Take an Amtrak trip to Boston, Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia
One of the many lush green scenes found at Longwood Gardens in Philadelphia, PA. Credit: Bob Krist/Bob Krist | Visit Philadelphia
Head to New York City and catch an Amtrak to some of the most interesting destinations in the Northeast region, not too far from Long Island. Here are things to do and try on your weekend adventure, ranging from historic sites to spots offering good times this fall in Boston, Washington D.C., and Philadelphia.
GETTING THERE
Take an Amtrak train at New York's Pennsylvania Station to various destinations around the U.S. Credit: Getty Images/Spencer Platt
Amtrak runs both Northeast Regional and Acela trains from Moynihan Train Hall at 421 8th Ave. in Manhattan between W. 31st and W 33rd streets, directly across from Penn Station. Ride to Boston in under four hours, D.C. closer to three hours and Philadelphia in less than 90 minutes. Check amtrak.com for pricing (varies by departure time and destination) and to book tickets. As the pandemic remains an active threat to public health, be ready to observe any local COVID regulations and rules in effect.
BOSTON
New England Aquarium
The New England Aquarium, located in Boston, MA is home to thousands of aquatic animals and related displays. Credit: copyright Brian Skerry/B. Skerry
Home to thousands of aquatic animals, see the new Indo-Pacific Coral Reef exhibit, which demonstrates the importance and beauty of coral reef habitats.
INFO 1 Central Wharf; 617-973-5200, neaq.org
Classic Harbor Line
The Classic Harbor Line company's Boston outpost features ticketed cruises that offer views of Boston Harbor, the city skyline and other sights. Credit: Brennon Hamilton
There are several ticketed cruises scheduled throughout the season offering views of Boston Harbor. The Adirondack 3 schooner sails until early October, with day and sunset sails, while the Northern Lights vessel tackles weekend lunch and fall foliage cruises.
INFO 60 Rowes Wharf, Boston; 617-951-2460, boston-sailing.com
Museum of Science
The Museum of Science in Boston, MA has exhibits focused on science, the natural world and the past. Credit: David Fox
The museum offers both in-person and virtual events that include live performances, in-depth discussions and interactive art. The facility’s Charles Hayden Planetarium features programs where visuals collide with music by Prince and Beyoncé.
INFO 1 Science Park; 617-723-2500, mos.org
Sam Adams Boston Taproom
The rooftop scene at Sam Adams Boston Taproom, located in Boston, MA. Credit: Samuel Adams
The tavern serves craft beer only footsteps from the city’s iconic statue of the American statesman with whom the taproom shares a name. Look for both classic and experimental Sam Adams beers to try and unique brews only found here.
INFO 60 State St., Boston; 617-466-6418, samadamsbostontaproom.com
The Langham
Grab a bite at the hotels new restaurant Grana, offering a shareable menu of Italian food. Starting Sept. 18, guests can enjoy weekend brunch. Rates start at $476.
INFO 250 Franklin St.; 617-451-1900, langhamhotels.com
PHILADELPHIA
Philadelphia Museum of Art
A look at some of the artwork found in the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Credit: Photo by R. Kennedy for Visit Philadelphia/R. Kennedy | Visit Philadelphia
When you visit this renowned gallery, you'll see the famous "Rocky" statue on its steps. Visitors can check out the opening of the "Jasper Johns: Mind/Mirror" exhibition starting Sept. 29.
INFO 2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy.; 215-763-8100, philamuseum.org
Eastern State Penitentiary
The Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia. Credit: Eastern State Penitentiary/Eastern State Penitentiary
This former prison that resembles a spooky castle is hosting "Halloween Nights," an event featuring haunted house experiences, live interactive performances and lounges and bars from Sept. 24 through Nov. 13.
INFO 2027 Fairmount Ave.; 215-236-3300, easternstate.org
Longwood Gardens
This public garden is running its "Illuminated Fountain Performances" on evenings Thursdays through Saturdays with live music in the facility’s Beer Garden pub. "Autumn’s Colors" is the next exhibition (Oct. 2 through Nov. 14), which includes the crafting of chrysanthemums into a variety of shapes, designs and objects. Timed tickets are required to enter.
INFO 1001 Longwood Rd., Kennett Square; 610-388-1000, longwoodgardens.org
Chestnut Hill Brewing Company
Featuring both a taproom and a beer garden, the menu includes a selection of wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas. The brewery is planning to participate in several upcoming area events like Vegan Restaurant Week (Sept. 24 through Oct. 1), Chestnut Hill Fall for the Arts Festival (chestnuthillpa.com; Sept. 26), "Night of Lights" (chconservancy.org; Oct. 8 through 17) and an Oktoberfest celebration on Oct. 3 from 1 to 5 p.m.
INFO 8231 Germantown Ave.; 215-247-0330, chestnuthillbrewingcompany.com
Element Philadelphia Hotel
The exterior of Element Philadelphia Hotel, located in Philadelphia, PA. Credit: Photo courtesy W Philadelphia and Element Philadelphia/W Philadelphia and Element Philadelphia
Every guest room or suite at the hotel has a kitchen. Guests can also enjoy a meal at Dolce, an Italian restaurant on site. Complimentary breakfast is served every morning. Rates start at $459.
INFO 1441 Chestnut St.; 215-709-9000, marriott.com
WASHINGTON, D.C.
Tourists walk around the Washington Monument on the National Mall in Washington, DC. Credit: Getty Images/Chip Somodevilla
While visiting the nation's capital, tour the Washington Monument (2 15th St., NW; 202-426-6841, nps.gov), Lincoln Memorial (2 Lincoln Memorial Cir., NW; 202-426-6841, nps.gov), the White House (1600 Pennsylvania Ave., NW; 202-456-1111, nps.gov) and Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library (901 G St., NW; 202-727-0321, dclibrary.org).
Hi-Lawn at Union Market
Visitors can get a 360-degree view of D.C. while playing lawn games and listening to live music at this rooftop space. Try draft cocktails or adult juice-box beverages or order from a grill food-focused menu.
INFO 1509 5th St., NE; 202-481-0958, hilawndc.com
Planet Word
Featuring interactive exhibits and galleries, this museum is a voice-activated experience that features a "speaking" willow tree that whispers in hundreds of languages and a talking word wall that explains the evolution of the English language.
INFO 925 13th St., NW; 202-727-0321, planetwordmuseum.org
International Spy Museum
The International Spy Museum in Washington. Credit: AP/Jacquelyn Martin
Attendees can try the "Undercover Mission," where you’ll work under a cover and test your spy skills across the facility. Visitors can also try code-cracking, learn about historical reconnaissance operations and check out artifacts formerly used to smuggle secrets.
INFO 700 L'Enfant Plaza, SW; 202-393-7798, spymuseum.org
National Gallery of Art
A wlecome sign at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC. Credit: AFP via Getty Images/JIM WATSON
Creations by iconic artists including Leonardo da Vinci, Vincent Van Gogh, Claude Monet and Pablo Picasso are among the greats to see here. Watch for concerts in the Sculpture Garden and cafes serving food, drinks and snacks.
INFO Constitution Ave., NW, SW; 202-737-4215, nga.gov
Swingers Dupont Circle
A look at the "Waterwheel Course" found at Swingers Swingers Dupont Circle in Washington D.C. Credit: Rey Lopez
Play a crazy round of mini-golf at this 21 and older spot. There are two nine-hole courses, both located indoors and under the street level. Guests can stop at four different cocktail bars and food vendors serving burgers, tacos, pizza and baked goods.
INFO 1330 19th St., NW; 202-968-1080, swingers.club
Dacha DC
The scene at Dacha Navy Yard in Washington D.C. Credit: Dacha DC
With locations in the Navy Yard district (79 Potomac Ave., SE; 202-919-3800) and Shaw neighborhood (1600 7th St., NW; 202-350-9888), each spot features an Airstream trailer with a full kitchen and beer garden. An Oktoberfest celebration launches on Sept. 18 that will feature German food, beer and live music.
INFO dachadc.com
DC Brau Brewing Company
The beer garden at DC Brau Brewing Company, located in Washington D.C. Credit: Kayleigh Tanthorey
The brewery is slated to continue its beer garden summer concert series into the fall. Expect bands from genres like jam rock, heavy metal and dance, with some comedy nights.
INFO 3178 Bladensburg Rd., NE; 202-621-8890, dcbrau.com
Cambria Hotel Capitol Riverfront
The hotel features a restaurant and a rooftop bar that overlooks the Anacostia River, the Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge and the Ballpark District. Rates start at $169.
INFO 69 Q St., SW; 202-509-0982, choicehotels.com
