Kemi Ibeh

The furthest north I’ve ever been is the New York State Capitol Building in Albany, but as a New Yorker, I am up for adventure and keen to explore the farthest reaches of the state (which usually get more tourists from Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Canada, than from locals). This spring, I took a weekend getaway to Chautauqua County in Western New York after learning about it from an I Love NY travel show and discovered that not only was the iconic Lucille Ball of I Love Lucy fame, born there in Celoron, a small village within the county, but that Chautauqua County is actually a quirky, yet underrated destination in New York, especially to NYC residents. It is the perfect autumnal getaway for fall foliage hues of oranges and yellows, uncrowded activities, peaceful walks and hikes, last-minute sailing, and wine. Sure, you can drive 12 hours each way on a lengthy New York State road trip but I prefer the hour flight from JFK Airport to Buffalo Airport instead. Upon arrival, I board a reserved Lyft for the two-hour ride to Celoron. (Note: This was my last interaction with any rideshare service as they barely exist in Celoron and Jamestown—the largest city in the county. In this case, it might be prudent to either drive north or arrange a car rental at Buffalo Airport.)  Below is a three-day itinerary of my Chautauqua County experience and other options that might pique your adventurous spirit! RECOMMENDED: The best fall getaways from NYC for leaf-peeping

As much as the U.S. is heavily car-dependent and the American past time is a good ol’ summer road trip along historic routes across the states, the Northeast is definitely spoiled with accessible rail connections making it easy for rail aficionados, business travelers, tourists and anyone to sojourn between cities and small towns for quick day trips and weekend getaways in any season. New York City, especially, is within 10 hours of some historic cities and beautiful communities accessed via train—and with breathtaking views along the way! Even though the region doesn’t have sweeping scenic train rides such as the California Zephyr going into the Rocky Mountains or the Coast Starlight route with Cascade Mountains and Pacific Coast views, the New York/Northeast route can still boast of historic landmarks and ruins along the Hudson Valley, sparkling waters of the Connecticut coastline in summer, and truly spectacular fall foliage in autumn. Check out these direct train routes that’ll offer up scenic views right outside your window.