A train ride away
Metro-North Train
There is a whole world outside of Manhattan. Whether you are feeling the need for fresh air or just want a weekend getaway, look no further than Grand Central Terminal. The Metro-North train line takes you to a variety of scenic towns in Westchester, Putnam and Dutchess counties — and there is no need to book a flight. The Hudson Line, which, as its name suggests, follows the Hudson River, is definitely the most scenic of the Metro-North lines.
About a half an hour outside of the city is Dobbs Ferry. Stroll through the streets, stop at Brick Oven Pizza for lunch, and try their ice cream for dessert. If you are staying for dinner, check out the legendary local restaurant Sushi Mike’s. It may be pricey, but it’s worth it.
Just three stops North of Dobbs Ferry is Tarrytown, which, with views of the Tappan Zee Bridge and Rockland County, is perfect for a romantic weekend getaway. The town is home to Taste of China, a Chinese restaurant with an incredibly large menu and unbelievably low prices, a combination hard to find around Washington Square.
A major station along the Hudson Line is in the town of Croton- Harmon. Croton Point Park, once the site of a landfill, is now home to hiking trails, picnic areas, a museum and even a beach.
In upper Westchester is the sleepy town of Peekskill. Early in its development, the town pursued displaced New York City artists by advertising low interest rates in SoHo art magazines, helping them buy buildings in the downtown area of Peekskill to convert them into studios. Since then, the town has maintained a bohemian vibe with coffee shops and restaurants, which often feature live music.
The Poughkeepsie station was built to resemble a smaller version of Grand Central, and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976. The last stop on the Hudson Line and almost two hours from the city, Poughkeepsie is relatively large and features many cultural centers, including the Bardavon 1869 Opera House. Poughkeepsie is also home to Vassar and Marist colleges.
A version of this article appeared in the Thursday, Oct. 9 print edition. Email Sam Del Rowe at [email protected].