When it comes to cities in the Northeastern part of the United States, New York City draws in the majority of visitors. This is only natural, as there is no place quite like New York. This being said, the Northeastern part of the U.S. is also home to several noteworthy cities that are a quick day trip or overnight excursion away. So the next time you make the trek to New York for an extended stay, schedule some time as well to visit some of the other unique and historic cities the region has to offer.
1.Philadelphia
The first planned city in the United States, historic Philadelphia, is a city of firsts. Philadelphia was the first capital of the U.S. and home of the first White House. A relatively small city seeped in history and infused with modern charm, there are several tourist attractions to visit on your day or overnight trip. In Philly, you can find the Liberty Bell, the famous Italian Outdoor Market on 9th street, hip shopping and dining on South Street, sample a tasty Philly Cheese stake (Pat’s has the original), and explore a handful of museums such as the Philadelphia Museum of Art, home to the famous steps from the Rocky movies. Philadelphia, the “City of Brotherly Love” is a quick two hours away from New York by car and makes a great day trip.
2.Boston
This lively and spirited New England city is one of the oldest in America. Home to extraordinary architecture, quaint cobblestone streets, and a plethora of historical landmarks, Boston is a must see. There are several attractions guaranteed to engage an enthusiastic traveler. Take a land and sea Duck Tour, these guided tour buses wind around the streets of Boston, then transform into boats for an entertaining sail around the harbor. Walk the historic Freedom Trail, a guided historic walking tour of colonial revolutionary Boston. If marine life inspires you, Boston has a noteworthy aquarium and hosts whale watch tours that depart regularly from the harbor. Boston’s swanky Newbury Street is home to excellent shopping and dining. Then after a busy day, relax in Boston Common, the country’s oldest park. Boston, nicknamed “Bean Town,” is about a four-hour drive from New York and makes a great overnight trip.
3. Baltimore
Artsy and edgy, Baltimore, Maryland is the place to go for excellent seafood and funky art. Head downtown to the Baltimore Inner Harbor, a vibrant district on the water complete with restaurants and shops. On a nice day, take a paddleboat or a harbor-cruise. Baltimore is home to an aquarium as well as scores of museums, one of which is The Baltimore Museum of Art, which is free for the public to enjoy. About a three and a half hour drive from New York, Baltimore is a small laid-back city worthy of exploration.
4. Washington D.C. area
The nation’s capitol is much more than a hub of political activity. Diverse in its offerings, Washington D.C. is a friendly city offering a dose of southern charm. Head to the center of town and see the White House, walk along the National Mall and take in the many national monuments and memorials. D.C. is home to the Smithsonian museums, a collection of over nineteen top notch specialized branches which are free to the public. A food lover’s dream, sample the eclectic restaurants in the Dupont Circle neighborhood, then take in the vibrant nightlife in the adjacent Adam’s Morgan neighborhood. Be adventurous and cross over into Virginia to visit beautiful quaint Alexandria and Arlington National Cemetery, which houses the remains of JFK, Thurgood Marshall and the Tomb of the Unknowns. If you’ve still got energy, venture into Maryland to experience the new National Harbor, an upbeat collection of trendy restaurants and shops set right on the water. A four-hour car ride from New York, Washington D.C. is worthy of an entire weekend.
* Each one of these destinations can be reached inexpensively via Amtrak Train, Bolt-bus, and Mega-bus.
Photo by kmohman – Boston Common
