Five NYC Getaways Post Covid-19

It’s the middle of June and NYC is square in the middle of Phase 1 of the post Covid-19 re-opening plan. New Yorkers did such a good job of flattening the curve, that many of us are considering not leaving the state for a while as we watch new Covid cases rise across the country. With kids just getting out of school, that leaves a long summer ahead with very little to get excited about. We can help you with that! We have rounded up five NYC getaways post Covid-19 that don’t require traveling outside of the state. For those of you not able to leave NYC, check out these 10 safe socially distant activities.

The most obvious obstacle for most of us is transportation. Politicians tell us the trains are safer and cleaner than ever. Everyone needs to make their own decision about when they will be comfortable riding. All of these trips can be accessed either by train, or by car.

The Rockaways

We have been using Rockaway Beach as our mini summer getaways for years. Some years we rent an apartment for a week at the end of summer just before the kids go back to school. We love the flexibility of our visit. The ease of getting there and back allows one of us to be at the beach and one of us to work at home if necessary. In addition, our kids can have their friends come out and back either for the day or to stay overnight. In other years, we have done day trips by train or by car. It’s amazing how restorative a day at the beach can be – even for just a few hours. The almost 6 mile boardwalk is also a great place for a long bike ride.

We never miss a stop at Rockaway Beach Bakery for a delicious pastry or loaf. They are open for curbside pickup – cash or Venmo. When the boardwalk food spots reopen, don’t miss Caracas at 106th Street and Lobster Joint at 97th Street.

Where to stay

We have rented several Airbnb apartments over the years and found them to be exactly what we needed. Generally the best apartments will be between 88th and 110th and as near to the ocean side as possible. The Rockaway Hotel is brand new and slated to open August 1. We drove out there this weekend and it looked a long way off, but construction can move fast in this environment. It is billed as an urban beach getaway for surfers and cultural enthusiasts. The High Tide opened late 2018 in the spot that was once the Playland hotel at 98th street. It operates like an airbnb, you choose the room you want and it is contactless entry.

Getting there

• By car: arrive early because parking is very limited. If you can’t find a spot here, head over to Fort Tilden as the parking lot is much bigger.
• By public transport: take the A train to Far Rockaway. Disembark on 90th, 98th, 105th or 116th street. The ferry is not yet running.

Covid updates

Beaches are NOT officially open yet in NYC, which means there are NO lifeguards. Sitting on the beach with a cooler is ok but no swimming is allowed. Face masks are required and you must be 6 feet apart from other groups. Generally this is pretty hard in Rockaway but right now there is plenty of space and the beaches are beautiful. The boardwalk and restrooms are open but the food courts on the boardwalk are currently closed. Pack accordingly. Beaches are slated to be fully open in Phase 3 with social distancing in effect.

Glamping on Governors Island

Open on weekends in the summer only, Governors Island is NYC’s biggest playground. Over 170 acres of waterfront with sweeping views, a fort to explore, bike paths to ride , rolling hills to climb, and arts and cultural events to investigate. In addition, The Collective Experience operates a glamping site offering one of the most unique NYC experiences I have seen. Luxury tents include high thread count bedding, air conditioning and gourmet room service.

The campground is naturally social distance friendly. “Hallways” are winding paths through and open field, the “lobby” is a big canvas tent with a permanent breeze, and “rooms” are in separate tents well more than 6 feet apart. Even their marshmallow sticks are 6 ft. long!

Getting there

The public ferry runs regularly from either Manhattan’s Battery Maritime building or Brooklyn’s Pier 6. From there you can walk to the campground. Citibike is also available on the island.

Covid updates

The only way on and off the island is by ferry which is currently not open to the public. Collective Experience predicts the ferry will reopen to the public mid July and is currently taking room reservations. Rescheduling is possible up to 72 hours before your visit. The campground is open until October so there is plenty of time to reserve a spot. Typically, this campground fills up before the summer even begins so its an opportunity to get a highly coveted reservation.

Hiking Day Trips

After being trapped inside for several months, a hiking day trip is both restorative and family friendly. We have been working our way through this Time Out New York article this year and have hiked more than half of the trails listed. In my opinion, some are a little further away than makes sense for a day trip from NYC,but anything less than 90 minutes is what we target.

We usually like to head straight for the Hudson Valley hikes in Cold Spring or Beacon because the town is just a short walk from the train station and allows for a little small town experience as well. In addition, the ride on Metro North along the Hudson River is gorgeous (sit on the left hand side of the train). Hike #4 to Bull Hill, #6 to Mount Beacon, or this hike to Breakneck Ridge. Another great spot for hiking is in the Shawangunks with a day out in New Paltz.

Covid updates

Hiking is good for the soul and the perfect social distance activity. If nobody is around it can even be done without a mask. It’s the one activity I have felt comfortable with right from the beginning. Bringing your own food and water makes it even safer.

TWA Hotel at JFK airport

Getting There

• By car – Follow the signs for Terminal 5 at the airport. Parking is about $25/day.
• By public transport – Take the A train to Howard Beach/ JFK Airport. Then take the Airtrain to Terminal 5.

Covid updates

The rooftop pool and the Connie cocktail lounge are slated to be reopened on June 22. Call to confirm before you go as those are the 2 main draws. Food is focused on grab and go items – room service is available. Masks and social distancing are required in public spaces. Elevators are limited to 2 people at a time. Full refunds are offered within 7 days and rebookings are offered inside the 7 day period.

Long Island’s Northfork

One of my happiest days during quarantine was when we drove out to Greenport along the North Fork of Long Island. It’s not a drive that can be done in one day from NYC (except for the early riser), but driving along the quiet farm country roads past countless vineyards, farmstands and tiny towns is a perfect de-stresser. A few days in this part of the world could do wonders for your summer. This is my favorite activity to do once I am out there. Consider weekdays for less traffic.

Where to Stay

In Greenport, there are several hotel options as well as Airbnb rentals. The Soundview is a design lovers dream and has direct beach access. The Lin Beach House (for ages 21+ only) is affiliated with Matchbook Distilling Co. and is a direct check yourself in and out room that is booked through Airbnb. The Menhaden is right in the center of town with a beautiful roofdeck.

Covid updates

All hotels have increased their cleaning protocols, provide PPE for guests, and allow for contactless check in and check out. The Soundview pool is closed but the private beach is open including food and cocktail delivery right to your lounger. The on-site restaurant is currently open. The Menhaden is limiting their roof deck to guests only. Travel changes can be rebooked at no additional cost within 1 year as long as they are made 24 hours before arrival. Outright cancellations are not honored.