While it's too late to book an affordable ticket on a jet plane, New Yorkers can still get out of dodge this weekend without breaking the bank.
Whether you're celebrating an extended President's Day Weekend with Monday off or just want to enjoy Valentine's Day somewhere besides your apartment, we've got a holiday plan for you.
Keep reading for our top picks on where to go, whether you want to check out another city, escape into the countryside, or enjoy a chilly - but cozy - weekend by the beach.
xo,
your jauntsetter team
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Our Top President's Day (And Valentine) Weekend Escapes
[Note: At the time of publication, all the hotels below had rooms at the rates listed. We recommend making reservations quickly, however, as availability is limited for the weekend.]
Bohemian Baltimore: Indie Charm + Good Eats
"You can look far and wide, but you'll never discover a stranger city with such extreme style," says John Waters of his beloved Baltimore. Filled with thrift shops, salty seafood joints and lots of cool shops and bars, this city is the perfect choice for a couple who enjoy the quirkier side of life. Check out our Trip Pick on the city, including details on the best way to get there. And don't miss our guide to its best neighborhoods, an insider's scoop on what to do for fun, and our top recommendations on where to eat - including a roundup of finger-lickin' crab shacks.
Where to stay: We recommend the Inn at 2920. A King Room is available for $220/night this weekend, including breakfast.
Tip: Should this option sell out, consider heading to Philadelphia, home of BYO restaurants and fantastic shopping. One of our favorite inns, The Rittenhouse 1715, has both King and Queen rooms available this weekend starting at $245/night.
Quick, Easy N'Cheap: A North Fork Holiday
Don't have much time or money to spare? Consider a quick jaunt out to The North Fork on Long Island's east end. For $239, you can spend Friday OR Sunday night at the modern Greenporter Hotel in a Queen Room and get a delicious multi-course dinner for two at its award winning restaurant. For those who are even more budget-minded, consider skipping the dinner package, grabbing a burger at the Frisky Oyster Bar, and nabbing a room for just $139 either night, leaving you plenty of money for vineyard visiting and other good eats in the area.
Winter + Beach: Our Favorite Romantic Combination
Not to get all Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind on you, but for us, there's nothing like hopping on the LIRR in the dead of winter and heading out to Montauk. Something about a visit to a snow-covered beach followed up by a hot toddy gets us warm in a way no tropical destination can. For something cozy right on the beach, make a reservation at Panoramic View with simple studio efficiencies available at $150/night.
[Update as of 2/11: only Friday night is available at the Panoramic, with rooms going for $180/night.]
Upstate Escape: Group Getaways in the Country
Check out our list of three vacation rentals perfectly suited for groups of friends looking to take a vacation together this weekend. Located in Claryville, a town just 20 minutes away from Big Bear Ski Resort and in close proximity to Belleayre Mountain, these homes are ideal for those who want to get outdoors in the snow, or stay in, hang out by the fire and cook dinners together. Our favorite pick is Liberty Farm - fantastically decorated, this refurbished farm sleeps 6 and is available for $525 this weekend.
Want your own ice skating rink? Also located near Big Bear, this awesome home sits next to a lake that freezes over every winter. Available for $500 for 2 nights this weekend, or $625 for 3, this 3-bedroom house is a relative bargain for six friends.
