Lauren Matison

Lauren Matison is an East Coast-based freelance writer who covers travel, family adventure, and the great outdoors. When not packing a duffel or a school lunch, she’s mapping out her next weekend getaway near NYC. Follow her on Instagram.

Latest Posts From Lauren

York Beach Surf Club
Travel
Aug 22

Squeeze in an End-of-Summer Road Trip to These Gorgeous New Waterfront Hotels

Stunning spots for splashy weekend getaways from NYC.

Hotel Lilien
Travel
May 2

10 Weekend Getaways from NYC You Can Reach Without a Car

This spring and summer, hop on public transportation for these dreamy weekend getaways from NYC.

Mohonk Mountain House
Travel
Apr 11

Gorgeous Upstate NY Hotels with EV Charging Stations

Keep your EV charged for an electrified getaway at the best hotels in Upstate, NY.

TOURISTS
Travel
Jan 24

12 Unique and Exciting Weekend Getaways Within 5 Hours of NYC

Choose your own adventure: stargazing, forest bathing, foraging, and more.

The Wild Center
Travel
Jul 29, 2022

The Most Beautiful Places in Upstate New York

Nature preserves, waterfalls, bird sanctuaries, and more for a summer escape.

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Shawangunk Mountains
Travel
Apr 4, 2022

The 10 Best Secret Hikes Just Outside NYC

From Upstate New York to Long Island, escape to these trails for solitude and scenic views.

The Bee Tavern
Eat
Feb 12, 2021

7 Black-Owned Culinary Destinations in Upstate New York

Put these on your must-eat-and-repeat list.

the surf lodge montauk
Lifestyle
Jun 26, 2017

The Hamptons Bucket List: 28 Things You Must Do Out East

There’s far more to the Hamptons than just drinking rosé while lying on a giant swan-shaped pool float (though you’re absolutely welcome to do that if you so please).

New York Hike
Lifestyle
Nov 23, 2016

The Best Metro-North Accessible Hikes in New York

Winter is on its way, which means there's just a little time left to get outside and enjoy the last vestiges of foliage, fresh air, flannels, and some rugged outdoor adventure before the cold properly hits.

Fort Tryon Park
Lifestyle
Nov 16, 2016

How to Escape NYC Without Ever Leaving Manhattan

Though it may feel big at times, the island of Manhattan is still the smallest NYC borough in terms of land -- something that’s easy to remember when faced with haunting visions of holiday madness and the crowds that come with it.

STORM KING ART CENTER
Lifestyle
Oct 14, 2016

The Most Beautiful New York Day Trips for Architecture and Design Lovers

When the magic of living in the giant interactive art exhibit that is New York City gets so overwhelming you can’t shrug it off with coffee or punk rope, you know it’s time for a change of scenery.

storm king art center
Lifestyle
Oct 11, 2016

The Best Things to Do in Upstate New York This Fall (That Aren't Staring at Leaves)

Despite all the activity guides that try to tell you leaf peeping is the ONE thing you must do in fall, upstate New York has much more to offer than just staring at nature dying beautifully.