No matter your party affiliation, this election cycle has been a whirlwind. With anxiety running high, voters on both sides owe it to themselves to step back from the frenzy and recalibrate.
From Pennsylvania to New Hampshire, we’ve pinpointed some of the Northeast’s most idyllic retreats—perfect for disconnecting and enjoying nature. Highlights include a stylish getaway at the Hyatt Centric Center City Philadelphia in Rittenhouse Square, a cozy riverside stay at the Ghost Light Inn in Bucks County, a Jersey Shore escape at Seaview Hotel & Golf Club, and a visit to Tamworth Distilling, a rustic craft distillery nestled at the foot of the White Mountains.
These spots, along with other refreshing activities, offer the ideal reset for the weary voter.
STAYING LOCAL
For those seeking a stress-free staycation, Hyatt Centric Center City Philadelphia provides a perfect retreat. Located a block away from Rittenhouse Square Park, this elegant hotel offers an oasis with 332 tastefully designed rooms, ideal for a relaxing escape within the city. With contemporary decor and calming amenities, it invites guests to unwind and recharge in a luxurious setting.
At the core of the Hyatt Centric experience is Patchwork, the on-site restaurant and bar. Guests can start their day with a leisurely breakfast, savor a gourmet lunch, or unwind with a craft cocktail in the evening, with a diverse menu that suits any mood. The hotel is also pet-friendly, welcoming furry friends for a more complete, comforting stay. With spaces for stretching at the fitness center or simply enjoying the ambiance of a well-designed room, Hyatt Centric creates a sense of peace and comfort.
1620 Chancellor Street, hyatt.com
GETTING OUT OF TOWN
Bucks County is no stranger to travel accolades, recently hailed as the No. 1 Fall Foliage Destination in the U.S. by Priceline. For a perfect fall weekend escape, the Ghost Light Inn—a 12-room boutique hotel with stunning views of the Delaware River—is nestled in New Hope, one of America’s most charming artsy small towns. Just a 50-minute drive from Center City, New Hope offers a range of outdoor activities for foliage enthusiasts, families, and anyone seeking a quick getaway from the city’s hustle and bustle.
Visitors can embark on a historic covered bridge tour, a private hot air balloon ride, a scenic drive along River Road, a ride through the countryside on the New Hope Railroad fall foliage excursion, visit Washington Crossing Historic Park, jog, walk or bike along the tree-lined 60-mile towpath in Delaware Canal State Park, and more. After a long day of exploring, guests can retreat back to Ghost Light Inn, for dinner at Stella of New Hope, Ghost Light Inn’s in-house modern American restaurant.
For a more intimate stay, Carriage House of New Hope, Ghost Light Inn’s sister property, a three-room bed and breakfast style inn, offers guests a charming experience for an autumn getaway. Carriage House boasts three suites total all with river-facing balconies for panoramic views of the Delaware and the New Hope-Lambertville Bridge. The largest suite, Room 13, is two floors offering a fully functional in-room chef’s kitchen with Sub Zero and Wolf appliance, plus sitting room complete with fireplace. All suites boast deluxe king beds, a master bath with wave tile, 55” TVs with Netflix connection and concierge service.
50 S. Main Street, New Hope, ghostlightinn.com, carriagehouseofnewhope.com
GOING DOWN THE SHORE
For many, the New Jersey Pine Barrens barely need an introduction since playing host to one of the most revered episodes of ‘The Sopranos’. TV mob saga aside, the Barrens are truly a natural phenomenon to behold, being the largest remaining Atlantic coastal pine barrens ecosystem. With a total span of 1.1 million acres, Pine Barrens stretch through seven counties in New Jersey, its numerous waterways and wooded trails providing visitors with ample opportunities for boating, cycling, canoeing, and hiking.
A treasure trove of history and elegance, Seaview Hotel & Golf Club, located in Galloway, New Jersey, is just a stone’s throw away from the Pine Barrens. Juxtaposing its historic charm, this 670-acre retreat boasts modern services and amenities for travelers, including two newly renovated championship golf courses, indoor and outdoor pools, a 24-hour fitness center, and more. Guests can soak in the sights by visiting the Pine Barrens, pop over to nearby Atlantic City for some boardwalk fun, or take a trip to historic Smithville for some antiquing.
401 S. New York Road, Galloway, New Jersey, seaviewdolcehotel.com
OUT OF STATE, OUT OF MIND
Philadelphians who don’t mind longer car trips should make a stop at Tamworth Distilling, the remote New Hampshire craft distillery that focuses on using wilderness-to-table ingredients to create a collection of uniquely flavored, scratch-made spirits. Neighbor to the picturesque Swift River, Tamworth Distilling lies nestled at the foot of the White Mountains, surrounded by lush New England foliage in the small town of Tamworth, New Hampshire — once home to luminaries of American culture including Grover Cleveland, Henry David Thoreau, and E. E. Cummings — located two and a half hours away from Boston and Maine.
On-site at Tamworth Distilling, guests can enjoy tours of distillery space including the custom built, 250 gallon copper still and sprawling outdoor grounds, as well as tastings of one-of-a-kind spirits, including most notably Crab Trapper Green Crab Flavored Whiskey, Deerslayer Venison Whiskey, infused with real venison; White Mountain Gin or White Mountain Vodka, named for the impressive mountain chain nearby; or fall-inspired libations, such as the Tamworth Garden V.S.O.P Apple Brandy, Graverobber Unholy Rye Whiskey, Tamworth Garden Pommeau, and more.
Guests are encouraged to book a room at the historic and charming Pickering House, enjoy hikes along the extensive trails of the White Mountains, and visit the Tamworth Lyceum, the distillery’s satellite location named for the American Enlightenment period and known best for offering events and private cocktail workshops.
15 Cleveland Hill Road, Tamworth New Hampshire, tamworthdistilling.com
