Inexpensive romantic weekend getaways in upstate new york

1. Tarrytown, NY

1hr by car; 35 mins by Metro-North 

For a budget-friendly lets get away for a night vacation, Tarrytown, an easy train ride on Metro-North, is where to head. With a quaint main street packed with antique stores and coffee shops to breaks, it's a laidback respite from the big city. 

Stay here: Tarrytown House Estate 

Splurge on a Georgian-style suite in the 19th-century King Mansion of this sprawling 26-acre estate, or grab one of the hotel's other more affordable modern guestrooms overlooking the Hudson River. Rates start as low as $119/night.

Do this: Tarrytown Music Hall

Pick from a melange of acts at the oldest operating theater in Westchester County, built in 1885 and beautifully restored in 2015. Check the events calendar and you’re bound to find something to love—whether you're on the lookout for music, comedy shows, or other live performances, this is a local gem with broad appeal.

2. Newport, RI

4 hrs 30 mins by car

Sure, the abundance of yachts and Gilded Age mansions make Newport seem a little out of reach. But new and affordable accommodations have arrived to keep it real, and some of the town’s most iconic sights—like the coastal views from its iconic Cliff Walk stroll—are totally free. So go ahead and take your sweetie to this City by the Sea. 

Stay here:Hammets Hotel

This boutique waterfront property in the heart of Downtown Newport has rooms that start around $200 off-season, which is a perfect time to bundle up and explore the cobblestone streets, quaint shops and cozily sip some New England-style chowder on the wharf. 

Eat here: Anthony’s Seafood Market & Restaurant

Sure, you can take your sweetheart out for a fancy lobster dinner. But why not keep it casual? For way less, a New England lobster roll is sure to make anyone swoon. At this local favorite, a no-frills lobster roll won’t break the bank even though it packs close to a half-pound of lobster—and even comes with fries for a cool $22.

3. Bethlehem, PA

1 hr 30 mins by car 

If your valentine is a history buff, flock to the town of Bethlehem in Lehigh Valley. It’s home to one of the oldest colleges in America, Moravian on the town’s Northside, Lehigh University which looks something like Hogwarts on the Southside, and SteelStacks, a cultural campus amidst the former Bethlehem Steel plant. In your downtime, you can stroll up and down Main Street for shopping and cafes.

Stay here: The Sayre Mansion

While there are chock-full-of-cozy hotels within Bethlehem, the gothic revival-style of the Sayre Mansion will really set the mood. At the majestic bed and breakfast you can stay in one of the 19 guest rooms or restored Carriage House suites. There's also a fabulous Conservatory room with a 180-degree bird’s-eye view of Bethlehem, spanning the full depth of the house. What more could you ask for when planning a romantic stay than waking up to morning light and tree-lined views? Guest rooms begin at $129 a night.

Do this: The Bookstore Speakeasy

Enter through a nondescript door on the South Side of Bethlehem and you'll be transported into a romantic Prohibition-era speakeasy. You and your special someone can enjoy live jazz music going on every Thursday through Saturday night and snack on small plates, and pick from 50-plus specialty cocktails. The space fills up quick, so be sure to make a reservation in advance for a table.

4. Woodstock, NY

2 ½ hours by car

We know what comes to mind when you hear Woodstock: You automatically think of the peace and love music festival that took place at Bethel, NY dairy farm during the summer of 1969. Honor all those nostalgic feelings of the past by spending a romantic night in the originally-intended location of the famous concert. This artistic community is home to the famous Woodstock Film festival, farmer’s markets and wonderful mountain terrains for hiking.

Stay here: Hotel Dylan

A true bohemian experience, Hotel Dylan offers its guests a musical Woodstock experience in the Hudson Valley. Staying on theme, you’ll find record players and curated selections of vinyl records right in your guest room, plus books and board games available for rent while you’re chilling—or warming up—out by the property’s two fire pits. Rooms run about $269 a night.

Do this: Sunfrost Farm

Hitting an outdoor farmers market with your partner is the ultimate weekend goal, so make sure to check out this locally owned and fully organic hot spot. Open all year round, this is the perfect spot to get outdoors (even if it's chilly) and eat hyper-local grub.

5. Sag Harbor, NY

3 hrs via the Hampton Jitney

Here’s another on-budget hideout for New Yorkers who wish they could have their own compound within the Hamptons: Sag Harbor ranks among the top romantic towns in the U.S., so it should definitely be on your list for a romantic getaway! To keep things affordable, why not share the love? Find another couple to travel with and split the costs of accommodations—the more, the merrier. 

Stay here: Designer Sag Harbor Home

For a thrifty getaway, kick it with a few other couples and book this awesome Sag Harbor home with five bedrooms (it can sleep up to 14 if you’re cramming). The full house (which comes with a heated pool and outdoor fire pit) is great for cooking savory meals to enjoy outside in the summer or fall breeze, while inside the rooms are seriously sumptuous with Brooklinen sheets and Le Labo bath products. Book at the right time and your stay can be less than $400/night per couple.

Sag Harbor Inn is another lovely option, which starts around $300/night after Labor Day.

Eat here: Dockside Bar & Grill

If you are staying in Sag Harbor, a delicious lobster roll must be on your food bucket list. Seriously, these lobsters are so fresh, they were probably eating their breakfast when plucked from the ocean. $11–$38.

Photograph: Courtesy CC/Flickr/Hank Word

6. Montauk, LI

3 hrs 30 min by Jitney

Going with the theme as the anti-Hamptons, Montauk is a non-stop shop of adventure for thrill seeking lovebirds. From a casual sunset stroll on the beach to getting your feet wet as you try surfing for the first time, Montauk will bring the two of you close together.

Stay here: Daunts Albatross Motel

This shabby chic family-run motel uis just steps away from the beach. With its very own wellness studio and yoga instructor on the property, stretch it out with your lover before taking on paddle boarding, horseback riding or hiking. Rooms are about $200/night during the off season.

Do this: Camp Hero State Park

Did you and your beau Netflix-binge Stranger Things together? Well, take it one step further and go hiking in the park which inspired it all. A government project at Camp Hero State Park sparked the most popular series of the summer, but it’s also home to the oldest lighthouse in New York State—Montauk Lighthouse. (It was erected in 1796 under orders from George Washington himself.) The best part of this excursion? It’s completely free to visit. 

7. Narrowsburg, NY

2 hrs 20 mins by car

Take your cutie to Narrowsburg, an undeniably adorable hamlet that sits along the Delaware River in the Catskills. It’s all but one main street with a handful of shops (think antiques, books, and art galleries) but the town’s perfect perch over the scenic river brings all the romance and more.

Stay here: Hotel Darby

No, this isn’t a bait and switch: on paper, this hotel is in Pennsylvania just over state lines. But it’s the shortest walk across the river to the tiny town of Narrowsburg, which means the brand-new boutique is worth every step. The interiors are a dream for Midcentury modern fanatics, while outside you’ll find a hammock grove, firepits, lawn games, and even private trails for strolling (or snowshoeing). Rooms start at $199 a night and come with complimentary coffee and breakfast pastry, too.

Eat here: Laundrette

This darling restaurant overlooks the Delaware River and, now under new ownership, completed a light renovation that thankfully didn’t scrap the OG’s crowd-pleasing staples—namely, its signature sourdough pizzas.

8. Finger Lakes Wine Country, NY

4 hrs by car

Wine of any kind is a staple when you are planning a romantic evening with your sweetheart. So take advantage of this fact by spending a weekend in Finger Lakes Wine Country. With 100 historical and critically acclaimed wineries in the area, it’s every vino lover's dream.

Stay here: Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel

This waterfront hotel offers a pretty decent romance package all year round. For around $184 per night, it includes deluxe accommodations, a bottle of Finger Lakes wine, chocolate covered strawberries and a half dozen roses during your stay. Excuse us while we go book our own stay.

Do this: Fox Run Vineyard Wine Tour

Saving can be sexy, so check out the year-round winery tour at Fox Run Vineyards. Tours are $10 per person, and after your tour, head to the tasting room and partake in their world-class wine tastings ($10 for a flight of five wines). Fancy a scenic snack? Their daily café, open from April to December, overlooks Seneca Lake and the estate’s vineyards.

9. Deerfield, MA

5 hrs 22 mins by train

This is rural haven is two-hours outside of Boston. Once the heart of colonial America, this small town will surely steal yours.

Stay here: Deerfield Inn

Serving guests since the 1880s, this cozy inn has kept its roots. In the original build (with updates), get cozy with your lover in this peaceful haven. Your stay includes afternoon tea, their signature treat. Typical room rates start at $170.

Do this: Mount Toby Trail

Try your hand at snowshoeing! Tiby Trail is considered one of the best hikes in the state. Pack on the furs and strap on those fashionable snowshoes. Take your boo by the hand and lead them out into a wintery wonderland. Rentals are usually no more than $30/day.

10. Burlington, VT

6 hrs 4 min by car

Grab your ski buddy and hit the slopes in the funky and happening town of Burlington, VT. If skiing isn’t really your vibe, there’s loads to do like tasting innovative craft beers from cult-followed local breweries (Zero Gravity Craft Brewery, Foam Brewers and Switchback Brewing Co.), exploring the booming music scene, and eating local cheese and farm-to-fork meals.

Stay here: Willard Street Inn

This Bed and Breakfast, side a gorgeous country mansion, is exactly the romantic spot you'd hope to come back to at the end of your day of extravaganza. You'll stay in one of the 14 guests room each with private baths and get a free spread of breakfast. Rates start as low as $215/night.

Do this: Higher Ground Ballroom

Burlington is home to a booming live music scene as many musicians stop through to play gigs on their way from Montreal to big east coast cities. You can find a constant stream of great local talent and heavy-hitters that have played  at this particular rock club, like Sylvan Esso, My Morning Jacket, Jeff Tweedy, Grace Potter, Richard Thompson, Big Thief, and The Avett Brothers. Before a show, grab a bite at Honey Road, with a menu entirely of mezze, dips, and hearty breads.

11. Cape Cod, MA

6 hrs 15 mins by bus

When in doubt, hit the beach! Soak up those warm summer rays and get started on that storybook summer romance.

Stay here: Cape Colony Inn

While not directly on the beach, this inn is a prime location nonetheless. Just a short walk from the shore and the center of town, you and babe will never be bored. Plus, the price is just too good to pass up—rates start at $79 a night in the early days of summer.

Eat here: The Net Result

Take the ferry and spend the day in Martha’s Vineyard. Head to The Net Result, a popular joint that has some of the best deals on fresh seafood around. The eatery also bills itself as an upscale fish market, so couples can order a mess of food for a very reasonable price. $11-30.