Four offbeat getaways

Spend the night in a lighthouse, travel back in time in a vintage trailer, hit the hay at a farm or sleep in a tree.

By Krystie Yandoli Mon May 9 2011

Weekend getaways from NYC: Quick, easy and affordable escapes

Winvian; Morris, CT
Travel time: About two hours from NYC by car
The 18 cottages and suite at this 113-acre retreat are anything but cookie-cutter: The Masonic-Temple--style "Secret Society" channels the preppy spirit of New England fraternities (minus the hazing and silver-spoon attitudes), and "Music" exudes a 1960s rock-and-roll swagger with its fiery hues and mod furnishings. If your childhood dreams of a tree house remain unfulfilled, you can rent a refined version here. Instead of a tricky rope ladder, stairs lead up to your perch—and inside, there's a full bar. 860-567-9600, winvian.com. Rates start at $650 per night.