Legendary like no other, New York is destined to be accompanied throughout time by the designation of the world’s most exciting metropolis. It is every traveler’s dream to experience the unique pulse of the legendary city that never seems to sleep, to experience its impressive museums, to see its iconic landmarks, to wander through areas with a distinct character that have been so vividly captured in hundreds of films and songs.
It is a fact that the “Big Apple” is the most popular destination in the United States, and one of the most beloved worldwide, but the east coast of the country also offers excellent alternatives, full of interest in every way, especially for those who find the rhythm of New York too stormy. Whether you want to get away from them for a while while staying in New York County but enjoying its idyllic, country surroundings, or getting to know the face of other cool, multi-faceted American metropolises, destinations like the ones below will enrich your trip to such an extent that the New York will no longer seem so unbeatable.
- Pittsburgh – Pennsylvania
The birthplace of Andy Warhol and the city where he lived before moving to New York at the age of 21, Pittsburgh has such a range of museums that a much bigger city would envy. Spanning seven floors, the Andy Warhol Museum presents the world’s largest collection of works and archival material of the famous city boy, telling the story of his rise from a lovable child to a commercial icon of pop art, and ultimately sketching a fascinating portrait of not just an artist, but of the entire America of the 20th century. The museum is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, so check its website for special events.
The Carnegie Museum of Natural History takes visitors even further back in time. Star among the exhibits are definitely the dinosaurs – if you’ve seen him – ‘Dippy’ in the corresponding London museum, it was the plaster cast of the real bones on display here. In the shadow of these hulking skeletons, the adjacent Carnegie Museum of Art will repay you for however much time you devote to the works of De Kooning, Kline and Koons that adorn its walls. Heading to the North Side, The Mattress Factory brings you back to the present with contemporary installations and permanent works by Yayoi Kusama and James Turrell.
Pennsylvania’s second largest city is also the birthplace of the Heinz ketchup empire. In the Strip District, the Heinz History Center offers an interesting glimpse into the city’s social history, devoting more than a floor to the Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum, which documents why Pittsburgh produces more superstar athletes than anywhere else. If you love team sports as much as the city’s residents, you should definitely experience the atmosphere of watching a game: depending on the season, you’ll be cheering on the Steelers (NFL), Pirates (baseball) or Penguins (ice hockey). Whatever you choose, don’t skip the obligatory pre-race hot dog – with plenty of Heinz of course.
It is also worth moving away from the center to visit the famous Fallingwater building of the greatest American architect, Frank Lloyd Wright, which is considered his masterpiece, in a 90′ drive. It is a summer house from the 1930s, whose interior and exterior spaces seem to float above a waterfall, completely integrated into the natural landscape. In the same beautiful area of the Laurel Highlands, Kentuck Knob is another prominent work of Lloyd Wright, which with its stone walls and large windows is in complete harmony with the surrounding nature.
Where to eat?
With a culinary culture different from the classic American taste experience, in Pittsburgh menus usually include many dishes with an emphasis on eggs and several sweet options. Look for local favorites eggs benedict at Kelly O’s, family-owned J&J’s homemade flavors at the top of Mount Washington, while the famous sweet crepes at Pamela’s made famous by Barack Obama’s visit are now available in branches scattered around the city, but prefer the first to open in the Strip District for its nostalgic atmosphere. In the same area you’ll also find the legendary Primanti Bros. for almost a century, with their monumental Italian sandwiches, and the venerable haunts, Pennsylvania Macaroni Co and Enricco Biscotti, Italian institutions of the city with tasty treasures.
Reaching scenic Mount Washington via the Duquesne Incline cable car, enjoy panoramic views of Pittsburgh from the Grandview Overlook and head to the famous Grandview Boulevard, where Italian restaurants alternate with seafood ones. At the modern Altius, you will appreciate the refined version of classic dishes such as grilled chicken with Caesar salad. Complete your culinary acquaintance with the city even further east by exploring Squirrel Hill’s up-and-coming scene, with great pizzerias like Napoli’s, Aiello’s and Mineo’s and Asian haunts like Kiin Lao & Thai Eatery, Jian’s Kitchen and Everyday Noodles.
Where to stay?
By choosing the Fairmont Pittsburgh, you’ll be right in the heart of the action, with only one bridge separating you from Mount Washington and one block from the famous jazz club Con Alma. In the University District, the Oaklander gives you easy access to the Carnegie Museums, while from the floor-to-ceiling windows of the corner suites you will have a spectacular view of the 42-story skyscraper called the Cathedral of Learning. Its sister property the Industrialist, housed in a restored Beaux Arts building, is a modern alternative back downtown, while a few blocks north, another historic building now houses residents of the Kimpton Hotel Monaco.
- Philadelphia
Both Lonely Planet and Time Out named Philadelphia one of the top destinations for 2024, and that’s certainly saying a lot for ‘Philly’, the first and only US city to be included on the UNESCO World Heritage List. This is also where the dream of American democracy began and its implementation was signed by the Fathers of the USA, a fact that is commemorated by the iconic Liberty Bell and the small museum near Independence Hall, the historic building where the debates on independence and the constitution took place of the country.
Following in popularity are the steps that lead to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, made famous by the scene in Rocky II where Sylvester Stallone climbs them at the end of his grueling workout. Inside the museum you will admire works by the biggest names of European and American artists -Picasso, Dali, Twombly, Jasper Johns-, as well as the new rooms designed by Frank Gehry. If the focus of your trip is art, also stop by the museum dedicated to the French sculptor Rodin as well as the Barnes Foundation with collections from impressionism to modern art.
Also interesting is the visit to the once terrible Eastern State Penitentiary, where, guided by the actor Steve Buscemi in an audio tour of about two hours, you will learn why the facilities shocked even Charles Dickens with the conditions prevailing there. And because in addition to history and art, Philadelphia doesn’t lack for sports spirit either, head to its southern tip to find the home of the Eagles, Phillies, Flyers and 76ers.
Not even when it comes to shopping does Philly disappoint, in fact everything else. Starting at Boyds, an impressive department store worthy of Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s, continue to Joan Shepp for designer fashion, Millésimé for stunning furniture and Chinatown’s Little House Shop for homewares, while the coolest boutiques and original souvenirs will find on South Street and the Queen Village neighborhood.
Where to eat?
Called either Downtown or Center City, the center holds a significant share of the city’s best restaurants. Friday Saturday Sunday and Vernick Food & Drink are the vanguard of American cuisine, while Vetri Cucina of Italy, which has a significant influence and presence on the city’s culinary scene, is a must-stop from the Termini Bros counter for the perfect their cannoli. At the relaxed Zahav you will try wonderful Israeli dishes such as lamb with pomegranate, while at the family Oyster House excellent seafood with cocktails. As for quintessential Philly street food, the luscious cheesesteak—sandwiches of thinly sliced steak and melted cheese on a long, narrow bun—next-door Pat’s and Geno’s are the best, or follow the locals to their favorite Dalessandro’s up north. If you still haven’t had enough, give in to another famous sandwich, this time with roast pork, from Tommy DiNic’s.
Where to stay?
The Fitler Club offers 14 of its elegant rooms to non-members, who also enjoy some of the members-only services, such as its huge gym, spa, bowling alley and cinema. The Four Seasons is as impressive as you’d expect, with Norman Foster signing the design and a glass elevator leading to the 60th floor lobby. The view from the infinity pool is spectacular and the restaurants excellent. Notable options near the center are the Rittenhouse with a very good bar and spa, the newly arrived Kimpton Palomar and the Deacon, which occupies the site of a former church from 1906.
- Hudson Valley
There’s a good reason affluent New Yorkers head 150 miles north of Manhattan when seeking peace and quiet, and that’s none other than the Hudson Valley, famed for its historic attractions, impressive late 19th-century architecture, national parks and the exclusive retreats. A two-hour drive from bustling New York and you’re in the elegant National Heritage area, with the magnificent Minnewaska State Park and Olana State Park welcoming you as backdrops for relaxation. The first, in Ulster County, surrounds the spectacular Shawangunk Mountain range, including waterfalls, crystal clear lakes, thick forests and steep hills with breathtaking views, torrents between valleys and 50 miles of trails to enjoy all of the above.
A shorter distance, just 10 km, but with breathtaking views of the Hudson Valley and Catskill Mountains, covers the scenic Hudson River Skywalk on the specially landscaped former estate of famous painter Frederic Church. An interesting mix of nature and art is offered by the Omi Sculpture Park in Ghent, Columbia, dotted with large-scale rotating works by contemporary artists and architects, while the Forever Wild Catskill Park information desk will teach you about the historical and ecological significance of the area, which is also the America’s first wine-producing region, with the wine culture experiencing a significant flourishing.
Beyond the unspoiled nature and fine wine, you’ll find hundreds of famous antiques, including the suffocating Red Chair On Warren, Neven & Neven’s mid-century to present-day pieces, and Andrew Arrick’s proper Finch treasure chest with tenure in famous fashion houses. Even if you can’t bring the unique historical furniture with you, you will always find some tasteful object as a souvenir of your trip.
Where to eat?
The Hudson Valley is a pioneer of the farm-to-table movement and home to the Culinary Institute of America, among other things, so visitors have more than enough options, including gourmet restaurants and dishes from Michelin-starred chefs. Among them, the family-run Silvia in Woodstock adopts the logic of returning to simple tastes, which it accompanies with organic and biodynamic wines from small producers. In Hudson, Feast & Floret focuses on pasta perfection – try the ones with squid ink, nduja salami and spinach, or the pappardelle with duck ragu, capers and two-year-aged parmesan, while Red Dot remains a great choice since 1999 for rich American brunch with the best burger in town. And Café Mutton, in addition to lunch every day, serves dinner every Friday with an inventive menu that ranges from crepes and poached eggs to lamb’s head and fried sandwiches.
Staying in the Hudson, at the Maker Hotel restaurant, with a setting that feels like an extension of nature, Alex Napolitano’s menu is based on seasonality and honors his Italian roots, while GioBatta Alimentari in Tivoli Village is another epic Italian restaurant, with the extra merit of its deli full of delicacies. By the same token, at Talbot & Ardin, you’ll find focaccia sandwiches with your choice of toppings so delicious, they’ll convince even the most dedicated walker to take a break for a delightful picnic.
Where to stay?
You won’t find a more idyllic setting than Wildflower Farms Auberge in Gardiner. Amidst meadows and forests and overlooking the Shawangunk Mountains, its cottages make the most of the location with comfortable armchairs in front of huge windows and their own patios – some with jacuzzis. The spa, the outdoor pool, the farm-to-table restaurant Clay and the wonderfully cozy The Porch area with couches around a giant fireplace will totally justify you if you don’t want to leave the farm for a moment.
Inness is another luxury resort, with golf and tennis courts, a Mediterranean restaurant, spa and swimming pools, giving guests a choice between a Dutch farmhouse and 28 minimalist studios. In Kingston opt for Hutton Brickyards, a 43-room riverside retreat with sweeping views from both independent riverfront cottages and a restored hilltop mansion, and exquisite massage treatments right in your room. Finally, built in 1962, Woodhouse Lodge in Greenville has been transformed into a lodge of just 10 rooms near North-South Lake Campground with its spectacular waterfalls and cool, crystal-clear waters, where a dip will prove to be one of the best experiences of the trip. your.
