By Erica and Karen

A renewed appreciation for day trips, getting out of town for the day, is among our pandemic gifts. It’s fun to think about places nearby you haven’t been, ever or for decades, and then get up and go. It’s fun to read stories, fictional and in the news, and then realize you could actually go and see for yourself. It’s fun to google history, places to eat and shop, sites to see, and then plot your trip as though it was a European adventure. So take a day. It’s definitely worth the time and the try.

Cold Spring. About an hour north of Manhattan, Cold Spring is a classic old fashioned Hudson River town accessible by train on Metro North’s Hudson Line.

There are a lot of options once you get there.

• You can walk its lovely downtown Main Street, on the National Register of Historic Places, sit for a bit while you take in the sweeping views of the Hudson River, stop at Bijou Galleries for vintage collectables, and have an excellent lunch on the terrace of the Hudson River House Inn (the crab cakes are just perfect).

• Or you can be more active and take a hike. Bull Hill is a gentle 4 miles. You can rent kayaks and canoes in Highlands State Park. If you want a challenge, try the steep and taxing Breakneck Ridge Loop. If a more relaxing stroll is up your alley, visit Stonecrop Gardens, once a private oasis and now open to the public. Whichever and whatever suits, it’s a lovely day in lovely weather.

• West Point. If you’re driving, it’s nearby and if you’ve never been you should go. Because of Covid, you have to get a pass beforehand.

Rockaway Beach. One never knows where one will find inspiration. This one came from a quarterly newsletter for residents written by a retired ad exec in our friend’s building which reads like a neighborhood Baedeker Travel Guide. Not only did our guide remind us of the lure of Rockaway Beach and Boardwalk, but we also and importantly learned it is easily accessible by ferry!

• Since 2018, the NYC Ferry Soundview route runs from the landing at the foot of 90th street and East End Avenue and from 34th Street to the Wall Street ferry terminal. From there, take the one hour cruise to Rockaway Beach. Walk the new post-Sandy Boardwalk. And all for $2.75!

• The Rockaway Hotel. Now here’s the news flash. Newly opened is The Rockaway Hotel. Check it out. Rooms are beautiful, though expensive on summer weekends, a bit less during the week. Dine on the hotel rooftop with beautiful views. Our guide recommends The Wharf Bar and Grill (no website), also with views, for lunch or dinner. Have a glass of wine wherever. Take the ferry back. What could be better?