We don’t want to be the ones to say summer’s about to slip away, but summer’s about to slip away. Get away while you can. And do it on a tank of gas (or a quick ferry ride).

New York City to the Catskills
When everyone else heads east to the Hamptons, you’re going north. Set your Google Maps to Phoenicia, a small town filled with those small town quirks. Stop to check into The Graham & Co. The old motel has been transformed into a hip hotel that charmingly delivers a Budweiser with your room key at check in. Then, hit the trails and hike Kaaterskill Falls. You’ll lose that New York City garbage smell in no time.

 

Boston to Nantucket
Sure, it’s been hyped about, but we’re here to tell you Nantucket is worth the hype. The cobblestoned downtown streets, the couldn’t-be-fresher seafood, the picturesque lighthouses… OK, you get it. And though you’re technically taking a ferry rather than enjoying a summer road trip, those road trip essentials still apply.

 

Chicago to Lake Geneva
What originated as a summer getaway for Chicago’s wealthiest during the 1850s has morphed into, well, a summer getaway for Chicago’s wealthiest in 2015. Nowadays, you don’t have to have a last name like Wrigley to stay there. You can check into the Geneva Inn and spend your weekend on a boat gazing at the mansions or walking the lakeshore path. After, cozy up to the bar at Chuck’s for a beer. Whether you covered the 20 miles of shoreline or said, “f*&% it,” after one, you’ve earned it.

 

San Francisco to Tahoe
Three hours outside of the city, and you’ll discover a pure blue lake settled in between stunning mountains. Stop there. You’ve found the spot. This trip’s for the outdoor enthusiast, who doesn’t mind swapping a lazy beach day for one spent hiking, paddle boarding, kayaking, and jumping from the rocks to the super clear water.

 

 

Photo Credits: ModernFarmer.com, Destination360.com, BoredFastfood.com, Booked.net, LakeGenevaCannery.com