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You Can Still Get Away This Labor Day Weekend. Here's Where To Go

By  Emily Frost and Julia Bottles | August 24, 2016 4:36pm 

 Don't waste the 3-day weekend. Use it as an excuse to get out of the city for a restorative getaway.
Don't waste the 3-day weekend. Use it as an excuse to get out of the city for a restorative getaway.
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NEW YORK CITY —  Labor Day, which falls on Sept. 5 this year, is fast approaching, but just because you haven't booked any travel yet doesn't mean it's too late. 

We've scouted some great trips, all within either a 3-hour plane, train or car trip from New York City — and some much closer — but all the listed destinations should make you feel like you're worlds away from the city. 

Use the 3-day weekend as an excuse to kick off the summer season by taking a fun, restorative trip with friends, family or your significant other. 

 ► TRAIN

Washington, D.C.

Take the train down to the nation's capital for the long weekend. While the weather might still be swampy, there's plenty to do. Take advantage of D.C.'s free museum policy, or knock another ballpark off your list and watch the Nationals play the Braves on Monday afternoon (the team will be up at Citifield facing the Mets from Friday through Sunday).

The three to three-and-a-half hour Amtrak train trip means staying overnight makes sense. Depending on when you depart, one-way tickets are as low as $69 for Friday or Saturday departures from Penn Station. A bus ride makes for a longer, but more affordable trip.

Beacon, New York

Beacon falls under the category of easiest and cheapest to get to — the trip involves an hour and a half scenic ride along the Hudson River on Metro North for $16 each way. 

Once you're there, go on a hike up Mount Beacon and take in panoramic views of the Hudson River, go gallery hopping in town, visit the renowned modern art museum Dia:Beacon and then settle in for a night of craft beers, live music and a farm-to-table dinner. 

► CAR

Woodstock, New York

If you're looking to get into nature, without a long traffic-filled drive ahead of you, Woodstock offers serenity and proximity to the city. It's about a two-hour drive from the city.

Surrounded by state parks, Woodstock has plenty of hiking and exploring options, as well as a charming town for shopping and dining. 

If it's a warm night, dine by a stream at the Bear Cafe. During the day, check out Bread Alone Bakery for organic breads and pastries, as well as a sit-down cafe menu.

The North Fork, Long Island, New York

Close out the summer season by cooling off in the ocean, eating a fresh lobster roll and cracking open a bottle (or two or three) of rosé in the North Fork. 

While you can easily get to the North Fork on the Long Island Railroad to either Greenport or Southold, it's ideal to have a car to get around to the various wineries, farms and beaches while you're there. 

To avoid paying city car rental rates, take the train out and rent a car once you're there. Or you can arrange a wine tour in which you and friends get driven around, but note that not all wineries allow limos or buses, as they want to discourage boisterous parties.

Don't miss wineries like Croteaux, which specializes in rose, has an enchanting outdoor garden for sipping flights and Kontokosta, which has a large back lawn that leads all the way to the ocean for stunning views while you sip your wine and nibble snacks. 

If you have enough time, head over to Shelter Island via a $2 ferry from Greenport and explore the island's bike paths and beaches. 

On your way back to the city, stock up on local produce at one of the many farm stands along the main roads, and at Catapano Goat Farm meet the goats behind their delicious cheese.

► PLANE

Bermuda 

If you can afford to leave a little earlier than the traditional 3-day weekend, hop on a 3-hour flight to Bermuda on Thursday, Sept. 1 and be back Sunday, Sept. 4 for around $400 round trip. 

While on the island you can visit the spectacular Crystal and Fantasy Caves or enjoy kayaks and paddleboards. You can also relax at a spa and indulge in a massage or facial.

Savannah, Georgia

Savannah is a quick non-stop two-hour flight away. Round trip tickets for the most popular travel days of Labor Day weekend — Friday and Monday — will run you about $400, but you can score a deal if you have some flexibility. 

The city is known for its charm, hospitality and architecture. Preservationists and history buffs will love how much of Savannah's 18th-century history has been kept intact through its buildings and squares; you won't find any skyscrapers downtown. 

The renowned Savannah College of Art and Design, situated in the center of the city, means lots of galleries, shops and restaurants are continually popping up.

Montreal, Canada

Pack up your passport and head up to Montreal for the weekend. It'll take you around 90 minutes to get there via a non-stop flight. Those fares start at around $430 on Air Canada.

When you get there you've got a lot of options. If history is your thing, you can wander through Old Montreal and take in the sites. To take in some nightlife, head to the Rue St. Denis for dinner and a drink.