Five Great Getaways in Under One Tank of Gas

Summer is here!  And with it has arrived your chance to take a drive and explore exciting vacation stops in your local area and beyond.  These day-trip destinations feel like a world away, but they are all less than an hour's drive from  Hastings, Dobbs Ferry and Irvington.

1. City Island, The Bronx, N.Y.

Spending the day at City Island is definitely a world away.  You will find it hard to believe that little City Island is actually located in the Bronx. But did you know that City Island was once part of Westchester County?

The place maintains a seaside feeling with boat slips, restored homes with "widow's walks", bait shops and spectacular water views. Strolling down City Island Avenue you are astonished that you are actually in the Bronx, until you pass by PS 175, the NYC Post office and the Public Library.  Take a seat at Hawkins Park, which is named after one of the founders of City Island, and breathe in the sea air. 

City Island boasts fabulous seafood restaurants. However, the traffic can be overwhelming in the evenings and especially on Saturday nights. The Sea Shore Restaurant as you enter the island is a wonderful choice. Restaurants on City Island  in general are fairly expensive, but the Sea Shore has an extensive menu, serving really fresh fish and large portions. There is a lively bar and comfortable lounge and an outdoor dining marina. Sea Shore Restaurant, 591 City Island Ave., Bronx, N.Y. Tel. 718-885-0300. 

For more information: www.cityislandchamber.org/ 

2. Cold Spring, N.Y.

Cold Spring is a unique historic town located on the east bank of the Hudson River in Putnam County. If you like antiquing, you will enjoy Cold Spring as it has become a Mecca for antique buyers in the last ten years.

 Walking is the key to Cold Spring. Parking is scarce, so you usually have to park on the north part of Main Street and walk downhill, to the original historic settlement at the bottom of Main Street. Here you will find breathtaking views of the Hudson River, a park with a gazebo, a bandstand and a dock.

Originally, George Washington visited the area and drank from the "Cold Spring" (you will see a plaque here to commerate this event). To learn more, stop at The Putnam County Historical Society & Foundry School Museum, with a collection of West Point memorabilia, regional artifacts and local history. 63 Chestnut St., Cold Spring, N.Y. Tel. 845-265-4010

The most social spot in town is the Cold Spring Depot, which is an indoor and outdoor bistro type restaurant near the train station.  The Depot has a casual menu, great river views and a family crowd.

Cold Spring Depot, 1 Depot Sq., Cold Spring, N.Y. Tel. 845-265-23053-

3. Beacon, N.Y.

 Beacon is for art enthusiasts! Beacon is the home of a huge museum called Dia:Beacon, which overlooks the Hudson River and surroundings, and was converted from an old Nabisco box-making factory. It contains the world -renowned Dia Art collection of very large scale contemporary art from the 1960s to the present day.

Dia Beacon has turned the town into an art destination.  One of the most interesting places is Hudson Beach Glass, 162 Main St., Beacon, N.Y. Tel. 845 440-0068. This is a fascinating place where you can watch glass making, see changing exhibits and take classes.

Stroll Main Street Beacon for other art galleries, antique stores and bars.  There is a wonderful open walk in the main vicinity of Dia Beacon.

4. Piermont, N.Y.

Piermont  is located on the Hudson River front in Rockland County.  Once a quiet Hudson River community, Piermont is now quite a busy little town with art galleries, restaurants and funky and fun clothing stores.  Piermont has a lovely river walk and gazebo, where you will see fabulous water vistas and a totally different view of the Tappan Zee Bridge.

A gallery of interest is called the Piermont Flywheel Gallery. The Flywheel opened in 1992, as Piermont's first artist-run gallery. There  is always an interesting show of various media for viewing.

Piermont is also the home of Xavier's restaurant, founded in 1987 by famous Westchester restaurateur Peter X. Kelley. Although I have never been to Xavier's, the restaurant has a stellar reputation and is more than popular.  It is also quite expensive, so reservations are recommended (way in advance ) for that special evening out. For more info, visit: http://www.xaviars.com/  

5. Ridgefield, Conn.  

Ridgefield is a beautiful, quaint, colonial town in the foothills of the Berkshire Mountains in central Fairfield County. Yet, it does have a modern flair, with the Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum showcasing  a modern art sculpture on its fabulous grounds. The museum is located at 258 Main St., Ridgefield, Conn. Tel. 203.438.4519.

The Main Street of Ridgefield is more than a mile long. In the center is a self-explanatory map of a walking historic tour that visitors can try. For help with this endeavor you can contact the  Ridgefield Historical Society, 4 Sunset Ln., Ridgefield, Conn. Tel. 203-438-5821.

The Keeler Tavern Museum is the home of living history in Ridgefield, from early 19th century to mid-20th century. It is on the National Register of Historic Places and is an interesting place to visit.

A social gathering place to eat and drink is Bailey's Backyard for eclectic American fare, where white picket fences line the outdoor dining area.  Bailey's Backyard, 23 Bailey Ave., Ridgefield, Conn. Tel. 203-431-0796.