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As
appeared in The Stamford Advocate:
August 17,
2001
Great
Escapes—Summer's going, but there's still time for a day
trip
By
Nadia Lerner
Staff Writer
Several
years ago, Brooklyn, N.Y., resident Caylin Sanders attempted a
weekend getaway without a car or much money. The result: Pure
frustration.
"I
went on the Internet trying to do research and had a lot of difficulty,"
says the 28-year-old woman whose disappointment helped jump-start
a new career.
Sanders
is now president of her own company, escapemaker.com, launched
last September, featuring about 50 weekend getaways plus concert,
festival and special event destinations within a 500-mile radius
of New York City. These spots - in Connecticut, New York, New
Jersey, Delaware, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Pennsylvania
- are selected by the company's "seasoned travel staff" who personally
visit each area to check out its tourist potential.
"We capsulize different destinations so that you have everything
at your fingertips," says Sanders of her Web site, which attracts
1,000 users daily. A few mouse clicks will deliver information
on places to sleep, eat and shop; key points of interest; and
prices. In addition, visitors can get directions, car rental phone
numbers, transportation schedules and travel tips.
For
those who want to enhance their summer with a great finish, here's
an overview of the Web site's top 10 summer getaways, accessible
with or without a car, including estimated travel times for area
motorists.
For
complete details, log on to escapemaker.com:
Norwalk: Estimated travel time by car: We'll let you be
the judge. Norwalk features a wide variety of attractions from
museum-going to visiting Stew Leonard's, the world's largest dairy
store. The agenda should include the Norwalk Maritime Aquarium
where you can watch live animal feedings and take in an IMAX Theatre
presentation. Cruises are also available to Sheffield Island,
where visitors can enjoy a leisurely picnic lunch and tour the
lighthouse. Calf Pasture Beach offers swimming and kayaking. Washington
Street features a variety of shops and art galleries. This street
and nearby areas also abound with restaurants, night clubs, music
venues and dance clubs for those who want to stretch their visit
into the evening.
Old Saybrook: Estimated travel time by car: 1 1/2 to 2
hours This oldest town in the lower Connecticut River Valley is
bordered by Long Island Sound and the Connecticut River. Steep
yourself in its rich historical past with a trip to Fort Saybrook
Monument Park - site of the state's first fort, erected by the
British in 1636. The 18-acre park features storyboards about the
early Saybrook colony. Other attractions include walking tours
of the town, famous for its resident celebs such as actress Katharine
Hepburn. There's also antique shopping (more than 400 shops within
a 2-mile radius), sailing, canoeing, kayaking, miniature golf
at Saybrook Point Mini Golf or simply lazing on the beach. Lots
of eating and lodging choices, including the Deacon Timothy Pratt
House, a bed and breakfast listed in the National Historic Register.
Mohegan Sun Casino: Estimated travel time by car: 1 1/2
to 2 hours Gaming, shopping, fine dining and entertainment are
what this getaway is all about. Go for the day or if your luck
holds out, stay the weekend. Area hotels extend a free shuttle
service to the casino, which boasts 3,000 slot machines and 192
gaming tables.
Lewes, Del.: Estimated travel time by car: 4 1/4 to 4 3/4
hours As it takes longer to reach this coastal town, you might
want to save it for an extended weekend. The area offers a diversity
of activities including beachgoing, boating, kayaking ($30 for
a half day), biking ($5 an hour; $14 a day), hiking and fishing
through November ($25 for a half day). Tours, which include transportation
to and from recreational areas, feature kayaking at sunset; a
kayak-dolphin watch tour and a bike tour at Cape Henlopen State
Park. Lewes also has many gourmet restaurants, quaint shops and
galleries. Lodgings include bed and breakfasts, hotels and inns.
Phoenicia, N.Y.: Estimated travel time by car: 2 to 2 1/2
hours The small Catskill Mountains' town is tailor-made for the
outdoor adventurer. Activities include tubing through the Esopus
Creek rapids ($7 per day for inner tubes; $2 for life jackets);
horseback riding on Indian paths and old logging trails at the
Catskill Forest Preserve; hiking in the preserve's 300,000 acres
of unspoiled woods; and fly-fishing. If you delay your trip until
fall, you can enjoy the colorful foliage. In winter, there's snowtubing
and skiing, with Hunter Mountain only 15 minutes away. Eateries
range from fine dining establishments to family-oriented theme
restaurants. Lodgings include hotels, motels, cottages and campgrounds.
Jim Thorpe, Pa.: Estimated travel time by car: 2 1/2 to
3 hours This Victorian town, previously known as Maunch Chunk,
was renamed in honor of the Native American sports hero. Also
known as "America's Little Switzerland," the town is another perfect
venue for the adventurous at heart. Activities include hiking,
mountain biking, biking and white-water rafting. During the winter,
there's snowboarding, snowmobiling and tubing, as well as downhill
and cross-country skiing. Other attractions include antiquing,
wine tasting at local wineries, the world's largest model train
display (Hooven Mercantile Company Building) and coal mine tours
in neighboring Ashland. The town has a large selection of bed
and breakfasts plus hotels and inns.
Redbank, N.J.: Estimated travel time by car: 1 1/2 to 2
hours Gourmet and antique shops, coffeehouses, cafes and a brisk
nightlife make this destination a worthwhile day trip or weekend
experience. The walkable town features charming brick buildings,
old-time lampposts and curbside benches, which evoke a feeling
of the past. Canoes and rowboats can be rented for $7.50 an hour
through October. The waterside Marine Park offers boat slips,
public tennis courts and a playground. Other activities include
a visit to the historic antique district, a stop at the Farmer's
Market and children's petting zoo on Saturdays. As for night life,
there are concerts at the Count Basie Theatre, shows at the Improv
Comedy Jam, pool at Brannigan's and stops at Brother's or the
Dublin House for some liquid refreshment.
Spring Lake. N.J.: Estimated travel time by car: 1 3/4
to 2 1/4 hours Crystal-clear water from underground springs has
made this Jersey shore resort a standout for more than a century.
It also offers the longest noncommercial boardwalk in New Jersey,
not to mention a couple of lovely beachfront miles. Specialty
shops, boutiques, cafes and attractive bed and breakfasts add
to the town's allure. Visitors can enjoy both casual and fine
dining restaurants, followed by a presentation by the Spring Lake
Theatre Company or a pub stop at the nearby Belmar or Sea Girt.
Stockbridge/Great Barrington, Mass.: Estimated travel time
by car: 2 to 2 1/2 hours These scenic Berkshire Mountain towns
offer gorgeous views, walking trails, antique shops and trendy
restaurants. Great Barrington is known for its Butternut Ski area
and classical music concerts year-round. Both towns, which inspired
the works of famed American artist Norman Rockwell, are great
for hiking and biking. Stockbridge must-dos include a trip to
the Norman Rockwell Museum. Other attractions include a Moon Mountain
llama trek in the Yokun Ridge area near Lenox, the Berkshire Botanical
Garden in Stockbridge and ski lifts up Butternut to take in the
panoramic views. Lots of places at which to dine and lodge, including
the historic Red Lion Inn in Stockbridge.
New Paltz, N.Y.: Estimated travel time by car: 1 1/4 hours
to 1 hour and 45 minutes This college town (home to SUNY New Paltz)
has a historic background including landmarks that are throwbacks
to the French Huguenot fathers who settled the area in 1677. Attractions
include guided tours by the Huguenot Historical Society ($6),
antiquing, biking, wine tours, fruit picking and art galleries.
Golfers can try their luck at the New Paltz Golf Course, open
to the public (18 holes for $23 weekends, $18 on weekdays). Mountainview
Stables offers horseback riding and various packages including
overnight camping. Famous resort Mohonk Mountain House and Preserve
has day passes featuring a variety of activities such as tennis,
golf, swimming, boating, fishing and horseback riding. Price depends
on the activities selected. Eateries abound along Main Street.
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