The five best (non-Hamptons) city escapes

New York City's hot and sticky summers always have us itching for a weekend away.

Here are five of our favorite (non-Hamptons) getaways that are less than three hours from the city.

Hyde Park, N.Y.

This Hudson Valley town is the perfect sojourn for history buffs, and it's only about 90 miles from the city.

What to do/see: Take a guided tour of the home of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, where the former president was born and lived for much of his life. FDR's Presidential Library & Museum, also open to the public, is set on about 700 acres, with plenty of hiking trails.

While you're in the area, you'll probably also want to check out Vanderbilt Mansion - a gilded-age, English-style country house.

Plus, there's something for foodies, too - the Culinary Institute of America offers five student-run restaurants, from formal to casual.

Kid-friendly? Yes, for older kids who are into history.

Where to stay: There are several bed-and-breakfast options in Hyde Park, including Inn the Woods, Journey Inn and Le Petit Chateau - where rooms usually cost between $150-$250 a night. Quality Inn is a larger chain option, with slightly lower room rates.

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Asbury Park, N.J.

Don't expect a Snooki sighting in this Jersey Shore town, but you can expect good food, a fun beach and a bustling gay scene.

What to do/see: Admission to Asbury Park's beach will set you back $5 on the weekend, but it's worth it for the sun and sand.

The adjacent Boardwalk also offers lots of dining choices, including Stella Marina, an Italian spot with indoor and outdoor seating. Stroll down the boardwalk to see new shops and trendy restaurants, as well as the kitschy Convention Hall.

Kid-friendly? Yes, though not as much as some other Jersey Shore towns.

Where to stay: The Empress Hotel, is a waterfront hotel with balconied rooms that attracts a heavily gay clientele, and has a nightclub (called Paradise) on weekends. Rooms range from $129-$389. The Berkeley Hotel is a large,recently renovated hotel that is just steps from the Boardwalk. Rates range from $200-$300 a night.

Old Lyme, Conn.

Just over two hours from the city, it's an optimal getaway for those seeking a quaint New England feel - and a beach, too.

What to do/see: Art lovers can check out impressionist paintings at the Florence Griswold Museum on Old Lyme's main thoroughfare, Lyme Street (where they can also gawk at picture-perfect houses). For beach lovers, Sound View is the town's only public beach. On the weekends, live bands often play at two bars adjacent to the beach. Just steps from the sand lies Hartford Avenue, where you can find The Carousel Shop, which runs a carousel at night (hence the name).

Kid-friendly? Definitely.

Where to stay: The Bee and Thistle Inn and Spa in town borders the Lieutenant River and features nine guest rooms. Rates range from $190-$250 on weekends. The nearby Old Lyme Inn is another cozy B&B - with eight rooms currently renovated and open. Rates range from $240-$265.

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New Paltz, N.Y.

Hudson Valley's Mohonk Mountain House is a 259-room mountaintop resort built in the 19th century, which is set on 1,200 acres of beautiful scenery.

What to do/see: There's a 30,000-square-foot spa wing, garden maze, lake swimming and boating, indoor heated pool, tennis, golf, rock climbing and horseback riding. There are also fitness classes, and 85 miles of hiking trails. Nightly entertainment includes campfires and world-class performances (drama, music, dance, children's entertainment and more).

Kid-friendly? Definitely. 

To stay: Room rates (which start around $580) include three meals daily, plus afternoon tea and cookies and most resort activities. Breakfast and lunch are buffet-style; dinner is formal. Self-catering cottages, which sleep four to six people, are also available and include full kitchens (start at $439 per night).

Great Barrington, Mass.

This quaint Berkshires town - about two-and-a-half hours from the city - has got the bohemian vibe down.

What to do/see: Main Street and the streets surrounding it are filled with clothing, toy and jewelry stores, and plenty of places to hunt for antiques. The food is good, too - we recommend putting together a picnic at Rubiners Cheesemongers & Grocers, picking up a pie at Baba Louies and having an ice cream at Soco Creamery.

Kid-friendly? Yes, for older kids.

Where to stay: Acorn's Hope is a bed-and-breakfast set on one-and-a-half acres of land. Rates range from $189-$222. English Hideaway Inn is a carriage house B&B where rates range from $105-$255. The Wainwright Inn dates back to 1766. Rates range from $199-$210. The Berkshire Days Inn is an option for those who prefer larger hotels. Rates are around $215 per night.