Weekend Getaways in the Northeastern United States

Three Getaways to Fill Your Weekend with Fun

Kimberly Mae
Need a vacation but can't afford to go away for a whole week? Why not take a three day weekend to one of these popular destinations.

Brandywine Valley

Longwood Gardens in the Brandywine Valley of Pennsylvania is a must-see. It's located off Route 1 in Kennett's Square, PA. No matter what season you go, there is always something to see and do there. Lilytopia, Longwood Garden's newest event, starts on May 21st. The East Conservatory will showcase more than 10,000 stems of all kinds of lilies from Dutch hybridizers. The annual Fireworks and Fountains display is something you do not want to miss. Log on to Longwood Garden's website to view events and what is in bloom. Drive five miles south on Route 52 and you will come to Winterthur Museum and Country Estate in Delaware. This estate was the former home of Henry Francis Du Pont, an antiques collector and horticulturist. It is now a non-profit organization dedicated to the care and conservation of more than 85,000 objects on display at Winterthur. Visit Winterthur's website for a detailed description of the various gardens and displays. Click here for a coupon to visit both gardens for $20. Both of these websites list lodgings in the area, but for more hotels and things to do in Brandywine Valley, please visit their website.

Finger Lakes

The Finger Lakes in New York State is known most for the many wineries in the region. Among the most popular is Glenora Wine Cellars, located on Route 14 in Dundee, NY. Be sure to include their Riesling in your selection of wine tastings. After browsing their wine shop, stop in to Glenora's Veraisons Restaurant. There is nothing more relaxing than enjoying lunch with a glass of wine overlooking the beautiful Seneca Lake. Glenora's wine ice cream is also something to try. Please visit their website for their hours of operation and directions. While you are in the Finger Lakes, stop at the Windmill Market in Penn Yan, NY. There you can see about 200 shops and vendors offering crafts, fresh produce, food, and even chiropractic services. Many of the local wineries have booths there and offer tastings. Or take a horse and buggy ride. The Windmill Market's website also has directions and hours of operation. For a complete list of wineries in the Finger Lakes, as well as lodging in the area, visit the Finger Lake's Tourism website.

The Thousand Islands

The Thousand Islands are located in the St. Lawrence Seaway in New York. If you have never been to the area before, you must take a cruise through the seaway. Uncle Sam Boat Tours offers a narrated tour of the seaway's history and scenic places. Information on cruise times are located on their website. Another piece of history you must see is Boldt's Castle and hear the sad love story of the original owner of the castle, George Boldt. The castle is located on Heart Island, and is only accessible by water. Uncle Sam Boat Tours has a cruise that stops at the island. For a list of more tours that stop at Boldt's Castle, please visit their website. For more attractions, restaurants and hotels, visit the visitor information on the Thousand Island's website.

Sources:

Longwood Gardens
Winterthur Museum and Estate
Brandywine Valley
Glenora Wine Cellars
The Windmill Market
Finger Lakes tourism
Uncle Sam Boat Tours
Boldt Castle
Thousand Islands Things to Do

Published by Kimberly Mae

Starting sewing buttons onto scraps of fabric at the age of four. Haven't stopped sewing since.  View profile

7 Comments

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  • Teila Tankersley4/17/2012

    Beautiful flowers!

  • Tony Payne11/23/2010

    Sounds wonderful. I haven't been up that way, but would like to.

  • Linda Cole9/2/2010

    So I'll have to make it a week vacation. Don't think I can do it in a 3 day weekend. LOL.

  • Lorraine Yapps Cohen8/27/2010

    My favorite is longwood Gardens. The exhibit changes with the seasons.

  • Delicia Powers6/8/2010

    Sounds wonderful,thanks!

  • Karyn Thompson4/12/2010

    Having lived near the Brandywine Valley for most of my life, I can certainly attest to the beauty of that area, esp. Longwood Gardens. My hubby and I are always looking for weekend getaways - we'll have to try your recommendations in the New York waterways areas. Thanks for the great suggestions!

  • Vincent Summers4/7/2010

    I never knew where the well-known Longwood Gardens were! Although they're not my number one choice, botanical gardens are pleasant to me, nonetheless.

    I'd like to go to Cypress Gardens. I collect Viewmaster slides and viewers, and I have a wonderful packet on that place.

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