7 Tempting Escapes from New York City

Hop on a nonstop flight for a weekend in Nashville.

Need to escape the city? Hop any of these nonstop flights from NYC.

Each year my travel list continues to grow. Yes, I have a lineup of exotic locales that I’d love to explore including the Maldives, Bolivia, and Sri Lanka. But for many of us, time and budget don’t always allow a trip to a far-flung destination.  Looking for an easy escape from NYC? Hop any of these nonstop flights from New York – just pack your bags and go!

New Orleans

This soulful town has recovered since Hurricane Katrina paralyzed it in 2005, and tourism continues to flourish. New Orleans has long been one of the most popular US cities to travel to, and that won’t be changing anytime soon, especially since it was number one on the New York Times 52 Places to Go in 2018. Though I lived in the South for more than a decade and traveled through much of this area of the country, I’ve yet to experience the joie de vivre of New Orleans. Maybe 2019 will be my year. 

Nonstop flight time: 3 hours and 20 minutes
Must drink: French 75 at French 75 Bar (where else?)

Milan

So I’ve been to Milan, and I can honestly say that I loved this city. I didn’t find it as busy as Rome, and the food and fashion are reason enough for a stopover or an extended weekend. From the Duomo to Teatro alla Scala and Corso Como, to trattorias preparing traditional dishes like risotto Milanese, branzino, and panettone, Milan is a favorite for a city girl like me. Why? I can bask in the culture of this northern Italian metropolis for a few days and still catch a breather from the madness of New York City.

Nonstop flight time from NYC: 7 hours and 50 minutes
Must pack: My Fendi shoes for nights out in the style capital.

San Antonio

Thought of as one of the must-see spots in Texas, Alamo City doesn’t lack dining options or attractions, that’s for sure. You’ll discover Spanish missions, Tex-Mex eateries, not to mention the Tobin Performing Arts Center, so just know that San Antonio provides plenty of appealing choices for both first-timers and repeat visitors. With the expansion of River Walk in 2013, the time is now to tour this southwestern town. I traveled to San Antonio many (many!) years ago, and I’d love to return to experience the country’s seventh largest city.

Nonstop flight time from NYC: 4 hours and 30 minutes
Must go: Pearl Brewery for shopping and farm-to-table eats.

Quebec City

Cousin to Montreal, Quebec City is less than a two-hour flight from the Big Apple. This French Canadian town offers a diverse lineup for first-time tourists and tons of things to see and do for second and third timers. No matter what, a tour of Old Quebec, shopping at La Maison Simon, a stop at the famous hotel Château Frontenac, and a bite to eat with a glass of wine at Buvette Scott will round out my trip. 

Nonstop flight time from NYC: 1 hour and 35 minutes
Must wear: La Canadienne waterproof boots in winter, and a chic blazer on cool summer nights.

Miami Beach

No New Yorker will deny the lure of sun and sand in the sunshine state. Sometimes referred to as the “sixth borough,” Miami is a quick flight from New York City. A vibrant town itself, Miami Beach boasts action-packed South Beach with blocks of classic Deco architecture, stellar shopping, and a pulsating nightlife scene. After perusing the Art Deco District, I’d be lounging by a pool, or walking along the coastline. 

Nonstop flight time from NYC: 3 hours and 10 minutes
Must buy: A new straw hat that’s both fashionable and practical. 

Nassau, Bahamas

Three-hour flights to the Caribbean are a valid reason to escape New York’s brutal cold. Even those with little vacation time can venture on an extended weekend getaway to the Bahamas. Decompress on quiet stretches of sand, browse cute shops and art galleries, and feast on the freshest conch salad you’ll ever taste. And the real bonus of the island is that Bahamian hospitality. You should feel a warm welcome from the moment you arrive.

Nonstop flight time from NYC: 2 hours and 55 minutes
Must do: Stop by John Watling’s Distillery for a tour and a cocktail

Nashville

JW Marriott’s slick downtown hotel could tempt you to spend your getaway inside. The Stonehill-Taylor designed property features refined luxury, soothing interiors with tons of space, a spa, and fabulous food and drink. But don’t let all that stop you from exploring Music City! The hotel’s stellar downtown location puts you within a quick walk of the Country Music Hall of Fame, The Gulch (where Nashville’s young, hip crowd hangs) and honky tonk Broadway. Just know that your weekend in Nashville could be as much about eating as it would be about music.

Nonstop flight time from NYC: 2 hours and 25 minutes
Must eat: Garganelli verde with heritage pork ragu at Rolf & Daughters

For refined luxury in Nashville, stay at the JW Marriott in downtown.

If you search, you’ll find countless nonstop flights from NYC.  Where are you tempted to go this year?  Happy and safe travels wherever you head in 2019!

Also, winter escapes from NYC, my travel highlights from 2016, and no matter the state of the world, don’t stop traveling!

Thanks to JW Marriott for hosting me in Nashville for two days. I had a blast! Stay tuned for a more detailed Nashville guide here.

Posted on January 31, 2019