Escape From New York to Hudson Valley

Depending on what time you get started, enjoy solid diner food at Bella's on Broadway, or a more refined afternoon tea at the Silver Tips Tea Room, which opens at 11:30 a.m. Choose from soups, salads, wraps, and over 150 varieties of teas at Silver Tips. Be sure to try the samosas.

For fans of early-19th century America, the Washington Irving home is also located in this small upstate New York village. Travel a bit farther north and visit Sleepy Hollow, where Ichabod Crane fled the wrath of the headless horseman in Irving's famous short story "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow." After all, 'tis the time of year for ghosts. If you can wait until the 24th and are feeling rather daring, take advantage of the Sleepy Hollow Haunted Hay Ride. Who knows? Maybe you'll see the ghost of Crane being chased in perpetuity by his headless nemesis.

After you've had your fill of the undead, hook up with Route 287, which becomes 87 -- the New York State Thruway -- as you cross the Hudson River. Route 87 will turn north. Around Tuxedo Junction, pass through the Sterling Forest State Park -- 17,953 acres of natural refuge, featuring hunting, fishing and hiking and wildlife like black bears and hawks. Stop off for a short walk if your legs need stretching.

Climb back in your car and stay on 87 briefly, and after Newburgh Junction, turn on to Route 17. If you're an arts and crafts aficionado, you might want to take a quick detour at exit 127 and hit the Sugar Loaf Arts Village. The village offers works from practicing artisans in a variety of material, including jewelry, pottery, furniture, quilting, painting, candles, soaps and sculpture.