Whether your work life is too hectic to take a full-blown vacation or you just need a quick escape from your everyday life, a weekend getaway can be a great way to recharge. If you live in New York City, Upstate New York is the best place to recharge. You can get in your car or take the train after work on a Friday, then make it back on Sunday night just in time to get a good night’s rest before starting your work week. Check out these eight spots in Upstate New York for a nice weekend getaway, all of these are just a short trip away from the Tri-State area.

  1. Niagara Falls

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    Niagara Falls is one of the most popular things to do in Upstate NY, and it’s easy to see why. The falls themselves are pretty spectacular, and the town is packed with exciting things to do. Enjoy an afternoon boat ride to see the Niagara Falls up close, visit the wineries along the Niagara Wine Trail, or pay a visit to historic Old Fort Niagara. For an extra dose of fun, cross over the border to the Canadian side and check out the Clifton Hill District.

  2. Sleepy Hollow

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    If you want to get your spook on close to Halloween, you can’t go wrong with Sleepy Hollow, ranked as one of the top 10 spookiest cities in the country. Here, you’ll walk through the setting of Washington Irving’s famous short story, “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.” Go ghost hunting at Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, or head next door to the Old Dutch Church, where the spirit of the Headless Horseman is rumored to wander. This town is also stunning in the spring and summer, with lots of hiking trails through vibrant scenery at Rockefeller State Park.

  3. Tarrytown

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    Just five minutes south of Sleepy Hollow, you’ll find Tarrytown. If you want to spend more time at your destination and less time traveling, this little village is an excellent option, just 25 miles away from New York City. This historic town is packed with points of interest including the Lyndhurst Mansion, the Tarrytown Lighthouse, and the Tarrytown Music Hall. For a fancy fine dining experience, indulge in what the restaurant calls “a multi-taste feast” at Blue Hill at Stone Barns.

  4. Syracuse

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    Syracuse is rich in history and culture, and it’s surrounded by beautiful countryside. Spend your afternoons visiting local farms, or gain some appreciation for the arts at one of Syracuse’s galleries such as the Everson Museum of Art. At night, dine in style in one of the area’s many great restaurants including Pastabilities or Sakana-Ya, or try some local craft brews at Empire Brewing Company.

  5. Letchworth State Park

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    Commonly referred to as the “Grand Canyon of the East,” Letchworth State Park is filled with stunning cliffs, breathtaking waterfalls, and beautiful forests. It’s a fantastic place to experience the beauty of nature year-round, with a wide range of hiking and cross-country trails to choose from. Some notable things to do at the Letchworth are to see Middle Falls, go white water rafting, and hike one of the 27 trails in the park!

  6. Saratoga Springs

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    Enjoy a day at the races in the Saratoga Race Track. This city is famous for its racecourse, but there are plenty of other things to see and do in the area, like the Racing Museum and Hall of Fame, the National Museum of Dance and the 21 different public mineral springs. Learn how the jockeys practice their sport with a horseback riding lesson, take in some panoramic views on a hot air balloon ride, or pick apples at a local orchard.

  7. Hudson

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    Nothing says weekend getaway in Upstate New York like leafy trees, historic brick buildings, and amazing views of the Hudson River. Hudson has them all, plus a great food scene, lots of interesting museums and excellent shopping. Chow down on some fantastic pizza at Oak Pizzeria Napoletana, or pop into Lil Deb’s Oasis for delicious bites, refreshing drinks, and a fun quirky vibe! The city is also very walkable, so you can cover a lot of ground on foot.

  8. Kingston

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    Once upon a time, Kingston was the state capital. The capital moved to Albany long ago, but history is still clearly visible in this Hudson Valley town. Stroll through historic streets, admire Dutch colonial houses and take in a breath of fresh air along the waterfront. There are plenty of train and bus connections into the city, so you can easily get there without a car. As you walk though Kingston, you may also notice plenty of colorful murals that brighten up the city, an initiative sparked by the annual O+ Festival held in Kingston every October.