Escape From New York to Hudson Valley

If spirits are more your fancy, continue to the Route 94 junction and go east, before taking Route 17 west to Route 208 north. After seven miles, you'll hit Washingtonville, the home of Brotherhood Winery, the self-proclaimed "oldest winery in America." Brotherhood is open daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and during the Halloween season, the winery offers "spooky sinister cellars" on the weekends. You can even try your hand, er, foot at stomping grapes this weekend and next.

After washing your feet, head back to Route 94, which will run across Route 87. If you're ready to head home, you can take the expressway back.

But if you're in the mood for more driving throughout picturesque New York, continue on to Route 9 and visit the campus of the United States Military Academy at West Point. One-hour bus tours wind through the historic academy 10 times a day on Saturdays in October, with the last tour leaving at 3:30 p.m. Walk the grounds once trodden by the likes of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Douglas MacArthur and Dwight Eisenhower. One caveat: you must take a tour to visit the grounds. Individual admission starts at $11 for adults and $8 for children.

After spending time with some of American's forefathers, drive south into Peekskill and focus on relaxation for the remainder of the evening. Settle in at Henry's on the Hudson for a gorgeous sunset over the Hudson River and peruse the list of Henry's classics, like the shepherd's pie, phyllo dough pot pie with sautéed chicken or pork osso bucco.

Turn in for the evening at the Peekskill Inn, the only place in town, and be sure to ask for a room with a private terrace and a view of the Hudson. Accommodations are basic, but the location makes the stay worthwhile.

Or head home and enjoy the warmth of your own bed. You're still less than an hour's drive from Manhattan and the coziness of that studio.