Podcast Title: All Of It
Host: Alison Stewart
Episode: Best Weekend Getaways from NYC (Travel Week)
Release Date: August 6, 2025
Description: ALL OF IT is a show about culture and its consumers, aiming to engage thinkers, doers, makers, and creators about the what and why of their work. This episode delves into the best weekend getaways from New York City, offering a plethora of options for relaxation, adventure, and cultural exploration.
Introduction
In this episode of All Of It, host Alison Stewart welcomes Hannah Towy, Associate Editor at Conde Nast Traveler, to discuss the best weekend getaways from New York City. As summer wanes and the school year approaches, listeners are presented with diverse options to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, whether seeking relaxation, family time, or cultural experiences.
Getaway Recommendations
1. Asbury Park, New Jersey
Timestamp: 00:42 – 02:09
Hannah Towy introduces Asbury Park as a vibrant beach town approximately a two-hour drive from NYC. Accessible via commuter rail or the SeaStreak ferry (followed by a 30-minute drive), Asbury Park is renowned for its music scene, especially with the upcoming Bruce Springsteen documentary spotlighting its cultural heritage.
Key Highlights:
- Music Scene: "You gotta go for the music." (01:29)
- Cuisine: "Go for the seafood. Always. I'm a seafood fanatic." (01:58)
2. Fairfield County, Connecticut
Timestamp: 02:16 – 03:44
Located about an hour by Metro-North train, Fairfield County offers a mix of coastal charm and sophisticated culture. Towy highlights Norwalk's transformation from the oyster capital to a hub with a vibrant downtown, Litchfield’s boutique hotels and woodsy vibes, New Canaan’s architectural beauty, and Greenwich’s sailing and shopping scene.
Key Highlights:
- Norwalk: "South Norwalk train station's right downtown. So you can hop off, walk downtown, get a bite, walk to the beach also." (03:32)
- Mystic: "Mystic has a lot of nautical lore... great food options, great hotels, straight beaches." (03:44)
3. Mystic, Connecticut
Timestamp: 03:40 – 04:44
Mystic is celebrated for its maritime history and attractions like Mystic Pizza and the Mystic Seaport Museum. Towy recommends enjoying local seafood, exploring nautical sites, and visiting iconic locations from the film Mystic Pizza.
Key Highlights:
- Attractions: "I'm a seafood fanatic. So whenever you're in a beach town like that, you know, go for the crab, go for the lobster." (01:58)
- Dining: "Nana's Bakery and Pizza is a really well-known restaurant... Oysters are definitely the go-to food in Mystic." (04:44)
4. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Timestamp: 05:34 – 08:21
Listener Nori shares insights on Philadelphia, emphasizing its accessibility via Megabus or Amtrak. Towy praises Philadelphia’s rich history, architecture, affordable concerts, and burgeoning art scene.
Key Highlights:
- History & Architecture: "It's really just incredible. The history, the architecture." (07:03)
- Art Scene: "It's pretty awesome and you can even just tell walking around the architecture." (07:40)
- Culinary Scene: "There's a ton of hot new restaurants opening up in Philly." (08:10)
5. Boston, Massachusetts
Timestamp: 08:41 – 09:31
Boston offers a historical and cultural retreat, accessible via the Acela train. Towy highlights the Freedom Trail, historic sites, vibrant neighborhoods, and the option to extend trips to Cape Cod.
Key Highlights:
- Freedom Trail: "It's a walking history tour... stopping at these major historical sites." (08:41)
- Vibe: "You can go to more chill, relaxing neighborhoods." (08:21)
6. Shelter Island and Fire Island
Timestamp: 10:07 – 17:00
Towy contrasts Shelter Island with Fire Island, presenting Shelter Island as a secluded alternative to the Hamptons, accessible by ferry from Greenport or Amagansett. Fire Island is depicted as a lively, car-free destination known for its queer-friendly environment and vibrant nightlife.
Key Highlights:
- Shelter Island: "It's totally a different vibe than Southampton, Watermill, Bridgehampton." (10:13)
- Fire Island: "Fire Island is a blast... great beaches and then Kismet is the more laid back side." (11:09)
7. Block Island, Rhode Island
Timestamp: 12:27 – 13:34
Block Island is praised for its natural landscapes, rocky beaches, lighthouses, and a tight-knit community. Towy advises planning and reserving ferries in advance, especially during the favored September "secret summer" for pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
Key Highlights:
- Natural Beauty: "Incredible natural landscapes and rocky beaches and lighthouses." (12:28)
- Community: "A really close knit town community and you can bike everywhere." (12:28)
8. Beacon, New York
Timestamp: 13:37 – 14:40
Listener Tanya recommends Beacon for its thriving arts community, particularly Diabecorn, an art installation museum where the space itself is part of the exhibition. Beacon offers a vibrant main street, open mic nights, and scenic views along the Hudson River.
Key Highlights:
- Art Installations: "The space itself is the exhibition." (13:40)
- Community: "A lot of artists who can't afford to live in the city have all moved up to Beacon." (13:40)
9. Additional Listener Suggestions
Timestamp: 15:03 – 21:53
Several listeners contribute to the discussion, recommending diverse locations:
- South Mountain Reservation, New Jersey: Trails and live breads bakery.
- Highlands, New Jersey: Seafaring town with biking trails and seafood.
- Cold Spring, New York: Quaint town with antiquing and mom-and-pop shops.
- Chester, Connecticut: Small town with art galleries, breweries, and proximity to the river and ocean.
- Sandy Hook, New Jersey: Beaches and hiking trails.
- Mass Makapan/Matpin, New Jersey: Glamping with outdoor activities.
- The Berkshires, Massachusetts: Fall foliage, mountain activities, and art scene.
- Finger Lakes, New York: Wineries, historical sites, and outdoor recreation.
10. The Hamptons and Newport, Rhode Island
Timestamp: 16:02 – 17:36
Towy addresses misconceptions about the Hamptons, emphasizing its diverse towns each offering unique vibes—from the laid-back West Hampton to the art-centric East Hampton. Newport is highlighted for its Cliff Walk, Gilded Age mansions, sailing races, and vibrant downtown.
Key Highlights:
- Hamptons Diversity: "All the towns are very different from one another." (16:20)
- Newport Attractions: "Cliff Walk, where you go by all those mansions, the Gilded Age mansions." (17:34)
11. Additional Destinations
Timestamp: 18:16 – 21:53
Further suggestions include:
- The Berkshires: Renowned for fall foliage and outdoor activities.
- Finger Lakes: Famous for wineries and historical sites.
- Block Island: Natural beauty and community.
- Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket: Accessible by ferry, though the journey can be rough ("Barf boat").
Notable Quotes
- "You gotta go for the music." – Hannah Towy on Asbury Park (01:29)
- "Go for the seafood. Always. I'm a seafood fanatic." – Hannah Towy on dining in Asbury Park (01:58)
- "The space itself is the exhibition." – Tanya on Beacon’s Diabecorn Museum (13:40)
- "September is my favorite time to travel... less crowds. And the water's actually usually warmer." – Hannah Towy on Block Island (13:34)
- "Fire Island is a blast... great beaches and then Kismet is the more laid back side." – Hannah Towy on Fire Island (11:09)
- "It's like you're being in a history class once again." – Alison Stewart on Boston's historical ambiance (09:30)
Conclusion
This episode of All Of It offers a comprehensive guide to weekend getaways from New York City, catering to a variety of interests—from coastal retreats and cultural hubs to secluded islands and historic cities. With insights from travel expert Hannah Towy and contributions from listeners, the episode underscores the rich tapestry of destinations accessible within a short distance from NYC. Whether seeking music, history, art, or natural beauty, there’s a perfect escape waiting just a few hours away.
Note: Advertisements and non-content segments from the transcript have been excluded to maintain focus on the informative aspects of the episode.