We just returned from a weekend getaway to Barbados, and I wanted to share impressions on what I’ll term our first experiment in “extreme weekend travel”. To fit nearly a week of travel time into one weekend, all you need are the following: two vacation days that connect to the weekend or a three-day weekend […]
Getaway
Weekend trips, week-long vacations, and everything in between that can be done with a few days off from work.
Weekend Getaway to Beacon, NY (Brooklyn North)
Beacon, New York has been described as the hippest town in the Hudson Valley. If hipness can be measured by the impressive modern art museum that drew us there, coupled with a craft beer and local restaurant scene to rival any around, I agree. It is hip, and more. Not only did the town have […]
Tuxedos and Rattlesnakes
Our planned weekend getaway started with the usual New York mad rush, in this case to catch the lone Saturday morning express train from Penn Station. Once safely aboard and having taken stock of our provisions — water, check, map, check, cash, check, wallet, check (twice) — we relaxed into our seats for the one-hour […]
Preparing for a Weekend Camping Trip: Cooking, Food, and Water Supply (Part IV)
Clean water and nourishing, warm food are fundamental to an enjoyable weekend in the woods, and it doesn’t take much to meet these basic needs. Following the packing list below and you’ll be self-sufficient for a single weekend or for weeks on end. Cooking and making fire Nothing beats a warm meal after a long […]
Preparing for a Weekend Camping Trip: Clothing, Cold-Weather Gear, and Personal Items (Part III)
The great part about camping is, once you’ve found everything from the previous list, you’re pretty much set. You can generally just raid your closet and drawers for the right clothing. If you want to look official and spend your birthday money, you can buy all kinds of lightweight and purpose-made gear from one of […]
Preparing for a Weekend Camping Trip: Camp Lodging and Travel Needs (Part II)
Camp Lodging and Travel Needs This next installment in the camping gear guide is all about where you’ll be sleeping and how you’ll be getting there. That is, lodging, navigation, and campsite essentials. If you’re curious where to buy this stuff, read the first installment here, otherwise, continue onwards: The roof over your head First […]
Preparing for a Camping Trip: Where to Buy Gear (Part I)

This guide will get into the where and what of getting your gear, I’ll get into more detail on how to choose the big-ticket items (boots, backpack, tent, sleeping bag, and stove) and head out on the trail in the next few posts. The solitude and fresh air of the great outdoors are much better […]
Weekend Getaway to Peekskill, New York
The wife and I are car-free in New York City, so when the subject of a weekend getaway comes up, we either have to get creative or stay close to home. Luckily, with Metro-North, Long Island Railroad, or even a trip to the end of the subway line we can get away both affordably and […]