December 4, 2008
Weekend getaways
NEW: 2008-2009 Northeast Ski GuideUpdated prices and details on lodging, dining and skiing from Pennsylvania to Maine.
LaGuardia Airport eatsWaiting for a flight -- especially if it's delayed -- can work up an appetite. Here are your best food options.
Top 10 travel lists
Best vacation spotsFrom hotels and museums to beaches and cruises, these destinations rise above the rest.
New York City
Seek out these gems for an authentic New York City experience
Exploring Howe Caverns
We'd seen the fading yellow-and-blue billboard on I-87 for Howe Caverns so often that we finally decided to find out whether the caves were an endearing tourist trap or an authentic natural attraction.
The best of Block Island
A couple hours by car, and one more by ferry, life slows down.
Get wild: Camping in the Great Outdoors
Living in New York City you can go weeks without seeing grass, and when was the last time you actually saw stars? Nature, however, is not as far away as you might think. Within just a few hours of the Big Apple you have some of the most majestic parks and lakes in the Northeast. What better way is there to enjoy them then rolling out a sleeping bag and a tent?
Having a ball in The Wildwoods
Wide, white sandy beaches. Waves perfectly sculpted for boogie boarding. A 1.8-mile long boardwalk. Kitschy diners. A slew of bars and tchotchke shops. And plenty of on- and off-shore activities make this an ideal summer jaunt only 2½ hours from the city.
A girl's guide to Atlantic City
You may think Atlantic City is nothing more than bingo and boardwalk, but America's Playground has enough martinis and Manolos to cash in as a top girlfriends' getaway destination. No matter how you throw the dice, your odds of encountering cosmos and couture are as high as finding saltwater taffy and slots, thanks to a boom in chic hotels, luxurious spas, upscale shopping and celebrity chefs.
Saratoga Springs: A very full day at the races
In the summer of 1863, ex-prizefighter and future Congressman John Morrissey concluded that the well-heeled patrons at the trendy upstate resort town of Saratoga Springs could benefit - and he could profit - from having a little mental stimulation between mindless salt baths. And so was born the annual Saratoga Race Course meet of the New York Racing Association (NYRA), six weeks of creative and recreational horsing around in the relative cool and sophistication of the Spa City. While the town itself still caters heavily to the thoroughbred set, there is much to amuse, entertain, and educate horse enthusiasts of all stripes - and ages for that matter - as unlike many other tracks, the Grand Old Lady of Saratoga actually welcomes minors. So grab the kids and gallop north for what is destined to be a truly memorable day at the races.
For family vacations, visit Maryland's Eastern Shore
If you're longing for a vacation by the water - but not one dedicated to baking on a beach - Maryland's Eastern Shore could be just the ticket.