Where to Touch Grass After a Stressful Election

feature photo: Seaview Hotel & Golf Club

It has been one doozy of an election cycle. Anxiety has run high, and voters on both sides of the aisle owe it to themselves to step back from the frenzy and recalibrate. From Pennsylvania to New Hampshire, here are some of the most idyllic spots in the Northeast perfect for putting down the phone and touching grass.

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.

Beyond the comfort of their rooms, guests have access to state-of-the-art meeting and event spaces, making Hyatt Centric an ideal choice for both business and leisure travelers. After a day of exploring the nearby cultural landmarks like the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Barnes Foundation or the historic Liberty Bell, guests can return to the hotel to relax in luxury, perhaps enjoying the views from Patchwork’s outdoor patio or taking a peaceful stroll through the picturesque Rittenhouse Square. With its prime location and exceptional amenities, Hyatt Centric Center City offers a quintessential Philadelphia experience.

GETTING RIGHT OUT OF TOWN
Bucks County is no stranger to travel accolades, recently hailed as the No. 1 Fall Foliage Destination in the U.S. for 2024by Priceline, with New Hope repeatedly noted as one of the cutest small towns in the United States. Ghost Light Inn, a 12-room boutique hotel with unparalleled views of the Delaware River, in the heart of New Hope, Pennsylvania, one of the most beautiful artsy small towns in America, is the ultimate fall weekend getaway for anyone looking to unwind. Located a 50-minute drive from Center City, New Hope offers visitors a bevy of outdoor activities for fall foliage-seekers, families, and those looking for a quick mini getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Visitors can embark on a charming and historic covered bridge tour, a private hot air balloon ride, a scenic drive along River Road / Route 32, 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, with sweeping views of the Delaware River, and a cozy night in in one of Ghost Light Inn’s riverside rooms. The best part? Ghost Light Inn is pet-friendly so Fido can join in on family fun this fall.

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.

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, the luxurious seaside resort located in Galloway, NJ, 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. Visitors can enjoy Seaview Hotel’s lush grounds along Reeds Bay, walk the miles of trails leading from the Pines Golf Course, or head to one of the nearby beaches for an oceanside stroll. For more information about Seaview Hotel and Golf Resort and to inquire about availability, click here.

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 truly 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.

Hikers and history buffs alike will delight in the expansive landscape and rich American history available in Tamworth, New Hampshire. 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. For more information about booking a tour or tasting, visit Tamworth Distilling online here.