Ever seen a gorge? If you live in NY, you must make it up to Ithaca. It's about 4 hrs north, but it's the most beautiful place on earth (as well as where I went to school). You'll find mindblowing foliage, waterfalls, streams, vast landscapes, Lake Cayuga, hills, and more. During the fall is an excellent time to make this trip.

If you're looking for a change, and are sick of the city, then go to Fire Island. It will be one of the more odd places you'll ever get to see, AND it has a fantastic beach. It's a skinny, incredibly long island that's basically only beach. You take the train from NYC and it takes about an hour and a half and then another 30 minutes on the ferry. Go to Sayville Ferry Station and take the ferry to either The Pines or to Cherry Grove. Do not ever go to Watch Hill. It's horrible there. :)) Expect steep prices, beautiful people, and many gay and lesbians. It's perfect for a day trip on a saturday or sunday. For the ferry schedule,check the link below