Romantic weekend getaways near Long Island to book
A scene from the Fire and Ice weekend at The Lodge at Schroon Lake in Schroon Lake, NY. Credit: The Lodge at Schroon Lake
This year, Valentine’s Day (Feb. 14) and Presidents’ Day (Feb. 16) fall back-to-back, offering the perfect time to swap a dinner reservation for a weekend escape.
Whether you’re planning a romantic couples getaway, a Galentine’s trip with friends or just a cozy weekend to unplug, you don’t have to go far to find something special. From fire-dancing Adirondack lodges to Hamptons luxury with prix fixe menus, here’s a guide to overnight stays and experiences within driving distance from Long Island.
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The Hampton Maid
259 E. Montauk Hwy., Hampton Bays
DRIVING DISTANCE FROM MELVILLE: About an hour away
The Hampton Maid in Hampton Bays is an ideal option for those looking for a Long Island escape. Credit: The Hampton Maid
For Long Islanders who prefer a closer-to-home escape, the hotel (hamptonmaid.com, 631-728-4166) offers casual Hamptons luxury in a serene setting. The Valentine’s Package stay starts at $520 per night and includes a complimentary bottle of Cava, dinner for two and breakfast in bed.
R.AIRE, the hotel’s on-site restaurant, offers a special Valentine’s prix fixe menu ($95 per person) featuring Spanish-inspired tapas, paella, seafood and an extensive wine selection. A complimentary bottle of Cava and amuse-bouche kick off the evening. This is a simple, indulgent option for couples who want romance without the stress of a long drive.
The Sagaponack
3720 Montauk Hwy, Sagaponack
DRIVING DISTANCE FROM MELVILLE: About 1 hour and 30 minutes away
For a longer, luxury-focused Valentine’s escape, the hotel (thesagaponackny.com, 631-537-0878) offers a cozy three-night getaway from Feb. 12-15, starting at $750. The package includes a sweet chocolate amenity and bubbly from the Wolffer Estate Vineyard. This is perfect for couples who want a relaxing Hamptons retreat with indulgent touches and a serene winter landscape.
Adirondacks
The Lodge at Schroon Lake
210 Registration Wy., Schroon Lake
DRIVING DISTANCE FROM MELVILLE: About 4-5 hours away
Experience Valentine's Day getaways in the Adirondacks, featuring winter festivals, romantic packages and cozy accommodations. Credit: The Lodge at Schroon Lake
For couples, families and friends, the lodge (lodgeatschroonlake.com, 518-987-0708), offers a charming winter wonderland. The 36-acre lakefront property, renovated in 2023, offers a mix of Adirondack charm and modern comfort. Guests can ski nearby Gore Mountain, snowshoe trails at Natural Stone Bridge & Caves, snowmobile right up to the lodge or relax in the heated indoor pool.
The lodge’s Fire & Ice Weekend (Feb. 13-14) is a free, open-to-all winter festival featuring fire dancers performing hourly aerial shows, ice bar cocktails including tropical and jalapeño-infused drinks, s’mores roasting and lawn games in the snow and flame-kissed food specials and hot drinks at the Brown Swan Tavern. The weekend package starts at $384 and includes a $50 per night food and beverage credit and can be booked online.
The Valentine’s Package stay includes dinner for two at the Brown Swan, Champagne and Barkeater chocolates upon arrival. Rates start at $700 per night.
“It adds something exciting for adults while still giving kids plenty of activities,” said Kayla Staffeldt, marketing manager. “You can have kids watching a movie in the main lodge while parents are outside by the fire pits watching performances.”
Pennsylvania
Inn at Swarthmore
10 S. Chester Rd., Swarthmore
DRIVING DISTANCE FROM MELVILLE: About 3 hours away
If you want a city-adjacent escape without downtown chaos, the inn (innatswarthmore.com, 610-543-7500) is about 30 minutes outside Philadelphia with stays starting at $250 per night. Its Romance Package includes champagne, chocolate-covered strawberries and a $50 credit toward dinner at Broad Table Tavern, with locally sourced, seasonal menus. Rates start at $344 a night.
Couples and friends can explore Philly’s museums, Old City and dining scene during the day, then return to quiet accommodations in a cozy, residential setting.
