There’s so much to discover and experience on weekend getaways from New Rochelle, NY, in a Toyota RAV4 or Highlander. From breathtaking scenery and the enormous Cohoes Mastodon to ancient caverns that date back millions of years and a spectacular underground lake.
4 Great Weekend Getaways in Driving Distance of New Rochelle, NY
1. David Weld Sanctuary
Escape to the natural beauty of the David Weld Sanctuary, an hour away from New Rochelle at 687 Short Beach Road in St. James. Explore the scenery on three miles of scenic trails that wind through cedar-dotted meadows, a maple swamp, and a bluff overlooking Long Island Sound. The pristine 125-acre sanctuary, covered in trees, shrubs, vines, ferns, and wildflowers, is home to many species of birds and small mammals.
In the spring, hummingbirds and orioles flock to the blooms on colossal tulip trees, while eastern tiger swallowtail butterflies flutter about. Come autumn, the woodlands transform into a colorful wonderland of oranges, yellows, and reds, perfect for observing migratory songbirds and shorebirds. In the winter, you’ll spot American black ducks and common loons floating offshore.
2. Catskill Mountain Railroad
Go on a scenic train ride on the Catskill Flyer, a diesel locomotive along the Catskill Mountain Railroad, about a one-and-a-half-hour drive away in Kingston. Board one of the vintages coaches or an open-air flat car at Westbrook Lane Station at 55 Kingston Plaza Road and enjoy awe-inspiring views.
The train winds through some of the oldest farmlands in the country, crosses the scenic Esopus Creek, chugs through Hurley Flats, and slowly climbs up Hurley Mountain and back down again.
3. The Cohoes Mastodon
The Cohoes Mastodon, which roamed upstate New York over 13,000 years ago, was first displayed in 1867 and is a beloved attraction of the New York State Museum at 222 Madison Avenue in Albany, two and a half hours away. However, to see where this magnificent beast was discovered, take another ten-minute drive to 100 North Mohawk Street in Cohoes.
During the construction of Harmony Mill No. 3 in 1866, the male mastodon skeleton was found in an Ice Age pothole near Cohoes Falls on the Mohawk River. Archaeologists determined that he weighed an astonishing five and a half tons, stood over eight and a half feet tall, was about 15 feet long, and was approximately 32 years old when he died due to a fatal blow to the temple.
4. Howe Caverns
Take a three-hour drive to 255 Discovery Drive in Howes Cave for a magical underground adventure in the six million-year-old Howe Caverns. Embark on a captivating journey through twisting limestone corridors and under massive boulders until you reach a subterranean riverbed carved over millions of years.
As you venture deeper into the cave on the well-worn path, you’ll be mesmerized by the solid rock formations and dripping stalactites as the route descends downward, where you can glide over the glassy underground lake on an unforgettable boat ride.
Go on an unforgettable adventure down the road to see new places and experience new things. Call New Rochelle Toyota today to schedule a maintenance service and ensure your vehicle is ready for a weekend excursion of a lifetime.
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