Beacon

For this small, this charming community in Dutchess County has a very strong dining, drinking, and arts scene. From the railway station, take a five-minute walk to reach Dia:Beacon, a modern art museum located in a former Nabisco box factory. It displays the permanent collection of artworks by artists from the 1960s onward, which includes minimalist sculpture by Anne Truitt and fluorescent light installations by Dan Flavin.

Every Friday and Saturday, Dennings Point Distillery on Main Street also offers tours and samples of their bourbon, whiskey, gin, and vodka if you'd prefer to spend the day imbibing. Spend a few peaceful moments at Long Dock Park admiring the sun set over the Hudson before boarding the train back to the city. — Mantz, Annalise

• Good for small town fans

• Distance: 1hr 20mins by Metro-North