Escape Upstate: New York City Road Trip

New York City is a blast, but they don't call it "The City That Never Sleeps" for nothing. Are you starting to feel burnt out from the hustle and bustle? We here at Groupon Coupons don't blame you. Luckily the idyllic mountains and forests of Upstate New York are just a day trip away.

Everyone in NYC knows about heading to the Hamptons to relax, but we've teamed up with Sixt Car Rental to plan a drive north that will take you off the beaten path to explore vineyards, waterfalls, and even a castle. Explore at your leisure as you let the stress of city life slip away!

THE ITINERARY

Leg 1: Start north out of New York City to the Hudson Valley and the 15 wineries that comprise the Shawangunk Wine Trail. (82 miles; about 2 hours)

Leg 2: Head northwest from the Shawangunk Wine Trail to make a stop at Robert H. Treman State Park and take in the natural scenery. (176 miles; about 3 hours) 

Leg 3: Continue northward to visit the historic Boldt Castle & Yacht House situated on its own private island. (162 miled; about 3 hours)

Total time: 7 hours and 34 minutes

Total miles: 415 miles

Shawangunk Wine Trail

Shawangunk Wine Trail in the Hudson valley

Napa isn't the only wine hub in the country. Just a couple of hours north of the city, the Hudson Valley's cluster of 15 wineries along the Shawangunk Wine Trail is perfect for a weekend trip. The full trail extends 80 miles, with plenty of spots for both casual sippers and connoisseurs alike to sample. As a bonus, the wine trail hosts more than just traditional wineries. Acclaimed cider brand Angry Orchard calls the trail home and hosts tours of its 60 acres of apple (and more) orchards, pouring samples of some of its new releases and old favorites.

Robert H. Treman State Park in Ithaca

Nestled in the beautiful Finger Lakes region, Ithaca's Robert H. Treman State Park is home to stunning vistas and great hiking and swimming. Trails meander around the Enfield Glen Gorge, which boasts 12 waterfalls in total. The most notable of the park's waterfalls, Lucifer Falls, cascades 115 feet down into a shallow pool, perfect for a swimming hole in the summer and a picturesque winter wonderland in colder months.

Boldt castle & Yacht house on Heart Island

Inspired by love of both his wife, Louise, and the gorgeous 1000 Islands region, millionaire hotel magnate George C. Boldt set out to a build them a fitting tribute. No expense was spared on the six-story rhineland castle on secluded Heart Island, complete with tunnels, lush gardens, and even a drawbridge. But Louise's sudden, unexpected death abruptly halted the project, and a grief-stricken Boldt never returned to his masterpiece. fter decades of disrepair, the castle was restored and opened to tourists. Tourists can now visit the castle via tour boat (or their own seaworthy vehicles) to the island, where self-guided tours of the property paint a more detailed picture of the its storied history.