The Stone Pony. Upcoming acts include North Mississippi Allstars and Tramps Like Us, a Springsteen tribute band.

Montauk, Long Island
Where is it? About 115 miles from Midtown.
How do I get there? The Long Island Rail Road's Montauk line or a roughly three and a half hour drive (if traffic is bad).

Montauk is a major beach destination for New Yorkers who want to drive east from the city until they reach "The End." But it's also an underrated spot for an autumn jaunt — Forbes calls the Montauk of September and October a "well-kept secret where you can still enjoy outdoor activities but aren’t overwhelmed by visitors." There's never a bad time to check out the Montauk Point Lighthouse, and there's a chance to go apple-picking at Hank's Pumpkintown in nearby Water Mill.

Sleepy Hollow, Westchester County
Where is it? About 27 miles from Midtown.
How do I get there? The Metro-North Railroad's Hudson line or a roughly 90-minute drive (if traffic is bad).

This Hudson Valley village named for Washington Irving's story about a headless horseman is the place to be for Halloween. The "Horseman's Hollow" haunted attraction takes the famous tale "to its darkest extremes," while cemetery tours offer a creepy peek at history. Visitors who want a less spooky trip can check out Kykuit, the sprawling Rockefeller family estate.

Beacon, Dutchess County
Where is it? About 63 miles from Midtown.
How do I get there? The Metro-North Railroad's Hudson line or a roughly two-hour drive (if traffic is bad).

This one is indeed a beacon for art lovers. The village sitting along the Hudson is home to several art galleries including Dia:Beacon, a 240,000-square-foot space that hosts a permanent collecton along with special exhibitions and performances. There's also the Beacon Artist Union, which aims to help its artist members show and market their pieces.

Cold Spring, Putnam County
Where is it? About 56 miles from Midtown.
How do I get there? The Metro-North Railroad's Hudson line or a roughly two-hour drive (if traffic is bad).

Looking to take in some nature in the fall weather? Cold Spring is for you. It's home to the tough Breakneck Ridge trail, which features steep climbs and panoramic views of the Hudson River. Visitors looking for a less strenuous trip can visit the river near the village's Main Street, which is lined with shops and restaurants.