Lauren Matison - Thrillist

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.

Lauren Matison’s Recent Articles

Shawangunk Mountains

Apr 4

The 10 Best Secret Hikes Just Outside NYC

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

Saranac Lake ADK

Jan 20

The Most Beautiful Places in Upstate New York

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

Jan 12

The 13 Best Weekend Getaways Within 5 Hours of NYC

From excursions based solely around eating to wallet-friendly options, here are winter retreats to balm the pandemic-weary soul.

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

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).

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

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

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

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.

Gillette Castle

Aug 15, 2016

Overlooked Towns Outside NYC You Need to Visit

It’s no secret that a perfect antidote to a long workweek is a small town with a lot of charm, a great food & drink scene, and some oddball claims to fame.

Jul 29, 2016

The Most Romantic Weekend Getaways From NYC

There’s no reason you should have to wait for a special occasion to plan a romantic getaway -- especially when your AC-less apartment is quickly driving you and your boo to an early breakup.

East Hampton 20-somethings

Jun 5, 2016

29 Things to Do on Long Island for Less Than $15

Instead of blowing up your summer travel budget on one extravagant weekend in the Hamptons, use this guide to the best free and cheap things to do on Long Island that won't leave you high and dry.