New York is the United States' third most populous state, and New York City is the most populous city in the country. Many residents live in high-density housing, and the winters can be long and cold, averaging --13 degrees Fahrenheit in the north and 5 degrees Fahrenheit in the Southwestern areas. With this climate, combined with living in a small apartment, getting away in the winter for the weekend is essential.
The Pocono Mountains in Pennsylvania, just East of New York, offer numerous ski resorts for all levels. Tubing is a popular sport, especially for families. It is less work than sledding or skiing, and you can reach 40 to 50 miles per hour. You can reach the Poconos by car from New York City in approximately two hours.
Miami is just three hours from New York by airplane and another world in terms of climate. The average January temperature in Miami is a mild 67 degrees. Attend the Art Basel Fair in early December, or just sit and relax on South Beach.
You don't need a passport to go to Puerto Rico, because it's a U.S. territory. Just three and a quarter hours from New York by air, you'll find many great deals here. This Caribbean island has beautiful beaches and a rich culture. The U.S. dollar is the local currency, and Spanish and English are spoken on the island.
Cape May, New Jersey, is an easy three-and-a-half-hour drive from New York City. Winter a good time for bird watching in this sleepy town. The Cape May Migratory Bird Refuge is a popular spot for birders looking for red-shouldered hawks and lingering orange-crowned warblers.
The quaint town of Hudson, New York, is ideal for travelers who want to look at antiques or just relax at a bed and breakfast. There are numerous eateries and historical sites, like Hudson Athens Lighthouse, the northern-most lighthouse on the Hudson River. And getting to Hudson is an easy two-hour train ride.
